Comments for tango hub http://www.tangohub.co.uk   blog  -  events                    groups  -  videos  -  milongas Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:33:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Some Thoughts on Getting Well-Heeled by Kat http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/09/getting-well-heeled/comment-page-1/#comment-552 Kat Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:33:19 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1493#comment-552 Whilst your explanation was fun to read and provides some help, there are many other aspects one has to consider when choosing the first pair of proper tango shoes. And rather than needing tanguera's advice, she needs to know more about her own feet. Plus some general knowledge about materials and shoes by someone who has worn high heels all her life and not only in milongas. Are your feet wide or narrow/ high or low? For narrow feet - peep toe sandals are better than the ones with open-toe. For wide feet vice versa. For low foot T-straps are the best as these stabilise the foot, for high feet one strap may fix the shoe well enough. An advice that there has to be 1 cm of space over big toe is not wrong. Shoe, especially very high-heeled, has to fit like a glove, if its even tiny bit too big, you risk with a ankle twist or more serious injury when dancing. Besides, width-wise leather (and suede) always stretches. However, patent stretches very little and fabric not at all. This has to be considered when trying to predict how your pair of shoes feels after two milongas. Even more so, if you want this pair to serve you well for a year or two. Although I agree about wearing low heels for lessons and practica, higher heel is better for the posture and 7- 7,5 cm should be fine for milongas if the lady is not too tall. To wear 9 cm (especially on the slippery floor), there is very little importance how comfortable is the shoe, as dancing with such high heels is affordable not only for advanced dancers, but also very experienced heel-wearers. Whilst your explanation was fun to read and provides some help, there are many other aspects one has to consider when choosing the first pair of proper tango shoes. And rather than needing tanguera’s advice, she needs to know more about her own feet. Plus some general knowledge about materials and shoes by someone who has worn high heels all her life and not only in milongas. Are your feet wide or narrow/ high or low? For narrow feet – peep toe sandals are better than the ones with open-toe. For wide feet vice versa. For low foot T-straps are the best as these stabilise the foot, for high feet one strap may fix the shoe well enough. An advice that there has to be 1 cm of space over big toe is not wrong. Shoe, especially very high-heeled, has to fit like a glove, if its even tiny bit too big, you risk with a ankle twist or more serious injury when dancing. Besides, width-wise leather (and suede) always stretches. However, patent stretches very little and fabric not at all. This has to be considered when trying to predict how your pair of shoes feels after two milongas. Even more so, if you want this pair to serve you well for a year or two. Although I agree about wearing low heels for lessons and practica, higher heel is better for the posture and 7- 7,5 cm should be fine for milongas if the lady is not too tall. To wear 9 cm (especially on the slippery floor), there is very little importance how comfortable is the shoe, as dancing with such high heels is affordable not only for advanced dancers, but also very experienced heel-wearers.

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]]> Comment on Dancers we love? Espinoza & Hurtado by Simon http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2012/01/dancers-we-love-espinoza-hurtado/comment-page-1/#comment-541 Simon Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:21:49 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=2212#comment-541 @RICHARD SLADE I know what you mean. Mamié is just looks perfect when she moves and i like the Carlitos can blow you away with the complexity of his steps without resorting to any of the gimmicks that some dancers use. Carlitos, however, always seems to have an abundance of partners (judging by youtube anyway) He is a Tango rock star i suppose. @RICHARD SLADE I know what you mean. Mamié is just looks perfect when she moves and i like the Carlitos can blow you away with the complexity of his steps without resorting to any of the gimmicks that some dancers use. Carlitos, however, always seems to have an abundance of partners (judging by youtube anyway) He is a Tango rock star i suppose.

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]]> Comment on Dancers we love? Espinoza & Hurtado by Richard Slade http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2012/01/dancers-we-love-espinoza-hurtado/comment-page-1/#comment-540 Richard Slade Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:10:57 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=2212#comment-540 I was pretty sad when Carlitos and Mamié split. They had been a couple that I had watched and admired for a long time, and always thought they had a special chemistry dancing together. But, I have to say I love this new partnership. I was pretty sad when Carlitos and Mamié split. They had been a couple that I had watched and admired for a long time, and always thought they had a special chemistry dancing together. But, I have to say I love this new partnership.

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]]> Comment on Plan B Milonga – London by Suzanne Roles http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/01/plan-b-milonga-london/comment-page-1/#comment-533 Suzanne Roles Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:51:21 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=931#comment-533 Hi, is Plan B open at the moment or not? Thanks. Hi, is Plan B open at the moment or not?
Thanks.

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]]> Comment on TangoBootCamp Weekly Classes in Brighton by Julie Bowden http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/01/tangobootcamp-weekly-classes-in-brighton/comment-page-1/#comment-515 Julie Bowden Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:00:16 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=2067#comment-515 Hi. Please note we will soon be announcing a new venue for Wed classes. Watch this space! Hi. Please note we will soon be announcing a new venue for Wed classes. Watch this space!

