Re: [Tango-L] Why has Tango-L faded away?
So well put, Shahrukh, It is sad, but true. BTW, My cat prefers Biagi Robin Tara http://www.taratangoshoes.com 1-207-505-5227 On Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 6:43 PM, Shahrukh Merchant shahr...@shahrukhmerchant.com wrote: Dear Tango-L members, I think there are a number of things that have come together to make a Tango-L type of list redundant. I don't think any one or even two of these items would kill a list like this, but combined they are all just that many nails in the coffin. 1. Tango Pioneering Times (no longer) In the early years of Tango-L, those involved in Tango were pioneers. Tango was new in the US and Europe, and probably even more fragmented in other parts of the world. A foreigner at a Buenos Aires milonga was a source of wonder for locals. Now it's just the opposite--I recently had a (non-Tango-dancing) Argentine friend tell me once (obviously she was misinformed, but it's still a perception), You dance Tango?? But you live here--I thought just tourists did that! The Stanford Tango Week was the only Tango festival in the world (I think) when Tango-L first got started. So of course the pioneers wanted to communicate with others as it was an intimate circle. Now, Tango is much more mature and even mainstream. People don't need a discussion list to talk about it any more than they need one to talk about their refrigerators (OK, Tango isn't quite that generic, but you get the point). Tango is just another activity for a far larger percentage of Tango dancers now than it was then. 2. Internet Pioneering Times (no longer) As others have mentioned, the Internet in its current form did not exist. There was no Google, no web pages with Tango information, initially only academics and those in large or tech corporations had email access (until AOL and Compuserve came along). A list-server was a rare and precious commodity. The ONLY was to find out about Tango outside your local community short of making a trip was via Tango-L. Obviously, the opposite is true now. A search for Tango just in Yahoo groups yields 1,884 matches. A search on Facebook Groups and Pages would no doubt yield many thousands more. Google can search pretty much anything Tango going on anywhere. What special role does or even can Tango-L have in this? 3. Static Membership This is more apparent to me than most people since I get notification of new members joining the list. It's a trickle, as it has been for the last several years. The list has been essentially static in membership for the last 5 years at least (about 1200 people altogether) and that total number has been constant pretty much since a year after Tango-L's inception. During that time, Tango has exploded in the world 10x or 100x perhaps. Of course a discussion mailing list of 10,000 or 100,000 would not be manageable other than as an announcement-only list, but the point is that if there is nothing to draw in new blood, the list can't possibly fulfill its original function. Maybe it can be a nostalgia list for Tango Pioneers or something like that, but that's a far cry from the original scope. Besides, it seems that the older members of the list have heard it all before and without the new blood, the discussions become repetitive. And the new blood tends to be younger, have a different perspective on Tango (for better or for worse, but that's besides the point), has never used mailing lists, has many more electronic media to choose between, or just plain doesn't identify with the increasingly old world view (from their standpoint) on Tango-L. 4. Changing Nature of Discussions The internet overload syndrome combined with greater use of smartphones has led to few people having the time or inclination for protracted internet discussions on anything. At one end of the spectrum, people would rather click to take a picture, click again to post it, and type 5 words (My cat dancing to D'Arienzo!) and be content with 50 people Like-ing it or replies like Mine prefers DiSarli ... LOL. At the other end of the spectrum, they would rather post something more significant or thoughtful on their own blog, which could lead to some traffic, recognition, income, etc., for the poster, rather than wasting it in a motley mix of posts on Tango-L. 5. Connecting to the Tango World on Tango-L (no longer) Well, we Tangueros should recognize the power of connection. One of the things that Tango-L provided was connection: Connection to people who shared the interest, connection to people you had danced with, connection to far-flung Tango communities, etc. The discussion aspect was there in parallel but many valued the connection as much if not more than the discussion. In the first few years of Tango-L it was the ONLY way to connect with fellow tangueros in distant lands without actually travelling there. Now, there are many and far better ways to connect (even if not to discuss)--Facebook comes most
Re: [Tango-L] Should Tango-L continue?
