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Survey - page 2
1. I am a
Leader
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
Tango is music and it’s dance. This music and this dance have certain ‘attributes’ that make it Tango and not something else. A Dancer to me is somebody who uses his/her body to express him/her self and to communicate a feeling through movement, to a partner or an audience. A good dancer will tirelessly work on refining his/her ‘instrument/body’ to be able to use it in the best possible way for dancing
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
I think any activity where you spend a significant amount of time and energy will influence your life outside that activity, as the individual gets ‘seriously’ involved in an activity that practice will inevitably influence and shape the individual as a whole
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
When you feel you ‘connect’ with your partner through the dance, when the music inspires you and the body responds :) when your partner enjoys the dance as much as you do, when nothing else matter at that moment but the two of you
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
Caring about your partner, making sure she enjoys the dance, that she is comfortable, that she is having fun. Being clear on your lead and smooth in your movement, having a ‘story to tell’ when you dance
6. What makes a really good Follower?
A good listener (see question 8)
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I am learning how to follow and yes, I consider learning the opposite role beneficial for my dance as it allow me to experience ‘how it feels’ to be led, this understanding will allow me to refine my skills and concentrate on the subtle clues that make ‘lead’ work
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
I would try improving the dialog, the conversation that will allow the follower and the leader to listen to the same music, to identify the ‘signature’ of the movement and dance it together. I would try to reduce the gaps that break the continuity and fluidity of the movement
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
An average of 2.5 Hrs a week mostly milongas but I am planning to increase this time to include practice time
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
Dancing more grounded, more relaxed, more balanced, smoother, more elegant with better lines, having broken my patterns, expressing the music as I can do now in my mind but not yet with my body
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1. I am a
Follower
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
Yes, I consider myself a dancer. Tango and dancing are a way for me to socialize and get in touch with my spiritual side.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
I think is alters other's impression of me - they think I'm exotic because I dance tango. ha
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
A very sensitive and firm lead. Interesting music. That connected feeling.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
Does not lead with his arms. A good ability to interpret the music. Uses a variety of movements - mixes it up. Sensitive to what his partner can do without being judgemental or "teachy".
6. What makes a really good Follower?
Able to slow down and feel the lead without anticipating. Doesn't pull over her leader or yank him around. Not afraid to try new things.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
No, I cannot lead at all. I'm sure I would benefit from learning, but would rather hone my skills as a follower.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
The "essence" of tango, rather than the steps. Try to get dancers to feel the music, relax and walk on the beat, in the correct flow of dance, without stepping on each other.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
2-6
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I want to dance in other communities and take some advanced classes. This would make it more enjoyable for me.
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1. I am a
Leader
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does "being a Dancer" mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
Tango means another way to "walk fancy" with another warm human being. Yes, I consider myself a dancer. Being a dancer means looking forward to dancing and feeling my soul.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
Yes, it improves my mood and my perspective on life. It helps me to live in the moment.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
Good connection, physically and emotionally with a trade off in energy and inspiration. In a perfect tango, my partner and I coordinate our breathing in a good connection. At the end of a good dance, we often linger in the embrace and then spontaneously smile or laugh together.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
Good connection with good posture while respecting the follower in her level of expertise.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
Good connection with movement from the core, initiated by the leader but then equally powered by the follower.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I am not a good tango follower. This is something I need to work on.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
Frame/connection and physical and emotional coordination.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
8-12 or more
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I would like to become better at dancing stillness (molasses moves)
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1. I am a
Follower
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
I consider myself a dancer, I don't know if others do. Tango dancing is like learning to read the soul of another person. When you get it, it's great.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
I listen to more music, think of ways to dance it, can I use tango steps to interpret other styles of music. But my favorite is still the old tango tunes.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
A willing partner, even if you make mistake, one that is appreciative of the music, and takes his partner to another level.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
A friendly person with a sense of humor.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
To listen and feel his moves.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I have so much to learn as a follower, that I can't consider that at this time, would probably confuse me.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
For tall man to consider the steps they make when dancing with a shorter person.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
3 hrs. a week, wish that I could do more, not possible at this time.
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
Learn new steps, embellishments, and incorporate them in my dancing.
