Random phrases
Something that came up in a conversation a few days ago.
During the dance, don’t allow yourself to become “mentally out of breath”.
Not exactly dance-related or specific to Tango, but I will let you chew on that…
When you stumble… make it part of the dance.
Popularity: 2%
Making errors
Tango, having its root as a social dance, is not a “hard” science. What I mean is that there is usually more than one way to skin a cat, so to speak. What I have come to realise is that aside from a few “highly recommended” principles that one should observe – regardless of what style you subscribe to – very few things are cast in stone. In fact, many aspects of how to dance are still subject to modifications due to one’s physique (height, width, etc.), personality and perhaps even cultural upbringing.
For the purely technical angle of looking at learning/improving, I believe it is through making errors, or even, from time to time, choosing a path that may ultimately turn out to be sub-optimal, that we really get to appreciate the benefits of the “recommended” way. Implications during practica time? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes but to stare them in the face instead, just so that you can truly appreciate benefits of correct technique, not just because a teacher has said so. In the spirit of exploration and hopefully enjoyment, I believe there will be enlightenment at the end of the road. 
Popularity: 3%
Some favourites
Some “favourite” words after my BsAs experience:
Basta! (Enough already)
Incidentally this is apparently a favourite word with one of our teachers as she likes to say quite often during the private class… 
Favourite phrases:
Para llevar
Very useful indeed for ordering take-away foods.
más o menos
For all-round non-committal replies.
Popularity: 1%
Trip planning
Not long ago, some bloggers commented on how it was not really worthwhile to be taking short trips to Buenos Aires since it was not possible to get a good taste of the . Well, in a way, I do agree but – shrug – what can you do short of taking a premature retirement?? 
Well, now that it’s my turn to plan for my upcoming trip to BA in a few days’ time, here is a smattering of ideas that I have gathered:
- Attending milongas with good Golden Age music.
Did plenty of that! See also my post on Likes and Dislikes. - Taking group classes.
Took classes from some excellent teachers at Escuela de Argentina Tango, concentrating more on milonga. - Taking private classes with 1-2 miliongero-style teachers.
Took a few privates but only one from a recognised milonguero. - Shoe shopping – yes, men need shoes too even though I can personally attest that my trusty suede shoes from PH have lasted 6 years and going strong. In particular I will be looking for a good pair of dance sneakers and suede shoes with rubber heels.
Found 3 pairs (2 pairs from Fabio Shoes because they are light and I like the thinner soles) of nice dance sneakers which are the less track-shoe-looking types. Also found a nice pair from Alpie 2×4. - CD shopping.
Like you wouldn’t believe… - Tango show – well, perhaps at least the one Sally has highly recommended.
The ticket price was quite affordable, especially given the current exchange rates. However, could not find time… - Try out some nuevo practicas.
Attended Practica X once. - Catch up with friends, other bloggers, people we (hopefully) meet at milongas…
Well, once or twice but only at the milongas. - Visiting markets – those with and without fleas in the name.
Went to the San Telmo market and La Boca. - Sample some fine cafes, restaurants.
Cafe Tortorni but no other well-known brands… - Visit art Museums.
Unfortunately, no time. - 3-4 day trip out of Buenos Aires? Iguazu Falls?
See above.
Anything else I can try to do in 3.5 weeks?
** Updated on 15 May. Now that I have come back from the trip, a quick recap in italics.
Popularity: 2%