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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
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.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Addiction. Getting Worse. Posted on 07.04.2007
I have tangoed six nights in a row. I must take a break tonight. I have to firmly tell myself that there is no way I can be at every interesting milonga, at every tango party or practica that is currently happening. So I will stay in tonight, watch some TV, finish a book, pamper my feet, review my private lesson, sort out some stuff in my head.
So much happened in those six nights. My very first tango festival kickoff. Happily, everything is taking place practically in my backyard. Four big milongas, from Thursday to Sunday, left me happy, and my feet totally exhausted. The usual Monday practica, where I finally had a chance to dance with the guy who once saved my tango life. And this time it was, in a way, no less salvatory. I lately promised myself not to entertain any great hope about anyone, but dancing with him felt so great. I caught myself on the thoughts that he might become no one else but my ideal partner in the future.
I had several beautiful tandas with my Southern Tango Sweetheart. It is really nice of him spending so much time with me. I enjoyed a lot his warm and tender embrace. I will miss it. But I have to look on the bright side. Next time he is in town, I will be dancing even better. I have to tell him that before we part.
The tall and handsome local leader was very nice to me. Again, like at the Monday practica, I got a kick out of his milonga. Unfortunately, it was already my fourth night, and I was dead tired. My feet were numb, my back hurt. I hope he didn't awfully mind my dancing.
Had some nice dancing with my ex-partner. Fortunately for me, tango is like that -- whatever feelings I cannot communicate with words, I can express in dancing. But honestly, I ought to have a serious talk with myself. I need to focus on what needs to be done, on practicing and improving. Thoughts about what happens with other people, whether they like me or not, and for what reason, should not distract me from my goals. It is simply none of my concern anymore. Nor my problem.
I don't have to justify myself. I have to move on, and tune out all negative vibes. There is a lot of beautiful stuff going on still, and I have to try not to ruin it for some petty things.
I think I will make a quick note reviewing what I worked during my private lesson. First of all, walk. There is no need to reach backward with the moving leg. That makes me arch the small of the back and break my posture, when I am doing so. Instead, I should concentrate on using my standing leg more, using the floor, pushing into the floor. Same, in the ochos, there is no reaching backward, no sticking the leg out prematurely, but there is an energetic, grounded pivot and push before stepping. The leg goes back freely, relaxed, that will enable me to do a nice boleo if the interruption occurs...
To be honest, I cannot wait to go back to a milonga, and dance some more. Also, looking forward to another private lesson that is coming somewhere next week. My tango will get better, I will have even more fun.
So exciting.
Update. My tango, apparently, got better by the next visit of the Southern Sweetheart some 6 months later. To my surprise, that time I was not as enchanted with his dancing skills as before. It still was nice to see him, and dance with him, though. He did a very important thing for my tango, and in a very right moment. For that, I will ever be grateful.
My tango savior did not become my partner, and I do not believe that will ever happen. He is still one of my absolute favorites. The more I learn, the more I appreciate his dancing. I always look forward to dancing with him. He is also being an amazing friend. A great person all around.
I still need to re-read one particular paragraph of this entry from time to time. It is not always easy to stay focused and clear from emotional stuff. But I guess, that, too, is part of fun.
So much happened in those six nights. My very first tango festival kickoff. Happily, everything is taking place practically in my backyard. Four big milongas, from Thursday to Sunday, left me happy, and my feet totally exhausted. The usual Monday practica, where I finally had a chance to dance with the guy who once saved my tango life. And this time it was, in a way, no less salvatory. I lately promised myself not to entertain any great hope about anyone, but dancing with him felt so great. I caught myself on the thoughts that he might become no one else but my ideal partner in the future.
I had several beautiful tandas with my Southern Tango Sweetheart. It is really nice of him spending so much time with me. I enjoyed a lot his warm and tender embrace. I will miss it. But I have to look on the bright side. Next time he is in town, I will be dancing even better. I have to tell him that before we part.
The tall and handsome local leader was very nice to me. Again, like at the Monday practica, I got a kick out of his milonga. Unfortunately, it was already my fourth night, and I was dead tired. My feet were numb, my back hurt. I hope he didn't awfully mind my dancing.
