[Tango-L] Keep it simple

[Anton Stanley]

Doug wrote:
"But I ask that you not simply put it down, or worse, attack those of us
that do enjoy this enhanced closeness of personal relationship between
partners."

If I came across as putting down you or others for the dance style you
enjoy, please accept it was do to my lack of linguistic ability. I
thoroughly agree that everyone should be entitled to enjoy any dance
form they desire without vilification. It was only Brick's comment that
stirred me to post, about those like myself who prefer to associate
"Tango" (the music, dance and culture) with  a style more closely
associated with the one that has held popular support of the greater
Tango community for the past eighty years or so. To me, it seemed
Brick's slightly barbed comment about those of us who question or resist
his idea of Tango evolution, are trying to treat Tango as something to
be preserved in a jar of formaldehyde. I took it to imply that my deeply
held views were out of date and reactionary. 
The point I was really trying to impart however, was that who has the
right to say what is and what is not Tango evolution. It seems to me
there is no universal Tango Standard by which anyone's claim to have
evolved Tango to a new level (or new anything) can be assessed, except
by popular appeal. The problem with popular appeal is that it can be
self fulfilling. Change it and it will attract those that like the
change. Popular appeal doesn't mean evolution. Simplistically, I could
synthesise a piece of music, make up some steps to suit and call it
Tango. Who can categorically say this is not neo free form (or whatever)
evolution of Tango if I so choose to claim. A really catchy beat, some
new figures to suit and a good PR man, and hey I could suddenly be the
father of the new evolved Tango. Of course I would respect your right to
object, although I would be confused on what the grounds of your
objection could be.
It's probably the moment to inform you that I also take privates weekly,
both open and closed embrace. And am looking forward to the day when I
can express my dance artform in a combination of open/closed figures.
But in my opinion nothing comes close to the energy and emotion that
comes off the floor in a BA milonga, albeit with seemingly simple steps
and traditional music. I don't even have to be dancing to feel it. Can't
say the same for most milongas here, with the exception of a few
individual people, it's pretty uninspiring compared to BA. Why? It's the
music and the way they dance to it in BA. I will never apologise for
trying to preserve it and trying to persuade others to a like mind. 
Of course the other prickly pear is that I could suggest that, in the
interests of clarity and communication, the term Tango be reserved for
the traditional Tango and some other non-confusing name be given to the
"evolved" Tango. (Pulling the chain this hard is actually frightening
me):)
PS: Actually, I find this fragmentation of Tango already occurring at
milongas here, with DJ announcements that after so many tandas of
traditional, music to suit evolved (Neo) tango affectionados will follow
for X number of tandas.

Respectfully
Anton