Taxi Dancers included Colombia Tango Festival

[Brummbaer]

Well, I think this is all just a matter of convenience. Everyone pursues their own interests and comes up with appropriate social rules.

There are multiple social mores at play in different milongas, and they don't all adhere to some universal, common, accepted, tango códigos - thankfullyThat micrososm of society adopts and adapts what suits them.

But on taxi-dancers, a friend is shortly going to South America and has arranged some tango-time as part of a group in BsAs. That includes a pre-booked taxi-dancer for the milongas she's visiting - like arranging a guide. Sounds a good plan to make the most of her time there.

 

[itwillhappen]

There are multiple social mores at play in different milongas, and they don't all adhere to some universal, common, accepted, tango códigos - thankfullyThat micrososm of society adopts and adapts what suits them.

But I think what they all have in common is that buying dances isn't recommended. Otherwise, the mood within the community could quickly becomes strained.
Just as buying sex isn't recommended, even though in many cases it would probably be cheaper and more exciting than a hasty marriage.

But on taxi-dancers, a friend is shortly going to South America and has arranged some tango-time as part of a group in BsAs. That includes a pre-booked taxi-dancer for the milongas she's visiting - like arranging a guide. Sounds a good plan to make the most of her time there.

I also think that's a good plan. And on vacation, you take a more relaxed approach to many things, and additional group dynamic is leaning. My ex-girlfriend told me how the older ladies at her tango hostel chosed the young taxi dancers for the evening. And why shouldn't accompanying men also afford an attractive - and due to the wealth gap cheap - Argentinian tanguera?

 

[Brummbaer]

But I think what they all have in common is that buying dances isn't recommended. Otherwise, the mood within the community could quickly becomes strained.

Depends on the milonga and whether or not there's a 'community'. Small, social, milonga ~30 people - probably not; large milonga in a metropolis 100+ anonymous people - who would notice or care? There's no 'community' beyond organisers and groups of 'friends'. Just a 'SO'.

 

[Miradamiranda]

Would you dance differently with someone if you were paid to dance with him/her?

 

[Rabbit]

As already explained above, Berlin is a special case. It's only formally a large, colorful scene. People dance there within their circle of acquaintances. I, too, have been rejected several times with the justification: I don't know you at all! And as a stranger, you won't get far with the cabeceo in Berlin. Berlin's followers want to hear the voice of an unknown dancer first. The cabeceo is only accepted for the second tanda (in case your dancing was ok).

I heard other people say that cabeceo didn't work in Berlin, but all I can say is that it worked for me

 

[Rabbit]

Would you dance differently with someone if you were paid to dance with him/her?

Surely the point is the taxi dancers normally wouldn't dance with the clients if they weren't being paid?

 

[Brummbaer]

Would you dance differently with someone if you were paid to dance with him/her?

I'd dance appropriately - whatever.

 

[opendoor]

Would you dance differently with someone if you were paid to dance with him/her?

Of course! In such a case, I take the customer's needs into account.

 

[TTanguero]

Would you dance differently with someone if you were paid to dance with him/her?

No. My dance already adapts to my partner, and I believe the best experience I can provide is to be who I am in the dance and allow my partner to be who she is.

 

[Bailango]

That’s why I was surprised to hear these guys complaining about how hard it was for them to get dances in Berlin. From a follower’s perspective, the guys have it so much easier.

I have danced in Berlin a few times. I didn’t had any hard time getting dances. I used only cabaceo. I was rejected only once at one particular venue. It was a distant cabaceo and she shaked her head. It was a non-offensive no. I can’t no the reason, but spent see her dancing atleast for next few tandas.

Other Berlin milonga I went to, it was clear that people hanging closer to DJ area were cliquish. They were good dancers. But there were many other dancers available to dance. Wasn’t difficult to get dances.

I must have been to 8 or 9 milongas in Berlin over course of my two or three visits to that city.

I am not a social butterfly. So I didn’t work the room. That’s another way visiting leaders can get dances.

 

[Brummbaer]

I am not a social butterfly. So I didn’t work the room. That’s another way visiting leaders can get dances.

Being 'active', and 'working the room', are certainly the way to get and provide dances in the appropriate environment. However many women don't, or have become resigned, and there's an expectation just to be invited - as was once a norm.

Warning: mansplaining! As @TTanguero hinted, if you want dances, you have to be 'active'. If not social ploys, then direct that 'mirada'. I'm aware of one lady who actively scans, even focuses, on who she wants to dance with - and usually gets dances.

But not all milongas are large and in a metropolis, so 'social' invites amongst acquaintances become standard. And everyone doesn't want to 'work the room', nor dance every possible tanda.

 

[itwillhappen]

Depends on the milonga and whether or not there's a 'community'. Small, social, milonga ~30 people - probably not; large milonga in a metropolis 100+ anonymous people - who would notice or care? There's no 'community' beyond organisers and groups of 'friends'. Just a 'SO'.

I also think it's possible; and ultimately, everyone can do what they want. The question is whether it's recommended. So, there's a community builder who says, "Leaders, you don't sit down until every lady has danced at least once!". Are there others who say, "Leaders, if you don't feel like dancing, just say your price!"?

 

[opendoor]

Are you talking about paid, sponsored, or volunteer taxi dancers? Do you mean incognito dancers or yellow vests? There's a lot of confusion in your answers!

 

[Brummbaer]

I also think it's possible; and ultimately, everyone can do what they want. The question is whether it's recommended. So, there's a community builder who says, "Leaders, you don't sit down until every lady has danced at least once!". Are there others who say, "Leaders, if you don't feel like dancing, just say your price!"?

Some communities, with zealots like that, you'd avoid! I'm not signing up for a forced workout! Dancing is for pleasure.

So, if I were paying for a taxi-dancer, my rules within the contract.

 

[Brummbaer]

The question is whether it's recommended.

Should add that the 'recommendation' is to follow, and respect, the conventions they've adopted - and there might be multiple layers and subsets. You might never darken their doors again! You can only really change from within when you're an integral part of that community.