Had some nice dancing with my ex-partner. Fortunately for me, tango is like that -- whatever feelings I cannot communicate with words, I can express in dancing. But honestly, I ought to have a serious talk with myself. I need to focus on what needs to be done, on practicing and improving. Thoughts about what happens with other people, whether they like me or not, and for what reason, should not distract me from my goals. It is simply none of my concern anymore. Nor my problem.
I don't have to justify myself. I have to move on, and tune out all negative vibes. There is a lot of beautiful stuff going on still, and I have to try not to ruin it for some petty things.
I think I will make a quick note reviewing what I worked during my private lesson. First of all, walk. There is no need to reach backward with the moving leg. That makes me arch the small of the back and break my posture, when I am doing so. Instead, I should concentrate on using my standing leg more, using the floor, pushing into the floor. Same, in the ochos, there is no reaching backward, no sticking the leg out prematurely, but there is an energetic, grounded pivot and push before stepping. The leg goes back freely, relaxed, that will enable me to do a nice boleo if the interruption occurs...
To be honest, I cannot wait to go back to a milonga, and dance some more. Also, looking forward to another private lesson that is coming somewhere next week. My tango will get better, I will have even more fun.
So exciting.
Update. My tango, apparently, got better by the next visit of the Southern Sweetheart some 6 months later. To my surprise, that time I was not as enchanted with his dancing skills as before. It still was nice to see him, and dance with him, though. He did a very important thing for my tango, and in a very right moment. For that, I will ever be grateful.
My tango savior did not become my partner, and I do not believe that will ever happen. He is still one of my absolute favorites. The more I learn, the more I appreciate his dancing. I always look forward to dancing with him. He is also being an amazing friend. A great person all around.
I still need to re-read one particular paragraph of this entry from time to time. It is not always easy to stay focused and clear from emotional stuff. But I guess, that, too, is part of fun.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Addiction: Real Good Stuff. 06.27.2007
I had a fabulous tango weekend, danced a lot. The highlight of it was that I saw one of my favorite local leaders who I had thought was gone away for good. In fact, he had been on a long trip, indeed, and just came back. He seldom dances, so I hardly ever had a chance to dance with him. But at a few occasions that I did, it was wonderful. I believe dancing with him even saved my nascent tango life once. Maybe I will blog that story sometime, but not now. Anyway, against all odds, I entertain the hope that we can dance more in the future.
The Friday practica turned into a crazy, crowded, lots-of-fun milonga. Among others, I had a few nice sets with my newfound Tango Sweetheart. I will go ahead and call him that. Perhaps it is too soon, but I really like him that much. I caught myself missing his embrace when I have not been in it for a while. And he seems to like me too... I think I will just enjoy the ride, and not over analyze for now.
Also, I had a blast dancing with a leader I remember drooling over a while ago, but sorta giving up on him lately. My friends usually refer to him as a "handsome black guy". He turned to be as wonderful to feel as to look at, if not more. Very graceful, light, sensitive, appreciative partner. Totally my kind. He gave me nice compliments, so I am looking forward to dancing with him again.
On the contrary, another leader I wanted to try for a while, (I called him "a ballet dancer"), was somewhat disappointing. He looked much better than he actually felt. I only can guess what we looked like together from the outside as a couple. Perhaps we looked good, even. I will dance with him again and see how it goes.
I also had a chance for the further investigation on "the bad milonga guy". I still have not discovered what was wrong with him. Something certainly is. But now I know what is right about him. His embrace is just amazingly comfortable. It is a pleasure to be in his arms. Am I willing to compromise about everything else I like about tango for that pleasure? I cannot tell right now. I know some people do. Will see.
I had a nice surprise last night. One of my usual ones, who is not bad, but generally on a boring side, for some reason -- was it a tango festival that just happened? -- felt very inspired, and threw in a lot of very cool, playful stuff. Of course, I responded with great enthusiasm. I thoroughly enjoyed that tanda. He later asked me for more, but I was already putting my street shoes on... and he still is not the kind of a leader I would change back into my tango shoes for. Although last night it was surprisingly special dancing with him.