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]]> Comment on Eastenderos *NEW DATE* – Whitechapel by Tango-Fever http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/12/eastenderos-whitechapel/comment-page-1/#comment-422 Tango-Fever Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:22:57 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1942#comment-422 *** DATE CHANGE *** 04 Dec instead of 27 Nov **** DATE CHANGE *** Dear EastEnderos.. please note the date change of our next event which will now take place on Sun 04 Dec (and not 27 not as previously advertised). We've also added a full schedule of classes on the new date - we hope you can join us! https://www.facebook.com/events/174441275982331/ *** DATE CHANGE *** 04 Dec instead of 27 Nov **** DATE CHANGE ***
Dear EastEnderos.. please note the date change of our next event which will now take place on Sun 04 Dec (and not 27 not as previously advertised). We’ve also added a full schedule of classes on the new date – we hope you can join us!
https://www.facebook.com/events/174441275982331/

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]]> Comment on Free Milonga – London by Tanguito http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/08/free-milonga-london/comment-page-1/#comment-410 Tanguito Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:36:51 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1423#comment-410 Are you a tango beginner or recent beginner, and do you dream of joining a milonga but feel nervous to dance alongside advanced dancers and pros? Join Milonguita, a monthly milonga in London for Beginners and Improvers only! ====================================================== MILONGUITA, THE FRIENDLY LITTLE MILONGA FOR BEGINNERS [http://www.tanguito.co.uk/milonguita] NEXT MILONGUITA: DEC 3rd at 8:30PM AT THE LIGHT ====================================================== Join Milonguita, a monthly milonga for beginners & improvers - the ideal opportunity to break in your new dance shoes on a real dance floor! We've teamed up with the charming milonga 'Tango @ the Light' in Shoreditch. Milonguita will run in the annex hall. Of course, the main hall is accessible if you feel ready to 'jump in' or if you simply want to watch more advanced dancers for inspiration. Milonguita is open to all beginners and improvers, so bring your friends along - the more, the merrier! When & where: » Next Milonguita: December 3rd, 8:30pm » 8:30 - 9:30pm: Beginner class. Learn how to manage the dance floor. » 9:30pm - till you drop: Milonga. Happy dancing after the class. You can join the main hall at any time. » Location: Tango @ The Light Temple: Austin Street, E27NT, Shoreditch, London. Off Hackney Road, at the back of Shoreditch church (St Leonard), on the corner of Austin Street and Godfreys Place (private street). » To get there: Tube from Old Street station, about 8 min walk, from Liverpool Street station, 12 min walk, from Shoreditch High Street, 5 min walk. Free parking just in front of the Light Temple. Bus: 8, 26, 47, 48, 78, 135, 149, 242, 388. » Tickets: buy your tickets in advance at Tanguito, or at the door (£10) Contact us for more information: classes@tanguito.co.uk Un abrazo, Nathalie, Tanguito [http://www.tanguito .co.uk] T: 020 3560 0532 Are you a tango beginner or recent beginner, and do you dream of joining a milonga but feel nervous to dance alongside advanced dancers and pros?

Join Milonguita, a monthly milonga in London for Beginners and Improvers only!

======================================================
MILONGUITA, THE FRIENDLY LITTLE MILONGA FOR BEGINNERS
[http://www.tanguito.co.uk/milonguita]

NEXT MILONGUITA: DEC 3rd at 8:30PM AT THE LIGHT
======================================================

Join Milonguita, a monthly milonga for beginners & improvers – the ideal opportunity to break in your new dance shoes on a real dance floor!

We’ve teamed up with the charming milonga ‘Tango @ the Light’ in Shoreditch. Milonguita will run in the annex hall. Of course, the main hall is accessible if you feel ready to ‘jump in’ or if you simply want to watch more advanced dancers for inspiration.

Milonguita is open to all beginners and improvers, so bring your friends along – the more, the merrier!

When & where:

» Next Milonguita: December 3rd, 8:30pm

» 8:30 – 9:30pm: Beginner class. Learn how to manage the dance floor.
» 9:30pm – till you drop: Milonga. Happy dancing after the class. You can join the main hall at any time.

» Location: Tango @ The Light Temple: Austin Street, E27NT, Shoreditch, London. Off Hackney Road, at the back of Shoreditch church (St Leonard), on the corner of Austin Street and Godfreys Place (private street).

» To get there: Tube from Old Street station, about 8 min walk, from Liverpool Street station, 12 min walk, from Shoreditch High Street, 5 min walk. Free parking just in front of the Light Temple. Bus: 8, 26, 47, 48, 78, 135, 149, 242, 388.

» Tickets: buy your tickets in advance at Tanguito, or at the door (£10)

Contact us for more information: classes@tanguito.co.uk

Un abrazo,
Nathalie, Tanguito
[http://www.tanguito .co.uk]
T: 020 3560 0532

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]]> Comment on Cancer Charity Milonga – Bristol by colleen Hunt http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/10/cancer-charity-milonga-bristol/comment-page-1/#comment-347 colleen Hunt Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:23:17 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1801#comment-347 I will be attending many thanks for doing this for us xxx I will be attending many thanks for doing this for us xxx

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]]> Comment on Menuda Milonga – Dorset by Richard Slade http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/10/menuda-milonga-hampshire/comment-page-1/#comment-314 Richard Slade Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:02:36 +0000 http://blog.tangohub.co.uk/?p=557#comment-314 Note that Cranborne, whilst in Dorset, is around 20 minutes from Ringwood in Hampshire (the previous venue for Menuda Milonga). Note that Cranborne, whilst in Dorset, is around 20 minutes from Ringwood in Hampshire (the previous venue for Menuda Milonga).

