It has been a very long and eventful week of tango. I had a lot of fun.
On Monday, my partner and I took a workshop from a new local couple of teacher. Unfortunately, due to the level of people in attendance, the instructors didn't cover as much material as I expected them to. But the teacher made it worth our while, spending one-on-one time with us, giving more detailed tips. For example, I have to remember to use my feet more actively, rolling through the foot all the time, and not just plopping it down on a lazy manner. Also, he wanted me to embellish more. I have to remember to point my toe as I caress the floor. When I draw a circle on the floor, I should press the foot into the floor firmly, and activate the whole leg -- extend as it goes out, and flex as it gets closer to the body. The ball tap is delivered by flexing at the knee as the foot is passing underneath the body. I also have to practice ochos and tapping at the same time with a pivot.
In general, as a result of the workshop and practice sessions, I think my ochos need to be fixed. A lot of my problems stem from bad ochos.
On Tuesday I took my regular class. Afterward, we drove to the city milonga. There was fabulous live music, and nice crowd in attendance. I didn't get much rotation, because my two partners were present. I didn't even get to dance with my new sweetheart who was also present. It was a little frustrating. Apparently, I could have had more fun at that milonga had I not brought my own.
Wednesday and Thursday were dedicated to practice. I got to attempt some steps that required a lot of technique (which I don't yet possess), and a very attentive following. But it was great to try, and the work was very productive. I think I got a lot out of it. I was following much better, and in general felt much more confident in the milongas afterward, with all the leaders of any level.
On Friday, I went to a once-a-month milonga in a chapel on the top of the hill. It is a wonderful place with an amazing floor. I hadn't made that one in a while, and was thrilled to be back. Especially after I stepped in, and saw my new sweetheart there! I finally got to dance with him, and it made me very content.
Saturday, my Happy milonga, of course. That was too much fun. My partner and I went together, and stayed till the end. His lead feels smooth again, and he has got good musicality going on. I met some new people, danced with some of my favorites. All in all, a good night. A little tiring. I have to watch for the possible burn out again, among all that fun.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
La Chute (Fall cont.). Posted on September 23, 2007.
I have got quite a bit of practice time last week. It was productive, but caused me missing my usual social dancing fix. I even was too tired to drive to the all-nighter last night. Now, I feel a little disappointed and withdrawn because of it. I haven't danced with my new tango sweetheart for 2 weeks, and I really miss his embrace. I miss other people with whom I like to dance, but who hardly show up at the downtown milongas.
The only dancing I manage to get into my system in a week was a small local milonga on Friday. It was my first time at the place, and the evening exceeded all expectations. I had a lot of fun, chatting with a friend about tango lessons, chatting and dancing with my partner, sharing wonderful tandas with some of my local favorites, and getting acquainted with a new leader I was curious about some time ago.
I am looking forward to the next week. It is time to get back in shape despite the gloomy weather. I have a workshop on Monday, a class on Tuesday and, hopefully, a milonga afterward. My ballet class starts on Wednesday. Things are looking up.
I have to be very careful, though, to avoid the partnership pitfalls that seem to resurface suddenly. That stuff is not good for me, for my tango. I even consider canceling that partnership, to be honest. Right now I am not sure either I can manage it anymore, or do the advantages it gives me are worth the troubles it puts me into. Will live and see.
The only dancing I manage to get into my system in a week was a small local milonga on Friday. It was my first time at the place, and the evening exceeded all expectations. I had a lot of fun, chatting with a friend about tango lessons, chatting and dancing with my partner, sharing wonderful tandas with some of my local favorites, and getting acquainted with a new leader I was curious about some time ago.
I am looking forward to the next week. It is time to get back in shape despite the gloomy weather. I have a workshop on Monday, a class on Tuesday and, hopefully, a milonga afterward. My ballet class starts on Wednesday. Things are looking up.
I have to be very careful, though, to avoid the partnership pitfalls that seem to resurface suddenly. That stuff is not good for me, for my tango. I even consider canceling that partnership, to be honest. Right now I am not sure either I can manage it anymore, or do the advantages it gives me are worth the troubles it puts me into. Will live and see.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Fall is Here. Posted on September 16, 2007.