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1. I am a
Leader
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
Yes I am a dancer and I love it. It is my passion and one day hope to teach Tango
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
Connecting with people, taking charge, considering the other person
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
A soulful or spiritual connections. When I am not thinking about the moves but they happen automatically. When two of us become one.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
You have to have a strong will. A will to lead. Good timing. Patience. And at time you must learn to follow.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
A person who can surrender to follow. Not give up or give in but throw off resistance and maintain enough energy to be equal
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I can follow a little. It is beneficial to practice the other role so that you can better understand your role. With my goal to teach Tango i would like to be about to dance both sides
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
Posture, bend at the knees, structure, eye focus, relax, breath, stay forward, small steps, pauses.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
About 6 hours a week. I take two classes
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I am getting better after doing this after one year and hope to feel more self confident and attend more milongas. Would like the instruction to slow down and have the group move together step by step. Break it down to 1/2 or 1/3 of the movement and do it over and over again until we show understanding. Some times the instructor demonstrate the movements to fast and say this is easy and we should be able to do this. Tango is hard to learn. It gets frustrating. With such a high turn over of students you would think that maybe the instruction needs to change. Understand that the students are all followers, you the instructor are leaders
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1. I am a
Follower
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
To me, Tango means dancing from heart chakra to heart chakra. Steps are secondary. Being a dancer means that I dance 24x7.. every move I make. The day I die, they'll have to tie my dancing feet down cause they will never stop. I guess I'm a dancer...
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
Tango is every breath I take and every move I make. It is the ultimate Zen experience. Being present in the moment.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
I believe the perfect Tango is extremely serendipitous and cannot be planned. I think it certainly cannot happen if expected. My most memorable Tango experience was with an out-of-town stranger, passing in the night, from Calif. several years ago. Never had a better dance before or since!
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
One who makes the most of my follow deficiencies through absolute love of Tango.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
As a follower, I aspire to be a Stradivarious in the hands of a Master!
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I'm a follower, but could learn to lead. I would do this, only so I needen't sit out a favorite tune.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
Open Hearts.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
Every move I make while awake is part of my Dance of Life. Official Tango class & milonga time is currently about an hour a month.
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
Other than becoming ever more present, I have no expectations. I appreciate every Tango Experience for it's own unique "flavor".
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1. I am a
Follower
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
For me, Tango is a metaphor for life and many types of relationships. Being a dancer means being physically aware of time, space and rhythm.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
Tango definitely influences my life outside of dancing by presenting some unexpected options that come from seeing the dance as a metaphor.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
The qualities that make me happy in a dance reflect respect, competence, creativity and play, gracious conversation (with the body and never the voice) including the abilities to make a clear statement and to listen well. Then, those magical and unexpected moments that occur between my partner (especially someone I've never danced with, before) and myself, the music and our connection.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
A really good leader offers something unique, has a real understanding of the music, is expressive and communicative, uses clean/clear movement--finishes steps and allows me to finish mine, knows there is no rush, knows and uses good floor craft, keeps himself relatively dry with a handkerchief and does not repeat patterns or throw in tricks just to show off; one who dances for me and not for spectators.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
No Response
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I think leaders tend to benefit from being able to follow, but as a follower, I've found that it is difficult for me to stay in that role if I've been leading--I tend to want to backlead if my partner isn't meeting my expectations. That's not a 'good thing.'
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
I would address moving with the body before the feet, clean finished (collected) steps, moving through pauses and not simply stopping to figure out what to do next, being able to move slowly and use the entire beat.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
It varies--from 2 to 10!
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I like to continue to improve my walk.
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1. I am a
Leader
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
1. (Argentine) Tango: a loose style of dance (say, set of moves and ways of implementing them) which developed for dancing to traditional tango/milonga/vals music. The dance style allows enough variation to dance to these three styles of music, as well as to other types, including "tango nuevo" and other more modern music genres, and may evolve due to the prevalent type of music. 2. "Being a Dancer": Using the steps and figures that one knows or can improvise, to make a personal artistic expression of the music. This requires general proficiency in dancing technique, and it helps a great deal to know multiple styles of dance. 3. Sure.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
A little. Mostly in that I have a greater appreciation for tango music, and that dancing improves my posture/balance in general.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
Music that goes somewhere. A follow who feels light and well balanced. Enough space on the floor to do some nice figures.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
Understanding and controlling space and balance. Interpreting the music.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
Light touch, good balance. Listening to the music. Committing to steps. Taking time as the music/lead permits.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I can follow some. When following a good lead, it helps me understand the unique difficulties a follow faces, and perhaps gives me inspiration on how to lead more effectively. It is also interesting to lead a good leader. Following from a new/poor leader provides little or no benefit to me.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
Balance, good connection, technique for different types of "moves"
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
Depends on the week. Maybe an average of 2-3 recently.
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I would like to be more comfortable leading more advanced figures than I am comfortable with now. (Yes, that's pretty generic.)
