[Tango-L] Tango without music?

[Nussbaum, Martin]

Totally disagree with all those who want to isolate tango instruction
from the music.  The only reason to dance IS the music.  If not, just
take up tai chi, or contact improv, or partner yoga, why bother with
tango.   The student should learn the feel of the steps, the technique,
and the movements, within the context of a phrase of tango music.
Using music as the base will get the student ready for social dance
quicker, because he/she will be more comfortable and familiar with the
music at the milonga, and the phrasing necessary to make the experience
worthwhile.  Technique without music lacks soul and emotion. it is
barren.   I have seen the results of this approach personally.  There
are some great technical dancers I watch in milongas who move
beautifully with perfect posture and technique, but I often wonder if
they are listening to different music on an ipod, because they certainly
aren't dancing to what the DJ is playing. In fact, their movement in
milonga is exactly the same as their movement in vals, or tango.  An
over-emphasis on technique and complex combinations has led to what I
call the homogenization of bland-faux-Nuevo tango in north america. Lots
of cool moves seemingly randomly placed in the music.  Very few
performers seem connected to each other and the music, and very few
couples seem concerned about telling a story in the tango music,
utilizing phrasing and emotion. If someone is going to perform and they
don't move the audience, all the technique they spent years acquiring
was a waste of time, the performance will be sterile. Even more so for
the non-pro casual dancer, who will not last the 2000 hours of technical
mastery if he cant dance to the music. Development of personal style and
expression should start from the first step, not waiting for some
distant time when you master the technique.