What are you currently 'working on' in A.T.?-Vol.II

[Mario7]

I thought that a new thread would make it easier to go back and find stuff.

Last night, I finally put it together to pay attention to and milk the last notes of a song. Before, I would notice that the song was ending and be seperating from my partner already on the last note, figuring that the 'good part' was over. But now, I realize that this last note is very important for the woman. It is her chance to do a final gesture and it colors the whole dance that went before. It's the lasting aftertaste..I even added a gentle squeeze of the hand on the final note. In each case the woman gave me back a dreamy, happy smile!

 

[mkjohnson]

Great observation - that's exactly true. A few of my favorite dancers not only give me that extra moment to end the song in a controlled, more "intentional" way - they give me an extra sort of hug in the embrace. Like a little bonus. Plus, when a leader is able to ease into the end of the song, and take command of it instead of rushing through to a pose - it sends a signal that he knows the music well. That's always welcome.

 

[mkjohnson]

To the topic at hand - I'm working on my walk and molinete - which means, for me anyway, I'm mostly working on my balance. Which I'll probably do forever.

 

[New in NY]

Molinete also. I don't know why it is so hard for me to do it well. I feel I am either shuffling through it or walking through it, not dancing.

 

[Zoopsia59]

I thought that a new thread would make it easier to go back and find stuff.

Last night, I finally put it together to pay attention to and milk the last notes of a song. Before, I would notice that the song was ending and be seperating from my partner already on the last note, figuring that the 'good part' was over. But now, I realize that this last note is very important for the woman. It is her chance to do a final gesture and it colors the whole dance that went before. It's the lasting aftertaste..I even added a gentle squeeze of the hand on the final note. In each case the woman gave me back a dreamy, happy smile!

Thanks for the new thread!

Congrats on your breakthrough! That's a good one, and important. :applause:

 

[dchester]

I thought that a new thread would make it easier to go back and find stuff.

Last night, I finally put it together to pay attention to and milk the last notes of a song. Before, I would notice that the song was ending and be seperating from my partner already on the last note, figuring that the 'good part' was over. But now, I realize that this last note is very important for the woman. It is her chance to do a final gesture and it colors the whole dance that went before. It's the lasting aftertaste..I even added a gentle squeeze of the hand on the final note. In each case the woman gave me back a dreamy, happy smile!

I think you're starting to get the hang of this thing.

:applause:

 

[Peaches]

Can I just raise my hand in (seemingly lone) dissent wrt liking the hand squeeze? Or any other kind of squeeze?

Don't ask me why, but those gestures just cross the line for me in terms of personal space and what I can tolerate. I have no problem with close embrace, will go "cheek to cheek" with most guys (or girls) without a second thought, but the squeezing is just waaaay too personal for me.

ETA: Kudos, though, on the idea of really dancing the end of the song. Verrrry nice.

 

[Ampster]

Walking... I'm always trying to refine my Tango walks.

 

[vade mecum]

Regarding Mario's first post about the end of tango songs, as a lead I seem compelled to remain stable in the midsection but at the same "come down" a titch with my shoulder and left hand. I do this especially when the bellows talk to me in a way that says 'and we're out."

 

[Me]

Walking... I'm always trying to refine my Tango walks.

Amen. This was my first thought when I saw this thread title. Walking! It just never is good enough. *sigh*

 

[Subliminal]

Close turns. Walkin'.

 

[Flatfoot]

Things I'm not doing very well:
1) Varying my movement with the feeling of the song. Am normally very robotic.
2) Not stepping, when I can feel it. Am normally very robotic.
3) Reducing arm use. It's tough.
4) Ending steps, indeed. And similarly, altering my usual patterns to the phrase when needed.
5) Gancho's, foot drags, and my practically non-existent boleo leads.

 

[tangonuevo]

Can I just raise my hand in (seemingly lone) dissent wrt liking the hand squeeze? Or any other kind of squeeze?
...

Not lone dissent. Although I have no problem with the intimacy that is natural to Tango, it is just a dance. I'm not looking for a girlfriend or romantic experience, and I'm not in it for the "walking hug."

And I am, of course, working on my walk, that (should) go without saying.
But a primary focus for me right now is my "pre-lead". I want to be able to convey my intentions for the next step well in advance of the step, or even the specific lead invitation for the step. The purpose is twofold. First, this eliminates any force, abruptness, or other evil cr@p from my lead. Second, it allows the follow to more easily reject my intended lead and to propose something of her own and to do it timely and musically.

 

[Mario7]

Can I just raise my hand in (seemingly lone) dissent wrt liking the hand squeeze? Or any other kind of squeeze?
.

I almost bought this arguement but then I thought of all the cultural differences and how, here in Mexico, I am still uncomfortable with having to kiss every woman when I meet them (on the cheek) and when I part..so, a hand squeeze seems harmless at this point. It's not llike I'm squeezing her waist for god's sake. ..but I do appreciate the feedback..now, if you were from England...

 

[Steve Pastor]

I realize that this last note is very important for the woman.

Not just for the woman...
Note also that ending the song well is characteristic many of your better dancers. Thompson traces it to African roots where NOT ending well elicits ridicule.