[Tango-L] Masters of tango as a social dance

[WHITE 95 R]

>
> Sixty years experience in what? Ricardo Suarez has danced 65 continuous
> years in the milongas.
>
> If you are interested in becoming a better social dancer, I suggest you
> find other teachers. They have no experience in the milongas of Buenos
> Aires. They have name recognition for being in a show that toured the
> world.


Janis,

The length of time that someone has spent dancing in the milongas does not indicate anything more than how long he or she has been going to milongas. I realize that 65 years is a lot longer than say, 15 years. Still, I've seen dancers who've been dancing regularly at milongas for 15 years and they are far from a paragon of dance ability.... Also, I don't understand why you seem to have a bias against professional dancers. I don't know about you or others, but it's generally accepted that there are degrees of competence and talent in all manner of endeavors. Sports, professions, art (music, paint, sculpture, writing, etc.) have practitioners in all levels of proficiency. I don't think you'd disagree with the rankings of tennis players, chess masters, pokers players or what have you. Also, there are widely recognized rankings of writers, poets, singers, painters, photographers, and yes, even dancers!! It might be hard to swallow, but the most accomplished dancers easily excel in their art. It's obvious to all but the most closed minded and prejudiced who is a master of their art just by watching their performance. 

In my opinion, I would like to learn an art from the best teacher/practitioner. Forget the excuse about all being for one's partner, the inner self, the passion, feelings, etc. The same thing holds true for such activities as skiing, kayaking, skating, pottery making, etc. For any of these things I would like to learn from the best and I would try to develop my own artistic style from the best I can emulate. I certainly would not just assume that the oldest living skier, writer or potter is necessarily the best one out there. Another flaw in your reasoning appears to be the idea that only someone who does nothing but go to milongas for years is a good dancer or teacher. I do not mean to say that Ricardo Suarez is not a good dancer or teacher. I don't know him and he might well be as you say. However. this idea that talent and expertise come from going to milongas for years, could not be further from the truth. Look, there are guys and women all over the world who have been going dancing for years and years. Likewise, there are golfers, tennis players, singers, musicians, writers, etc. Who have been doing it for years and years but are barely mediocre at their art. Contrary wise, there are many examples of the opposite. There are many young people who take up an art, sport or other activity and quickly become incredibly skilled and talented at it.

While your milongueros might well be excellent dancers and have a lot to teach and share with others, it does not mean that other, younger dancers are no good... Furthermore, the best professional dancers are quite good enough to dance at any milonga in the world. It's absurd to say that an expert, professional, talented tango dancer cannot dance socially. It's like saying that a professional plumber cannot flush a house toilet..... Please try to be more rational and logical in your posts. You are doing no good to your favorite milongueros by coming across as an illogical prejudiced person with a huge ax to grind.

Sincerely,

Manuel