Date: Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:06:49 -0300 From: Shahrukh MerchantSubject: Re: [Tango-L] Missing Magic
Art and commerce (of art) have always had an uneasy symbiosis, and Tango is not immune to this. What the recent internationalization phenomenon has done is upset that balance. International interest and money feeds the commerce *but does not have the same stake in the culture*.............., without even the strength of a sense of identity behind it. Contrast that to a century plus of local Tango culture in Buenos Aires (ok, Rio de la Plata region), where the culture is furthermore intertwined with a strong sense of identity that is part of a subconscious national identity. Which do you think is more likely to care about preserving traditions? Now that is an interesting question Shahrukh, that begs a response. The assumption might the the latter, but I'm not so sure. The advantage most western Tango converts have is wealth. Some foreigners, with sufficient perception and patience learn to understand the essence of Tango that attracts most people in the first instance. They have the luxury of being in a position to protect a tradition that they find so entrancing, because they do not need to survive from teaching Tango. The also often have a convert's enthusiasm. Compare this with the stream of 3rd rank "maestros" who pour out to the US, Europe, Australia & Asia. Many are not wealthy, and when an opportunity to travel and make some money presents itself, they are not about to miss it. (not a criticism, just a statement). Nor are they very focussed on preserving a tradition (other than words). I have not seen one such "maestro" who does not attract customers through performance (mostly average) and then proceed to teach semi-performance to a gullible audience who believe it is the real deal. Hence the hybridisation of modern Argentine Tango around the world. Tete said to a class we attended in Buenos Aires, "If you (the local dancers) continue this way, the foreigners will return to teach you how to dance Tango". John _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
