Tango y Té

Baby Wisdom

At "Tango y Té" we teach a distinct way of dancing. To understand what it is, the best way is to think of what a baby "understands." Let me explain. Imagine carrying a baby in your arms. Better still, if you have access to one, take him in your arms. Put on the music, and, by *walking*, convey the music's message to the baby. The baby never leaves your chest. Use different, moods, different energy, and changes in direction. The bottom line is: the baby's motion is the only thing that counts for expressing the music this way.

What implications does this have for dancing with a partner? First, it does NOT mean that the woman's role is to be like a baby, being moved by the man. What it does mean is that BOTH partners are responsible for carrying the baby smoothly. Both dance "FOR the baby." It means that the movement of both their chests melt into one movement, expressing the music.

The other implication is: at "Tango y Té" we teach what creates a natural cadence, and how to integrate this into a flow of motion that can express the phrases of the music. The "baby" could care less about what the feet do!!! Actually, the baby cares about what the feet do only insofar as it relates to carrying the body. (if you think there is a contradiction here, please do come to the weekly lesson at 7:30 and I will address any question you have.)

Note that this way of dancing does mean it is wrong to add other, fun or dramatic elements to one's dancing. But it is a basis for dancing to the music. For me, it is the only basis.