Keith, Reflecting on things digital, after reading your message I immediately looked for the 'like' button. Guess that sums it up. Tango-L was great in its time, but I haven't read anything on it for years. Robin Tara http://www.taratangoshoes.com 1-207-505-5227 On Mon, Apr 6, 2015 at 2:43 PM, Keith Elshaw ke...@totango.net wrote: Tango-L was undeniably Very Important for years. I am one of the many who appreciates today the friendships I made through Tango-L. In a perfect world, would I like to see it find a new relevancy? Yes, of course. Is that possible? I personally don’t see why not – although apparently a fresh model would be key to any hopes. That time has passed it by (through no fault of its own) is not an indictment of it’s original goals and ways. But I think it would take people much smarter than me to figure out how to bring it back, given the way the world has changed. Shahrukh blessed and was mid-wife to the community as it began life in the digital age. I will always be grateful for his wisdom and generosity. I rue the day Tango-L went away. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] How to bring Tango-l back
Like. On Apr 6, 2015 5:03 PM, Keith Elshaw ke...@totango.net wrote: I'm amazed I didn't think of it before! If Shahrukh brings us all together for a weekend of partying OOPS - brainstorming! - we could really have a fantastic time and re-invent the wheel, surely. Heh, heh. Everybody please press like. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Chacarera
A beautiful chacarera - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMmGJ6u6lws and in another related video, a samba http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-33DO-jy-34feature=relmfu On Sun, May 20, 2012 at 10:09 AM, Sergio Vandekier sergiovandekier...@hotmail.com wrote: Chacarera is an Argentine folkloric dance. It is not related to tango. Probably originated in the North of Argentina, most likely in the province of Santiago del Estero.It was danced in rural areas, the instruments used were Violin, Guitar and drum. Chacarero/a is the person that works in farms, chacras. During the years of migration from rural areas to the cities,(1940s) folkloric dances appeared in many urban areas. It is one of many folkloric dances, the present popularity, in part is due to the simplicity of its choreography. Best regards, Sergio ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l -- All the best, Robin Tara http://www.taratangoshoes.com 1-207-699-8702 ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] why music
Removing music from the movement removes the swing On Thu, Jul 7, 2011 at 7:31 PM, Secondary Yahoo johnc...@yahoo.com wrote: From a learning transfer perspective, the further away the design of a learning experience is from the real life context in which one is expect to perform, the slower and more challenging learn becomes. Removing music from a learning experince in tango poses two problems: 1) de-contextualize learning and 2) places emphasis on patterns and memorization (rather than improvisation). JC ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l -- All the best, Robin Tara http://www.taratangoshoes.com 1-207-699-8702 ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Men's strategies
I've seen it over and over - been the winker and winkee, In general, I'd say it is most often done by the guys with the big personalities - I don't mean the big tango personalities, I mean the guys that just want to have fun and aren't too worried about the codes - codes? What codes? We made the codes and we can break them. On Fri, Jun 17, 2011 at 3:25 PM, Huck Kennedy tempeh...@gmail.com wrote: On Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at 8:51 PM, NANCY ningle_2...@yahoo.com wrote: As it happens, it is only milongueros who have arranged for the next tanda with me while dancing with another. They do it by raising their eyebrows or winking or moving their index finger in a next one gesture as they pass by my table. and They certainly do not stop at the table and negotiate a tanda unless both the man and his partner are very old friends and he would still wait to see what music will be played before he commits to a dance. Just a quick question, Nancy--since a milonguero is willing to commit to the next tanda while still dancing, how can it be said that he would never commit to a dance without hearing what music will be played first?This would seem to be a contradiction. Huck ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l -- All the best, Robin Tara http://www.taratangoshoes.com 1-207-699-8702 ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Missing Magic
Thanks Cherie, Nancy, Shahrukh, Keith, Nina and others who wrote off list with comments on this thread. You've all been around this scene for a long time and have experienced, more or less what I was getting at. I want to apologize to anyone for whom my posting seemed like an admonition to forego the tango experience in Buenos Aires. Or to imply that going to BA these days won't thrill you at all. Both Cherie and Nancy described the kind of magical experiences that still exist there. As is always the case, we bring ourselves and all our foibles and experience to the milonga with us. Many have written about this much better than I can, so I admit that much of my dismay at the milongas these days is of my own making. The other is that we have lost many of the tipos that made the milongas fun. Think of Pupi, Omar and Gavito, to name a few. Not to mention the old milongueros who are leaving the dance floors because of illness, poverty or death. Hope you'll all understand that it makes me sad, that;s all. On Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 4:41 PM, macfro...@aol.com wrote: Did the world really change around me, or did my perception of the world change? Sure, it's not as it was in 1997 on my first trip here, when foreign dancers were a novelty. Maybe middle-aged foreign women are a dime-a-dozen today, and we are less special than we once were and are treated more like we are back home. After dancing tango for a decade or more, we are also different. This nostalgia for what used to be, that life, people, things, milongas aren't what they once were, is very tango! But Buenos Aires will always be the Mecca of Tango. And every serious dancer will make the pilgrimage one day. It's worth it. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] Misc:Missing Magic