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]]> Comment on La Revancha by Helen http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/la-revancha/comment-page-1/#comment-305 Helen Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:01:28 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1355#comment-305 Tremendous - I love your posting - a delight to read - and you sum up well why I keep going there. The warmth and joy in these people is remarkable - and I agree is seems related to difficulties endured, so they make the most of now. Yes I go for the tango - but sooo much more than that. Thanks for this. Am counting down the days - off in 3 weeks! Helen Tremendous – I love your posting – a delight to read – and you sum up well why I keep going there. The warmth and joy in these people is remarkable – and I agree is seems related to difficulties endured, so they make the most of now. Yes I go for the tango – but sooo much more than that. Thanks for this. Am counting down the days – off in 3 weeks! Helen

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]]> Comment on Some Thoughts on Getting Well-Heeled by Terpsichoral http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/09/getting-well-heeled/comment-page-1/#comment-304 Terpsichoral Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:11:25 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1493#comment-304 Great post, Lynn. I'd just like to add a couple of points. I would definitely avoid closed-toe styles. My own experience is that your feet will feel more relaxed in an open sandal. And, if you are getting more than one pair of shoes, get two different heel heights. If you are really going to dance a lot (I dance for many hours a day) you can spare your feet by not always wearing the highest of heels. You can often get the same style of shoes in different heel heights (you may have to ask, as it isn't always obvious), so you can have a slightly lower heel without compensating sexiness. And remember the most beautiful shoe is the one that makes you look like a beautiful dancer. Great post, Lynn. I’d just like to add a couple of points. I would definitely avoid closed-toe styles. My own experience is that your feet will feel more relaxed in an open sandal. And, if you are getting more than one pair of shoes, get two different heel heights. If you are really going to dance a lot (I dance for many hours a day) you can spare your feet by not always wearing the highest of heels. You can often get the same style of shoes in different heel heights (you may have to ask, as it isn’t always obvious), so you can have a slightly lower heel without compensating sexiness. And remember the most beautiful shoe is the one that makes you look like a beautiful dancer.

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]]> Comment on From Mari’s Mail Bag – More On The Cabeceo by Bill & Ann Froud http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/09/from-maris-mail-bag-more-on-the-cabeceo/comment-page-1/#comment-299 Bill & Ann Froud Wed, 21 Sep 2011 23:27:17 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1460#comment-299 I write from BsAs where I am right now. I don't care about the opinion of the "non Cabaceo" group as they will miss out on the best dancers here. They are usually the same people who grumble about vistors coming to our country and not observing our culture. As experienced and professional dancers we are both sort after to dance with. Neither of us ever accept dances from people who ask direct. However good they may think they are it is not only rude but also they clearly do not know the Codeco's either. So keep asking and keep missing out. It certain Milongas I visit in BsAs those who ask direct are knick-named "bottom feeders" so are not greatly admired. If in UK you have a culture of asking then let it be known when you anounce your Milonga and then we can avoid coming. I write from BsAs where I am right now. I don’t care about the opinion of the “non Cabaceo” group as they will miss out on the best dancers here. They are usually the same people who grumble about vistors coming to our country and not observing our culture. As experienced and professional dancers we are both sort after to dance with.

Neither of us ever accept dances from people who ask direct. However good they may think they are it is not only rude but also they clearly do not know the Codeco’s either. So keep asking and keep missing out.

It certain Milongas I visit in BsAs those who ask direct are knick-named “bottom feeders” so are not greatly admired. If in UK you have a culture of asking then let it be known when you anounce your Milonga and then we can avoid coming.

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]]> Comment on Mercure Milonga – Bristol by el rufian melancolico http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/11/mecure-milonga-bristol/comment-page-1/#comment-260 el rufian melancolico Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:53:00 +0000 http://blog.tangohub.co.uk/?p=580#comment-260 Parking: If you get there early you just can park at the Hotel main entrance, evening rates are available around Queens Square and, for a small stroll, there's parking off of Victoria Street (just over the bridge, towards Temple Meads).There also a discount on the NCP. See you on the dancefloor, Eduardo Parking: If you get there early you just can park at the Hotel main entrance, evening rates are available around Queens Square and, for a small stroll, there’s parking off of Victoria Street (just over the bridge, towards Temple Meads).There also a discount on the NCP.

