[Tango-L] New "nuevo tango" Sacrifices Tradition and Grace

[Jeff Gaynor]

Joe Grohens wrote:
> "tango is a sensuous undertaking of direct erotic power and great  
> feeling. Dressing well for it gives it even more of this power because  
> the elegance of the dress enhances the fires rising from the soul and  
> the heart.
> The fires, as it were, hide themselves within the clothing. They  
> smolder there. They're fanned by suggestion and nuance. They begin to  
> appear as the result of the erotic give-and-take between two very  
> involved dancers, and when the flames finally break out, they are  
> truly incendiary."
>
>
>
> Terrence forgot to mention that "tango was born in the brothels".
>
> Now that's a tradition we really want to nurture.
>   
Sure it is... *in context* Meaning that tango -- as with all partner 
dance -- is an interaction. It  therefore has a good deal more to it 
than just what he alludes to. Correct me if I am wrong, but in Argentina 
it was, until recently, seen as an old folks dance, right? Something you 
(*groan*) are put upon to do at a wedding with your slightly dotty Aunt 
Maria.

Interactions have rules for dealing with people we like, don't like, 
strangers, friends and such. You wouldn't want to get a huge smooch from 
some stranger every time you met him or her, would you? Why would you 
want that in your dance? Oh sure you can get all hot and horny if that's 
where you relationship is at (don't need tango for that, BTW, maybe just 
get a room?), I guess. Just don't get in my and Aunt Maria's way please. 
We call that etiquette. It's gotten to be good fun to transgress 
boundaries, but that usually supposes that everyone will be scandalized 
in a good natured way by it, or so it is dearly hoped.

Sorry, but I've seen a lot of discussions on these sorts of articles and 
it impresses me that tango is varied enough that you can dance it with 
someone you cannot stand as well as someone you hold near and dear. I 
personally have no intention of dancing it hot and heavy with any 
follower I don't really feel a strong bond with and actually aim to keep 
the first few dances pretty bland until we have scoped each other out 
and have figured out our comfort levels.

Of course, I suck, so maybe I'm just full of it....

Cheers,

Jeff