Performance anxiety
Recently, attempts to form a performing troupe have taken a big step forward. With the backing of a local dance studio Jitterbugs, things are finally rolling and we had a first meeting last Sunday. Surprisingly and bucking the trend, there were more men than women.
Obviously, I am always keen to promote Tango and help the community grow. Why? The simple answer to that is, “because I enjoy it and I want to share my passion!” By most accounts, “sensationalising” by performances is a good way to achieve decent exposure, as well as attract new-comers.
Disparity
Start to get the feeling that the development of my Tango is somewhat lop-sided at the moment.
On the one hand, I am fairly comfortable and confident of my interpretation of music. However, from time to time, I feel frustrated that I can’t express how I feel inside through my movements. In other words, while the emotions may be appropriate, I am wary that I do not have the necessary vocabulary – movements, steps, leads – to do the music justice.
So, back to the drawing board for more intensive exercises, perhaps??
Fear of the milonga – the dance
In recent weeks, there has been much talk on Tango-L list about dancing the milonga. A number of ‘leaders’ have expressed their reservations for not dancing the milonga*. The reasons cited range from complaining about the lack of emotions/feeling in the nature of milonga music itself, unable to connect with the partner due to the speed of music, difficulty to relate to emotionally, etc.
I must confess, I used to share some of these fears, in the past and perhaps even now too!? Personally, it is more of a (simple) case of unable to coordinate well with the music.
Milonga & connection
Had the long-awaited milonga at the History Museum last night. Actually, there was a few excuses for the party – not that they were needed, mind you. For example, there was the official Tango day (11 December), some birthdays, and it’s (close to) Christmas after all!
Despite a few mishaps even before the event got under way, e.g. some dreaded tomatoes, and the caterer getting lost, really happy to say that the milonga was well-attended. Roughly half of the people were relatively new-comers to our Tango scene. In fact, many people stayed right up till the finish, which was 2am! Of course, thanks must go to the museum staff for staying behind and allowing us to go on well past the originally agreed time.