Styles again

While catching up on some blog feeds after a week and a half of internet-free life, I happened across TP’s post on styles in tango (more links in his comments to the post too). This reminded me of a question that I was asked a few times by followers during the Sydney Tango Salon festival: “What style do you dance?”

Now, while I have been greatly influenced in recent years by a number of teachers typically labelled as “salon”, I have also learnt a lot from other teachers of the “milonguero” style, in addition to the things that I have worked out myself. However if I was asked what style I dance now, my answer would be simply “social tango” (which incidentally is the original meaning of “tango de salon” which does not denote any particular style). Sure, I may adjust my arm position or hold slightly depending on someone’s height, build, my familiarity with the partner, the floor conditions, etc., etc., but fundamentally I will not change much in how I embrace, listen to the music, and respect the line of dance, etc.

Unless I am missing something here, does style really matter anyway? If we can find a good connection with another person, dance; if not, smile and look for another partner!