The pioneers
A recent dinner conversation gradually led to a discussion about community-wide learning curves in tango.
One of the observations made was that, during the informative years, some communities were simply more fortunate in having good instructors early on. Playing devil’s advocate, I then suggested that perhaps it was not such a bad idea for a community to have gone through the full spectrum of experiencing the “mediocre” as well as the good/excellent instructors!? My rationale was that for the people who managed to discover the appropriate ways of dancing, given their experiences, hopefully they can better relate to the problems that newbies typically face. Naturally this is especially useful if the same experienced dancers end up being local teachers.
Happy 2010!
With the end of the so-called noughties, what will 2010 bring to the tango scene in Singapore?
For a start, it seems that the trend which began since late 2008 is set to continue. Now that there are more venues offering Argentine tango (classes, practicas and milongas) – although, curiously, the number of instructors has not increased compared to the same time last year – it’s actually possible to tango close to every night of the week (see schedule here). Again, a natural question to ask is whether this is a sustainable situation?
I am of the belief that availability of choices will provide further catalyst for next stage of growth in our tango community, as mentioned in a previous post written close to two and a half years ago. If the expected expansion in the tango community has not taken place after 10 years, then it’s time for more people to get involved in promoting and popularising the dance. Clearly only by reaching out to more people will it be possible to “awaken” their hidden tango obsession. And with more participants will it make sense to talk about an ecosystem of milongas, classes, workshops, accessories, etc. It goes without saying that everyone in the loop needs to get their act together in order to establish a “brand presence”.
Finnish tango
Not really in the frame of mind to put down any deep thoughts these days. 🙂
Here is a somewhat amusing clip about Finnish tango, when placed in the context of Finnish social behaviours as described in the clip. However, I think the real “moral of the story” is to just keep an open mind different cultures and social customs, and not be arragant in thinking “my way is the best”… The world can be so much more enjoyable if we don’t take ourselves so seriously from time to time, no!?
Slowing down
Been pretty busy with various events recently, so have not been updating this blog.
I do normally enjoy watching videos of Jorge Dispari, not so much to copy his style, but more for the enjoyment of seeing the smoothness in his giros and musical interpretation. As for this particular clip, I like the fact that he is apparently slowing down whereas the “norm” is perhaps to go quicker in response to D’Arienzo’s typically driving beat/rhythm. I suppose that I am noticing this aspect a little more today for no other reason than the fact that I have been asked to slow down and enjoy the melody more… 😉