On a side note -- what really strikes me in good leaders, that they know exactly where my feet are at any point. No matter how sloppy my footwork can be, how approximately I followed the lead, they just know. And use it. That great leader from South blew me away with it that unforgettable Saturday night we danced. The "tall, dark, and handsome" local guy was exactly like that, too. How do they manage, I have no idea, but it feels totally amazing. At times they appear to be aware of my own feet more than I am!
A person who takes such a great concern for your body. I used to call that "a lover" in my previous life. It is called "a great tango partner" nowadays, I gather.
Oh my, it is a full blown addiction. I admitted to the Sweetheart that for the last few weeks I danced tango almost every night, at a practica if not at a milonga. Tonight I am staying in, pampering my feet and watching TV. But honest truth, I would rather be out trying my new tango shoes.
Well, next weekend should bring plenty. Tango-week is in town. Must stay sane. But it is just too much fun.
Sans deconner. C'est le pied.
Update: I am not sure when and how did it happen, but now I know where the leader's feet are pretty much at any given moment, too :)
The Friday practica turned into a crazy, crowded, lots-of-fun milonga. Among others, I had a few nice sets with my newfound Tango Sweetheart. I will go ahead and call him that. Perhaps it is too soon, but I really like him that much. I caught myself missing his embrace when I have not been in it for a while. And he seems to like me too... I think I will just enjoy the ride, and not over analyze for now.
Also, I had a blast dancing with a leader I remember drooling over a while ago, but sorta giving up on him lately. My friends usually refer to him as a "handsome black guy". He turned to be as wonderful to feel as to look at, if not more. Very graceful, light, sensitive, appreciative partner. Totally my kind. He gave me nice compliments, so I am looking forward to dancing with him again.
On the contrary, another leader I wanted to try for a while, (I called him "a ballet dancer"), was somewhat disappointing. He looked much better than he actually felt. I only can guess what we looked like together from the outside as a couple. Perhaps we looked good, even. I will dance with him again and see how it goes.
I also had a chance for the further investigation on "the bad milonga guy". I still have not discovered what was wrong with him. Something certainly is. But now I know what is right about him. His embrace is just amazingly comfortable. It is a pleasure to be in his arms. Am I willing to compromise about everything else I like about tango for that pleasure? I cannot tell right now. I know some people do. Will see.
I had a nice surprise last night. One of my usual ones, who is not bad, but generally on a boring side, for some reason -- was it a tango festival that just happened? -- felt very inspired, and threw in a lot of very cool, playful stuff. Of course, I responded with great enthusiasm. I thoroughly enjoyed that tanda. He later asked me for more, but I was already putting my street shoes on... and he still is not the kind of a leader I would change back into my tango shoes for. Although last night it was surprisingly special dancing with him.
On a side note -- what really strikes me in good leaders, that they know exactly where my feet are at any point. No matter how sloppy my footwork can be, how approximately I followed the lead, they just know. And use it. That great leader from South blew me away with it that unforgettable Saturday night we danced. The "tall, dark, and handsome" local guy was exactly like that, too. How do they manage, I have no idea, but it feels totally amazing. At times they appear to be aware of my own feet more than I am!
A person who takes such a great concern for your body. I used to call that "a lover" in my previous life. It is called "a great tango partner" nowadays, I gather.
Oh my, it is a full blown addiction. I admitted to the Sweetheart that for the last few weeks I danced tango almost every night, at a practica if not at a milonga. Tonight I am staying in, pampering my feet and watching TV. But honest truth, I would rather be out trying my new tango shoes.
Well, next weekend should bring plenty. Tango-week is in town. Must stay sane. But it is just too much fun.
Sans deconner. C'est le pied.
Update: I am not sure when and how did it happen, but now I know where the leader's feet are pretty much at any given moment, too :)
Monday, October 13, 2008
How Was Your Dance Weekend? Posted on 06.17.2007
Not so good. I had great plans, but fell very sick on Thursday, and that spoiled the whole thing. I had agreed to help my teachers at their milonga, and it was too late to back out of it. By Friday night I managed to recover enough to be able to drive up there, and take a chair at the entrance. It is a nice way to meet people, get noticed. And I did.
Unfortunately, I couldn't fully profit from my position. The state I was in didn't let me last on the floor, sometimes not even a sole tanda. However, I danced with two leaders I had been wanting to try for a while.
