[Tango-L] Tall Tango Dancers.

[rockies@comcast.net]

Hi Mash,

I'm not 6'5" but taller than some, and I had the occasion to ask Alex Krebs how he leads shorter followers. He said that he uses a belly lead and keeps his upper body straight, but his hips are forward in relation to his feet (there is a bend at his waist). His legs come up at a steeper angle, and then his back is held at a different, shallower angle (relative to the ground that is). This is a contrast to the normal posture where the angle of a person's shins will match the angle of their back when balanced (assuming they are stationary, but ready to move. This adapted posture allows the shorter followers to connect their chest to his stomach without them having to bend backwards... or attempt to connect with their heads.  You definitely have to make sure not to stoop forward, no matter how tall you are. I've managed to dance with a partner who is 4'8" or so in heels with this style of lead... but I'm  6'1", not 6'5". I know one leader who is 6'8" and he complains that he wil
 l neve
r be good at this dance, because he's just too big... But he hasn't tried Alex's modified posture either. 

Good luck,

Randy


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "'Mash" <mashdot at toshine.net>
> Afternoon, 
> 
> I just want to know if there are any tall Tango leaders here on the list?
> 
> The reason I ask is that I am almost 6ft5 and would appreciate hearing from 
> anyone else who has had experiance with height in Tango. The main things I have 
> come across are in regards to my posture. I am really trying to be bold enough 
> to flex up and not to shorten for the other person. My axis is still an ongoing 
> experiment, and it currently a work in progress to what degree I should be 
> bending my knees and whether this will lessen with better balance and strength 
> gains. Also I am chopping an inch off everystep I take and really have to make 
> this a habit. What was interesting last week was when I was learning 
> Cucharita(s), I discoverd that I am unable to bend my knee and pull up as it is 
> normally done as there really is not enough space. For me it will always be more 
> movement in the ankle and foot then the knee and leg. 
> 
> I have heard the name Alex Krebs mentioned who appears to be about my height and 
> am currently looking around for articles he has written. 
> 
> Mainly I am asking for advice and guidence for somone of my height. Also any 
> feedback from the ladies on the list would be very much appreciated. What are 
> the dos and don'ts you have come across when dancing with tall leaders, what 
> could they have done better?
>  
> If you have any thoughts, please let me know.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 'Mash
> London,UK   
>   
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