Music for Warming Up

[Peaches]

I like to make playlists on my iPod for my lessons. I've got a traditional one, an electronic one, and a couple of alternative playlists. But one thing I can never seem to get right is what songs work well as warm-up songs. It takes me until about the 3rd or 4th song to really get things feeling right, and the music can play a part. Things that are too fast, or too slow, or too moody, or just not interesting enough can make it tougher.

What songs can you guys recommend to use for the first couple of songs in a lesson? If you've got suggestions for traditional, electronic and alternative things so much the better!

[Angel HI]

I think your question is a difficult one b/c what music is inspirational at a point in time is directly related to; how one is feeling at that moment, what one wishes to work on at that moment; how a certain rhythm/melody/etc. moves one at that moment. And, of course, either one of these things can change daily. I would believe that rather than specific warm-up songs, that your system of categories for each genre being ready to go to suit the current mood is probably best.

[Ampster]

Very difficult question to answer Peaches. Let me try to answer you this way.

It depends on my mood. That being said, I match what I listen to with my prevailing mood based on the performing artist.

For example:

• If I feel particularly chipper, I'll play my playlist by Canaro

• If I'm in a pensive and heavy mood, the Pugliese playlist comes on

• If I need a modern mix with traditional tones, Otros Aires

• If I feel totally hip, Bajofondo, or Gotan

[bordertangoman]

For a slow movement I use track 12 from Gotan's Lunatico.
Di Sarli Gran Muneca for steady beats

but from now on its going to be Tango Santo: Africano

[newbie]

You mean warming up before the A.T begins (bending, moving the elbows, waving the wrists...) or dancing a warm-up tango?

Suggestions:
Salvacion by Federico Aubele for general warm-up
Al compas del corazon by DiSarli for warm-up tango

[bafonso]

otros aires is nice to get in the mood but don't over do it. I don't like all of it... I think depending on the mood you will change your warm up music. this is why djs never start milongas with the same music ;-)