[Tango-L] [AASP] Not dancing with the music

[Tango 22]

Michael comments….
…..The teacher shows a pattern….. and tells the students to try the figure……. I've never heard a   
anybody listening to the music?"

Lack of musicality (and navigation, etiquette and other aspects of the dance) is very much a reflection on teachers.  Teaching figures instead of technique (with possibilities), and teaching without respect for the music.  
We spend many hours on separate blocks for Tango, milonga, vals, all the eras, understanding and using phrasing and structure of the music, melodic rhythm etc., etc.,  “Listen intently to the music”, is our mantra.  When the opportunity arises we engage specialist workshops, including Joaquin Amenabar’s wonderful classes.  Keith Elshaw is visiting Australia from Montreal in July to give specialty music workshops to DJ’s and dancers.  For us basic technique is the fundamental building block of social Tango and music is the foundation of every dance. 
John