[Tango-L] to the Dancer and the Musician

[AJ Azure]

There seems to be a misconception that I am arguing for dancers not saying
anything, that is not the case. I am saying have some tact and respect when
asking for something. Don't criticize, request.

I want to play for dancers. I welcome guidance and requests. What I do not
want is arrogance, pomposity and rudeness sent my way.

I've seen both Igor and Chris do this to other dancers on this list as well.
It's just not civil and certainly not conducive to open discussion or growth
of a community.


Other than that, I can't disagree with anything you've said.


-AJ :)


> From: Keith Elshaw <keith at totango.net>
> Date: Wed, 23 May 2007 22:16:32 -0400 (EDT)
> To: <tango-l at mit.edu>
> Subject: [Tango-L] to the Dancer and the Musician
> 
> 
> I'm wondering if I'm not far off in thinking that a high percentage of
> people reading this discussion can relate to both "sides" of the argument
> we have been reading.   ;-)
> 
> Who does not appreciate the years of study, work and dedication the
> musician has invested to be able to stand up there and play? To
> watch/listen to a fine musician is always a touch daunting for one who
> cannot play. (An oft-heard refrain: "If only I hadn't stopped my lessons
> when I was young ..."). Anyone who has had this thought will be generous
> in judging performance.
> 
> When non-musicians applaud after a performance, some of the energy in
> their clap is for that appreciation - often mixed with the wistful tinge
> of personal regret.
> 
> 
> It might be easy to almost dismiss the opinions of excitable dancers/dj's;
> but in my lifetime, I have found that good musicians are such because they
> have attained (through singular dedication and learned/earned humility) a
> state-of-grace which does not allow them to dismiss easily. Even if they
> are maybe being so dismissed. Musicians do typically have a high ground.
> 
> As was mentioned in the thread today, style of "argument" presentation is
> important.
> 
> 
> If you were to ask me which side of this "argument" today I am on, I would
> tell you that I come down firmly on  ... both sides.
> 
> I completely understand the excited generalizations of the dancer who
> wants what they want now because we want to dance. Been there, done that.
> The moment is all there is right now. A band without a sense of timing or
> ability to appreciate what the dancers want is asking for feedback they
> don't want. And they'll get it.
> 
> Being a musician and 2 bucks gets you a coffee.
> 
> Being a dj or dancer and 2 bucks gets you a coffee.
> 
> 
> In terms of musicians playing in a milonga setting for dancers and being
> accepted, play SHORT and tight and varied and only if you are having fun
> doing that.
> 
> A milonga setting is for dancers. Seems to me dancers have a right to
> demand music for dancing. There are so many concert venues and so few
> dancing venues.
> 
> Playing for dancing is a specialty. If you accept the challenge, it would
> be wise to pay attention to the non-musicians who are your
> patrons/audience. No?
> 
> I think it all comes down to how wise and motivated to please the band
> leadership is.
> 
> If the band accepts an engagement to play for dancers, make dance music.
> Make 'em get up because your music is so spirited they can't sit.
> 
> If your energy is infectious and your evening flows along putting smiles
> on faces and happiness in hearts, you can slow it down and get as
> expressive, artistic, creative you want later on. Don't be too serious
> early.
> 
> Make their feet move for a while - THEN break their hearts with your
> passion for inventiveness.
> 
> A good musician has done nothing but challenge themself all their lives.
> What - now there is no need to any more? You can just do what you want
> without regard to where you are playing and for who?
> 
> Fine. Don't put yourself in front of dancers.
> 
> As for how much credibility "just" an excitable dancer or dj should have,
> I offer this McLuhan-cited quote:
> 
> "Critics? Don't even ignore them."
> 
> :-)
> 
> 
> Keith Elshaw
> 
> ToTANGO.net
> 
> 
> Should I declare the biases I hold which make sme respect everybody?
> 
> Yah, I dance and dj. But, I produce and engineer music; which means I
> record WONDERFUL players but edit them so they never make a mistake you
> will ever hear. Ha!
> 
> We all have our place.
> 
>