Tango from a book?

[MadamSamba]

A few months back, BTM introduced us to A Passion for Tango, but I've been hearing things about Mauricio Castro's book Tango: The Structure of the Dance. I don't learn dancing well from books, but apparently it's particularly helpful for beginners. Anyone read it?
What are your thoughts on learning Tango (or any other style of dancing) from a book?

Oh, here's an interview with the author.

 

[bordertangoman]

This book is strictly Post-grad material. I attended a workshop recently where Castros principles were being extolled and it made sense of what he explains in the book, but it is not for beginners as it does require all the basic skills of leading and following, musicality and understanding "dissociation" and some experience of move like ocho cortado it also helpful. The book is almost mathematical in its analysis but its explanation is not always very clear.

(of course if you walk round with this book balanced on your head your tango will improve no end, especially if you're a bouncy salsa dancer.) :wink: :wink:

 

[Sagitta]

(of course if you walk round with this book balanced on your head your tango will improve no end, especially if you're a bouncy salsa dancer.) :wink: :wink:

:shock: No making fun of us!! Aren't you supposed to start salsa soon?

 

[bordertangoman]

(of course if you walk round with this book balanced on your head your tango will improve no end, especially if you're a bouncy salsa dancer.) :wink: :wink:

:shock: No making fun of us!! Aren't you supposed to start salsa soon?

Nothing like a bit of healthy leg pulling and rivalry!!!

I was reading the thread on Ten Commandments for Salsa and was going to add the 11th: "now learn to tango!"

 

[Sagitta]

Very appropriate. I'm going to steal your idea right now. :twisted: I'm learning to tango! Learn to salsa!!

 

[bordertangoman]

Learn to salsa!!

it'll happen in september.....

 

[MadamSamba]

So, BTM...has it happened yet? Are you salasing yet? Have you crossed to the dark side yet? (Says she who does tango, salsa, ballroom and is about to start more stuff :lol: )!!!

LOL

 

[Sagitta]

So, BTM...has it happened yet? Are you salasing yet? Have you crossed to the dark side yet? (Says she who does tango, salsa, ballroom and is about to start more stuff :lol: )!!!

LOL

Yes BTM. I have got 3 tangueras who had never done any doing some salsa. If you don't start soon there shall be no tangueras left!! And what is the other stuff that you are starting Madamsamba?

 

[bordertangoman]

So, BTM...has it happened yet? Are you salasing yet? Have you crossed to the dark side yet? (Says she who does tango, salsa, ballroom and is about to start more stuff :lol: )!!!

LOL

The Dark Side beckons - I start Sep 16

 

[bordertangoman]

So, BTM...has it happened yet? Are you salasing yet? Have you crossed to the dark side yet? (Says she who does tango, salsa, ballroom and is about to start more stuff :lol: )!!!

LOL

Yes BTM. I have got 3 tangueras who had never done any doing some salsa. If you don't start soon there shall be no tangueras left!! And what is the other stuff that you are starting Madamsamba?

Pole Dancing I expect? :wink: :wink:

 

[MadamSamba]

Apparently pole dancing is very good for one's fitness, BTM, but, alas, no, funk and jazz are about as risque as I get, Sagitta!

 

[Sagitta]

no grinding? :cry:


(yo soy travesio sometimes.)

 

[orcawhale]

Maurico's book? Yes, it is helpful or useful but complicated to understand. I only find it useful to help explain some stuff that I already know.. has been repeated by my tango teacher dozens of time but never got into my brain until i read the book or watch the videos. It is more for guidance as a beginner. Otherwise, his videos of improvisation... i would say are excellent if you want to develop new funky steps on your own And also give me things to think about and practise especially during practica.

 

[bordertangoman]

Maurico's book? Yes, it is helpful or useful but complicated to understand. I only find it useful to help explain some stuff that I already know.. has been repeated by my tango teacher dozens of time but never got into my brain until i read the book or watch the videos. It is more for guidance as a beginner. Otherwise, his videos of improvisation... i would say are excellent if you want to develop new funky steps on your own And also give me things to think about and practise especially during practica.

Where does one get the videos from?

 

[Sagitta]

So how is the dark side - salsa - treating you BTM?