[Tango-L] improving discussion in our forum -- sugestions

[Dubravko Kakarigi]

It just so happens that I was in that same class, Jack, when Susana shocked me too with her statement about the "myth." But, when you look at her leading, she does it with her whole frame, of course, not only the arms (someone else mentioned that on this list), unless she is exaggerating to illustrate something. Also, I took quite a few private lessons with Ana Maria and I never ever heard her say to lead with arms (only).

On the other hand I followed a few milongueros in various classes to feel what their lead feels like and occasionally I did feel a strong hand lead - perhaps they felt that otherwise I would not get the lead, I don't know.

In my view, there may be some very exceptional cases of dancing chest-to-chest when some more action of arms may be a bit helpful, but in general it should not be necessary at all.

So, no big deal. Whatever works and is comfortable to both partners is fine with me. There is no Central Committee on tango, no?

...dubravko

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seek, appreciate, and create beauty
this life is not a rehearsal
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________________________________
From: Jack Dylan <jackdylan007 at yahoo.com>
To: Tango-L <tango-l at mit.edu>
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 7:20:25 AM
Subject: Re: [Tango-L] improving discussion in our forum -- sugestions

Certainly not from Buenos Aires! I'm currently taking classes with Susanna Miller in Mlongueando 2009. Almost her first statement was that .... "the idea that milongueros lead from the chest is a myth - they use their hands and arms". For the last 2 days, after years of leading from the chest, I've been struggling to lead a lady's Back Ocho while keeping my chest perfectly still. 

I also take privates with Ana Maria Schapira. Same thing. She says to lead the Ocho Cortado, I need to use a strong inward pressure with my right forearm, otherwise the lady is likely to cross behind and not in front.

And please don't flame me and tell me thing EVERYTHING can be led from chest only. I also believed that, but I'm not about to argue with Susanna Miller or Ana Maria Schapira. 

Jack


> From: Myk Dowling <politas at gmail.com>
> 
> And what on Earth is _wrong_ with using your arms to dance? Where did 
> this whole "no arms" schtick come from, and how has it become elevated 
> to such a high level of worthiness?  
>
> 


      


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