Re: [Tango-L] Social-ethical behaviors and protocols Independently of what was in the mind of the first milongueros, I believe with confidence that to consider the premise: "chasing the opposite sex is the main objective in the mind of contemporary milongas attendees either here or elsewhere" as valid is 100%questionable and even unacceptable. The first set of realistic concerns that pop up right away in my mind are:
1) It twist or prostitute (thinking in its origins) the whole new concept and "reason d'être" of modern Argentine Tango dancing. 2) It is dangerous, an invitation to trouble. 3) It may jeopardize the preservation of good relationships and communication among dancers. 4) It is a no-no particularly in many contemporary milongas where more and more often we witness the presence and participation of teens, minors, and even children. 5) With an increasing percentage we are also observing the attendance of married couples and also married dancers whose spouses are not attending simply because they do not like tango, they are absent, or they cannot dance. 6) Local milongas and practilongas are gradually becoming periodic family and friendly oriented gatherings where a group of well known community dancers are socializing, sharing ideas, practicing new concepts, and learning from each other, in a cozy environment, supposedly free of concerns that some needy (single or not) individual may put her o his eyes (and hands) in your significant one, looking for something "else" than dancing. 7) The demands of A.T. are such that an authentic and committed dancer cannot get distracted with this "chases" and all the subsequent maneuvers if he wants to be good. 8) Those that do not adequate prioritize their goals and ignore décor exhibiting improper conduct may be tolerated at milongas, but they are easily detected and often avoided putting themselves on the spot "de gratis." The second statement: "People take up all sorts of hobbies hoping to meet people and find love is just a personal opinion and a gross generalization. My own hobby as an example may be enough. Just let me discard for a moment the love for music, passion for art, enjoyment, neuro-motor improvement, musicianship, refinement, and a mean of self-expression, among many other "good reasons" in my list of genuine motivations. Since music is my hobby and my profession it will be reasonable to say that I also play, practice, and teach for money, recognition, or both. Indeed, I did it during practically all my long life and 27 years of marriage with absolutely no need to meet people or find love. However, in our society it seems that almost everything is accepted, including "making a catch" at A.T. dances, with the following convenient excuses in mind: --It is not illegal! --What is bad for one is good for others! --I'm clear with my conscious! --What are you talking about? --It is a free country! --Go for it! --If not now when? --Why not? --It is nothing wrong! And so on. Ruben _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
