The way that the ladies can become better dancers might be quite different than the way the male tangueros learn. They have different roles and they need different skills in order to get to their tango perfection. This post is all about her. She will learn what matters and what is not that important. Having right mindset is always the first step towards getting better. This post is not important only for the ladies – it will be useful for the male dancers as well - understanding the being in your embrace will make you a better dancer. If you are a male dancer you might be interested in my post How to dance like a man? https://tangomentor.com/dance-like-man/ The story I am going to start … [Read more...] about How can ladies become better dancers?
The secrets of apilado dancing
Apilado dancing is the way to increase the connection and intimacy in the embrace and it is most often used in the social tango. Since it is required to lean on the partner, for many people it is the ultimate challenge, much harder than the most complicated steps. Being so, it has low commercial value – it is demanding and many beginners do not feel comfortable learning it. They would rather learn some fancy step. I believe this is the most important reason why many teachers avoid to include it in their programs. But apilado dancing is one of the most effective ways to achieve a good connection and to increase the level of intimacy between the partners. In this post I am going to give you … [Read more...] about The secrets of apilado dancing
How to achieve good connection?
There is no good dancing if you aren't able to connect your partner. Even beginners understand this and, yet, people leave that to be achieved by accident, without any intentional action. It's often defined as something which depends on the 'chemistry' or compatibility of partners. But what if I tell you that there are things you can and you should do to have better connection with the partners you dance to? In my opinion, what we refer to as chemistry, is often overrated and can be changed by intentional action. "Ivica, why you don't dance with her? She is so elegant and experienced dancer. Why you dance more with people who are not that good?", asked my tango friend. He was just … [Read more...] about How to achieve good connection?
Why do we need cabeceo/mirada?
Tango starts in the eyes: with cabeceo/mirada. The magic of the dance starts even before you step on the dance floor. It starts with the way you invite or accept the dance. Remember the videos of Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy showing tango sequences? In the very first one, in the very opening the narrator says: - The tango as a dance is a game of seduction and like any game of seduction it begins in the eyes, in a glance and has very clear rules. But it is not only because it is a game of seduction. It is, even more, about having a smooth experience. In this post I am going to give you five reasons why should you respect the cabeceo rule. The story I am about to tell you seems so … [Read more...] about Why do we need cabeceo/mirada?
What it takes to be a good tango teacher?
Being a good tango teacher is not just showing steps and make them repeat after you. It's not knowing a lot of fancy names for the steps you teach, as well. Being a good teacher has to do with who you are as a person. It has to do with how do you relate to the material you teach and to your students. It's strange how sometimes just one sentence said in the right moment can change your life... "Ivica, what's the reason you're not teaching tango? You have all it takes to be a good teacher", she said. My teaching career started there, at that moment. If she was someone else, it wouldn't make me reflect on what and how I do, but she was a experienced university professor. In that time I … [Read more...] about What it takes to be a good tango teacher?
How to interpret different orchestras?
Every tango dancer with good musicality is probably curious how can one interpret the difference in the music of the different orchestras. It is considered a bad dancing if you dance the same way no matter what the music leads you to. Even so, it is surprising how many, even professionals, dance all the music in the same manner. Of course, I'm not the ultimate authority in this... in fact, I doubt there is such a thing when it comes to musicality: every person feels the music in their on way. Saying so, doesn't mean that there is no certain things one can learn about the connections and differences in the music of different orchestra. How it all started? This post actually started … [Read more...] about How to interpret different orchestras?
