Q&A article In all these years of my tango journey I’ve never seen more controversial topic than tango codigos. Some people don’t know them, others know them, but choose to ignore them. But all of us have opinion about codigos. Well, who am I to tell them how to behave? All I can do is to help those who think that codigos are useful and who reach out to find out more about them. In this Q&A article I will answer a request I often get from the subscribers on my list. I decided to use some of the answers to the questions and share it on my blog. Deenen asked me to explain the “tango etiquette when a dancer is kicked or stepped on”. Rene, on the other hand told about his trip to BA … [Read more...] about Tango códigos simplified
Four things good dancers do, and beginners often forget
We might argue what good tango is and we often have discussions about that, but I believe that there are certain things that make good dancers different than the rest, things which are beyond any discussion. Those same things, when a teacher notices them in a beginner, are good predictor if someone has a potential. Let me tell you upfront, what I talk about here is from my teaching experience. I never made a serious study on what makes a good dancer, but one thing I’m sure about: these observations can help beginners. "I’m never going to become a good dancer", she said with that look on her face that expresses disappointment. All those hours spent in classes and workshops, for … [Read more...] about Four things good dancers do, and beginners often forget
Visions of tango
Visions of tango? This topic is highly explosive. So, before I begin, I ask you for patience and, if you disagree with me, for respect: we all love tango, but not all of us have the same vision or the same taste. Let me start with this article as an experiment. Take a look at the video and give some thought to the dancing you see there. Some of you will like it, but the majority will think of it as bad dancing. What if I tell you that I like it? Would you believe me? And why do you think others have a completely different opinion? Well, this article is about just that. My intention is not really to start a discussion, more to shed light on the countless discussions in the tango … [Read more...] about Visions of tango
Thank you, Cacho Dante!
Few weeks ago I had conversation with an online student about dancing and time. She told me her reflections about how all we do in tango is just for the moment and then it disappears. It is like building sand castles – it exists for a brief moment and then it’s nothing. Yes, it is like that. I agree! But, that is a moment that is worth living for. In fact, that is the living itself. Moments. I remembered this conversation few days ago, when I found out that Cacho Dante left us. I never meet him personally, but echoes of his work touched me so deeply that I wanted to dedicate an article to his work. Why I liked his dancing? When I first saw his dancing it was a mystery to me… What is he … [Read more...] about Thank you, Cacho Dante!
10 things that will make you better dancer
Pay attention: I imagined this article as the essence of what I think is important for every dancer. Of course, there is no universal formula that can help everyone, but if you search for place to begin – I believe this is the one. Would have been really great if I had someone told me this when I was a beginner. When you start learning tango and gather some experience you understand that what you were thinking in the past was not always right. I guess it is natural way of development. There is one trick: you have to be prepared and open to new ideas. If you are not able to see, any advice would seem to you just empty words. This is why I decided to propose to you an interesting … [Read more...] about 10 things that will make you better dancer
10 ways to say “No”!
There is a huge number of milongueras who feel uncomfortable in the game of invitations. Even more consider saying ‘no’ to invitations an impossible mission. If you are one of these, this article will give you some ideas how it should be done. If, on the other side, you are a man, this article will maybe explain some behaviors of the ladies you invite, it should give you clues how ladies are avoiding your invitations. Last week, when I published the article with mirada tips from experienced milongueras, there was an interesting debate on Facebook over should ladies refuse invitations… I completely understand the frustrations of beginners, but on the other hand, nobody should be obliged to … [Read more...] about 10 ways to say “No”!
