The Why, When and How of Feedback

When students talk about a recent difficulty which they've been experiencing in tango, one thing we look at is possible causes in their technique.  However, the unknown factor is what their partner at the time may have been contributing to the issue, especially if the student has come to us alone.

If we ask whether they tried to raise it with the partner (at a practica, or in class)

• typically ladies will not have done so, for fear of bruising an ego  
• on the other hand, a few men claim that the man is always at 'fault' when something isn't working in the dance!

Unfortunately, neither approach is likely to result in any improvement.  Clearly, open communication is the key to working out what might be happening and how to resolve it.

But when and how?

That's what practicas and classes are for!  The milonga is not the time.

So, how to broach the subject.  Criticizing your partner's technique presumes that you know best, and is most likely to put him/her on the defensive.  The last thing you want to do is hurt your partner's feelings. You want to find a solution together, not lose a friend.  Here are a few possible strategies:

• "I feel + sensation + describe when it's happening" (Much more useful than saying "You are doing ...")
• "Something doesn't seem to working.  Could we look at it together?"
• Ask a teacher for advice together: "We're not sure what's happening here.  Could you take a look?"

Take a look at Veronica's very insightful article about why most advice you get about your dancing is wrong.

Remember, avoiding the issue doesn't help you nor your partner improve your dance.  For a long-term win-win outcome, approach it constructively and respectfully.

Pat

Milonga Solidaria fun activities

Recently we held the final of the Milonga Solidaria activities, which helped to raise over $4,000 for the Albergue Universitario last March.

Here a collection of memories of Rafael's asado, Steve and Robyn's tuna masterclass, and Pat's gnocchi-making workshop. 

Thanks everyone for making it happen!

The gift that keeps giving

Photo by Anne Rodgers

Eight Adelaide tango dancers won the privilege of attending Steve and Robyn's "Tuna Masterclass" held last Sunday.  When we bid for our places at the Milonga Solidaria, the description of the activity had suggested a relatively low-key event - a glass of bubbles on arrival, a demonstration of tuna preparation skills, and a dish of one of the recipes to illustrate just how good tuna can be.

What actually happened was far removed from this expectation: 15 courses of small delicacies, prepared creatively in a variety of styles - all simply exquisite (see photos).  While we all brought some wine to share, there were other treats supplied by Ray and Steve.  Joan, the very generous hostess, added her touch of elegance and warmth to the evening.  An event we thought would last a couple of hours, starting at 1o'clock in the afternoon, stretched to almost 8pm!

Bidding for this event had contributed significantly towards the US$3,000 for the student residence in northern Argentina.  However, the social activity that brought 12 people together was a memorable gift in itself.

I remember when ...

Looking back on annual visits to Buenos Aires since 1999, it's clear that the city and tango have changed a lot - some things for the better, others not so.

I remember when ...

... milongas were held in the iconic Maipu 444, the magnificent Club Espanol and the gorgeous Confiteria Ideal (pictured)

... garbage littered the footpath each night, pedestrians constantly had to dodge dog droppings, and Avenida 9 de Julio median strip was a no-go zone resembling a rubbish tip

... AU$1 would only buy 50 centavos, and it cost 5 pesos to enter a milonga

... La Viruta milonga (then known as La Estrella) attracted hot-shot milongueros.  Men wore jackets and ties to milongas, the standard of dance was high, and the milonga codes were strictly adhered to

... the only coffee available, including in the grand old confiterias, was not good at all

... Flabella was the go-to place for tango shoes

Now ...

... a number of the dance venues have closed - some converted into office space or gyms - but at least efforts are being made to renovate Confiteria Ideal

... the City of Buenos Aires has made a big effort to clean up and beautify the streets, including a campaign to educate dog-owners.  9 de Julio is now more functional for traffic and pedestrians, and has been landscaped beautifully

... May 2019, AU$1 buys around 30 pesos and going up!  Entry to Lujos milonga is 200 pesos, and other milongas 140 - 180 pesos

... La Viruta/Estrella changed its persona some years ago and now appeals to dancers interested in dancing non-traditional tango.  The standard of dancing and respect for the codigos has declined.  Many of the old milongueros have passed away, taking their example and authority with them.  Many dancers now find they can afford to attend only one milonga each week, while others have stopped attending completely

... there are many small, specialty coffee shops in the city & suburbs serving coffee to satisfy even the most demanding coffee-snob

... tango shoes are everywhere, but it's hard to beat Katrinski cushioned, hand-made to order shoes that cost around AU$150

Bob

Codes and cabeceo

Interested in some of the finer points of  of the milonga codes and cabeceo?  Unsure how they might be of benefit?

Popular Argentine dancer and teacher, Oscar Casas, speaks of his experiences in this short interview:

The wisdom of Carlos Gavito

In English:
The man must know that he dances for her, and in doing so, he makes her feel like a queen. Only thus, will he be the king.

Another Gavito quote:

"The secret of tango is in the moment of improvisation that happens between step and step.  It is to make the impossible thing possible: to dance silence.  This is essential to learn in tango dance, the real dance, that of the silence, of following the melody." 

Carlos Gavito