[Tango-L] Attracting more male dancers

[Romero Migdalia]

The emphasis of many respondents to this thread seems to be on de- 
emphasizing steps and emphasizing the" fundamentals of posture, walk,  
and balance".  I agree totally. However, the focus on musicality - on  
knowing and listening intently to the music, of responding to the  
sentiment of the lyrics, of moving with inspiration to the melody or  
the rhythm, or of even dancing to an instrument - seems to have been  
lost in the discussion.  It is what most moves me as a woman who has  
traveled often to Buenos Aires and who lived there for a year,  
talking to, and dancing with, "old milongueros".  Their connection to  
the music is palpable.  It can be seen on their faces as they dance.   
After a while I too noticed that some tangos, lyrics, and/or  
arrangements moved me more than others.  And when I was moved my  
dancing improved.  It may also be why milongueros generally do not  
dance to everything that is played, but rather dance when the music  
talks to them.  While many love Pugliese, as an example, not all  
milongueros enjoy dancing to his music.  My suggestion then to men is  
to listen intently and allow yourself to be moved by the music rather  
than by the routines you learn in class.  While routines may stifle  
creativity, music can inspire it.

Migdalia Romero,
Author: Tango Lover's Guide to Buenos Aires
Website: www.tangoloversguide.com