You know, I danced in the milongas of Buenos Aires, New York, Montreal, San Francisco, Boston and London beginning 1993. I missed Berlin, the other hotbed of tango at the time - big mistake, I'm afraid. There was a magic then that has been missing for me in today's milongas. Things began to change drastically in the milongas of Buenos Aires around the time of the crash. (2001/2002) All of a sudden the regulars began staying away from the salons. They just couldn't justify spending 5 pesos on something as frivolous as the milonga. They needed to eat. The milongas began to suffer from lower attendance and raised prices. The Cro Magnon disaster closed dance venues all over the inner city. On the other hand, it became much cheaper for tourists to visit Buenos Aires. So in about 2 years time, the balance of tourists to locals in the dance halls reversed completely. The milongas feel so different to me these days. Sitting in a Buenos Aires milonga on a Friday night, I see the group from Japan at one of the primo back tables - they don't dance tango yet, but they're ordering dinner! From there to the right sit a table of local (mostly) women, a group of men who really have been in the milongs for years, but rarely get up to dance. The there are the group from some European capital, a bunch of older folks from the midwest, a table of local guys who don't dance very well, a group of local women who don't dance very well. Lurking around the edges, men who can't catch anybody's eye and have decided to prey on the unsuspecting and longing to dance, middle aged women from the US. It just lacks some sort of mystery. Is it all because I see it more clearly now? Was it always this way and I was too enraptured to notice? No, I'm sure it was more full of the promise of adventure back then. Oh, I'm just rambling Interested in what others think -- Robin Tara http://www.taratangoshoes.com http://www.tangotique.com ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Is it Balls, or just a Heel?
Jack wrote: If a girl turns you down at a milonga, without a good reason, don't ask her again. As you improve, it'll be her loss. Dear Jack, There are so many unexplainable reasons why a woman might refuse a dance that it is unfair to blackball a woman because she won't dance with you at that particular moment. I remember a night when I had been waiting for a wonderful dancer to catch my eye and ask for a dance. The moment he finally chose to ask was just after I had declined to dance with a guy who is rough and abusive on the dance floor. I had to say no - I had to risk the fate of never dancing with him again because I was using proper milonga etiquette. And there was no way to explain it. So in the first case I turned down a guy and hoped he would never ask me to dance again and in the second case I turned down a guy I would have happily danced with all night. How can a woman decline a dance and make sure the man understands that it is not him, it is the particular circumstance? Best, Robin http://www.taratangoshoes.com http://www.tangotique.com ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] New Years Eve in Buenos Aires
I'm going to be in BA for the holidays. Does anyone know of any special tango events on New Years Eve? Robin Tara ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] Message from Verena
I received this message from Verena. She has been trying to post it to the list with no luck. I didn't join this list for many years. Omar Vega's death made me return to it. To end all rumors before they begin: There were no drugs involved! He always hated drugs. At the moment nobody can tell what he died of. Even the doctors don't know. The only thing they know for sure is that he couldn breath any more. There are many stories about him. I can asure you, he could read. Not as well as people in the western world can, that' right. As a kid he never had the time to go to school. He had to survive. But he was no orphan. He entered school when he was an adult. And the friend who made him go to school, took him out to a milonga. Thats how he got in touch with tango. And tango became his life. Pepito Avellaneda was his most important teacher. For me, and I assume for many others too, Omar was el rey del traspie. Whoever danced with him, will probably never forget it. He once told me, that when he stars to dance he' enters a bubble. All music around him and nothing there except music and his partner. He's buried at Chacarita. And there will be a Milonga for him this wednesday in Buenos Aires. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] Omar Vega
I just got horrible news about Omar Vega. He had a massive allergy attack and died. I thought that everyone who knew him would want to know. He was a great talent and one of the most creative and musical dancers I ever knew. I have not yet heard when the funeral will be but will forward any more information I recieve. How sad. Robin Tara ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] Omar Vega
