Men making an effort

We women often enjoy the opportunity to dress up a little, take a bit more care with the hair and make-up. The milonga is just the sort of occasion where we like to look and feel more elegant. Making that effort can do wonders for a lady's confidence.

Could the same apply to men? Does taking trouble with one's appearance and personal hygiene matter? Is it my imagination that the men at milongas wearing a nice shirt and trousers, a jacket, or even a suit, look ... shall I say, more manly? Do they, perhaps, conduct themselves more confidently? I am curious to know how men feel about this?

Of course, ladies appreciate considerate dance partners. I think I am speaking not only for myself, when I say that we also value gentlemen who respect the initimacy of the tango embrace by making an effort to present themselves well for the occasion.

Ladies, here's a word of warning based on research in male washrooms by a male colleague in BsAs. Regardless of the appearance of your dance partner, washing your hands (especially your right hand!) before eating is strongly advised.

PP

Sebastian y María Ines en La Baldosa

At La Baldosa, one of our favourite "couples" milongas, we were fortunate to see the newly crowned champions of Tango Salón dance four pieces for the crowd. Suffice to say that the 18 year old Sebastian and 29 year old María Ines are deserving title-holders.



The romantic Di Sarli tango was followed by an energetic tango by D'Arienzo, a Caló vals and after rousing applause, a Canaro milonga.

What a treat!

PP

Milongueando en Buenos Aires

Four weeks in the Mecca of tango are drawing to a rapid close and the farewells to friends (old and new) are almost complete.

Attending milongas almost each evening, mostly as singles, caused me to reflect on the milonga experience. One thing that stands out is that it´s not only about the dance. For me, the milonga package is much more. Certainly most of us are there to dance, but those who make the most of it also use the milonga as an opportunity to socialise, be transported by great music, relax and observe.

After dancing an especially satisfying tanda, I find myself preferring to come back down to Earth gently, rather than looking out for an invitation to dance again right away. So, watching the dancers on the floor is a good way to signal that I want to sit out the tanda.

If my attention is drawn to any particular dancers, it´s usually because their movement is an expression of the emotion contained in the music. Their connection seems both physical and intuitive. At the same time there is an utmost consideration for the dancers around them. From all this flows a spontaneous creativity and satisfaction which only the couple themselves can fully appreciate.

Finally, how wonderful it is to experience the harmony of movement and energy when all the dancers on the floor are on the same wave-length!

PP (in BsAs)

Decorations - a contradiction in terms

Recently it dawned on me that decorations, adornos, embellishments (call them what you will) could well be considered a contradiction in terms - unless executed for a tango performance.

Under most circumstances in life, a decoration is an external embellishment. Yet an adorno in social tango comes from within and remains within the embrace. It's not primarily for the viewing public. It is a spontaneous expression of the emotion of the music. It does not disturb our partner. It isn't calculated or premeditated. However, sound technique and control underpin any elegant adornment.

What is a decoration in social tango? To me it begins with the way in which dancers (male or female) use their feet when taking a step.

For anyone interested in this topic, I recommend very highly the articles by Olga Besio and Milena Plebs (in Spanish & English).

PP

Milongueros in action

I’m delighted! At last, I’ve found a series of Youtube videos featuring milongueros of Buenos Aires doing what they love – not performing, but dancing socially in the milonga.

That’s when they’re at their best: feeling the music, dancing with real connection to their partner; dancing with and for her, and at the same time, showing the utmost consideration for dancers around them.

They keep their partner safe in their embrace, allowing her to relax and respond calmly & intuitively. You can see the look of serenity, almost meditation, on the faces of the women in these videos. Tangopilgrim hit the nail on the head, when quoting his teacher: The most important dance is the one that happens inside us.

Don’t do anything, unless you feel you have to. And do anything that you feel you have to do. (Tangopilgrim)
These milongueros and their partners are dancing in the moment. They are both being carried by the demands of the music and all its rhythmic variations, and savouring each second.

Thanks, Irene and Man Yung (video above) and Jantango , for recording and posting these gems on your sites.

PP