[Tango-L] Gringos in BsAs milongas

[Michael]

Pat:
I agree with you completely about experiencing the culture of traditional 
milongas. As in Rome, do as the Romans. Why spend hours in a plane so you 
can eat McDonalds in BA? It also helps to know some Spanish. Expecting the 
Argentines to speak English just isn't reasonable. I'm sure that is one 
reason people go in groups so they don't have to worry about the language. 
You're missing out on part of the traditional experience if you don't use 
cabeceo. Tango in BA is completely different! At Lo del Celia, the space is 
small and navigation is more important than figures. I was surprised to find 
that the Argentines only use about 7 figures - - and they are content.

Happy New Year to all.

Michael
I danced Argentine Tango --with the Argentines
Going to NY for New Year's Eve

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pat Petronio" <petronio at adam.com.au>
Sent: Friday, December 24, 2010 7:45 PM
Subject: [Tango-L] Gringos in BsAs milongas


I for one hope that the culture of traditional milongas lingers and regains 
its strength. I sit on a plane for 16 hours and spend thousands of dollars 
every year to experience their way of doing things, not to change them. Why 
would we want to export our barren Western culture to anyone? However I do 
agree with Brick that there's no "one true way to do tango"  but simply in 
my opinion, the Porteno way and the rest.

...I prefer to use my hard-earned travel time and dollars to experience the 
rich culture of Buenos Aires milongas and the generous portenos who truly 
welcome & respect the gringos who embrace the traditional milonga etiquette.


Patricia Petronio
Tango Salón Adelaide
www.tangosalonadelaide.blogspot.com