It is not making it up as you go

Tango, a dance that embodies a language of its own, thrives within a realm of culture and performing art  that has boundaries. With ethno-choreographic movements and the fusion of tradition and evolution, Tango’s essence remains steadfast and evolving at the same time. However, there is a huge misconception that Tango is merely about improvisation, making it up as you go. In this blog post, we will explore the intricate dynamics of Tango, shedding light on its structured elements and the profound connection it shares with music.

Breaking Free from Prescribed Sequences

Contrary to popular belief, Tango does not rely on memorized sequences. The notion of navigating through a catalog of predetermined steps hinders the fluidity and spontaneity of the dance. Yes, Tango has a language, or art making boundaries if you will. Some are ethno-choreographic movements, like the ocho, that traditions have carried through this continually evolving dance( and like the ocho sometimes even being adopted by other dances then coming back to dance looking completely different). 

I understand that everyone wants the excitement from tango, and the road to get there can be confusing. Instead, let’s think about how Tango thrives in its most basic forms, which continue to evolve. By understanding the fundamental elements, such as forward, side, and back steps, change of weight, pivot, and the cross, dancers can embark on a journey akin to learning the sounds that words make. Like building sentences or assembling Lego blocks, dancers link these smaller movements together in harmony with the music.

Finding Peaceful Communication

By simplifying the dance and reducing mental noise, Tango creates an environment conducive to peaceful communication between partners. The focus shifts from physically communicating every movement to interpreting and harmonizing with the music. Tango allows both the leader and the follower to become part of the orchestra, attuned to its structure and rhythm. Through time and ear training, dancers synchronize their movements with the music, fostering a profound understanding of music and dance as a unified entity.

The Leader’s Role:

Creating Intimacy and Uniqueness: The leader in Tango holds a pivotal role in shaping the dance’s form. By mastering ethno-choreographic movements via reducing them down to their mos essential elements, postures, and embraces, the leader develops effective leading, navigation, and musical interpretation skills. Every action taken by the leader is purposeful, driven by the desire to create an intimate and unique experience with their partner. The leader’s creativity and musical interpretation guide the dance, allowing for endless possibilities of expression on the dance floor. The dance then shifts from quantity of movements memorized, to quality of movement executed. 

The Follower’s Response

Embracing Infinite Choices: As the leader administers the initial structures in tango, the follower possesses the power to respond and shape the form accordingly. This response can encompass a wide range of dynamics, resulting in beauty, unconventional aesthetics, tradition, modernity, even moments of imperfection, or downright ugly. Each follower has the tools at their disposal to create a responsive form, mirroring and complementing the leader’s initial inertia or structure. This interplay between leader and follower encompasses countless choices, fostering creativity and a shared journey of discovery.

We can rely on the fact that tango is a language to learn and not arbitrary that we magically makeup on the spot. That we use it to communicate how we feel in the moment just like how I am writing this information to you. It takes time to think it through and share. The more you practice the quality of movement, the easier it will become to relay the message.  Tango is far more than mere improvisation; it is a dance of structure, musical interpretation, and profound connection. 

En Fin,

Embracing Tango’s elemental movements and understanding the dance’s intimate relationship with music, dancers can unlock the true essence of this beautiful art form. Through the interplay of leader and follower, Tango becomes a collaborative expression of creativity, transcending boundaries and leaving room for infinite possibilities. So, step onto the dance floor, embrace the language of Tango, and embark on an unforgettable journey of self-expression and connection.