People have been asking about Omar. They are asking if it was really a drug overdose - I don't know, but I never knew Omar to be involved with drugs. He may have hung out with folks who were, but I never knew him to be a druggie. I have been told that he was an orphan who grew up on the streets on Buenos Aires, clowning, juggling and boxing to make a living. They say he couldn't read, and although this is probably true, he was a VERY quick study and could learn anything he set his mind to. He was an amazing mimic. I remember walking down the streets of Manhattan with him and moment by moment he would become the person who had just passed us. He could immediately take on the aspect of anyone who caught his attention. I believe he was not appreciated enough for his amazing ability as a dancer. The first tim eI met him was back in Buenos Aires at La Confiteria Ideal in 1994. He was dancing with Rebecca Schulman, late, late at night when the place was almost empty. It was an eye opening experience. And I will never forget the night in New York at one of Daniel and Marias milongas when he and Rebecca danced to Huracan. It was mesmerizing. I also remember one night at El Beso when I complained to Omar that the music was boring to me. He said I'll show you this music. All of a sudden, dancing with him, the music came alive. I heard things I had never heard before and will probably never hear again. This is what a real dancer can give to a partner. He was a dancer. Robin ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Labor Day Festival: a complaint
Thanks, Nancy, I'm glad someone has the nerve to speak up. This has been going on for as many years as I have been dancing tango. It's worse in some places than others. I've even seen it happen in classes where women are asked to rotate. They don't seem to notice that some women have been standing and waiting for their turn to dance and when the time comes for a rotation, one sees the same women dancing and the same women standing. The men don't know who has been waiting because they're busy dancing, but the women know whether they just had a turn. We women need to have more respect and concern for each other. By the way, does anyone know why there weren't any shoe vendors in Albuquerque? I know that Diva Boutique wants to start attending Tom's festivals. She always brings hundreds of shoes and I think both the women AND the men would like to have such a big selection to choose from. She carries my stuff - Tara Shoes as well as Comme il Faut and some other brands, including men's shoes. Best, Robin Tara http://www.22tangoshoes.com On 9/2/08, NANCY [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm not going to mince words here. There is something happening at festivals and maybe at milongas that is not pretty. Too many women are being way too aggressive in asking, no! in demanding dances from leaders. Even from leaders they do not know. The men are complaining. They are trying to hide. They have turned down these women who have the nerve to return with hostility and ask again. These women are grabbing men on the dance floor before they have even disengaged from their current partners. They are lying in wait at the entrance to the ballroom to snag guys before they even enter the venue. I understand. We have come a long way and spent a lot of money to attend these events. But..what happened to 'waiting your turn'? What entitles YOU to dance more than I? The guys are great. They try to dance with old friends they have danced with over the years. They try to get around to everyone they know and then also ask the women who might otherwise sit. But I had four different men tell me the women in Albuquerque were being 'mean' and demanding and pushy. One even described being hurt so badly by a woman who tried stuff he had not led and she was not capable of executing so that he was disabled for the rest of the event - much to the chagrin of his wife. And I was not the only one who heard these complaints. Soif you didn't hear the complaints, were you part of the problem? Maybe in your communities it is OK to ask the men to dance. Maybe some men like it. But I am old school. I like to know that a guy asks me to dance to a specific musician, for a specific type of dance. I do a lot of sitting. But on Sunday, I was asked to dance by five of the best dancers at the festival. Certainly worth waiting for. Maybe next time the men won't be so polite or maybe they will decide not to come to a place where they have little say in choosing their dance partners. I hope not. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play? The festival was fantastic. Tom, as usual, had everything well organized and the locals, led by Paul, provided us with a great hotel, excellent food, a good sound system and perfect weather. The semi-outdoor event was in an impressive space with some good Southwestern comida. And the country around Albuquerque and Santa Fe is some of the most beautiful you will ever see - especially Bandelier Nat'l Monument. Nancy A veteran of this festival and several others ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Labor Day Festival: a complaint
