[Tango-L] THE important consideration in dancing different 'styles' (Bob) of Arg. Tango

[rhink2@netscape.net]

Hmmm, seems as though we have two topics going under one thread.  The 
first concerns from whence styles come, and the second,
though related, concerns the conflict of newer versus older styles.

Regarding the issue of how styles originate, I believe that all dancers 
have their own style.  Every tanguero and tanguera has a unique set
of tango moves, not necessarily tango figures, with which they feel 
comfortable and from which they are served in "moving to the music".

One of the most appealing things about tango, at least for me, is that 
one may easily borrow and modify moves to make them ones own.
When spectators see these "new" moves and want to learn them, the 
market forces come into play.  If the "new" moves become so popular
that they merit their own name, an official style is born.  This 
process explains why there are so many named styles in tango.

This process also is healthy; it keeps tango vital and "in step" with 
tango music as it evolves.

Now the second issue.  When people who do not care to learn the new 
style encounter on the dance floor those who do not care to dance
the old style, there is a natural tension.  The traditionalists might 
use phrases like "unpredictable", "wild and crazy", or "inconsiderate 
and rude".
The new guard might use phrases in describing the traditionalists such 
as "stodgy", "boring", or "unhip".

This tension can be healthy too.  The old style serves as a point of 
reference or as an anchor to ensure that new styles are still 
recognizable
as tango. New styles help to keep interest in tango high especially 
among newer, younger dancers.

Bob