Last week was a little bumpy. I stayed home on Monday, nursing the fabulous tango feeling from the Sunday milonga . On Tuesday, my teachers returned from Buenos Aires. They came to class straight from the road, exhausted, naturally.
The class went well. I danced a couple of songs with the teacher afterward. That was the most pleasurable and comfortable dances I ever had with him. Usually, I tend to get nervous about missing his leads. That results in my being too eager, moving too fast, not knowing exactly where my head or my weight is. That time, I felt more confident, didn't lose balance, didn't jump his lead as much. So, I enjoyed the dance a great deal. He seemed to be pleased, too. Let's see tonight if the feeling continues.
On Wednesday, I made a trip to a city studio, to take a workshop on turns with one of the local leaders. The ad looked promising, and the actual thing exceeded my expectations. Some notes:
-The energy for a turn comes from gravitation, hence, use the floor. Push with both feet.
-When feet are together, it is extremely hard to turn. The further feet are apart, the easier is to make a pivot.
-When turning, you need to twist your body. Trick: put the opposite shoulder above the foot.
All that seems obvious.I have heard that so many times -- use the floor, push with your feet, twist your body. But it really makes sense when somebody explains why it is supposed to work that way, and what it really does to your movement.
I started really using my feet, and pushing into the floor. Already, it feels more grounded, and better balanced. I believe taking up ballet also made me being more aware of my balance, and putting my weight exactly above my foot.
On Thursday I went with my partner to meet visitors from Argentina, and take a class with them. It was a great class, and I got some practice afterward. But, I guess, with all the buzz about the celebrities present, I was not as focused as I would like to be in practice.
Friday, I couldn't resist the temptation. Instead of resting my feet and spirit, I went to a local milonga. Some practice with my favorite leader, on colgadas between other things, some not so bad dances. But I don't think I had my tango fix.
I guess I should rename my Happy Saturday Place. I seem to have a dry spell there lately. Last Saturday I had a very bumpy beginning there, dancing with four strangers in a row, one more horrible than the other. When I decided the night was ruined, and gave up on getting my fix that night, the things started looking up a little. I got a few nice dances with my regulars. Then a very dressed up and seemingly great leader asked me. And he was a wonderful partner indeed. I was, unfortunately, just a beginner next to him. But I had a great time nonetheless. I hope we will dance again soon.
I have to remember, however, that it is not time for me to relax at milongas, and assume that I will get great dances whenever. I still need to think about such things as politics, and working the crowd.
Speaking of which (and of the partnership situation), another reminder. Clearly mark your boundaries, and respect those of others'. If there are options, act accordingly. Don't expect anything. Just take whatever goes your way, and make the best out of it.
Always remember your priorities, and put them first. Do not dwell on the past, and do not fall in the same traps. Focus on the positive. Move forward.
Be nice, be firm, don't forget to take a deep breath.... and shut up.
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