Hi Cherie, Here's another story, I was standing in the milonga at a festival and one of the top professional dancers was giving me a neck massage. I had just had a conversation with a woman about how aggressive the women dancers were. How they would interrupt a conversation to drag a man away to dance. Then, out of nowhere, the SAME woman came up to me and grabbed my masseur for a dance!!! This North American woman and her North American husband now teach tango in Buenos Aires! Can you believe it? Robin Tara On 9/2/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I remember when I lived and danced in Los Angeles, one Argentine man there told me he used to hide out in the bathroom to get away from the aggressive women. And this was years and years ago. I can only imagine how much worse it is today. One woman friend from L.A. who I saw down here was being aggressive in the BsAs milongas, and I tried to suggest to her that the Argentine men don't like being pushed like that, and she told me that she was American and she was on vacation and she could do any damned thing she pleased! I can only say that when Ruben is accosted by a woman coming to his table to demand a dance, he might do it that one time because it's very difficult for a caballero to refuse a woman due to politeness, but then he will never dance with her again. So in the end, these women are only hurting themselves by doing whatever damned thing they like! Perhaps not too far in the future, these aggressive women will do all the leading as well. cherie http://tangocherie.blogspot.com/ ** It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv000547) ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Labor Day Festival: a complaint
Tom, Sorry, but I heard there weren't any vendors. And later I heard that CarrieWhipple had a few shoes. Of course I knew that Anne Leva was there with her clothes, as always You may not emphasize vendors, and that's fine. Your festivals are wonderful experiences and people have a great time dancing and reconnecting with old friends. But there are a whole lot of people coming to festivals who want the opportunity to touch, feel and try some tango shoes for size. Back when there were a selection of companies selling at festivals people could compare and make informed decisions about what to buy. Many people don't have the opportunity to go to Buenos Aires for shoes and wait for festivals so they can know for sure what they're buying. I just think the organizers should recognize this and give their customers what they want. I think that if you polled your participants you would discover that they really want to have a good selection of clothes and shoes to choose from. Men as well as women. Robin On 9/2/08, Tom Stermitz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Sep 2, 2008, at 11:57 AM, robin tara wrote: Thanks, Nancy, By the way, does anyone know why there weren't any shoe vendors in Albuquerque? Robin Tara http://www.22tangoshoes.com Robin, you know this isn't true. In fact there were shoes and clothes for sale. Not to mention, yoga in the morning and massage for your aching feet. You also know that I've been happy to welcome you to my festivals regularly. I know that you love to dance tango and get to participate with everyone else. However, I admit that I don't really emphasized vendors. With all due respect to your business, my purpose is to honor the dancing and the participants. Even the teachers at my festivals are not the big-name show dancers, rather people who can entertain a large class and who focus on social dancing. The only exhibition is a group social dance honoring and presenting the teachers. I do feel that the DJs deserve special recognition. They are the ones who manage the social energy and keep you dancing for hours, even to dawn. Tom Stermitz http://www.tango.org ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Confiteria Ideal
Actually, ALL the places Darlene cites are the places most frequented by tourists in Buenos Aires (Tango tourists, at least) La Confiteria Ideal is a classic, and not to be missed. I'm not implying that it need be frequented, just experienced. I suggest that people visiting Buenos Aires hoping to learn more about Tango, try choosing one of the milongas that the tourist crowd never goes to. Or try a familiar spot on a different night. Or spend a couple of weeks going only to milongas in a particular neighborhood. There are as many ways to experience Tango in Buenos Aires as there are reasons to travel there. Best, Robin Tara Tara Tango Shoes http://www.22tangoshoes.com On 6/4/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Darlene writes- I never went to Confiteria Ideal (and it was only mentioned as a place tourists go). The person who told you that was wrong. Certainly tourists go there, but the place is hardly deluged with them. It's very popular with Argentines, for several reasons. It is centrally located. Easy to get to. There are many restaurants and hotels nearby, plus many kinds of shops. Classes are offered every day, often several. On the bottom floor you can have dinner and see a tango show. There's a milonga every day of the week on the second floor. See the following link listing them. http://www.confiteriaideal.com/milongas.htm Furthermore, it is a place tourists SHOULD see. Scroll down the page just mentioned to the photos and you'll see why. It's a beautiful place which captures much of the history of the city. Further, tango turistas tend to be reverential of tango customs and well-behaved. Naturally there are always a few who transgress from ignorance or arrogance. But then that's true of Argentines as well. (What? You thought all milongueros are angels!) Another benefit when I went to BsAs was that many announcements of new events and places to dance can be found there. It is also a good place to rendezvous. Do not let anyone keep you away from the wonderful Confiteria Ideal. Larry de Los Angeles Great rates on vacations. Book now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/fc/Ioyw6iifjEtC9yprAqmnJViyAvZpqNaLY4XgpNxn7D7km30vJb3xg2/ ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] Tango Porteño
