When Bob asked me to name my favourite five tangueras, I thought ... "Easy" and started rattling them off.
But very soon, it simply got too hard, too complicated. So I returned to my initial, instinctive responses - just three names. When I tried to analyse what those women have in common, it came down to technique, musicality and personal surrender to the moment (entrega). Watch them performing - their styles are very different. Seeing them dancing socially is a particular treat. Each one dances in the considerate, rather understated manner expected in the milonga setting, yet at the same time, their sheer class and elegance draw your attention straight to them. (Sadly, video footage of their social dancing is rare.) Of course, as teachers they are also much sought after.
Who are they? Click on the links and take a look at these videos of Aurora Lubiz, Lorena Ermocida and last but certainly not least, Geraldine Rojas to see what I mean.
And here's another:
I imagine they started training in some form of dance as soon as they were old enough to walk, so I shouldn't lose heart altogether!
Pat.
Salon Canning has reopened for milongas
5 days ago
Constantino's comment which I translated to English:
ReplyDeleteI quite agree with your comments about these three goddesses of tango porteño (Lúbiz, Ermocida and Geraldin). However, they are part of a group of women who, while they dance very well, dance professionally. In other words, they should be judged differently to a woman who simply dances at the milonga.
I've danced with the first two and the sensations I experienced as a man dancing with them were quite different to those which I have had dancing in many BsAs milongas with ladies who are anonymous, yet are extraordinary dancers. And I have to say I prefer the latter experience. Could it just be a matter of personal preference?
To this group of veterans whom you mentioned, I would add 2 women who are also sublime in their dancing: Vannina Bilous, whom I believe is no longer dancing professionally, and my dear friend and teacher, Elina Roldan. They are amongst the first group of young women in the 80s who learned from and danced with those great, surviving milongueros from the 40s and 50s. As well as being professionals, those women are milongueras for life.