The first one, I believe, has been at every milonga I happened to be since I started, but never asked me to a dance, which I found quite intriguing. He turned out having a very tight, rigid embrace. Not my favorite style of dancing, but not totally unpleasant overall. In fact, I would have easily been in the zone after the first couple of songs, but he started making comments, and that made me a little tense. So, the zone was out of the question, at least for the moment.
The verdict: I will not actively seek dances with him in the future. However, if he asks me again,
I will dance with him again. I can dance like that, it is perfectly fine with me. And then, maybe the zone is not that far away.
I almost gave up hopes of ever catching attention of another leader I tried that night. He was very exclusive, dancing only with a friend, and a couple of her girlfriends, and the rest of the time not dancing at all, and not making eye contact whatsoever. His friend made him ask me, I later learned, a kind soul. He asked me at the very end of the night, when I was already dead tired, so I lasted only one song. But dancing with him completely reinforced my visual impression of him as a leader. Everything was there and yet, something very important was missing. At first I thought it was musicality, but in the end I believe the very cause of "it" lies elsewhere: he dances like he doesn't particularly care.
Now I have a question. Is it in my power to change that? There is only one way to find out. I will dance with him again, provided he asks me again. I let him know that I cared about dancing with him, and had to cut a tanda only due to my poor condition that night.
I had to stay in on Saturday (here went my happy milonga night!), and Sunday night. Perhaps I will be in shape enough to practice with the partner #2 tomorrow night. If I am lucky enough, I might meet someone new and interesting at the practica, like it happened last week. Also will see if the leader who practiced with me last week, if he is in attendance, is willing to repeat the experience.
I liked him more than I care to admit. Suspense, suspense.
No, I didn't have an especially good dance weekend, but it was somewhat eventful. I guess I am getting a little tango-gluttonous at times. In addition, taking a break helped me to sort out some emotional stuff, cool some heat down, at least so it seems now. Therefore it is all good.
Update:
That was me who was rigid, not the guy. Eventually, I learned how to dance in close embrace. About 6 month later, the guy asked me again, and we liked each other very much. He has been one of my favorites ever since.
I do not see what was wrong with the other one, either. Our paths do not cross often nowadays, but I enjoy dancing with him whenever I get a chance. His movement is smooth, his lead is clear, and I like his sense of music.
Decidedly, in their ignorance, beginners can be so arrogant at times.
Unfortunately, I couldn't fully profit from my position. The state I was in didn't let me last on the floor, sometimes not even a sole tanda. However, I danced with two leaders I had been wanting to try for a while.
The first one, I believe, has been at every milonga I happened to be since I started, but never asked me to a dance, which I found quite intriguing. He turned out having a very tight, rigid embrace. Not my favorite style of dancing, but not totally unpleasant overall. In fact, I would have easily been in the zone after the first couple of songs, but he started making comments, and that made me a little tense. So, the zone was out of the question, at least for the moment.
The verdict: I will not actively seek dances with him in the future. However, if he asks me again,
I will dance with him again. I can dance like that, it is perfectly fine with me. And then, maybe the zone is not that far away.
I almost gave up hopes of ever catching attention of another leader I tried that night. He was very exclusive, dancing only with a friend, and a couple of her girlfriends, and the rest of the time not dancing at all, and not making eye contact whatsoever. His friend made him ask me, I later learned, a kind soul. He asked me at the very end of the night, when I was already dead tired, so I lasted only one song. But dancing with him completely reinforced my visual impression of him as a leader. Everything was there and yet, something very important was missing. At first I thought it was musicality, but in the end I believe the very cause of "it" lies elsewhere: he dances like he doesn't particularly care.
Now I have a question. Is it in my power to change that? There is only one way to find out. I will dance with him again, provided he asks me again. I let him know that I cared about dancing with him, and had to cut a tanda only due to my poor condition that night.
I had to stay in on Saturday (here went my happy milonga night!), and Sunday night. Perhaps I will be in shape enough to practice with the partner #2 tomorrow night. If I am lucky enough, I might meet someone new and interesting at the practica, like it happened last week. Also will see if the leader who practiced with me last week, if he is in attendance, is willing to repeat the experience.
I liked him more than I care to admit. Suspense, suspense.
