Height difference; avoid, open embrace, or some other strategy?

[dchester]

If you love tango music and want to dance, you'll dedicate yourself to it. It does make a difference in how one dances.

I will say that I think it's possible for someone to be committed, but simply not understand how much knowing the music can help you, (and thus haven't been listening to the music very much). In this situation, it's not so much a lack of commitment, but more the lack of proper tutelage.

I'll also add, that if the person has a strong music background (played musical instruments, sang in choirs, etc.), I don't think they will need as much time listening to the music, as someone who doesn't have that background.

My two cents.

 

[jantango]

Even with years of instrumental music and dance training, I will admit I knew nothing about tango in comparison to the milongueros when I moved to Buenos Aires in 1999. They taught me about the orchestras, the singers, the lyrics, and the richness of the music. I couldn't identify an orchestra at the beginning of a tanda because my ear had to be tuned to the distinct styles. When a milonguero asked me what orchestra we were dancing, he was as pleased as I was when I could name it. It takes time, dedication, and a love for the music.

 

[Mladenac]

Even with years of instrumental music and dance training, I will admit I knew nothing about tango in comparison to the milongueros when I moved to Buenos Aires in 1999. They taught me about the orchestras, the singers, the lyrics, and the richness of the music. I couldn't identify an orchestra at the beginning of a tanda because my ear had to be tuned to the distinct styles. When a milonguero asked me what orchestra we were dancing, he was as pleased as I was when I could name it. It takes time, dedication, and a love for the music.

Why would he ask you something like that?

 

[Gssh]

Why would he ask you something like that?

It is a safe topic for between song chatting - you don't ask for names, or what somebody is doing, or anything that has any relation to the "real world", so you talk about the orchestra, about the quality of the floor, about how well the fans cope with the weather, other milongas, stuff like that - and orchestras are great: if she doesn't know you get to impress her, if she knows you can flatter her. I would not recommend for a woman to use that avenue of chatting/flirting, though - men tend to get defensive when they don't know something...

 

[David_In_CA]

It is a safe topic for between song chatting - you don't ask for names, or what somebody is doing, or anything that has any relation to the "real world", so you talk about the orchestra, about the quality of the floor, about how well the fans cope with the weather, other milongas, stuff like that - and orchestras are great: if she doesn't know you get to impress her, if she knows you can flatter her. I would not recommend for a woman to use that avenue of chatting/flirting, though - men tend to get defensive when they don't know something...

I could understand, "Do you like this orchestra?" or, "I'm not sure I recognize this orchestra, do you know it?", but it seems like a power game to quiz a partner.

 

[Zoopsia59]

I could understand, "Do you like this orchestra?" or, "I'm not sure I recognize this orchestra, do you know it?", but it seems like a power game to quiz a partner.

I agree. If the person asking already knows the answer, then they are just trying to assess the partner's knowledge. If they are chatting between songs of a tanda, then they don't need that to make an assessment of the person's dancing.

It isn't necessarily a power game though. The person may want a chance to show their own knowledge more than just point out that the other person's is lacking. (that is: it isn't meant to demean or humiliate)

 

[LadyLeader]

I could understand, "Do you like this orchestra?" or, "I'm not sure I recognize this orchestra, do you know it?", but it seems like a power game to quiz a partner.

I see it as a helping game!
When you know the skill of the other person and you accept that you yourself are just a beginner - in those situations this game is just a joyful learning spot filled with respect, care, appreciation and fun.

 

[opendoor]

..I couldn't identify an orchestra at the beginning... When a milonguero asked me what orchestra we were dancing, he was as pleased as I was when I could name it. It takes time, dedication, and a love for the music.

Well said, only want to add, that not only knowledge and preferences increase with time, but also disfavor to dance to certain orchestras, singers, pieces, or periods.

 

[itwillhappen]

Well said, only want to add, that not only knowledge and preferences increase with time, but also disfavor to dance to certain orchestras, singers, pieces, or periods.

Yes, but I think starvation begins if someone stops to cope with new, contemporary orchestras. Then is it only a small step to avoid dancing on not fully memorized songs, to try to limit the range of orchestras played at a milonga.

 

[jantango]

It is a safe topic for between song chatting - you don't ask for names, or what somebody is doing, or anything that has any relation to the "real world", so you talk about the orchestra, about the quality of the floor, about how well the fans cope with the weather, other milongas, stuff like that - and orchestras are great: if she doesn't know you get to impress her, if she knows you can flatter her. I would not recommend for a woman to use that avenue of chatting/flirting, though - men tend to get defensive when they don't know something...

Thanks for answering the question for me. But the last statement? Milongueros viejos know the music. If I want to know, I ask them during the tanda, and then I learned something and don't forget it. They like the fact that a gringa is interested enough to ask about the music of the tanda and they love sharing what they know. I think you mean to say that machistas' egos are deflated when women let their intelligence show. Where did you get the idea men get defensive? It's not an exam that they've failed.

I could understand, "Do you like this orchestra?" or, "I'm not sure I recognize this orchestra, do you know it?", but it seems like a power game to quiz a partner.

Do you like this orchestra? requires a one-word answer. No power games are involved. Brief conversation is less than a minute when a tango is only three minutes long or less. The woman initiates it. It isn't obligatory. If she says nothing, it's not an awkward moment. You get into the embrace and stay connected with the music which doesn't stop until the end of the tanda.

 

[zuzan_805]

I m follower that’s exactly 5’0 and I m just beginning AT so I was wondering if my height would cause a problem because I think I might be too short since there’s usually more tall people when dancing AT.

 

[Reuven Thetanguero]

I m follower that’s exactly 5’0 and I m just beginning AT so I was wondering if my height would cause a problem because I think I might be too short since there’s usually more tall people when dancing AT.

Get high hill dancing shoes and you will be just fine!

 

[Mladenac]

I m follower that’s exactly 5’0 and I m just beginning AT so I was wondering if my height would cause a problem because I think I might be too short since there’s usually more tall people when dancing AT.

If it is a problem it is more of a problem for a leader than for a follower
There is an open embrace or technique to dance with much shorter followers in close embrace which is not usually taught.
The trick is that leader should have stance of an open embrace but lead as it is in close embrace.
It is awkward to lead and I believe to follow until you get used to.

 

[Tango Distance]

I m follower that’s exactly 5’0 and I m just beginning AT so I was wondering if my height would cause a problem because I think I might be too short since there’s usually more tall people when dancing AT.

I'm tall, not a problem once I learned to stand up straight and not hunch.over the follower. A small number of ladies have needed to put their left arm under my right. Some turn their head sideways.
One of my best and most memorable tandas was with a lady significantly shorter than 5 feet.
Hang in there, it'll be fun.

 

[opendoor]

If it is a problem it is more of a problem for a leader than for a follower..

Simply that, zuzan, but you should be aware that tall leaders sometimes bent forward over. That will feel uncomfortable. Tell them it would be better for you if they dance upright.