Tango Porteño From the moment we entered the beautiful theater next door to the Teatro Colon last night, we felt that we were in for an evening like no other we had experienced in Buenos Aires. Two friends and I had decided to spring for the expensive (by Argentine standards) tickets for dinner and a tango show. Two of us have been involved with the world of Argentine tango for more than a dozen years and we've seen all the big shows - Tango Argentino, Tango por Dos and Forever Tango, to name a few. Ordinarily, we don't go to Tango shows in Buenos Aires any more, because we feel most of them are geared to tourists and we consider Buenos Aires our second home. Besides, as I said, we've seen a lot of shows. However, two good friends from New York had seen this show and convinced us that it was worth the price of admission. Also, I was leaving after a lengthy stay in BA and wanted to do something special to treat myself before I left. Entering the grand lobby, we were greeted by handsome young men and beautiful young women dressed in formal attire. The girls wore jaunty, miniature grey top hats, perched at a risqué angle and sleek grey tuxedos. Two grand murals portrayed famous personages of tango and a scene from La Confiteria Ideal. The theater itself was sheer elegance with art deco columns, soft lighting and tables set with crystal and linen. We didn't expect much in the way of fine dining but were pleasantly surprised to be offered a small but excellent selection of entradas and main courses. Wines poured steadily throughout the meal and we thoroughly enjoyed each dish that was presented. We commented that if we were going to a show in New York, we would have paid more for the tickets to the show and not have had a delicious dinner along with it. We were already more than satisfied with the value received. But when the lights dimmed and the curtains opened, we understood that the evening held a lot more surprises for us. Just in case you haven't realized it already, this is a rave review. The dancing was spectacular show tango. The orchestra was out of this world. The staging and scenery spectacular and the costumes original. For me, the highlight of the show was when Roxana Fontan stepped onto the stage in a shimmering nude gown to sing Malena. She stood alone and sang without accompaniment. But she did more than just sing, she enchanted everyone. I expected the audience to demand an encore, but how could any human being repeat such a magical performance? The six young couples who danced deserve kudos for their lightness and acrobatics. They flew, they glided they soared. We were delighted to see Nito and Elba when they appeared, looking ever so elegant and dancing like only a couple who have danced together for years can. The audience especially enjoyed the young milonguero who thrilled them with his rapid fire milonga and playful leaps. The woman who danced with a mystery partner (don't want to give away any secrets) had us rolling in the aisles. My favorite dance number was set in the boudoir. Dressed in a satin peignoir, a woman waits for her lover on a red velvet chaise. She is barefoot and beautiful. It was one of the most sensual tangos I've ever seen. We had goosebumps. The orchestra, on a raised platform above the dancers, was lead by a tall blonde violinist dressed in cascades of silver. The music wowed everyone with its fabulous arrangements of familiar tangos and performances both fresh and powerful. Their tribute to Astor Piazzola was thrilling and the large-scale projections enhanced the experience. Yes it was a splurge for us. We spent about U$D 90 each and had an exquisite evening including a final glass of champagne and a selection of desserts. I recommend it if you're going to be in Buenos Aires. By the way, I'd love to give credit where it is due, but, for some reason, we never got a program. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] October
An associate is planning a large corporate event to be held in Miami in October. He is looking for a well known tango professional to hire to teach some classes there. I'm wondering who will be in the area during that month. If anyone has any information, please answer off list. Thanks, Robin Tara ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Hiding weight changes
Sean wrote Personally, I would be amazed by any man who could change weight in a way such that a moderately sensitive woman doesn't even feel it. Yesterday I was assisting Reuben Aybar, here in Buenos Aires, and we taught a man to change weight without his partner feeling it, in about 5 minutes. The words weight change is misleading though. What he learned was how to change feet without his partner feeling it - his axis remained the same. I believe this is what is being referred to. For example, it happens when the leader steps to the left with his partner, changes his weight from his left foot to his right and continues forward with his left foot again. His partner steps to the left with her right foot and continues back with her left, putting the partners in the crossed system. When the man does this without his partner detecting the weight change, it works, otherwise, she changes weight with him, and they remain in the parallel system. Robin Tara ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] Tara Shoes News
Just a note to let everyone know what's going on at Tara Tango Shoes. We have formed an alliance with Diva Boutique which has enabled us to announce that we now have a huge inventory of styles and sizes available immediately. To see what we're stocking now, go to: http://www.taratangoshoes.com You can also check Diva Boutique's extensive collection of shoes at: http://www.diva_boutique.com We are adding new styles every month so keep checking back. All the best, Robin Tara Tara Tango Shoes ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] The subject that never dies.
