[Tango-L] open and close embrace

[Jake Spatz (TangoDC.com)]

AMEN to absolutely everything in Igor's post.

Jake
DC


Igor Polk wrote:
> Ron, I do respect you a lot and always valued your opinions, but I have to
> disagree with you on almost all points you have made.
>
> 1. Cultural Validity "At the milongas in Buenos Aires, essentially everyone
> is dancing tango in close embrace"
>
> I haven't been to BA, but I have seen a lot of movies and documentaries and
> photos including old ones, and everywhere open and close embrace are equally
> presented. Including dance danced in 1910-1940 in Europe and America.
>
>
> 2. Quality of Dance. "The close embrace is more intimate and permits greater
> sharing of emotion."
>
> No, they are equal. Open embrace can be more intimate than close embrace.
> How? Ask me personally. Emotions are transferred by artistic abilities.
>
>
> 3. Dancing tango in close embrace uses simpler movements and is less
> difficult to learn.
>
> Tango in close embrace is more difficult to learn ( if you do not stick to
> absurd Naveira or Neo Tango over complicated open embrace concepts )
>
>
> 4. "open embrace allows for greater outward dramatic expression"
>
> Absolutely not: Gavito. Close embrace dancing is more dramatic and attracts
> attention of general crowd much more. ( If you know how to dance
> attractively )
>
>
> 5. "In open embrace separation between partners, larger movements, and
> more frequent use of conspicuous decorative elements makes greater demands
> on balance."
>
> Close embrace demands balance much more. Close embrace does not forgive
> mistakes easily overlooked in open embrace. 
>
>
> 6. Mixing close and open embrace dancers at a milonga can often create
> conflict over space.
>
> Absolutely not. Once can dance closely large, and open small.
> But the energy is different, yes. Some music is better to dance in open,
> some - in close. Music should dictate in what embrace to dance. To everyone.
>
>
> 7. "Open embrace dancers often see close embrace dancers as blocking the
> line of dance."
>
> Beginners block the line of dance no matter what embrace they dance in. I
> agree that modern trend in close embrace shockingly promotes blocking the
> line of dance - somebody teaches that they should not progress around the
> floor or stop for too long. That is the flaw ( I hope temporary ) of
> teaching and modern situation, not the dancing position.
>
> ==========================
> Open and close embrace are equal in emotional connection and possibilities
> for musical interpretation as well as stage impressions and technical
> complexity if one wishes so or simplicity if situation demands.
>
> True that they are different, but otherwise they are equal.
>
> Igor Polk
> ipolk at virtuar.com
> 510-582-8711
> 510-610-8711
> www.virtuar.com/tango
> ICQ 327627436
> San Francisco
>  
>
>
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