The weather suddenly changed. Isn't it always that way. One day, you realize your summer clothes wouldn't do anymore, and you don't know what to wear. Takes me by surprise every year. I should shorten a couple of my ball dresses, to make them suitable for tango.
Lately, I couldn't get much practice with my steady partners. One of them is unable to dance due to a mild injury. Another returned from the trip, where he didn't miss me much, I assume, given that he hasn't called upon me yet. I only practiced with random people at the Monday practica, and went to my used-to-be-usual local class, that turned to be very good, once more.
There, I had a chance to dance with the teacher, and he was kind enough to give me some pointers. He noted that it was hard for him to tell where my weight was at any given moment. So, I guess, I have to be more clear in shifting my weight from foot to foot, and keep my weight above one foot at the moment of receiving the lead. At least that is how I understood it. Later in the week I also got feedback indicating that I have to pay attention to my foot placement, and passing feet in parallel lines close to each other. Here we go; I carved myself a task or two for upcoming practice sessions.
I went to the Small Milonga again, no expectations whatsoever. It was even smaller this time around. Only about eight couples. I danced with a lady teacher again, but another one this time. Needless to say, I liked it. This place always seems to hold pleasant surprises for me. That night, I had quite a few. One very local leader I hadn't danced with for a while was there. As I accepted a dance from him, I was astonished at how much he had improved since the last time he led me. He must have gone to really good teachers. Now I will have someone to dance with at our very local milongas, etant donne I show up at those. A good leader is one more reason to show up. Also, I finally got to dance with another leader/instructor. I had been eying him for quite a while. Actually, by the time, I had gave up on him ever asking me. It was a very nice couple of tandas, and contrary to what I might have started to think about him (due to him not asking me, of course, hahaha), the guy seemed to be a sweetheart.
My favorite maestro was there, too, and -- so kind of him -- took me for a nice spin.
I had a great time all in all. I will be back for more.
My Happy Saturday Milonga has become too much fun. I danced tons and buckets. I reconnected with two leaders I like, but with whom I hadn't had much chance to dance lately. All tandas were either good or very good. None of them was great though. Perhaps, too much distraction. Or too much self-critique. I feel better on the floor when I practice beforehand. All that reflective, self-conscious stuff gets channeled into working during a practica, so a milonga is just sheer fun. That is how it is supposed to be. I ought to try practice more next week.
It is hard at times, for someone as chatty, and with such a developed taste for a good social intrigue as myself to stay focused. Dancing aside, a milonga is an amazing case of people watching and gossip listening, I shall admit. And such a milonga as my Saturday Happy place is a double, triple treat! I have to be careful in order to not to get sucked in, and keep my mouth shut, above all. Better put the energy in learning the proper walk and the foot placement, hein?
I have also been trying to stay positive about the partners situation. I think I stress out too much about it at times. It's understandable, I care about my tango, and want to get good. But people have their own life, and their own problems, after all. Instead of getting frustrated, I just have to see what I can do with what I get, as anybody else does. I believe I can do something good. As I always do.
Lately, I couldn't get much practice with my steady partners. One of them is unable to dance due to a mild injury. Another returned from the trip, where he didn't miss me much, I assume, given that he hasn't called upon me yet. I only practiced with random people at the Monday practica, and went to my used-to-be-usual local class, that turned to be very good, once more.
There, I had a chance to dance with the teacher, and he was kind enough to give me some pointers. He noted that it was hard for him to tell where my weight was at any given moment. So, I guess, I have to be more clear in shifting my weight from foot to foot, and keep my weight above one foot at the moment of receiving the lead. At least that is how I understood it. Later in the week I also got feedback indicating that I have to pay attention to my foot placement, and passing feet in parallel lines close to each other. Here we go; I carved myself a task or two for upcoming practice sessions.
I went to the Small Milonga again, no expectations whatsoever. It was even smaller this time around. Only about eight couples. I danced with a lady teacher again, but another one this time. Needless to say, I liked it. This place always seems to hold pleasant surprises for me. That night, I had quite a few. One very local leader I hadn't danced with for a while was there. As I accepted a dance from him, I was astonished at how much he had improved since the last time he led me. He must have gone to really good teachers. Now I will have someone to dance with at our very local milongas, etant donne I show up at those. A good leader is one more reason to show up. Also, I finally got to dance with another leader/instructor. I had been eying him for quite a while. Actually, by the time, I had gave up on him ever asking me. It was a very nice couple of tandas, and contrary to what I might have started to think about him (due to him not asking me, of course, hahaha), the guy seemed to be a sweetheart.
