Before I answer the question of whether tango milonguero belongs on stage, you should understand exactly what I mean when I refer to stage and milonguero. Those of you who have read my article on "Why I Dance Milonguero" already know that I agree with dancers who believe there are only two styles of tango: The difference, as I see it, lies in the intention: social tango is when dancers focus on their partners, while stage tango is when performers dance for the fancy moves and for the audience. I strongly believe that stage tango doesn't belong in milongas, and those who attempt to perform within the ronda should be politely asked to leave. Any decent organizer should do that! On … [Read more...] about Dancing With the Devil: Should Milonguero be Performed?
Defining Tango Milonguero Is Harder Than You Think
Is there a clear definition of what tango milonguero is? And, if there is, can that explain what makes it different from other ways of dancing tango? When I published my article about why I dance milonguero, it became quite obvious that the idea of "tango milonguero" means different things to different people. I was aware from my previous interactions with fellow milongueros that it's like a cloud of shapeless meaning without clear boundaries. In his reflections about the nature of time, St. Augustine said, "If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know," and I think it perfectly matches what I'm talking about. "Ivica, it's simple: … [Read more...] about Defining Tango Milonguero Is Harder Than You Think
Myths about Tango Milonguero: Shedding Light on Common Misconceptions
People have misconceptions about tango milonguero not because they don't know how to dance milonguero, but because they don't learn about its background, the culture, the history... or, they just don't care. It's their choice, but I think they miss a great opportunity because knowing helps you do it better. To be honest, I have no idea how people get their ideas about what tango milonguero is and what it is not. I just know that I did it by reading and watching, mostly because I tried to understand the mindset of milongueros from the Golden Age - because to this day I strongly believe that good dancing starts in your head. As we all know, social tango luckily is not a standardized … [Read more...] about Myths about Tango Milonguero: Shedding Light on Common Misconceptions
Why I Dance Milonguero: 4 Reasons You Should Too!
Yes, milonguero! Just like those old milongueos from the Golden Age of tango... at least that's my goal. Since my early months, I've been focused on developing repertoire and musicality, back then known as "tango salon" or just simply "tango," but today referred to as "milonguero." Not only that, I try to dance in its simplest and purest form. If you see me on the dance floor doing more than three sequences, I'm often not quite happy with my dancing. I certainly know much more than that minimalist version I insist on, but I strongly believe that good dancing is not about what you're doing - good dancing is about doing it well... And the more things you do, the less focused you are on what … [Read more...] about Why I Dance Milonguero: 4 Reasons You Should Too!
Cabeceo: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide
Tango is an intimate and deeply personal experience. An invitation to dance is an invitation to engage in a soulful conversation, to surrender and be vulnerable. That's why it's important to invite with respect and consideration. Even a bad cabeceo is better than no cabeceo at all! But, the cabeceo can be an abstract and unfamiliar concept for those new to the world of tango. Beginners always need information and guidance on how to use it for inviting at a milonga. Unfortunately, I frequently encounter dancers who were never taught about it or were provided with minimal information. When you don't deserve a dance "I need you to teach me how to improve my cabeceo. There's something … [Read more...] about Cabeceo: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide
Teachers are useless…
They are... ...if you don't ask the right questions. Yes, no teacher can help you learn if you're not curious and unable to ask what really matters. Pablo Picasso once said, "Computers are useless, they can only give you answers." That holds true for tango teachers as well. However, that doesn't mean that a tango student has no use for a teacher. It simply means that teachers can't help you learn if you're not asking meaningful questions. A teacher can only show you the door; it's up to you to open it and make your own journey. You are your own best teacher! While I was thinking about the best example to illustrate my point, many of my most curious students (who made me feel … [Read more...] about Teachers are useless…
