[Tango-L] Gustavo and Giselle

[Shahrukh Merchant]

On 4/17/2015 1:52 PM, Nussbaum, Martin (Law) wrote:
> I cant believe people are dredging up these old "nuevo" debates,

"Old nuevo" is kind of funny in its oxymoronicity [sic], isn't it? But 
that current generation of "nuevo" dancers you refer to would hardly 
consider Gustavo nuevo anymore. He's mid-generational at this point, 
which indeed allows him to deliver a good perspective to students. and 
he's unquestionably a talented dancer and teacher.

> must
> be trying intentionally to revive list thru antangonistic postings.

I don't think it was antagonistic (although the comment about "Tango 
Burlesque" was indeed gratuitous and uncalled for), but rather more 
like, "Let's throw some meat into this lions' cage and see if that can 
get some of them to wake up."

> There is no such thing as "Nuevo", there is only good or bad dancing,
> given the circumstances (performance or social) and partner, spacing,
> music, etc.

Apparently it did (wake up some). :-)

As far as whether "there being no such thing as nuevo": There is 
actually something that is being taught and has caught on in recent 
years that appeals to those who want a more "athletic" (for want of a 
better word) tango experience, that seems to fit what is being called 
nuevo. It's not dramatic enough nor has enough flair to be interesting 
enough to watch on stage, and it's way too space-consuming to be 
appropriate for social dancing at other than a very lightly-attended 
milonga.

And there's new Tango music (electronic and otherwise), a few danceable 
(socially, that is), most not, with "nuevo" sometimes being used to 
refer to that music.

And there's a new Tango "onda" (vibe) which eschews classical thinking, 
traditional roles for men and women, the idea of dressing up for a 
milonga or of women wearing high heels, etc.

I can see the appeal to each of the above three ((1) large flowing 
movements and acrobat figures that are challenging to execute, (2) new 
music in a traditional genre, (3) more casual and informal settings. (1) 
and (2) don't do much for me *in a milonga context*, though (3) can be 
OK for an occasional change, but at an intellectual level I can see the 
appeal to each component that draw people in. I'd actual love there to 
be more representation on the list from people it DOES appeal to more 
intensely (and not just to provide target practice for the rest ...). 
Besides, it's more interesting to hear different opinions (so I don't 
have to talk to myself as much :-)).

Shahrukh