I know you’ve heard this one, but I’m here to talk about something else. It does take two. But you have to stand up on your own. You have to be individual in the dance. Often, without even realizing it, we use our partner (especially if they are more able than our humble selves) as an incidental prop. Ooops, just help me stand up while I do this gancho.
And with your new electric oven, you can bake an apple pie while you practice!
Right, ladies. Into the kitchen. (Not being sexist – I’ve just never seen carpet in this part of the house). Giros left and right – by yourself. Ochos – without leaning on the bench! Find that elusive “centre”.
You’ll identify your weaknesses and learn how to self-correct some of them. You’ll hear explanations on technique in a different light and learn how to ask the right questions.
One magic day – it will just click. And your experience of the dance will change forever.
Tags: balance, exercises, giros, individual, ochos, tango, technique
I dont suppose we could convince you to teach some Ladies technique classes? Christian & Kuba could have some Guys only time….
Carolyn, first of all I will take that as a compliment! What a lovely suggestion. And secondly, I’m not sure I can do a regular class every week, but I will definitely design an intensive workshop. Just give me a little planning and research time. It will be great. Promise.
After nearly a year of Tango immersion, I now realise how little I know, in spite of my progress on some levels, and those ’Aha’ moments. My technique feels right only sometimes, because there is so much to be in control of, whilst knowing I must let go of control and just dance.
So it was the most pleasant surprise for me, to go again to a first timer’s class with some ‘Pearly’ friends, from my work world. Because of the slower pace, and the steps I didn’t need to get my head around, I was able to just drill my mantra: show intention, then transfer weight. That’s all I worked on, the whole class. I soon found my balance improving, in spite of beginners leading me (or not), and the space to just be in that all important centre, before moving to the next step. I have watched all of that happening in demonstrations, but not really focused on that aspect, or experienced it enough. Both teachers explained points in ways I had maybe not been ready to hear before.
How serendipitous for me, and I hope encouraging, for my brand new baby partners, to lead someone who could (finally) stand up on her own!
I highly recommend going back to beginners every once in a while, for an enlightening experience.
Oh, Carolyn! You are such a gem. I’m thrilled for you that you managed to have that experience. It takes a lot of self-control of our emotions to allow the magic to work itself upon us.
For me too, it was all about going back to basics and the power of your words makes me think you are really onto something here…Prepare for a little breakthrough!
Hey there! Anyone tried these exercises? How did you go? I put temporary full length mirrors in my kitchen (bought at the $2 shop) to check my posture/axis/footwork etc. Just another tip…
Funny, I have mirrors, and a shop! (not a $2 shop, add a zero or two.) My floor here is lino, and there’s Tango playing all day, so in a few quiet moments, thats exactly what I do! I would be so embarrassed if somebody came in, mid ocho. Luckily, most of the neighbours know of my obsession, and newcomers are quickly handed a class timetable.
Even now and then as I walk through my kitchen I will practice my tango steps, especially the weight transfer and finding the balance. No mirrors though!
I have more to add here, since I started first timer’s class, all over again, AGAIN, as a Boy! My Drag name is Carlos, and my most sincere aplogies to my initial parners, while I learned the Basico yet again, but forwards, in heels. Having tried it now, I am in total awe of Ania, who switches effortlessly between lead and follow, after a quick run through with Christan.
Always up for a challenge, and because there are always more girls than boys, (welcome to the real world) and NOT because I’m ready, NOT because I feel like I have mastered following (dont all cheer at once, it will be deafening)… I thought I would at least be useful, while absorbing more Tango wisdom, waiting for the 8pm class.
Oh Boy! It does my head in! Slowly, I am remembering that the lead designs, anticipates, prepares and creates the follow so it happens with the music.
I am learning that the top half is one unbreakable unit, that power does not come from arm or back strength, otherwise it is very tiring. (Stop grinning Frank, you are blinding me from there!)
Leading teaches so much about following!
Hello, my name is Carlos, and I am an Aha! moment addict.