No, I didn't have an especially good dance weekend, but it was somewhat eventful. I guess I am getting a little tango-gluttonous at times. In addition, taking a break helped me to sort out some emotional stuff, cool some heat down, at least so it seems now. Therefore it is all good.
Update:
That was me who was rigid, not the guy. Eventually, I learned how to dance in close embrace. About 6 month later, the guy asked me again, and we liked each other very much. He has been one of my favorites ever since.
I do not see what was wrong with the other one, either. Our paths do not cross often nowadays, but I enjoy dancing with him whenever I get a chance. His movement is smooth, his lead is clear, and I like his sense of music.
Decidedly, in their ignorance, beginners can be so arrogant at times.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Birthday Approaches. Posted on 06.10.2007.
I have been dancing for about 9 months. If born now, the baby would be completely viable, but still depending heavily on others' assistance. That's my tango. Not even a toddler. Still cannot walk. Fragile like a newborn. Needs to be nurtured. But it has good lungs, and a strong appetite, and will grow fast, fast, fast. A new baby means hope.
I decided to celebrate my new tango year a little earlier, during The Tango Festival. And my first and utmost new year resolution will be:
No_more_tango_crushes!
Saturday has quickly become my good milonga day. It's just too much fun. Last one started with a nice one-hour practice session with my new partner. He is working on a back sacada, a sacada combination, and a fun milonga step ending up in a cross. For the first two, I have to pay attention to my balance, and to keeping my weight forward. The milonga step, he has to work on the lead. Meanwhile, I work on following his chest and placing my feet on the floor in a nice articulated way.
We spent an hour practicing and sweating, and the day had started early for me. When I arrived at the milonga, my enegry level was a little low. That automatically set the expectation level. But not every night is supposed to be Le Quatorze Juillet, n'est ce pas? .....
Almost immediately I danced with a leader who had been intriguing me since last week. We had a rather bad milonga set for our first time, although not disastrously horrible. Then a tango tanda later that week. Now, a vals tanda. He commented that we've tried everything together now. Indeed. But I still don't know what's the deal with him. His embrace feels really nice. But I don't like how he leads some simple steps. And he leads nothing else but very simple steps, in fact. Is he relatively new? He seems to be popular.
He seemed to like me. So, I can explore the problem further. I have time.
I had to give a few" charity" tandas, which reinforced my low energy state. When I am tired, sometimes it's easier for me to say "yes" than maneuver out of dancing with less than desirable partners. And they feel my weakness somehow. Meanwhile, another leader I want to dance with, arrived. I had a half tanda with him a while ago. Not because he sat me down, but because the party that night ended rather abruptly, for some reason. I never had another chance with him since then. Nor did I last Saturday. That was a bummer.
At some point, one of the advanced leaders asked me for a last song in a tanda, which I admit, is a very clever way of trying on new people. It was not even a whole song. When the music stopped, he asked if I was visiting. I claimed I was a local, but how come he's never seen me before. I said I was kinda new. He replied, but you must have danced for quite a while. A little less than a year, that's what I answer to that question right now. He said -- but you're good, you probably take good lessons. How did he know I was good, if he danced with me for only a few seconds? Did he watch me, I wonder. Probably he's just been nice. Not as I'm no good, of course, but how could he detect that in a fraction of a song. We danced another tanda. At the end I told him, you are the best dancer I've ever danced so far. I liked his reaction. He simply said, there are lots of really great dancers out there, and if I keep dancing, I discover them very soon. I surely hope so.
Well, I felt like I could call it a night, that's how satisfactory the whole thing was. But more fabulous dancers arrived. Among them my last week discovery who I considered a serious candidate for my future tango sweethearts. Unfortunately, as it happens often between my leaders and I, the formers sooner than later discover that I have an ability to follow (and put up with) almost any crazy stuff that comes to their mind. That makes them very excited, and they start experimenting. At first I rather don't mind, but finally... I just want to dance. Especially when I am out at a milonga, and not in practice. No, I don't always enjoy being a guinea pig. I wanted to escape after the first tanda, but he was like--come on, stay more. His balance, embrace, his weight shifts are just heavenly. I wanted only walk with him, simply walk around the room to music( a lovely vals set was on), and enjoy all these fabulous qualities, the nuances. Helas. Is it possible to change anything now still, or am I labeled a guinea pig for the rest of times with him? Will see.