My favorite maestro was there, too, and -- so kind of him -- took me for a nice spin.
I had a great time all in all. I will be back for more.
My Happy Saturday Milonga has become too much fun. I danced tons and buckets. I reconnected with two leaders I like, but with whom I hadn't had much chance to dance lately. All tandas were either good or very good. None of them was great though. Perhaps, too much distraction. Or too much self-critique. I feel better on the floor when I practice beforehand. All that reflective, self-conscious stuff gets channeled into working during a practica, so a milonga is just sheer fun. That is how it is supposed to be. I ought to try practice more next week.
It is hard at times, for someone as chatty, and with such a developed taste for a good social intrigue as myself to stay focused. Dancing aside, a milonga is an amazing case of people watching and gossip listening, I shall admit. And such a milonga as my Saturday Happy place is a double, triple treat! I have to be careful in order to not to get sucked in, and keep my mouth shut, above all. Better put the energy in learning the proper walk and the foot placement, hein?
I have also been trying to stay positive about the partners situation. I think I stress out too much about it at times. It's understandable, I care about my tango, and want to get good. But people have their own life, and their own problems, after all. Instead of getting frustrated, I just have to see what I can do with what I get, as anybody else does. I believe I can do something good. As I always do.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Cannot get enough. Posted on September 3, 2007.
No, I have not completely abandoned this blog. Аs I discovered, it does me a lot of good to keep writing. I re-read the entries from time to time. Down the road, it is important to remind oneself of certain things.
Meanwhile, I've progressively become gluttonous about my tango. At the beginning of the last week, I felt rather tired. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to my ex-partner on Monday, as we planned. I guess he got swamped preparing for his trip. I skipped my Tuesday classes. I felt too exhausted. Wednesday class and practica were light. I did not go anywhere on Friday. Oh, wait. On Friday, I went salsa dancing! It was nice, but nowhere as exciting as tango is.
On Thursday, I finally made it to that new milonga I 'd only been once before. It was very small and cozy. Barely a dozen of couples at any given moment. Exactly what I wanted. I had many great tandas that night.
One was with a very promising beginner. Comfortable embrace, simple steps, musicality. He knows how to slow down already. What not to like. I shall dance with him again.
Another memorable one I had was with a leader who is also a wonderful follower and a teacher. Too bad I couldn't have had more than one set with her. She would have continued with me, probably, but a milonga set started, and she decided she'd rather not do a milonga. I hope I will have another chance.
I was lucky to dance one tanda with "my tango life savior". I like the guy more and more. I only wish I could get more time with him. That would allow us to establish better connection. I feel that I could do so much better, and he would enjoy it so much more.
That leader from the remote neck of the woods was there, too. After the heavenly debut, we had a completely disastrous follow-up a week after. Now, it was an OK tanda. Not hell nor heaven, just OK. I'll take that. I prefer it that way, actually.
And last but not least, I got a wonderful time with one of the local maestros, whom I had in a good mood, and all for my own self for several tandas in a row at the almost empty establishment. Cela, c'est le pied!
What can I say? I really like the place, and they can count on me to be back for more at the first occasion.
The Saturday I was at my Lucky Saturday place, and had a great time despite the heat, and the not so huge number of dances I got. The first one was with another very promising beginner whom I seriously contemplate as my next practice partner now. I think I should go ahead and set a practice time with him. Especially as my ex-partner is on an overseas trip, and my current partner is nowhere to be found. There is no such a thing as too much practice (or partners).
Guess what? Next day it felt like I didn't have enough tango in! So I went to yet another milonga on Sunday. To a place I practically never show up at. And it was a good decision. For example, as a result, I finally saw (and reconnected with) a guy I hadn't seen since the previous month's all-nighter. I am not even sure why I like him. He is by no means a fine leader yet. Nonetheless, I feel very comfortable with him for some reason. I hope his dancing will improve soon. For ones, I so wish he could stop bouncing, and would slow down a bit sometimes.
