thanks michael. i agree with everything but the "small of the back" statement. as mentioned before, when i reach back as a follower, i want to be able to extend my leg which, from what i understand from talking to movement specialists, starts below the ribcage. also, if the connection is in the man's belly because of his height and my shortness then to focus on the chest and be misleading. sometimes a beer gut is not a bad thing. what's interesting is that these guys have concave bellies which makes it more difficult to connect there.
giselle's walk is a very good illustration of reaching back from below the ribcage. there is an exercise for you if anyone wants to know. i like the idea of the chair with coasters. cool. jackie www.tangopulse.net On Mar 10, 2008, at 2:51 PM, Michael wrote: does anyone have any special advice that they find resonates with the "giants"? are there any differences?in emphasis? jackie wong ****************************************************************************** Jackie: Since the man "follows the woman," the size of the woman's step is to a large extent dependent on the man's frame. If the man leads a small step, the woman should feel small movement in the frame. But then, the man has to have a FIRM (not STIFF) frame. I place my right hand on the woman's "small of the back" which is just about above her waist. My experience is she can feel my frame better. If I hold my hand higher, it can feel like I'm pulling her into my chest and off her balance or axis. I suggest the men practice with a chair with coasters. They should lead the chair to move BEFORE they step. Michael Ditkoff Washington, DC 4 weeks to Atlanta Tango Festival I'd rather be dancing Argentine Tango _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
