Hmmm, seems as though we have two topics going under one thread. The first concerns from whence styles come, and the second, though related, concerns the conflict of newer versus older styles.
Regarding the issue of how styles originate, I believe that all dancers have their own style. Every tanguero and tanguera has a unique set of tango moves, not necessarily tango figures, with which they feel comfortable and from which they are served in "moving to the music". One of the most appealing things about tango, at least for me, is that one may easily borrow and modify moves to make them ones own. When spectators see these "new" moves and want to learn them, the market forces come into play. If the "new" moves become so popular that they merit their own name, an official style is born. This process explains why there are so many named styles in tango. This process also is healthy; it keeps tango vital and "in step" with tango music as it evolves. Now the second issue. When people who do not care to learn the new style encounter on the dance floor those who do not care to dance the old style, there is a natural tension. The traditionalists might use phrases like "unpredictable", "wild and crazy", or "inconsiderate and rude". The new guard might use phrases in describing the traditionalists such as "stodgy", "boring", or "unhip". This tension can be healthy too. The old style serves as a point of reference or as an anchor to ensure that new styles are still recognizable as tango. New styles help to keep interest in tango high especially among newer, younger dancers. Bob _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
