[Tango-L] Mens group practice

[Jake Spatz (TangoDC.com)]

Hey Mash,

I've hosted a few (free) men-only workshops in my flat, and I've also 
been getting men to dance with each other in my group classes for the 
past few months. Occasionally I (or other guys) dance a tanda with a man 
at the milongas, just for the hell of it.

As far as I can tell, people enjoy seeing it. And some of my male 
students now enjoy learning the dance from both sides, and gaining the 
greater perspective that comes with that. If people have barriers, 
they'll either break through them (to their own benefit) or not.

But if you're looking to cultivate a group habit with it, you might as 
well give it the larger goal of community improvement too. Bring new 
guys into the dance that way, rather than making it a good-leader 
clique... The novices will, I'm sure, learn rapidly and thoroughly, and 
become quality partners for the women in your community.

Which is, of course, more than a nice side-effect.

Jake Spatz
DC

p.s. As for Trini's comment about resistance to following among over-40 
dudes... I ain't seen it that much. Any man, once exposed to the value 
of learning to follow, will see the obvious value in it and remain open 
to the idea. I think she's talking about who puts it on the social 
floor, which is a different matter and (to me) an insignificant one, 
with respect to this issue. If there's already more women at the 
milonga, men typically won't make the ratio worse by occupying each other.



'Mash wrote:
> I recently watched "ABRAZO" the documentary on the Tango festival in BA and there was a short clip of an all male production. The scene was then cut to Godoy talking about how men used to dance with men in terms of showing their skills, not nessercerily dancing together (embrace).
>
> Anyhow the reason I ask is the title I saw on this clip was "Tango Emocion" which I assume was footage from Godoy's show. I have just purchased 
> "Tango Emocion - Mora Godoy - Tango Company [DVD] (2005)" from the US and am hoping this is from the show and on the DVD. 
>
> I mention this as I am actually thinking about trying to revive this male group dynamic, this practise together here in the UK. As some of you may recall I am involved with Housedance and though a separate dance; a group of us meet up and "jam" together. Watching each other learning and picking up different styles and steps. It would be interesting if such a thing as portrayed in that clip were to exist again. Men being men, and working together on polishing there techniques. 
>
> Let me know your thoughts or if this already exists anywhere in the world?
>
> Thanks
>
> 'Mash
> London, UK  
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