See you on the dancefloor,
Eduardo

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]]> Comment on La Revancha by Paul Rogers http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/la-revancha/comment-page-1/#comment-250 Paul Rogers Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:34:59 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1355#comment-250 Beautifully written Chris, I can feel your emotion. Just great. Paul Beautifully written Chris, I can feel your emotion. Just great. Paul

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]]> Comment on Alchemy Milonga – Bristol by admin http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/09/alchemy-milonga-bristol/comment-page-1/#comment-249 admin Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:55:13 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=806#comment-249 @Shane Thanks for the heads up sir.. that link should now be correct. @Shane Thanks for the heads up sir.. that link should now be correct.

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]]> Comment on Alchemy Milonga – Bristol by shane manning http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2010/09/alchemy-milonga-bristol/comment-page-1/#comment-247 shane manning Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:59:31 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=806#comment-247 click the address link for alchemy milonga ,(The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW) and you get the wrong address, might cause a bit of confusion click the address link for alchemy milonga ,(The Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW)
and you get the wrong address, might cause a bit of confusion

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]]> Comment on Bohemian Beginners by terpsichoral http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/06/bohemian-beginners/comment-page-1/#comment-246 terpsichoral Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:52:24 +0000 http://blog.eyetoi.co.uk/?p=502#comment-246 Tangairo: actually my remark about it taking two to create a good tango experience was more addressed to Boris (who is almost certainly not reading this, but whose comments stick in my mind from the original post). Thanks very much indeed for the compliment on my blog! Tangairo: actually my remark about it taking two to create a good tango experience was more addressed to Boris (who is almost certainly not reading this, but whose comments stick in my mind from the original post).

Thanks very much indeed for the compliment on my blog!

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]]> Comment on Bohemian Beginners by TangoAirO http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/06/bohemian-beginners/comment-page-1/#comment-244 TangoAirO Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:28:29 +0000 http://blog.eyetoi.co.uk/?p=502#comment-244 Oh nooo! Just to put the record straight and as I forgot to mention this in the first place, I wouldn't dream of dancing with highly advance Tangoeras i.e. teachers, sophisticated dancers who've been dancing 4ever and don't need to dance with me because they can get dances all night long, and I probably shouldn't mention the ones with a superiority complex (you know who you are!). Basically, even though I still class myself as a beginner, I too can tell in a fraction of a second who not to invite onto the dance floor! As I am writing this I remembered the fact (or is it?) that there appears to be a lack of male Tango dancers, especially at the beginner lever. Hmmm, I wonder what the actual starts are and how many prospective male beginners throw in the towel early on, simply because they need not put up with a lot of the attitude that goes around. Another thought just crossed my mind, I wonder what I will be like in a few years time and if I will look back at my remarks with a cheeky : ) Boris: If you're still listening, which I strongly doubt, I think in the end you have as much choice to decide to dance with someone as they have, so its even-stevens and that is as fair as it gets in my book. So, to sum it up, I guess it just comes down to the chemistry, and I do hope you get what I mean ; ) Terpsichoral: no pun intended and by the way, I really love your ‘Tango Addiction’ blog!!! Oh nooo! Just to put the record straight and as I forgot to mention this in the first place, I wouldn’t dream of dancing with highly advance Tangoeras i.e. teachers, sophisticated dancers who’ve been dancing 4ever and don’t need to dance with me because they can get dances all night long, and I probably shouldn’t mention the ones with a superiority complex (you know who you are!). Basically, even though I still class myself as a beginner, I too can tell in a fraction of a second who not to invite onto the dance floor!

As I am writing this I remembered the fact (or is it?) that there appears to be a lack of male Tango dancers, especially at the beginner lever. Hmmm, I wonder what the actual starts are and how many prospective male beginners throw in the towel early on, simply because they need not put up with a lot of the attitude that goes around.

Another thought just crossed my mind, I wonder what I will be like in a few years time and if I will look back at my remarks with a cheeky : )

Boris: If you’re still listening, which I strongly doubt, I think in the end you have as much choice to decide to dance with someone as they have, so its even-stevens and that is as fair as it gets in my book. So, to sum it up, I guess it just comes down to the chemistry, and I do hope you get what I mean ; )

Terpsichoral: no pun intended and by the way, I really love your ‘Tango Addiction’ blog!!!

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]]> Comment on Bohemian Beginners by Terpsichoral http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/06/bohemian-beginners/comment-page-1/#comment-243 Terpsichoral Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:46:22 +0000 http://blog.eyetoi.co.uk/?p=502#comment-243 For me, I must confess that if a leader is musical and has very good technique (and is not absolutely, extremely Hagrid-sized, as I am petite), there is a 99.9% chance I will love dancing with him. It doesn't matter what style he dances, whether I have danced with him before, or what orchestra is playing. No special 'chemistry' is necessary. If I am at a Buenos Aires milonga where the standard is very high, I might have beautiful, wonderful dances with twenty different men in one evening (of course, in London it is more likely to be only two or three, at most). Likewise, if a leader's technique is poor or he is not listening to the music, no amount of 'chemistry' will help me enjoy dancing with him. And, as I have an experienced eye, I can usually tell at first sight if a certain person will be a good dance partner. It usually takes only a second or two (literally) of watching. Of course, it always take two people to create a good tango experience. If you are a beginner dancer and get to dance with someone very much more advanced than you are, you may find that you do not have a particularly blissful experience in their arms, despite your high expectations. That's because, to create a blissful experience, it takes two. You need to be a good dancer yourself, too. Of course, if there is dance-floor chemistry, those are the very special experiences: sheer bliss! For me, I must confess that if a leader is musical and has very good technique (and is not absolutely, extremely Hagrid-sized, as I am petite), there is a 99.9% chance I will love dancing with him. It doesn’t matter what style he dances, whether I have danced with him before, or what orchestra is playing. No special ‘chemistry’ is necessary. If I am at a Buenos Aires milonga where the standard is very high, I might have beautiful, wonderful dances with twenty different men in one evening (of course, in London it is more likely to be only two or three, at most).

