Why Argentine Tango? I found it accidently. I never heard of it, didn't know what it was, however, I went along for the ride.
My first exposure was through a ballroom teacher that though my dance partner and I could pick up this dance. I was unaware at the time that he did not dance the Argentine Tango and we were being taught a "routine" from videotape! We were duplicating a look with no understanding of the whys or wherefores. But we continued, and we danced and it worked. The next step was through a Tango couple who taught patterns. This was an improvement, however, I was not learning how to lead, just duplicating what I was shown. I took additional classes, went to workshops. I tried to get more.
Then I went to Argentina. That is when I realized I knew nothing about Argentine Tango. Time to start all over, and I did. More to follow.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Helping a Community Grow
Where do you start? What makes a community grow? What makes a true community?
Is bigger better? There is no correct answer. A community can be many things to many people so I am very interested in getting feedback on this topic. For me, community is like a family. We are all different, however, when push comes to shove, we support each other. In a family we do not hold a grudge, we learn to forgive and forget. At least that is how my family works. I may not like everything they do; however, I support them the best way I can.
For me a great place to start to cultivate the community is to be aware of new faces and make them welcome. I believe it is important for you go up introduce yourself and have a short conversation. My last trip out of town to a well-known Tango community, only one person came up to me and made me feel welcome. I am not complaining, however, it did make me look at what I do when there is a new face in the crowd. I did not look so good. I do better now. It is no fun being a stranger and it feels great when some one makes you feel welcome.
Conversation is good but dancing is better. What I try to do is when it is not my event; I dance with new faces early in the evening. Usually newbie’s arrive early so this allows me to meet and dance with new faces while still giving me the options to dance with my fav’s later in the evening. If everyone remembers what it was like to be the new kid, I believe more people would share their time.
The other important aspect is to do your best to eliminate all negative conversation from the Milonga. I know we all have opinions, boy do I know. I am the worst. It is very tough for me to bight my tongue, but I have gotten much better. I have two close friends I use to voice my complaints, and I never have those discussions in public. For me it is a big negative to hear community members badmouthing other members, music, dancers, what ever. I understand we are human, but nothing good comes out of it. It is magnified if the guilty parties are community leaders. Here is where we must stop and think and try to put ourselves in another pair of shoes.
The community is made up of Teachers, student, great dancers, not-so-great dancers, observers, and want-to-bees. Everyone has his or her place and each is a true member.
I have more to say but I will give it a rest…for now.
Building a community is the Midwest. Michael Giacona
Is bigger better? There is no correct answer. A community can be many things to many people so I am very interested in getting feedback on this topic. For me, community is like a family. We are all different, however, when push comes to shove, we support each other. In a family we do not hold a grudge, we learn to forgive and forget. At least that is how my family works. I may not like everything they do; however, I support them the best way I can.
For me a great place to start to cultivate the community is to be aware of new faces and make them welcome. I believe it is important for you go up introduce yourself and have a short conversation. My last trip out of town to a well-known Tango community, only one person came up to me and made me feel welcome. I am not complaining, however, it did make me look at what I do when there is a new face in the crowd. I did not look so good. I do better now. It is no fun being a stranger and it feels great when some one makes you feel welcome.
Conversation is good but dancing is better. What I try to do is when it is not my event; I dance with new faces early in the evening. Usually newbie’s arrive early so this allows me to meet and dance with new faces while still giving me the options to dance with my fav’s later in the evening. If everyone remembers what it was like to be the new kid, I believe more people would share their time.
The other important aspect is to do your best to eliminate all negative conversation from the Milonga. I know we all have opinions, boy do I know. I am the worst. It is very tough for me to bight my tongue, but I have gotten much better. I have two close friends I use to voice my complaints, and I never have those discussions in public. For me it is a big negative to hear community members badmouthing other members, music, dancers, what ever. I understand we are human, but nothing good comes out of it. It is magnified if the guilty parties are community leaders. Here is where we must stop and think and try to put ourselves in another pair of shoes.
The community is made up of Teachers, student, great dancers, not-so-great dancers, observers, and want-to-bees. Everyone has his or her place and each is a true member.
I have more to say but I will give it a rest…for now.
Building a community is the Midwest. Michael Giacona
Conversations on Argentine Tango
Hey There!
Since I always have an opinion, I decided to start writing them down. The conversations to be posted will deal mostly with Argentine Tango, community, music, and general opinions and observations. I am new to this and I am sure I will adapt. Please be kind. My comments will be generalized and not directed to specific communities or people. The idea is to create an interest in Argentine Tango and while having the ability to reflect on what can be done to reach more people and create a stronger community.
I also want to be able to create a forum where one may add their thoughts. This BLOG is not tied to any community and should allow for a free and open communication. The goal is to get positive information from anyone who wishes to share his or her time and thoughts. I hope that comments will remain kind and designed with a purpose. Help make this a “Go TO” Tango site.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
I hope you will find this interesting and share this with a friend.
Respectfully,
M. Giacona
Since I always have an opinion, I decided to start writing them down. The conversations to be posted will deal mostly with Argentine Tango, community, music, and general opinions and observations. I am new to this and I am sure I will adapt. Please be kind. My comments will be generalized and not directed to specific communities or people. The idea is to create an interest in Argentine Tango and while having the ability to reflect on what can be done to reach more people and create a stronger community.
I also want to be able to create a forum where one may add their thoughts. This BLOG is not tied to any community and should allow for a free and open communication. The goal is to get positive information from anyone who wishes to share his or her time and thoughts. I hope that comments will remain kind and designed with a purpose. Help make this a “Go TO” Tango site.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
I hope you will find this interesting and share this with a friend.
Respectfully,
M. Giacona
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