Jonathan and Clarisa

Here are some class notes on connection, leading following, walking and musicality!

Greetings! Here is a video for you to watch for homework as well as for inspiration! I suggest you watch this youtube clip 3 times! We will watch it again later to see new things in it as well, but today, let's look at the things you have learned in class!
The first time you view it, pay attention to how Clarisa and Jonathan embrace each other when they start to dance. They take 6 phrases of music or 18 bars - the whole intro! to feel where their partner is, to feel what kind of energy this person has, to connect, to communicate... it's like going somewhere with your friend. You wouldn't just approach them and abruptly scream I WANT TO GO FOR LUNCH AND SHOPPING RIGHT NOW, and pull them along! You would try to sense how much time your friend had, and if they were even hungry before you suggested these things. We need to respect our partner, take time, and make them comfortable and confident in us!

**When you embrace your partner, think about the things you are communicating consciously and unconsciously.
I'm strong.
I'm paying attention to you.
I'm scared of you.
I can't connect with you.
I don't have good balance.
I'm nervous.
I love this song!
I don't have confidence in you.
I'm comfortable.

As you watch the dance the first time, watch how they put their feet together when a movement is finished - neat and clean and clear to the partner. Pay attention to the walking as well, to how they control their steps from leaving one foot and transferring on to the other, they could freeze at any moment, stand alone and not fall. While you are walking around your house or the office or on the sidewalk, take some time to pay attention to your own walk and understand your relationship with the ground and gravity, your weight and your legs/feet. Think about walking with more control - control the speed of the step all the way through, control your height, control the speed at which you transfer your weight, try to stop at any point during the step. Where are you unstable? What gives you more control? Which muscles help you?                                                                                **Walking isn't just a foot or leg thing, it's a whole body movement! Remember your core and your spine and your head too!

The second time you watch this video, note their facial expression. They are not smiling and chatting and looking around at the birds and the trees, they are paying full attention to their partner and the music! Their faces reflect this with focus and concentration. (If you are a leader at milonga, you are ALSO paying attention to the flow of the line of dance and every couple around you!)
Additionally pay attention to how many times in this performance they wait for each other. She moves when he proposes it, and he moves when she completely finishes it. This is the only way they can stay together. It is a conversation and we have to take turns or else no one is listening. (It's called fighting...) If your dance feels rushed or tense or off in some way, practice "waiting".
**It is said that tango is about not moving more than it is about moving. There is more going on in the pausing and waiting than the stepping! Keep that in mind as you learn!
And the last time you watch this video for homework, just enjoy their dance! See if you can distinguish when he or she is moving to the rhythm or melody. Do they move to the same sound or sometimes one dancer to melody and one to rhythm? Watch and make some observations!