21 May 2011

Some private lesson....

I had a private lesson. One hour intense focus on so many things that I was not aware of (doing wrong). Almost everything had to be corrected.
Like how to stand. How not to move my arms when leading ocho's, just a slight move of my upper body is enough. How to start the dance, like slightly raising, using breathing in, then move. How to really drive forward. How to slow down. How to approach a new partner. And I must not move from one side to another when listning to the music before moving. Not holding my partner in close embrase too tight.
We switched roles several times, I understand how hard it is for my partner when I am not clear enough......

I'm not saying my regulair teachers had missed all these points, I'm sure they have seen it already. But just one private lesson by a skilled and dedicated teacher helped me a lot.

Now see if my body remembers all of this.....

It's all about focus, intensity, really being there. Every step is special. Every dance is special. And every partner.

14 May 2011

Basic step, once and for all.

I found this post. Basic steps
I had some discussions with new tango friends-of-friends about this (also beginners, like me). They told me about the Basic Step they'd learned. Honestly, I never heard of it before. Surprise, confusion. Then someone else entered the discussion. A wise and experienced dancer. No, you never ever step back -as a leader- in a crowded Milonga, UNLESS  you're dead sure there is nobody behind you. Makes sense.

So, Basic Step=No Good? But what about the classes where they do teach this?
And then all these YouTube video's, even from real (!) Argentinean dancers. They do it too, the Basic Step.

Who is right in this, and is there right or wrong in Tango in the first place?
Now I know, the question in itself is wrong.

When looking at the video's again I notice that these dancers are all alone on the floor. Showdancers, or they dance to show steps, their skills, whatever.

My conclusion? Basic step is allright, but do not do this at your local Milonga.