I think the real point, under the clowning around, is that Tete could teach extremely well as a follower. I led him for five or six tangos one afternoon, and if I didn't lead him absolutely precisely and clearly, he would find ways of moving that were beyond any leader's worst nightmares of a willful follower. His legs would shoot out in the most unpredictable directions, and it wasn't always the leg you wouldn't have expected, as he might well have sneaked in a weight change too. He did it for fun - and he had a big sense of fun - and it was funny to watch, but behind it there was a very serious purpose, which was teaching to lead really clearly. I'm sad that I'll never again have the opportunity to lead Tete.
Carlos Stasi and Jose Garafolo do the same thing in their milonga, Porteno y Bailarin. Both are making a joke out of tango. What's the point?
ReplyDeleteI think the real point, under the clowning around, is that Tete could teach extremely well as a follower. I led him for five or six tangos one afternoon, and if I didn't lead him absolutely precisely and clearly, he would find ways of moving that were beyond any leader's worst nightmares of a willful follower. His legs would shoot out in the most unpredictable directions, and it wasn't always the leg you wouldn't have expected, as he might well have sneaked in a weight change too. He did it for fun - and he had a big sense of fun - and it was funny to watch, but behind it there was a very serious purpose, which was teaching to lead really clearly. I'm sad that I'll never again have the opportunity to lead Tete.
ReplyDeletePrecious!
ReplyDelete"Both are making a joke out of tango. What's the point?"
ReplyDeleteWell, whats the point of not making a joke out of it? Why not?