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Tango Tip of the Week

Hi everybody, Fran here with your Tango Tip of the Week. Last week, I introduced you to what I referred to as the "Ten Commandments" of American ballroom dance. My purpose was to remind those familiar with our own homegrown dance traditions about the specific manner in which we're taught to think about and practice social dancing in this country. Over the next several weeks I'm going to contrast each of these individual aspects of the American way of dancing with its counterpoint in Argentine Tango.

Last week, we addressed the notion of whether or not to end every "figure" in our repertoire in line of dance. This was what I called the "Seventh Commandment" of contemporary American ballroom dance practice. (Conclusion: Ballroom -- yes; Tango -- no. See last week's Newsletter for details.)

Today, I want to talk about the "Fifth Commandment:" Each dance we do involves continuous movement.

When we think about social dancing in this country -- when we conjure up images in our minds of what it's like -- what most of us almost certainly envision is continuous, flowing motion, especially if we're thinking about progressive dances such as Foxtrot or Waltz. Even if our thoughts turn to what we call "spot" dances -- Salsa, Swing, Hustle, etc. -- such modes of social dance suggest continuous motion in one more or less fixed place.

Tango, on the other hand, is quite different. In Tango, followers are called upon to consciously come to absolute rest at the conclusion of every individual movement -- since they have no way of knowing in advance what leaders might plan to invite in the next moment. If a leader elects to invite several elements within a continuous sequence, he has to provide a definite lead for each of the movements -- rather than assume his follower will somehow execute the sequence without his specific invitation.

This manner of dancing -- the incorporation of movement and stillness, controlled by the leader -- is the very definition of modern social Tango. Lots of contemporary social dancers certainly opt for continuous movement in their own way of dancing -- particularly when responding to the music of earlier times -- but the consensus is that every step within a given sequence needs to be actively led.

Next week, we'll discuss the "Forth Commandment" of ballroom dance: Each dance form involves memorizing, practicing, and perfecting what is called a basic step. See you then.

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Saturdays with Fran and Pat at Dardo Galletto Studios

Please join us for our Saturday Practica at Dardo Galletto Studios, 151 West 46^th Street (between 6^th and 7^th Avenues), 11^th floor; 2-4pm, $10 per person. (Bringing a partner isn't necessary.) Pat and I will both be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your dancing, and to help you with material you're working on. Plus you get a new “must-have” tango move each week! If you’d like a private lesson, you can visit our website at www.franchesleigh.com, call Fran directly at 212-662-7692, or email him at franchesleigh@mac.com Join us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/franchesleighllc

Show them your Tango legs!

A special workshop with Fran Chesleigh and Pat Altman, Sunday, October 23, 2016, 12:30 -- 3:30 p.m., Pearl Studios, 500 8th Avenue (between 35th and 36th Streets), 12th Floor, Room 1201, all levels welcome

The complex interplay between the legs of skilled dancers is a signature characteristic of fine Tango. In this fast-paced, information-packed 3-hour intensive workshop you will master skills, which will add new flair and authenticity to your dance:

·      Enhance even the simplest movements with entrada

·      Create the surprise of sacada

·      Define the moment with the gancho

·      Seduce with the toca

·      Caress with the elusive enganche

·      Create a personal statement with adorno

With Fran and Pat’s Show them your tango legs you can transform your social Tango into the polished, seriously authentic dance you’ve been working so hard to achieve.

The best deal in town--

Just $35 for 3 hours of Tango bliss!

Register online: $35 per person at franchesleigh.com by Saturday, October 22, $40 per person at the door on Sunday, October 23, Checks and cash also accepted, no refunds, no exchanges.

Sign up now!

Please join us for our Saturday Practica at Dardo Galletto Studios, 151 West 46^th Street (between 6^th and 7^th Avenues), 11^th floor; 2-4pm, $10 per person. (Bringing a partner isn't necessary.) Pat and I will both be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your dancing, and to help you with material you're working on. Plus you get a new “must-have” tango move each week! If you’d like a private lesson, you can visit our website at www.franchesleigh.com, call Fran directly at 212-662-7692, or email him at franchesleigh@mac.com Join us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/franchesleighllc

The following folks helped set up, break down and clean up before and after the milonga. Without them, there would be no Firehouse Tango.

• ​​​Barbara Lombardi - popcorn
• Ingrid Jacob - The most delicious banana cake I've ever tasted
• Eva Roth - 9 layer chocolate cake
• George Ngo - grapes and cheese
  
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• Bill Krukovsky
• ​​​​​​Barbara Lombardi
• Adrienne Burton
• Bill Auer
• Daniel and Georgina
• Edna Negron
• George Ngo
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