I think it's time to let this subject die. If you want a new topic that will probably never die, how about the placement of the women's arms and head? Any comments? Especially interested in two holds that I observe these days in the milongas in BA. First the draping of the woman's left arm down across the shoulder of the man with elbow pointed at the ceiling and the other with the woman's left arm placed very low, almost around the man's waist. And then there are the men who insist that the woman turn her head to the right. Robin Tara Tara Tango Shoes On 4/2/08, Floyd Baker [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Heel First?
Look again. He dances heel first when he is going forward with long steps. When dancing in shorter steps, or backwards, it's toe first. Robin On 3/27/08, Mario [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ..A recent video: Here is Javier in the few short walks that he does here, it is heal first; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Ed7aX7A44 ..any comments from others on a video is always appreciated..I learn how to see, that way. thks - Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Heel First?
Try taking a really long step toe first - it doesn't work very well unless you really bend the launching leg. I think he is doing the natural thing On 3/27/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: re Javier and Andrea video: Yes, he does walk heel first in a straight line, but I don't think it looks very nice, and it seems more like a stylistic flourish since most of the other steps are on the ball first - the side steps and others, especially in the turns, which only illustrates my point: most of his steps are on the ball first. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
[Tango-L] One little impression from the milongas of Buenos Aire
A woman in the milongas of Buenos Airestakes herself seriously.She carefully selects each item of clothing to create a specific effect. Her hair is sumptuous and flowing, and blonde. Her nails lacquered to ruby gleam, Her legs long and tan and smooth, but maybe showing just a little too much sixty-five year old thigh in her skin tight lycra. Her lips are pouty, puffy and strange. Her eyelashes flutter attention toward the impossibly high cheekbones and delicate Michael Jackson nose pointing pointedly at her high, firm breasts. She is a queen. Dragging her wrap behind her as she weaves her way though the tables greeting friends. and is led to the table in front of the best dancers in the room. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Breaking the 'paso basico.'
Keith,When I started taking classes here in Buenos Aires, back in 1994, the teachers taught an entrance to the dance that they counted however they felt it in the moment. It was always a game to see how many counts each maestro gave it at any time. Some began it to the side, and others to the back or the front. Americans studying here tried to codify what they were doing and began to standardize the count. As people from around the world started to come to tango mecca, they began to spend more time analyzing what people in the milongas were actually doing. That's when the teaching of a simpler, more musical form of tango began to take hold internationally. Except for many of the ballroom dance teachers that teach Argentine tango and those who teach patterns of choreography, most teachers of sociual dance would be better off teaching anything but the 8CB as it just isn't danced socially, for many reasons. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] The Cross :: To unwind, or not to unwind, that is the question...
