Comments on: Teaching methodology http://tango.yyquest.net/2006/05/14/teaching-methodology/ Let the embrace do the talking Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:21:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: ah hao http://tango.yyquest.net/2006/05/14/teaching-methodology/comment-page-1/#comment-1204 ah hao Wed, 21 Jun 2006 10:14:57 +0000 http://tango.yyquest.net/2006/05/14/teaching-methodology/#comment-1204 You brought out an interesting and very important point - the walk. To me, it's the single most important element in the dance other than connection with the partner and music. Argentine tango is not just about all the fancy patterns and flying kicks that we see so many aspire to. To me, the magic of the dance is in the 'hidden' energy (for lack of a better word) of the walk and pauses. (have a look at how Gavito dances) I am also reminded of a particular clip of Javier's dancing which show me how when he dances, it is like taking a relaxed stroll in the park.. very smooth, very controlled and yet relaxed. Nothing fancy.. mostly just simple walking and pauses. I remember attending Javier's class where he started off the class by asking everyone to just walk normally, like what we do when not dancing. Heel toe, heel toe. Song after song... My experience of the 'tango-walk' is that the naturalness and accent comes from at least 2 of the following - 1. The 'pushing off' from the leg you are standing on. 2. The relaxed yet controlled hip and knee of the landing leg that receives the energy from the push. Bearing these 2 points in mind, one really has to keep walking and walking and walking. In the process, one will achieve the fluidity, smoothness and relaxed look ---i.e. once the body starts to gain control over more and more parts of the body muscles involved in the walking. Good luck :) You brought out an interesting and very important point – the walk. To me, it’s the single most important element in the dance other than connection with the partner and music. Argentine tango is not just about all the fancy patterns and flying kicks that we see so many aspire to. To me, the magic of the dance is in the ‘hidden’ energy (for lack of a better word) of the walk and pauses. (have a look at how Gavito dances)

I am also reminded of a particular clip of Javier’s dancing which show me how when he dances, it is like taking a relaxed stroll in the park.. very smooth, very controlled and yet relaxed. Nothing fancy.. mostly just simple walking and pauses.

I remember attending Javier’s class where he started off the class by asking everyone to just walk normally, like what we do when not dancing. Heel toe, heel toe. Song after song…

My experience of the ‘tango-walk’ is that the naturalness and accent comes from at least 2 of the following -
1. The ‘pushing off’ from the leg you are standing on.
2. The relaxed yet controlled hip and knee of the landing leg that receives the energy from the push.

Bearing these 2 points in mind, one really has to keep walking and walking and walking. In the process, one will achieve the fluidity, smoothness and relaxed look —i.e. once the body starts to gain control over more and more parts of the body muscles involved in the walking.

Good luck :)

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