Howard Fox wrote:
> I respectfully suggest that the writer is not doing Osvaldo and Lorena --
or the tango community -- any favors by including negative comments on other
teachers ("For those of you who are growing a little tired of the "nuevo
tango" acrobatics ...") in the very same notice that announces Osvaldo's and
Lorena's workshops.>
>Why not just enjoy the serendipitous pleasure of their visit, instead of
turning it into the occasion for yet another tiresome
"my-tango-faction-is-better-than-your-tango-faction" remark? This kind of
negative energy is what drives newcomers away from tango.>
Howard Fox's reply to my disparaging comments re "nuevo tango" included in my
post about Osvaldo Zotto made me realize that they are indeed opinions and
should not be added to that type of posting. However I would like to add that
I do not consider classic Argentine salon tango to be a faction. The dancing
of Osvaldo Zotto extends from a tradition going back to his master, Antonio
Todaro and others which is seen in the quality of movement and execution.
This can also be seen in the dancing of Juan Carlos Copes or in Carlos
Copello or Alicia Monti and has more in common with that tradition than much
of the dancing of many of the newer performers. Much of the new dancing that
is being taught is more about performance and would be very difficult to do
in a milonga anyway. Unfortunately as a teacher I see very negative aspects
of that dancing in the milongas in that many students want to do exactly that
- perform, instead of respecting the traffic on the floor. This is no doubt
the fault of teachers who do not properly emphasize etiquette and floor craft
but it is also a product of performance steps (read - exaggerated movements)
being taught instead of salon tango. The classic tango evolved from the
milongas, not the stage performances. "Rock & Roll", "Heavy Metal",
"Milonguero" styles of tango- if anything, these are the stylistic factions
that have sprung up. I also do not subscribe to the idea that accepting any
type of tango as long as it makes you feel good to do it means you are doing
it well or correctly. I accept that I am traditional and a purist and I stand
by my comment regarding the new tango.
But I will refrain from adding opinions such as these to postings regarding
workshops or the like and will instead post them in other forums.
Respectfully,
Charles Roques
