[Tango-L] Gricel - Fights at the milongas

[Sergio Vandekier]

Deby says :  "There were no fights at Gricel. I have no idea what he was talking about. In my 9 years in the milongas here I have only seen 1 actual fight and that was in Niño Bien when a tourist got really drunk and started throwing chairs. Sometimes men purposely bump into each other and fake a disgruntled attitude, They always smile and hug afterwards."
 
 
It never ceases to amaze me how people not familiar with our culture can make all sort of misjudgments when visiting Argentina.
 
My own experience is the same as Debby's, I do not remember ever seeing a fight at a milonga in my entire life.  
 
There are perfect lines of flow in every milonga, you have to recognize them.  It is extremely unusual for a couple to disturb another while dancing, unless a lot of tourists are around. 
 
If you are unable to remain in the peripheral line, this is a sign that you are not used to dancing in very crowded floors. YOu try to start dancing in the periphery but soon you find yourself dancing-straggling in the center again and again.
 
When we interact with each other we do it with much more "physically expressive force" than in other latitudes of the world, some visitors may think that we are arguing when in actuality we are just having an interesting, vivacious conversation.
 
To joke is one of our national pastimes. We frequently simulate bumping into each other, we do it on purpose, and then give each other dirty looks, all part of a comedy. :)) 
 
As to what Trini says, "the standards of dancing have decreased in Buenos Aires", I think that this is a change in perception caused by the foreign dancer being more mature (dancing wise) now than a few years back. 
 
The quality of dancing has always been the same.  
 
Now the same as before, people understand that the milonga is not a place for beginners. Beginners belong in tango lessons and practicas but not in the milongas.
 
Best regards, Sergio

 
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