Likewise, if a leader’s technique is poor or he is not listening to the music, no amount of ‘chemistry’ will help me enjoy dancing with him.

And, as I have an experienced eye, I can usually tell at first sight if a certain person will be a good dance partner. It usually takes only a second or two (literally) of watching.

Of course, it always take two people to create a good tango experience. If you are a beginner dancer and get to dance with someone very much more advanced than you are, you may find that you do not have a particularly blissful experience in their arms, despite your high expectations. That’s because, to create a blissful experience, it takes two. You need to be a good dancer yourself, too.

Of course, if there is dance-floor chemistry, those are the very special experiences: sheer bliss!

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]]> Comment on Bohemian Beginners by TangoAirO http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/06/bohemian-beginners/comment-page-1/#comment-240 TangoAirO Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:13:55 +0000 http://blog.eyetoi.co.uk/?p=502#comment-240 Not entirely sure if it's worth adding anything more here that hasn't been said already, but perhaps I can share some of my own insight ... Let me start by saying that I still consider myself a beginner even though I feel that I have aged considerably in Tango terms during a short space of time, due to all the lessons, workshops, Practicas, Milongas, festivals etc I have attended since arriving on the Tango scene without any previous dancing experience. At first I found it quite difficult getting into the Milonga scene, even though I didn't actually go to any Milongas for the first few months of lessons and workshops, and had my fair share of rejections and bad experiences along the way. My worst experience to date probably being 6 straight single dances in a row at one London Milonga after participating in the lesson before, which I actually though I had nailed. Due to doing so well in the lesson I was on a bit of a Tango high and that’s why I probably ignored the fact that the ladies didn't want to dance with me. Hmmm, in retrospect I should have got the message right there and then! Anyway, going back to what I was saying, I had my fair share of bad experiences, some of which nearly made me throw in the towel on a few occasions and quit Tango for good, but I didn't and now I am so glad I went on now. Simply put, Tango is so beautiful and magical that it’s worth all the painful endurances one will undoubtedly experience starting off on their Tango path. However, if one gets past the first few hurdles and perseveres, it will undoubtedly hold rewards for each and every Tango novice. Boris, I too started with your viewpoint and took it quite personal when I first kept on getting rejections, some of which appeared in such bad taste that I still remember them to this date. I was also astonished that a lot of the ladies didn’t seem to have patience with me at first, but looking back now I realise too well why this was the case. Both ‘Terpsichoral’ and ‘Melina Sedo’ explain this quite well in my opinion and I completely agree with their views. After all, Tango is a dance between two people and for the dance to be beautiful and magical it requires a certain amount of chemistry between the dancers. So, no matter at what Tango level a prospective dance partner may be, if the chemistry isn’t right it simply won’t work well. I believe this is what people are looking for at the Milongas, someone you can comfortably dance with so that both can enjoy the Tango at the end of the day. It’s not always obvious at first sight if a certain person is going to be a good dance partner and hence a certain amount of trial and error is required which can lead to some rejections and dances being cut short. In any case, if this happens I say take it on the chin and simply go on holding your head high, you never know who you will run into next and it may well be a more suitable dance partner. Sometimes, I go to a Milonga and have some OK dances which are so and so, but then once in a while I run into someone whose dance seems like the extension of my own, the hall may be packed, but the people may as well not be there, for all of a sudden everything becomes clear and we are dancing together as one on a different plane to all those around us, engulfed only by the music of the maestros from the past ... I now realise what it means to be dancing Tango! Not entirely sure if it’s worth adding anything more here that hasn’t been said already, but perhaps I can share some of my own insight …

Let me start by saying that I still consider myself a beginner even though I feel that I have aged considerably in Tango terms during a short space of time, due to all the lessons, workshops, Practicas, Milongas, festivals etc I have attended since arriving on the Tango scene without any previous dancing experience.

At first I found it quite difficult getting into the Milonga scene, even though I didn’t actually go to any Milongas for the first few months of lessons and workshops, and had my fair share of rejections and bad experiences along the way. My worst experience to date probably being 6 straight single dances in a row at one London Milonga after participating in the lesson before, which I actually though I had nailed. Due to doing so well in the lesson I was on a bit of a Tango high and that’s why I probably ignored the fact that the ladies didn’t want to dance with me. Hmmm, in retrospect I should have got the message right there and then!