One guy I've known for a while had a surprise for me. I've always fancied him a good leader, but he had never been my favorite. I felt like we got no chemistry. I couldn't quite point a finger at what was wrong between us, but something just didn't work. Lately I decided the reason was that his lead felt a little rigid, abrupt. And my personal preference is smoothness and softness ( stop laughing you guys). But that night, closer to the end, he asked me for a dance, and... managed to put me into one of the deepest trance I've ever been into.
Of all people. Might it be that by the moment I already had been half asleep due to my fatigue? Anyway, I saw him going home after that tanda. Doesn't it feel great getting a fix. And as I accepted a milonga tanda from my new partner who wanted to try that move we worked on earlier, I told him, I am asleep... don't you wake me up... I don't wanna wake up tonight... .
But of course I did.
I thought I did. But I don't quite remember the rest of the night, and even how I made it home. Although my partner and I had an interesting conversation in the car, which deserves a separate entry. About his partners that night, about my partners, about us... And then I had to drive home on my own. But all these mechanical and intellectual actions were parallel to my tango state of consciousness.
Really woke up only the next morning, desperately needing a foot massage.
Looking at the tapes my partner gave me. I want to show him mine. I really wish him to be receptive to my suggestions. So far he has been. I also have to set a regular time for my practice partner #2, and go to another private lesson with him. It proved to be effective, I believe.
Je suis fatiguee. Mais c'est le pied!
09.18.08 Update:
I kept my new year resolution, and did not have any crushes during my second year in tango. Now I entered my third year, having a sweet tango crush on a quite improbable person, and enjoying it thoroughly.
My new partner stopped being my practice partner after a while. However, we developed a great dance connection as well as a strong friendship off the floor. He still is one of my favorites to dance with. Unfortunately, he moved out of town recently, so we don't dance together often.
My happy Saturday milonga is no more. The venue went on for about a year, and closed down without a bang.
I gave up on the "bad milonga guy". He is still around but we never dance. In my opinion, his dancing has never improved, if not worsened.
The "advanced leader" does not go out that much anymore. He is a nice guy, and still is fun to dance with. Nowadays, he is, by far, not the best leader I ever danced with.
I still have a fine chemistry with another leader mentioned in this entry, that in time has been reinforced by my growing skills and assertiveness. So, now we regularly enjoy very nice tandas together. He also has been a good help to me at practicas.
The "surprise guy" got a girlfriend and almost never mingles anymore. I am not sure if I miss dancing with him that much.
I miss riding in my partner's car, and our convos.
I decided to celebrate my new tango year a little earlier, during The Tango Festival. And my first and utmost new year resolution will be:
No_more_tango_crushes!
Saturday has quickly become my good milonga day. It's just too much fun. Last one started with a nice one-hour practice session with my new partner. He is working on a back sacada, a sacada combination, and a fun milonga step ending up in a cross. For the first two, I have to pay attention to my balance, and to keeping my weight forward. The milonga step, he has to work on the lead. Meanwhile, I work on following his chest and placing my feet on the floor in a nice articulated way.
We spent an hour practicing and sweating, and the day had started early for me. When I arrived at the milonga, my enegry level was a little low. That automatically set the expectation level. But not every night is supposed to be Le Quatorze Juillet, n'est ce pas? .....
Almost immediately I danced with a leader who had been intriguing me since last week. We had a rather bad milonga set for our first time, although not disastrously horrible. Then a tango tanda later that week. Now, a vals tanda. He commented that we've tried everything together now. Indeed. But I still don't know what's the deal with him. His embrace feels really nice. But I don't like how he leads some simple steps. And he leads nothing else but very simple steps, in fact. Is he relatively new? He seems to be popular.
He seemed to like me. So, I can explore the problem further. I have time.
I had to give a few" charity" tandas, which reinforced my low energy state. When I am tired, sometimes it's easier for me to say "yes" than maneuver out of dancing with less than desirable partners. And they feel my weakness somehow. Meanwhile, another leader I want to dance with, arrived. I had a half tanda with him a while ago. Not because he sat me down, but because the party that night ended rather abruptly, for some reason. I never had another chance with him since then. Nor did I last Saturday. That was a bummer.
