Re: [Tango-L] Argentines vs. non-Argentines‏

[Michael]

I think we're comparing apples and oranges. Tango is danced DIFFERENTLY in North America than in Argentina. In Argentina, the emphasis is on the embrace. In North America, I see open position so the embrace is not as important. In North America, the emphasis is on figures. Read the workshop announcements on Tango A. When is the last time you read about a workshop about better connection with your partner or feeling the music more?

There were a few times I danced North American style in BA. I'd lead a figure that opened the embrace and confused the woman. After a few times, I realized that was an error. In BA, no figure is worth executing if it opens the embrace. Argentine women are NOT impressed with figures, just who makes them feel the best on the dance floor.

Unfortunately, this discussion implies there are only two choices in dancing. All technique and no feeling vs. no technique and all feeling. Because of crowded dance floors in BA, feeling takes on more importance than technique. 

I was told about this before I went to BA. But you have to see it to believe it. 

Michael
I dance Argentine Tango - - with the Argentines

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sergio Vandekier" <sergiovandekier990 at hotmail.com>
Subject: [Tango-L] Argentines vs. non-Argentines‏
 
 I have asked Argentine ladies that I consider to be excellent tango dancers their opinion on this matter. Who dance better Argentine men or foreign men?
 
They replied that foreign men seem to have a lot of technique but that Argentine men have better musicality and feeling for the music. They also told me that Argentine men have a better embrace.
 
 When I asked what do you mean by "a lot of technique" they explained that it seems that foreign men have had lots of schooling and seem to know a lot of steps and figures.
Best regards, Sergio