Anyway, going back to what I was saying, I had my fair share of bad experiences, some of which nearly made me throw in the towel on a few occasions and quit Tango for good, but I didn’t and now I am so glad I went on now. Simply put, Tango is so beautiful and magical that it’s worth all the painful endurances one will undoubtedly experience starting off on their Tango path. However, if one gets past the first few hurdles and perseveres, it will undoubtedly hold rewards for each and every Tango novice.

Boris, I too started with your viewpoint and took it quite personal when I first kept on getting rejections, some of which appeared in such bad taste that I still remember them to this date. I was also astonished that a lot of the ladies didn’t seem to have patience with me at first, but looking back now I realise too well why this was the case. Both ‘Terpsichoral’ and ‘Melina Sedo’ explain this quite well in my opinion and I completely agree with their views. After all, Tango is a dance between two people and for the dance to be beautiful and magical it requires a certain amount of chemistry between the dancers. So, no matter at what Tango level a prospective dance partner may be, if the chemistry isn’t right it simply won’t work well. I believe this is what people are looking for at the Milongas, someone you can comfortably dance with so that both can enjoy the Tango at the end of the day. It’s not always obvious at first sight if a certain person is going to be a good dance partner and hence a certain amount of trial and error is required which can lead to some rejections and dances being cut short. In any case, if this happens I say take it on the chin and simply go on holding your head high, you never know who you will run into next and it may well be a more suitable dance partner.

Sometimes, I go to a Milonga and have some OK dances which are so and so, but then once in a while I run into someone whose dance seems like the extension of my own, the hall may be packed, but the people may as well not be there, for all of a sudden everything becomes clear and we are dancing together as one on a different plane to all those around us, engulfed only by the music of the maestros from the past … I now realise what it means to be dancing Tango!

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]]> Comment on Challenges by tangogales http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/07/challenges/comment-page-1/#comment-221 tangogales Sun, 07 Aug 2011 13:50:41 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=966#comment-221 You are of course right, when I refer to Cancion it is a type of track seldom heard at milongas. Most tangos have some singing in them. This is quite different to cancion, which is all about the song. The problem in our country is that many do not know the difference and are puzzled when people sit down. Again somthing little understood over here is that you can love the tango, love the song and love the tune, but realise that some music was just not written to dance to. I would say that about half of what I own, that I would call dancable tango has a lyric but I also possess quite a lot of tango cancion. I would not dream of playing cancion other than as a break or cortinaduring one of my dances, that does not mean I do not enjoy listening to it. You are of course right, when I refer to Cancion it is a type of track seldom heard at milongas. Most tangos have some singing in them. This is quite different to cancion, which is all about the song.
The problem in our country is that many do not know the difference and are puzzled when people sit down. Again somthing little understood over here is that you can love the tango, love the song and love the tune, but realise that some music was just not written to dance to. I would say that about half of what I own, that I would call dancable tango has a lyric but I also possess quite a lot of tango cancion. I would not dream of playing cancion other than as a break or cortinaduring one of my dances, that does not mean I do not enjoy listening to it.

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]]> Comment on Same-sex tango for straight people* by Terpsichoral http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/same-sex-tango-for-straight-people/comment-page-1/#comment-208 Terpsichoral Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:44:40 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1237#comment-208 Wow, what a brave and honest comment. Can I just clarify for readers that it wasn't *my* post on Facebook that suggested you could tell how people were in bed from their dancing? It was a link to a joky post by someone else. Having said that, tango needn't be sexual. Think of brother & sister pair Ariadna & Federico Naveira or father & daughter pair Juan Carlos and Johanna Copes. And actually I have seen male-male couples who to the best of my knowledge were both heterosexual (I definitely don't have infallible gaydar) dancing quite seriously and beautifully together. It's unusual, but possible. Of course, in Argentina men are more physically demonstrative towards each other, though, of course, some of those men who are happy to cuddle, kiss each other on the cheek and ruffle hair are very homophobic and/or object to the idea of two men dancing with each other. So it's not about that. I dance -- and very much enjoy dancing with -- lots of guys I don't find in the least sexually attractive. And some of them definitely find me sexually attractive and make that very plain. But that doesn't worry me when I'm dancing. Nor does it in the case of a woman. There is sensuality involved, but the sensuality is not wholly and directly related to the personal attractiveness of your dance partner. It's dance, not sex, at the end of the day. Though it is tango so we have to ask: is there ever really *no* sexual ambiguity going on? Wow, what a brave and honest comment.

Can I just clarify for readers that it wasn’t *my* post on Facebook that suggested you could tell how people were in bed from their dancing? It was a link to a joky post by someone else.

Having said that, tango needn’t be sexual. Think of brother & sister pair Ariadna & Federico Naveira or father & daughter pair Juan Carlos and Johanna Copes. And actually I have seen male-male couples who to the best of my knowledge were both heterosexual (I definitely don’t have infallible gaydar) dancing quite seriously and beautifully together. It’s unusual, but possible. Of course, in Argentina men are more physically demonstrative towards each other, though, of course, some of those men who are happy to cuddle, kiss each other on the cheek and ruffle hair are very homophobic and/or object to the idea of two men dancing with each other. So it’s not about that.

