One of the greatest aspects of tango is that it is individualistic and we are encouraged to develop our own style. One of the most confusing aspects of tango is that it is individualistic and we are encouraged to create our own style. Without standardization (not that there should or could be) there are multiple interpretations of what is “correct” and “authentic” thereby creating instant disagreement when stating that this or that is always (or never) never done, or that there is no such thing as this or that. It is highly likely that someone who is respected by students and peers is teaching a move, figure or technique or concept in the exact opposite (or very different) way than we might have learned it. In my 16 years' experience, reputable Masters and respected teachers have proclaimed various combinations of the following: the cross is led; the cross is automatic; there is to be no leading with the hands; there is leading from the hand/fingers on the woman’s back; the woman changes weight immediately when led to cross; the woman waits for the invitation to change weight when led to the cross position; each step of a giro is led so the leader can maintain control of timing and change direction at will; the giro is done in coded sequence until the man stops turning; the man reaches forward with and lands on the ball of the foot; the man lands gently on the heel of his foot; small steps are authentic; large steps are correct; and of course, a large back step is the correct salida; the back step should never be used. To mention a few. How each is dealt with depends on the source of training and preference of the leader. If they have learned only one method, that is how they will set up or lead the cross, etc. Men who have received training in a variety of methods have options. (I've never known a man to change from leading the cross to expecting it to be automatic, but I have known many who now lead it although they first learned that it was to be automatic.) In one of my earliest “Aha” moments, while dancing with a visiting Master, he crossed out to my right, walked straight ahead a few steps, then subtly led the cross by slightly rotating his axis, which in turn rotated mine, and set me up for the cross. When I described this pleasant phenomenon to fellow enthusiasts, they vehemently disagreed that that is what had occurred. We had learned that the follower automatically crosses on step #5 of the 8CB and that a leader would never walk on that side of the frame. However, it was a moment of great enlightenment in my tango life and was completely in sync with the premise that every step in tango done through lead and follow. In another amazing moment relatively early on, although my partner was built like a linebacker, he danced like a stealthy feline. At one point he ever so slightly lifted my torso and after guiding me through tiny increments of space, gently released the tension and lowered my weight to the cross on the exact final beat of the phrase. It was exquisite and significantly heightened my awareness of how magical the cross can be. Just because we haven't experienced or do not understand a particular idea or way of doing something does not mean that it doesn't exist or lacks merit; and our disagreement with a method or system does not invalidate it or negate it for those do understand and agree with it. Hmmmm, sounds a lot like life. Polly McBride, Portland OR Author: All Things Argentine Tango Tango with Mars and Venus Tango Festival Operations Manual (with Clay Nelson) (Google my name for more info.)
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