I danced again with one of my favorites, a very advanced leader who still makes me feel intimidated a little bit. He is one of those for whom I want to become a much, much better follower, to enjoy the subtleties of the dance more. I just enjoy following him, and every time I am with him, I think about how great being a follower in tango is. It makes me feel happy.
"More" seems to be the key word of the present. I want to go out to milongas more. I am in the mood for practicing. I am about to get a new pair of shoes. A private lesson is scheduled tomorrow. I am looking forward to it. I plan to attend at least one workshop by the end of the month. I need to secure a partner for it, though. I want to improve my dancing significantly.
And among all that, I ought to stay calm and leveled. I shall not think much about what I don't have, or cannot get just yet (or ever). I have to see what I can do now, and simply do it. And not get too gluttonous, watch for those burnouts.
New steps, new partners, new venues, new shoes, more fun for my feet. J'en ai plain.
Meanwhile, I've progressively become gluttonous about my tango. At the beginning of the last week, I felt rather tired. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to my ex-partner on Monday, as we planned. I guess he got swamped preparing for his trip. I skipped my Tuesday classes. I felt too exhausted. Wednesday class and practica were light. I did not go anywhere on Friday. Oh, wait. On Friday, I went salsa dancing! It was nice, but nowhere as exciting as tango is.
On Thursday, I finally made it to that new milonga I 'd only been once before. It was very small and cozy. Barely a dozen of couples at any given moment. Exactly what I wanted. I had many great tandas that night.
One was with a very promising beginner. Comfortable embrace, simple steps, musicality. He knows how to slow down already. What not to like. I shall dance with him again.
Another memorable one I had was with a leader who is also a wonderful follower and a teacher. Too bad I couldn't have had more than one set with her. She would have continued with me, probably, but a milonga set started, and she decided she'd rather not do a milonga. I hope I will have another chance.
I was lucky to dance one tanda with "my tango life savior". I like the guy more and more. I only wish I could get more time with him. That would allow us to establish better connection. I feel that I could do so much better, and he would enjoy it so much more.
That leader from the remote neck of the woods was there, too. After the heavenly debut, we had a completely disastrous follow-up a week after. Now, it was an OK tanda. Not hell nor heaven, just OK. I'll take that. I prefer it that way, actually.
And last but not least, I got a wonderful time with one of the local maestros, whom I had in a good mood, and all for my own self for several tandas in a row at the almost empty establishment. Cela, c'est le pied!
What can I say? I really like the place, and they can count on me to be back for more at the first occasion.
The Saturday I was at my Lucky Saturday place, and had a great time despite the heat, and the not so huge number of dances I got. The first one was with another very promising beginner whom I seriously contemplate as my next practice partner now. I think I should go ahead and set a practice time with him. Especially as my ex-partner is on an overseas trip, and my current partner is nowhere to be found. There is no such a thing as too much practice (or partners).
Guess what? Next day it felt like I didn't have enough tango in! So I went to yet another milonga on Sunday. To a place I practically never show up at. And it was a good decision. For example, as a result, I finally saw (and reconnected with) a guy I hadn't seen since the previous month's all-nighter. I am not even sure why I like him. He is by no means a fine leader yet. Nonetheless, I feel very comfortable with him for some reason. I hope his dancing will improve soon. For ones, I so wish he could stop bouncing, and would slow down a bit sometimes.
I danced again with one of my favorites, a very advanced leader who still makes me feel intimidated a little bit. He is one of those for whom I want to become a much, much better follower, to enjoy the subtleties of the dance more. I just enjoy following him, and every time I am with him, I think about how great being a follower in tango is. It makes me feel happy.
"More" seems to be the key word of the present. I want to go out to milongas more. I am in the mood for practicing. I am about to get a new pair of shoes. A private lesson is scheduled tomorrow. I am looking forward to it. I plan to attend at least one workshop by the end of the month. I need to secure a partner for it, though. I want to improve my dancing significantly.
And among all that, I ought to stay calm and leveled. I shall not think much about what I don't have, or cannot get just yet (or ever). I have to see what I can do now, and simply do it. And not get too gluttonous, watch for those burnouts.