I dance — and very much enjoy dancing with — lots of guys I don’t find in the least sexually attractive. And some of them definitely find me sexually attractive and make that very plain. But that doesn’t worry me when I’m dancing. Nor does it in the case of a woman. There is sensuality involved, but the sensuality is not wholly and directly related to the personal attractiveness of your dance partner. It’s dance, not sex, at the end of the day. Though it is tango so we have to ask: is there ever really *no* sexual ambiguity going on?

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]]> Comment on Same-sex tango for straight people* by simon http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/same-sex-tango-for-straight-people/comment-page-1/#comment-207 simon Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:33:52 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1237#comment-207 I think, though somewhat uncomfortable to talk about, there are elements of your recent post on facebook at play here... the one that suggests you can tell how good a partner is in bed by the way they dance... When you dance with a partner there is a very personal interconnection which is quite difficult to turn off. If I'm leading a man and I like it, what does that mean? if i'm being led and i like it... what does THAT mean? If I drop the soap in the communal shower of broadmoor prison and someone tries to gancho me... well i guess that means that i am about experience some of the "nuevo" moves that i have seen being carried out in the middle of the dance floor of some local milongas. Anyway... same sex partners always seem to be better when there is no sexual ambiguity going on. I think women are generally better at it. gay men are good too but two heterosexual men? i have never seen it pulled off seriously, it always has to be made fun of. Freud would love this! I think, though somewhat uncomfortable to talk about, there are elements of your recent post on facebook at play here… the one that suggests you can tell how good a partner is in bed by the way they dance… When you dance with a partner there is a very personal interconnection which is quite difficult to turn off. If I’m leading a man and I like it, what does that mean? if i’m being led and i like it… what does THAT mean? If I drop the soap in the communal shower of broadmoor prison and someone tries to gancho me… well i guess that means that i am about experience some of the “nuevo” moves that i have seen being carried out in the middle of the dance floor of some local milongas. Anyway… same sex partners always seem to be better when there is no sexual ambiguity going on. I think women are generally better at it. gay men are good too but two heterosexual men? i have never seen it pulled off seriously, it always has to be made fun of. Freud would love this!

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]]> Comment on Why is this so difficult? by Paulo http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/why-is-this-so-difficult/comment-page-1/#comment-204 Paulo Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:13:43 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1227#comment-204 @DAMIAN - that Survey seems to be slightly skewed - It seems that whoever wrote it thinks that the only reason a man would not ask a dance of a woman that has repeatedly declined him in the past is because he wants to exact some sort or weird revenge. It also suggests that a man would ask a beginner lady to dance because he might want to help her improve or help the tango cause. Yet a woman (yes i took both surveys) would only accept a dance from a beginner man through "charity" I get the distinct impression that the writer of the questions had some sort agenda when they... no when SHE, set up the survey! @DAMIAN – that Survey seems to be slightly skewed – It seems that whoever wrote it thinks that the only reason a man would not ask a dance of a woman that has repeatedly declined him in the past is because he wants to exact some sort or weird revenge.

It also suggests that a man would ask a beginner lady to dance because he might want to help her improve or help the tango cause. Yet a woman (yes i took both surveys) would only accept a dance from a beginner man through “charity”

I get the distinct impression that the writer of the questions had some sort agenda when they… no when SHE, set up the survey!

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]]> Comment on Why is this so difficult? by Paulo http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/why-is-this-so-difficult/comment-page-1/#comment-202 Paulo Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:50:23 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1227#comment-202 I would say that it is not so much a hard thing to learn but more of a hard thing to do. I have to admit that I am an occasional overtaker. I do find it very hard and quite stressful to stall my dancing when I feel like i should be moving faster to keep up with the pace of the music. Yes I know that i shouldn't but I am a relative beginner and find it is quite hard to slow right down, usually for a couple that are doing lots of decorations and taking their time, especially with my limited knowledge of the dance (I end up rocking on the spot in time to the music and i feel like my partner is wondering what is wrong with me) I would say that it is not so much a hard thing to learn but more of a hard thing to do. I have to admit that I am an occasional overtaker. I do find it very hard and quite stressful to stall my dancing when I feel like i should be moving faster to keep up with the pace of the music.

