[Tango-L] Nuevo Theory vs Practice: Creating a Social Nuevo

[RonTango]

----- Original Message ----
> From: Brian Dunn <brianpdunn at earthlink.net>
> Sent: Fri, December 11, 2009 4:03:28 AM


> Alex wrote:
> ... there's a fine line between objecting to style and
> objecting to rudeness.
> I know a few couples who're determined to feel "disrupted", and it's then
> simply a
> self-fulfilling prophecy fuelled by an overwhelming sense of entitlement.
> 
> Brian responded:
> "Self-fulfilling prophecy" has a ring of truth to me.  From the discussion,
> I picture such a traditionalist getting "disrupted" at the first sight of a
> colgada at a range of twenty yards, because of what's "probably going to
> happen when I get near that nuevo guy" - then looking for someone ELSE to
> blame when his lack of focus on his own tango doesn't fulfill his partner's
> tango happiness.
> 

Yes, tango milonguero dancers as a group are overly sensitive neurotics. We appreciate your insight into our thoughts and character. 

> 
> But to your point - again I question your premises.  Some perspectives and
> understandings concerning a given domain are available only to those who pay
> their dues in that domain.  If one only experiences what one calls "nuevo"
> from the outside, maybe one is not qualified to define its distinguishing
> characteristics.  

Nor can one claim that what one is dancing is social tango unless one understands what social tango is.

> This lack of understanding is evident in the idea that
> colgadas and volcadas (for example) can be taught as simple "tricks" without
> reference to connection skills with your partner and awareness of the
> dimensions of the available space.  The sharing of momentum inherent in the
> volcada and colgada dynamic requires far MORE connection with your partner
> than most traditionalist on-axis dancing.  

This points out the lack of understanding of nuevoists. The connection we are talking about is the emotional connection between partners and the shared connection with the music, both of which emanate from the embrace, not the physical connection per se.

 
> Ron wrote:
> >>> Can you explain or, better yet, provide a video link to nuevo danced in
> compressed space on a crowded floor? I would like to be able to recognize it
> when it occurs. (:->) 
> <<<
> 
> I think this is a truly interesting challenge, although such a video may
> need to be created from scratch to clearly demonstrate the desired result.
> Ron, I'll suggest what I consider some useful parameters to this project,

....

> The Parameters:
> Allowable volume (AV): 
> - One square yard of floor space, extended vertically to the ceiling, within
> which "nuevo" dancers can move without being considered disruptive by
> reasonable fellow dancers.

This vertical span allows elevation of the feet high off the floor ("to the ceiling"). Great for exhibition, not for social dancing. Instead try one square meter within 10 cm of the floor.

> Horizontal Velocity of AV:
> - less than or equal to 1/2 yard per second (or "per musical accent", if you
> like) in the direction of current line of dance (counterclockwise right
> angle direction changes required at corners of available space, of course)
> 
> "Nuevo" Vocabulary: 
> Let's make this unequivocal! The video must include volcadas, colgadas,
> boleos, enganches, ganchos, and back sacadas. 

Make the video in a crowded milonga of Buenos Aires. That will be the ultimate test of whether it is tango de salon.

Tango is a feeling that is danced (shared), not movement that is danced (shared). Perhaps this nuevo is another dance.

Ron