I like this question. And like most questions about followers' choice, it depends mostly upon the music. Robin What's the general consensus...after leading a follower to the cross (with a juicy pause immediately after the cross)...and transferring her weight to her left foot...should she keep her right foot behind (in the crossed postion) (not unwinding)...or should she unwind (uncross) her right foot and bring it to the collected position? ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] New generation of milongueros
Hey Janis, I think there are a few. But just a few - men under 65 who might actually be able to carry on the real dance of the milongas. You know who they are. There the guys who don't dance with every new hot chickie who comes too the milonga. They're the ones who watch - really watch for the women who dance. They're looking for someone they can mesh with. Someone who moves to the music and with her partner. If she does any adornos, they're few, subtle, in the music and she doesn't do the same thing every time. Whether she's 30 or 60 doesn't matter. When a milonguero finds a partner for a tanda, he wants to please her. He is gracious, playful, gentle and giving when he dances and between the dances. He walks (preferably dances) his partner to her chair. There are a few of these guys in the younger generation, thank heavens. Most of them do not teach or take classes - they dance. Robin I laugh every time I read someone being advertised on Tango-A as one of the new generation of milongueros. ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Switching roles
Have you noticed that many people who switch roles, especially Argentinos, don't actually switch lead and follow. The man is still leading but doing followers steps and leading the leader's steps. It's the same thing that makes many men difficult to lead. They seem to think they need to know and do the followers steps, rather than being lead to do them. Best regards, Robin Tara Design, Inc. www.taratangoshoes.com Toll Free in US: 1-877-906-8272 18 Stillman St. So. Portland ME 04106 207-741-2992-- From: Lois Donnay [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:15:29 -0500 To: Tango-L tango-l@mit.edu Subject: Re: [Tango-L] Switching roles Although the milongas in BsAs are called gay milongas, the majority of people who go there are not gay. They are mostly young, they are all kinds of people, foreigners and porteno's, and women are just as likely to lead men as men lead men or women lead women. I saw a lovely performance once at Club Espanol by an older couple. Somewhere in the middle, almost imperceptibly, they changed roles. A little later they changed back again. It was beautiful, and the crowd loved it. Loisa - Original Message - From: Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Tango-L Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 12:58 PM Subject: Re: [Tango-L] Switching roles Really? And which milongas in BsAs accept switching roles? I can only recall La Marshall - and that's because it's a gay milonga. Keith, HK On Tue Sep 11 23:42 , Lois Donnay sent: After my Following for Leaders class last night, the men sat around talking. One question came up. We know there are milongas in Buenos Aires where switching roles is acceptable. Are there any other communities in the world where men are free to dance with men, women with women, etc? Are the milongas billed specially or is this acceptable in regular milongas? We also lamented the lack of male teachers who can follow, and the number of men who teach on the floor. Ladies, when you pick teachers or listen to your leaders, do you take into consideration whether they can follow? Loisa Donnay (adding the a in preparation for BsAs) Minneapolis, MN ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
Re: [Tango-L] Watch it!
I think that these people are doing a dance called the Peabody From: Eva Swingo [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:07:52 +0200 (CEST) To: tango-l@mit.edu Subject: Re: [Tango-L] Watch it! Hi, The couple not dancing Charleston, remindes me of a strange fenomenon I have encountered here in Sweden. It is a very rudimentary kind of Tango. Sailers who had travelled the seven seas, including ports of Argentina and Uruguay, brought these steps with them to Europe and Sweden, in the 1910s. It is the basic basic ... 1-2-3-cross. Including the funny movement upwards as you cross. :D I actually learnt this step(tango) more then 14 years ago, from a folkloristic dance society, who see the cultural value of keeping it alive. They say the steps were noted down in the 1910-20s And they have been keeping them alive ever since. Part from this basic, they have 5 more step-kombinations for variation. Including one - outrageoussly ;-) shocking! - where the leader swirles the lady around, kind of turns her up-side-down, head down, when one leg rises towards the ceiling. It usually creates butterflies in your belly and a lot of laughter. A rose in your mouth would certainly fit in there! This tango does not allow improvisations in the way we are used to today. The beat is faster, like the Charlesone, fit for that era. I suppose that is why Ballroom tango (who must originally have originated from this kind of travel influences?) also are danced to tango music of a comparably faster beat. Fun and charming, isn't it! ;-) Eva Igor Polk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is Charleston: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzC1h2XnmwYNR=1 In the middle of the dancers, there is a couple dancing something slow. What is it they dance? That is my main question. __ Går det långsamt? Skaffa dig en snabbare bredbandsuppkoppling. Sök och jämför hos Yahoo! Shopping. http://shopping.yahoo.se/c-100015813-bredband.html?partnerId=96914325 ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l ___ Tango-L mailing list Tango-L@mit.edu http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