Yes I know that i shouldn’t but I am a relative beginner and find it is quite hard to slow right down, usually for a couple that are doing lots of decorations and taking their time, especially with my limited knowledge of the dance (I end up rocking on the spot in time to the music and i feel like my partner is wondering what is wrong with me)

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]]> Comment on Why is this so difficult? by Damian http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/08/why-is-this-so-difficult/comment-page-1/#comment-201 Damian Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:25:43 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=1227#comment-201 Such a hard thing for many many to learn, and they have to learn it. It's not a very natural thing for us... Another survey, also very interesting - http://tangoreviews.com/2011/07/30/shall-we-dance-the-survey-for-leaders-and-followers/ Such a hard thing for many many to learn, and they have to learn it. It’s not a very natural thing for us…

Another survey, also very interesting – http://tangoreviews.com/2011/07/30/shall-we-dance-the-survey-for-leaders-and-followers/

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]]> Comment on Challenges by Terpsichoral Tangoaddict http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/07/challenges/comment-page-1/#comment-171 Terpsichoral Tangoaddict Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:11:39 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=966#comment-171 Bob, in your comment, though not in the entry itself, you talk about "Cancion". I'm not sure if you mean what I understand by this -- which is a specific type of track, very seldom heard at milongas -- or whether you are (as I think some readers will assume) referring to sung tangos in general. I hear fairly often here in London that it is impossible and even wrong to dance to sung tango and even that 'in Buenos Aires they wouldn't dream of doing so'. Since I've been living in Buenos Aires for the past five years and dancing a minimum of four times a week there, I beg to differ. If anything, I would estimate that the majority of tangos played at BA milongas are sung tangos. I'm sure there *must be* people who prefer not to dance to sung tangos, but I have never heard this opinion expressed (and I've certainly heard all kinds of strong and sometimes odd opinions). On the contrary, many people are adamant that it's very important to dance to the singer, and I also often hear that you should dance 'to the lyrics'. Personally, I love dancing to sung tango and I love listening to the lyrics as I'm dancing (tango is very well enunciated, so the lyrics are easy to hear and understand, once your Spanish is fluent and -- for the earlier tangos -- you have studied lunfardo). There are a number of tangos that I love even more for the lyrics than for the tune (Ventarron; Te Aconsejo que me Olvides and Ahora no me Conoces spring to mind instantly). Bob, in your comment, though not in the entry itself, you talk about “Cancion”. I’m not sure if you mean what I understand by this — which is a specific type of track, very seldom heard at milongas — or whether you are (as I think some readers will assume) referring to sung tangos in general. I hear fairly often here in London that it is impossible and even wrong to dance to sung tango and even that ‘in Buenos Aires they wouldn’t dream of doing so’. Since I’ve been living in Buenos Aires for the past five years and dancing a minimum of four times a week there, I beg to differ. If anything, I would estimate that the majority of tangos played at BA milongas are sung tangos. I’m sure there *must be* people who prefer not to dance to sung tangos, but I have never heard this opinion expressed (and I’ve certainly heard all kinds of strong and sometimes odd opinions). On the contrary, many people are adamant that it’s very important to dance to the singer, and I also often hear that you should dance ‘to the lyrics’. Personally, I love dancing to sung tango and I love listening to the lyrics as I’m dancing (tango is very well enunciated, so the lyrics are easy to hear and understand, once your Spanish is fluent and — for the earlier tangos — you have studied lunfardo). There are a number of tangos that I love even more for the lyrics than for the tune (Ventarron; Te Aconsejo que me Olvides and Ahora no me Conoces spring to mind instantly).

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]]> Comment on Challenges by Paulo http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/07/challenges/comment-page-1/#comment-152 Paulo Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:03:22 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=966#comment-152 I agree 100% with this story. I believe that the dance was created to accompany the music and because of that it is impossible to find modern music that fits well with the dance. Until a modern band starts to write music specifically intended to dancing to I think tango will continue to have an element of antiquity attached to it. It is great antiquity though, passionate, powerful and all those other cliches. This is a better situation than tango being a modern dance that just isn't keeping up with the other modern alternatives. I agree 100% with this story. I believe that the dance was created to accompany the music and because of that it is impossible to find modern music that fits well with the dance.

Until a modern band starts to write music specifically intended to dancing to I think tango will continue to have an element of antiquity attached to it. It is great antiquity though, passionate, powerful and all those other cliches. This is a better situation than tango being a modern dance that just isn’t keeping up with the other modern alternatives.

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]]> Comment on Challenges by Phil pettitt http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/07/challenges/comment-page-1/#comment-151 Phil pettitt Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:29:44 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=966#comment-151 Oh dear, tango advocated as a museum item yet again. It is good to dance to the familiar tunes. I also like to dance to other tunes, if fitted to the style of dance called tango especially if I have some familiarity with it and can thus dance to it more fittingly. I do agree though that some DJs seem to have no sense of what is a good dance tune and play tunes intended for listenming pleasure, not dancing pleasure. Oh dear, tango advocated as a museum item yet again.

It is good to dance to the familiar tunes. I also like to dance to other tunes, if fitted to the style of dance called tango especially if I have some familiarity with it and can thus dance to it more fittingly.

I do agree though that some DJs seem to have no sense of what is a good dance tune and play tunes intended for listenming pleasure, not dancing pleasure.

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]]> Comment on Codigo Fallout by Pj Schott http://www.tangohub.co.uk/2011/07/codigo-fallout/comment-page-1/#comment-141 Pj Schott Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:00:23 +0000 http://www.tangohub.co.uk/?p=850#comment-141 Thought that all sounded familiar. A wonderful story. Thought that all sounded familiar. A wonderful story.

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