The Tango Banter

This conversation revolves around our recent experience at The Thing, a yearly tango marathon in Portland, OR. We discuss our personal experiences and observations, highlighting the challenges and strategies we used to get dances.

Interview with Oliver Kolker: https://youtu.be/WfmFPsBb5JM

Both Alex and I started tango more than 10 years ago. Certain things have definitely changed over the past decade, but in other ways, tango is just as challenging as ever. We chat about the things we would do differently if we were going to start all over again, and other things that we would definitely do again.

If YOU were to start over, what would you do differently/the same?

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In this banter I explore the (un)friendliness of the social tango scene and the different camps that people fall into regarding this topic.

In this episode, I explore how tango followers can become more expressive in their dance, what that means and how to practice it. I offer practical tips for developing musicality and incorporating adornos into your dance in a way that enhances your movement. I highlight the value of practicing and making videos to improve your dance.

Tango Simplified Learning Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0iNCGBu99jcAh980gEY-P7Pdk3j3vHuY

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In this episode, I review my experiences as a competitor at the Southern California Tango Championship. I’ve had a critical view to tango championships but this experience changed my perspective. I was surprised by the of camaraderie I saw and felt among the dancers and saw this kind of an event as an opportunity for personal growth. I placed 3rd in the Jack & Jill Category as a leader and I talk about the significance of that for myself as dancer and the tango community at large.

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In this episode, I interview Elena Rovito (https://www.facebook.com/Lena.Rovito) about her recent article she wrote where she described her less than positive experience at a milonga. We discuss the reactions she received and the challenges of entering the tango scene as a new dancer.

Elena also talks about her dance journey, starting with gymnastics and transitioning to various social dances like salsa, bachata, and Brazilian zouk. We discuss various strategies the Zouk community implements to make beginners feel welcome. We also touch upon some of the more tricky problems plaguing all social dance scenes.

Elena’s article on Medium: https://therhinestone.medium.com/i-went-to-my-first-milonga-lets-talk-about-it-2a4a93192d2b

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In this episode, I discuss the experience of ghosting, both in tango and in life. I share personal stories and explore the pain and confusion that comes with being rejected or ignored by someone. I also delve into the different areas of life where ghosting can occur, such as dating and professional relationships.

Takeaways

Ghosting is a common experience that can occur in various areas of life, including personal relationships, professional relationships, and dating.

It is important not to take ghosting personally and to recognize that the other person's actions are a reflection of their own experiences and circumstances.

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In this episode, Alex and I review our experiences at the Portland Valentango Festival and El Motivo Marathon in LA. We discuss the highlights, challenges, and differences between the two events. We also explore the physical demands of marathons and festivals, the differences in dance levels, and the importance of floor craft.

Takeaways

- Marathons and festivals offer different experiences and challenges for social dancers.

- Awkward moments can arise during late-night dancing, but it's important to navigate them with grace and respect.

- Asking questions and focusing on learning about others can lead to meaningful conversations at events.

- Mistakes can be embraced and lead to new experiences and connections.

Hopscotch Immersive Art Experience in Portland: https://letshopscotch.com/

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In this episode I discuss the importance of knowing specific elements of tango music in order to succeed as a dancer. I emphasize the significance of recognizing orchestras and understanding the different characteristics and styles they bring to the music. I share my personal journey of learning to recognize orchestras and provide a simple process for others to follow.

Takeways:

- Tango music is an essential component of the dance and plays a significant role in expressing the character and style of the dance.

- Recognizing orchestras and understanding their unique qualities can enhance the dance experience and allow for more creative expression.

- Learning to recognize orchestras is a process that requires practice and active listening, but it is a skill that can be developed over time.

- Understanding and appreciating tango music can deepen the connection between dancers and create a more enjoyable and fulfilling dance experience.

Access my Spotify tango music playlists: https://imsotango.namastream.com/buy/product/70580

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In this episode, I explore the topic of jealousy in tango. I reflect on my personal experience with jealousy and how it has affected my relationships. I discuss the different types of jealousy that tango dancers experience, particularly focusing on the insecurities and fears that women often face.