Both these threads are interesting, illustrating as they do the differences between Argentine and European (and possibly US) customs. Here it would be considered rude to ignore your partner's friends, or your friend's partner. It may be something to do with the ballroom tradition that everyone present must do their bit to ensure that the event is a success: men must not allow women to be wallflowers, etc. >From what I have read, the Argentines have no such scruples.
Nobody in Europe seems to be worried about dancing to a vocalist's sad song. Irving Berlin wrote "When I Lost You" when his wife died in 1912 and people have been happily waltzing to the heartfelt words ever since. At the Tangomarkkinat this year, possibly the most miserable tango of all time was launched: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=WiRYhUNptIg&playnext=1&videos=VTMH8DbncU0 "Now the door of my miserable cell slams shut behind me, even though only yesterday tender moments were part of my life. When my days were condemned to this miserable prison, these dreams were sentenced to suffering in eternal shackles. Now I will sleep and wake in floods of tears. I just count the bricks and wonder what our wedding would have been like. Cake, champagne, dancing and kisses? Now I will taste only bread and water . . . " I won't go on as I don't want to ruin your entire day. That particular Youtube clip was from a concert, but at this was a new tango it got quite a lot of exposure (nearly all live) at the public dances, and people happily danced and flirted all through it. None of this is intended as a criticism of the Argentines or of Argentinophiles. It is just that it is interesting to note the differences between the two cultures; and to wonder if northerners will ever truly get Argentine tango. As for the "sniffing and whiny" singers - I suspect this is a reference the thin nasal tones of some old-time Argentine singers, which a lot of people (including me) don't like. I don't like it when the French do it either. A full resonant rounded voice is much more to my liking, and added emotion only improves it. I once saw Saija Varjus flee the stage in tears after treating the audience to a heartfelt version of "I'm a Fool to Want You". John Ward Bristol, UK _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
