[Tango-L] When I was a hiker..

[Tango Society of Central Illinois]

On 9/14/07, Igor Polk <ipolk at virtuar.com> wrote:
>
> When I was a hiker
> I have learned never trust locals for directions. They are not able to
> give
> it.


OK, if I translate this literally into tango, this means that when going to
Buenos Aires, don't ask porten~os where the good milongas are. Instead,
arrive equipped with your 'guide book' (map) of recommendations from
tangueros back home. Hmm. That's how I've ended up at La Viruta, Porten~o y
Bailarin, and Confiteria Ideal, which are flooded with tourists and make the
dancing back home seem good sometimes.


Probably they know the things to well to mention important details to me,
> or they never were interested in what I was interested,
> or they plainly did not know, but "my uncle says..",
> or even more plainly were trying to fool me around.



So don't expect to learn tango from porten~os (milongueros?). They can't
explain what they know. Maybe so. Maybe not. Instead learn from someone
who's skilled at communicating, even if its misinformation. (It might take
you years to figure that out.)


I have found that a simple map, and commons sense instincts, and ability to
> use Sun and Stars for orientation serve much better.



I have found something that helps in understanding tango is to approach it
like an anthropologist. Go to the source. Observe. Respect the cultural
norms. Communicate with people involved in the culture.

Or maybe you were just talking about how to get to La Esquina de Carlos
Gardel on the subte?

Ron





OK, if I translate this literally into tango