Trying to demystify the whole "magic connection/tango bliss" topic (sry this is long)

[Peaches]

Someone mentioned blues and tango earlier. I'm still somewhat of a struggling beginner at tango after a year and a half but dance blues (and swing) a lot. Started with those years ago.

I'm still waiting for tango bliss and am afraid it may never happen. I figure mostly because I still don't really connect with tango music; there's some I like OK but can't say any of it grabs me like blues music does. There are a number of us who will dance some tango at the blues dances, and I enjoy this a heck of a lot more, and the followers I dance both with say I'm much better (or at least they can tell I'm getting into the dance more) at blues rather than milongas.

So maybe feeling the music is the most important part.

Larry

I think that's a lot of it.

I'm going to run out on a rail for this, and make of that what you will, but oh well. If the music is the biggest (or only) impediment at this point...change the music! Find music that inspires you to move musically, and that inspires you to connect with your partner. Find ways to fit tango steps and movement to that music. See if that helps..

After a while, with periodic exposure to the older stuff, you might find yourself liking it more. It worked for me. I found vals most accessible...it just made me think of old-timey romance.

ETA: Regarding music and whatnot... No one can say what music will appeal to anyone, or any art for that matter. You like what you like, and there's nothing wrong with that. I remember a discussion that came up about this (and the importance of traditional tango music to the whole tango experience) several years ago, and I'll never forget this older Argentine couple: she was saying how, when she was a teenager, The Beatles spoke to her. She didn't understand the words, she didn't know what it was about, but it meant something to her. There's nothing wrong with what art speaks to anyone. If AT music doesn't speak to you, it doesn't mean you're lacking. If you can find bliss and happiness dancing AT steps to other music...well, I'm certainly not one to say you should deny yourself bliss like that. Go for it.

Granted, others will say you're entirely missing the point. It's up to you how you take that.

 

[Peaches]

they are into the music and into moving to it so in many ways the lead dissolves.

That's my definition of tango bliss in a nutshell. It's such an amazing (and slightly disturbing, at first) feeling when it feels like there is no lead.

 

[Ampster]

Someone mentioned blues and tango earlier. I'm still somewhat of a struggling beginner at tango after a year and a half but dance blues (and swing) a lot. Started with those years ago.

I'm still waiting for tango bliss and am afraid it may never happen. I figure mostly because I still don't really connect with tango music; there's some I like OK but can't say any of it grabs me like blues music does. There are a number of us who will dance some tango at the blues dances, and I enjoy this a heck of a lot more, and the followers I dance both with say I'm much better (or at least they can tell I'm getting into the dance more) at blues rather than milongas.

So maybe feeling the music is the most important part.

Larry

Appreciation for (Argentine) Tango music helps a lot in appreciating, and making the dance happen.

Here's my take on the matter--> (C l i c k__h e r e)