New steps, new partners, new venues, new shoes, more fun for my feet. J'en ai plain.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Another Week Gone Away. Posted on August 12, 2007.
I am still on five nights of tango a week. It is a bit too much. By Friday, I feel exhausted, overdosed, and have to spend the night in. On Sunday, I am tired and sleepy. Perhaps, I have to make changes to my tango schedule.
I used to take Wednesdays off, and go to a milonga on Thursday. Now there is a class on Wednesday night and a practice session with the X on Thursday. As a result, I only can go to a milonga once a week. The rest is practice and classes.
Fortunately, The Wednesday class will be over in 2 weeks. Also, I decided to do something different on Tuesdays. Take a private lesson once in a while, perhaps, then go to a milonga at night.
Yesterday I took a workshop with my teachers. It was very interesting, and challenging. Actually, for the first time it took me quite a few tries before I could do the moves, and some of them, just barely.
We went to a milonga afterwards. The place was packed. For some reason, I was not happy with myself that night. It was strange. I cannot quite put a finger on anything. All partners I danced with were good. I didn't lose my axis. One of my favorite leaders finally stayed with me for more than one tanda. Nothing bad happened over the whole night. Everything was fine. And yet, I left unhappy with how I did.
Granted, I watched very good follows dancing last night, and couldn't help noticing how my dancing was different from theirs. Also, I watched up and coming beginners, and noted how good they had become over such a short time. I really should stop comparing myself to others. I have to remember, I am competing with no one.
Perhaps the fact that I was previously struggling in the workshop affected my mood. Or dancing/ practicing so much with the same people made me a little sheltered. I felt like I didn't want to go out of my comfort zone, suddenly. It was so not like me. Or was I just tired? I danced one salsa, and felt absolutely exhausted. Am I out of shape? I should hit salsa parties every now and then, just for conditioning.
Two more weeks. After that, I will have more time to rest, dance socially, have fun. Until then, I have got to be careful, take it easy, take good care of my feet, and keep my cool.
I used to take Wednesdays off, and go to a milonga on Thursday. Now there is a class on Wednesday night and a practice session with the X on Thursday. As a result, I only can go to a milonga once a week. The rest is practice and classes.
Fortunately, The Wednesday class will be over in 2 weeks. Also, I decided to do something different on Tuesdays. Take a private lesson once in a while, perhaps, then go to a milonga at night.
Yesterday I took a workshop with my teachers. It was very interesting, and challenging. Actually, for the first time it took me quite a few tries before I could do the moves, and some of them, just barely.
We went to a milonga afterwards. The place was packed. For some reason, I was not happy with myself that night. It was strange. I cannot quite put a finger on anything. All partners I danced with were good. I didn't lose my axis. One of my favorite leaders finally stayed with me for more than one tanda. Nothing bad happened over the whole night. Everything was fine. And yet, I left unhappy with how I did.
Granted, I watched very good follows dancing last night, and couldn't help noticing how my dancing was different from theirs. Also, I watched up and coming beginners, and noted how good they had become over such a short time. I really should stop comparing myself to others. I have to remember, I am competing with no one.
Perhaps the fact that I was previously struggling in the workshop affected my mood. Or dancing/ practicing so much with the same people made me a little sheltered. I felt like I didn't want to go out of my comfort zone, suddenly. It was so not like me. Or was I just tired? I danced one salsa, and felt absolutely exhausted. Am I out of shape? I should hit salsa parties every now and then, just for conditioning.
Two more weeks. After that, I will have more time to rest, dance socially, have fun. Until then, I have got to be careful, take it easy, take good care of my feet, and keep my cool.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friday Night. Posted on August 3, 2007.
Tonight I am taking some time off tango. But of course, it occupies my thoughts. I took a nap, worked in the garden a bit, am reading a book now, but tango is always on the background.
On Tuesday I skipped my usual class and went to the milonga instead. I had a lot of fun practicing cabeceo. Several memorable things happened.
One of them, I finally danced with one of the local teachers. It did not go very well, to say the least. I tend to blame myself. I was off balance, could not pick his lead a lot. But on the second thought, perhaps, I didn't do so badly. I should just remember for the future, when it doesn't go well, I better not to apologize and show the leader that I believe it is my fault. It is just not cool.
