This post is about seeing multiple men dancing with one woman…in tango! This clip is from The Tango Lesson, directed by Sally Potter. I should scold myself for not having seen this movie as it belongs to the modern tango movie cannon. I watched a few interviews with Sally Potter and she has approached tango with such love and respect that I’ve taken quite a shine to her. I’m looking forward to seeing the whole movie. Can someone please get it on netflix?
The fact that I’m just discovering this now outs me for my ignorance. Bear with me and enjoy this journey of discovery. Feel free to add/comment/reprimand.
I love the show, So You Think You Can Dance. It exposes me to a variety of dance styles, it educates me, and it expands my horizons. It makes me a better dancer. I enjoy watching it because of the connection that’s showcased in many of the contemporary routines.
And the Ballroom? Having good connection (physical or emotional, more on this later) in Ballroom, or in any dance, is really difficult. But in this season so far, you wouldn’t know it. It looks great. See: Jordan & Tadd, their Waltz and their Viennese Waltz. That’s my problem. It looks really good. How is it possible, for something as difficult as ballroom, to look good in 7 hours?! I like that the choreographers make the dancers look their best, but it doesn’t educate the audience. The audience walks away with the wrong impression, thinking, “Huh, ballroom…that was pretty, the dancers didn’t really struggle, hm…must not be so difficult.” Or, “Ballroom looks like a framey version of contemporary.” Not cool.
Props to Louis Van Amstel
In the best possible way, Louis Van Amstel stuck it to Melanie and Marko. In the clip before the dancing Louis says, “Forget the story line, it’s just purely getting the character of the dance.” YES! BAM! Make those dancers work their asses off! Show them just how flipping difficult ballroom dancing is! Props all around! Props to the dancers, because that routine is difficult and they handled it splendidly. Props to the judges, Marry Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe, for putting everything into perspective. Props to Louis Van Amstel for making it all happen. Thank you!
The Difference Between American, International, and Argentine Tango
After the performance, Marry Murphy offers a quick explanation of the different types of tango. I’m going assist and give some visual examples. After watching this you might be able to understand why Argentines roll their eyes, snicker, and laugh at Ballroom Tango.
Here is American (Smooth) Style Tango, notice that being in frame is very optional.
Here is International (Standard) Style Tango. Notice that they’re in closed frame the entire time. Extremely technical and polished.
And this is Argentine Tango. Keep in mind, this is not choreographed. Notice the elegance and musicality.
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