The “Hsueh-tze Effect”
We had just completed an exciting week of intensive workshops with Hsueh-tze Lee from Boston, comprising of two weekends (3 x 1.5-hr classes for each day, on both Saturdays and Sundays) and two classes during the week nights. It was certainly somewhat physically demanding, as evidenced by the slightly tired faces when comparing photos taken at the end of the first weekend with that of the second weekend. 🙂
However, by all accounts – some typical comments can be seen here – all the hard work was worth it! During the workshops, there was a level of excitement and buzz which I have not seen in our community for quite a long while. In fact, it was amazing to witness people getting enthusiastic about the exercises and material Hsueh-tze was sharing with us; everyone was simply too eager to get back to the dance floor as soon as possible even though a break had been scheduled.
Elegance from simplicity
I have enjoyed reading Deby’s blog – an American expat living in Buenos Aires – since discovering it a few months ago. She seems to be able to provide both an insider and an outsider’s point of view of how Tango is perceived and danced in Buenos Aires, very much the “Mecca” for many students of Tango.
While the following may sound over-simplified, I like Deby’s summary of the key elements in followers’ movements:
For me there are only 3 steps – the caminata (walk), the giro (turns) and the ocho… these 3 steps combined with posture, axis, become 40 different movements.
In Salon Tango… we feel the passion in our bodies from the music. The beauty is to be able to transmit it to our partners… This is pure passion. Not 50 million steps, and kicks, and twists, done as fast as possible.
Bravo!
Please read her original piece here, where she also has some interesting remarks regarding the Villa Urquiza style of dancing.
One year on
It’s been almost a year since the self-financed IXI Danza opened its doors. Fortunately despite some difficulties in the beginning and the continuing lack of publicity “muscles”, it is heartening to see that a positive influence has been created.
Opened during a period when there was a clear risk of mass departure of dancers (mainly in the advanced-beginners and intermediate categories) from the community due to a lack of regular events, IXI Danza has played a pivotal role in the stabilising of the situation and, somewhat surprisingly, to its subsequent growth.
The implications are clear:
- for the die-hard dancers, to be able to dance in a community that is experiencing a rebirth;
- for Tango businesses, a potential market of dancers which can be tapped into.
Listen to the heart of the woman
After a while, I believe Tango needs to be much more than just a series of movements. Of course, the fundamentals such as walking, posture, and ability to listen to the music, etc., are all important qualities, but the less tangible aspects, such as being able to connect to your partner and the dance at an emotional level, are even more important. In the articles below, written by or about one of the most respected living milongueros in Buenos Aires, Cacho Dante, we can see glimpses of the mysteries of this addictive dance called Tango.
(Not in the articles listed above, but graciously related to me by Isaac)
When asked what is the “essence of Tango” – from the man’s perspective – Cacho’s answer was:
“The essence of tango is the women, the music and the dancefloor full of other dancers”.
There is no mention of chandeliers, big dance floors, candle-lit tables, fine dining, expensive sound systems, etc., but simply a gathering of passionate dancers respecting each other and the dance floor, driven by danceable music. In short, the people and the music will do…