Another thing, I met a very nice leader from out of town. I had a few tandas full of fun, interesting steps with him. I think he liked me. He invited me to his milonga. Quite frankly, it is a bad commute. I hope he will show up again at a more convenient location.
Also, this week I got a surprise -- some practice time with the ex. What can I say. It was good. But given our history, I better not have any expectations.
Everything I learned in the private lesson last Sunday seems to work just fine. I will put it into more testing this weekend at the milongas.
I have been practicing a lot lately. It is time to relax and have some fun.
Update. A few weeks later, I danced with the "infamous" instructor again. It went very well that time. When I shared my joy with the partner, his reply was, "Wow, you must be really good. All the girls I know have complained how extremely hard to follow the guy is."
Very recently, after one milonga where dancing with my teacher did not feel as stellar as usual, I caught myself on that again. I guess on the outskirts of my subconscious I still had that "he is a maestro, he cannot be in the wrong. So if it does not work, it must be all my fault". How very silly. I should know better by now.
On Tuesday I skipped my usual class and went to the milonga instead. I had a lot of fun practicing cabeceo. Several memorable things happened.
One of them, I finally danced with one of the local teachers. It did not go very well, to say the least. I tend to blame myself. I was off balance, could not pick his lead a lot. But on the second thought, perhaps, I didn't do so badly. I should just remember for the future, when it doesn't go well, I better not to apologize and show the leader that I believe it is my fault. It is just not cool.
Another thing, I met a very nice leader from out of town. I had a few tandas full of fun, interesting steps with him. I think he liked me. He invited me to his milonga. Quite frankly, it is a bad commute. I hope he will show up again at a more convenient location.
Also, this week I got a surprise -- some practice time with the ex. What can I say. It was good. But given our history, I better not have any expectations.
Everything I learned in the private lesson last Sunday seems to work just fine. I will put it into more testing this weekend at the milongas.
I have been practicing a lot lately. It is time to relax and have some fun.
Update. A few weeks later, I danced with the "infamous" instructor again. It went very well that time. When I shared my joy with the partner, his reply was, "Wow, you must be really good. All the girls I know have complained how extremely hard to follow the guy is."
Very recently, after one milonga where dancing with my teacher did not feel as stellar as usual, I caught myself on that again. I guess on the outskirts of my subconscious I still had that "he is a maestro, he cannot be in the wrong. So if it does not work, it must be all my fault". How very silly. I should know better by now.
Friday, December 12, 2008
I Am Back. Posted on July 28, 2007
It is been a while since I posted. So many things have happened. Mostly, positive ones. Some I would never have dreamt of. It is nice to take a look at the past, but I will concentrate on the present and the future now.
Tango classes and practice take a lot of my time during a week nowadays. Hardly any left for social dancing. I guess I am in the mood for practicing, making myself busy, embracing the reality. But I still miss my dreams. I miss milongas a lot, too. Tonight I am going to one of them. As far as I know, no one I like dancing with will be there for sure. But the floor is great, and the night might end up with some pleasant surprises, who knows. Strangely, I am looking forward to it, without really expecting anything.
After all, I am heading to the city the next day for my private lesson. Might go to another milonga the next night if I do not get my fix. And finally, taking a lesson is great. The teacher is always so encouraging.
Meanwhile, a great wisdom from my fellow blogger 24tango:
"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option."
I've got options, after all. I just have to remember my priorities.
Tango classes and practice take a lot of my time during a week nowadays. Hardly any left for social dancing. I guess I am in the mood for practicing, making myself busy, embracing the reality. But I still miss my dreams. I miss milongas a lot, too. Tonight I am going to one of them. As far as I know, no one I like dancing with will be there for sure. But the floor is great, and the night might end up with some pleasant surprises, who knows. Strangely, I am looking forward to it, without really expecting anything.
After all, I am heading to the city the next day for my private lesson. Might go to another milonga the next night if I do not get my fix. And finally, taking a lesson is great. The teacher is always so encouraging.
Meanwhile, a great wisdom from my fellow blogger 24tango:
"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option."
I've got options, after all. I just have to remember my priorities.
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