At some point, one of the advanced leaders asked me for a last song in a tanda, which I admit, is a very clever way of trying on new people. It was not even a whole song. When the music stopped, he asked if I was visiting. I claimed I was a local, but how come he's never seen me before. I said I was kinda new. He replied, but you must have danced for quite a while. A little less than a year, that's what I answer to that question right now. He said -- but you're good, you probably take good lessons. How did he know I was good, if he danced with me for only a few seconds? Did he watch me, I wonder. Probably he's just been nice. Not as I'm no good, of course, but how could he detect that in a fraction of a song. We danced another tanda. At the end I told him, you are the best dancer I've ever danced so far. I liked his reaction. He simply said, there are lots of really great dancers out there, and if I keep dancing, I discover them very soon. I surely hope so.
Well, I felt like I could call it a night, that's how satisfactory the whole thing was. But more fabulous dancers arrived. Among them my last week discovery who I considered a serious candidate for my future tango sweethearts. Unfortunately, as it happens often between my leaders and I, the formers sooner than later discover that I have an ability to follow (and put up with) almost any crazy stuff that comes to their mind. That makes them very excited, and they start experimenting. At first I rather don't mind, but finally... I just want to dance. Especially when I am out at a milonga, and not in practice. No, I don't always enjoy being a guinea pig. I wanted to escape after the first tanda, but he was like--come on, stay more. His balance, embrace, his weight shifts are just heavenly. I wanted only walk with him, simply walk around the room to music( a lovely vals set was on), and enjoy all these fabulous qualities, the nuances. Helas. Is it possible to change anything now still, or am I labeled a guinea pig for the rest of times with him? Will see.
One guy I've known for a while had a surprise for me. I've always fancied him a good leader, but he had never been my favorite. I felt like we got no chemistry. I couldn't quite point a finger at what was wrong between us, but something just didn't work. Lately I decided the reason was that his lead felt a little rigid, abrupt. And my personal preference is smoothness and softness ( stop laughing you guys). But that night, closer to the end, he asked me for a dance, and... managed to put me into one of the deepest trance I've ever been into.
Of all people. Might it be that by the moment I already had been half asleep due to my fatigue? Anyway, I saw him going home after that tanda. Doesn't it feel great getting a fix. And as I accepted a milonga tanda from my new partner who wanted to try that move we worked on earlier, I told him, I am asleep... don't you wake me up... I don't wanna wake up tonight... .
But of course I did.
I thought I did. But I don't quite remember the rest of the night, and even how I made it home. Although my partner and I had an interesting conversation in the car, which deserves a separate entry. About his partners that night, about my partners, about us... And then I had to drive home on my own. But all these mechanical and intellectual actions were parallel to my tango state of consciousness.
Really woke up only the next morning, desperately needing a foot massage.
Looking at the tapes my partner gave me. I want to show him mine. I really wish him to be receptive to my suggestions. So far he has been. I also have to set a regular time for my practice partner #2, and go to another private lesson with him. It proved to be effective, I believe.
Je suis fatiguee. Mais c'est le pied!
09.18.08 Update:
I kept my new year resolution, and did not have any crushes during my second year in tango. Now I entered my third year, having a sweet tango crush on a quite improbable person, and enjoying it thoroughly.
My new partner stopped being my practice partner after a while. However, we developed a great dance connection as well as a strong friendship off the floor. He still is one of my favorites to dance with. Unfortunately, he moved out of town recently, so we don't dance together often.
My happy Saturday milonga is no more. The venue went on for about a year, and closed down without a bang.
I gave up on the "bad milonga guy". He is still around but we never dance. In my opinion, his dancing has never improved, if not worsened.
The "advanced leader" does not go out that much anymore. He is a nice guy, and still is fun to dance with. Nowadays, he is, by far, not the best leader I ever danced with.
I still have a fine chemistry with another leader mentioned in this entry, that in time has been reinforced by my growing skills and assertiveness. So, now we regularly enjoy very nice tandas together. He also has been a good help to me at practicas.
The "surprise guy" got a girlfriend and almost never mingles anymore. I am not sure if I miss dancing with him that much.
I miss riding in my partner's car, and our convos.
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