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1. I am a
Follower
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
Tango is to me first of all the music. Tango the dance comes as a way to express all the energy that is contained in tango music. Being a dancer means that instead of just absorbing the music, you can externalize it into physical movements. I have never thought of myself as a dancer because I usually associate the term with people that do it more professionally.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
When I dance I don't think about work so tango helps me deal with the stress of normal life. Also, a lot of the people I met through tango became good friends that are now part of my "non tango" life.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
I'm happy when the embrace is comfortable, when the leader doesn't have an attitude, we have good connection and can "feel" the music in the same way.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
The embrace is essential, he needs to make you feel comfortable, not squeeze you very tight, not pull you around, but at the same time has to be clear and determined in his lead. Also, the ability to "adjust" the steps to the music.
6. What makes a really good Follower?
The ability to wait for the leader and not anticipate. Good balance.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I cannot lead but I would like to learn. It helps to realize how hard it is to lead (so followers would not be so hard on bad leaders) and to understand what are things to avoid as follower
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
Don't hold the follower too tight Don't pull her around with your arms
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
4-6 hours
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I hope to improve but as time passes the progress is slower. I would like to improve in elegance and balance.
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1. I am a
Follower
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does "being a Dancer" mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
Tango to me is an emotional palette for expression. There are moods from ecstatic (milonga) to heartbreak (some of the old "she-done-me-wrong" songs from the 1930-50's). Being a dancer is expressing who you are in the framework of different types of music. I am so very glad I found tango. Most definitely, I am a dancer!! I have danced and taken lessons since I was 4--ballet, jazz, tap, tumbling, clogging, square dance, shag, blues, bellydance ;) and I am happy to be doing it again with tango. It is my passion and I love it!
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
In many ways-Yes! First I became obsessed with the music and played it at work most all day. I walk my dog backwards around the neighborhood, and used to walk backwards around my office building in an imaginary embrace every afternoon. I have also invited many friends and acquaintances to come and learn the dance I love. I get distracted when I hear rhythms in my head and think of steps, and I sometimes dance in the grocery store.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
When he embraces me, my heart flutters and melts into a syncopated rhythm with my partner's. As we breathe in tandem and step onto the floor, I feel like I am floating just slightly. The lead is gentle but clear, and I follow slowly, gracefully and passionately. Did I say he is very handsome, well-dressed and smells great? Then he asks for another tanda, and another...Perfecto!!
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
Clear intention but gentle guidance so your arms don't get tired, a close or fluid embrace. Excellent balance, musicality, not too many sequential spins, not too much repetition; some pauses to breathe together and just enjoy. I also love a good parada or the chance to interact with ganchos, volcadas, etc., I've been tangoing long enough to want to have a little fun of my own ;)
6. What makes a really good Follower?
Excellent balance to hold herself tall in the embrace, yet to be ready to move in many directions. Musicality, good feet, quick ability to be able to read and adjust her steps to the length of the leader's, and really listening to what he wants from you.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
I have learned a little about leading in classes where we take turns or are not gender-balanced. I respect learning the other partner's point of view. It really benefits both for leaders and followers to explore each other's roles. It gives much more empathy for the embrace and the lead as well as expectations of the followers.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
Connection and embrace, Numero Uno! The importance of the walk, more about the muscality and rhythm lines--dancing on the beat, to the melody, to the rhythm, etc.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
3-6, though I would like to take more classes and workshops. It is not financially possible at this time.
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
I see myself as more graceful, fluid, able to follow anyone, gaining understanding and knowledge and tango vocabulary. I want to work on sacadas and ganchos and other intermediate embellishments.
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1. I am a
Leader
2. There are many definitions of Tango. What does Tango mean to you? What does “being a Dancer” mean to you? Do you consider yourself a Dancer?
tango is a kind of dance. i consider myself a dancer and i do ALL kinds of dance. sometimes i mix them together a bit.
3. Do you think Tango influences your life outside of dancing? In what way?
i walk a little differently when i think about it, leading a bit more from my solar plexus.
4. What makes you happy in a dance? Describe your perfect tango.
flowing from one move to the next that the follow doesn't have to think much to know what to do.
5. What in your opinion makes a really good Leader?
that flow of movement, smoothness
6. What makes a really good Follower?
can develop their own flow and sense of completeness in a move.
7. If you are a Leader, do you (can you) follow? If you are a Follower, do you (can you) lead? Do you think you benefit as a dancer from exploring/taking the opposite role? If yes, how?
yes, i like to follow. a lead should be able to follow to know what their role is in a dance.
8. If you were asked to teach a Tango class to people you regularly dance with, what would be the most important, in your opinion, issue(s) you would address?
clear body lead, smoothness. for leaders knowing ahead of time what is coming next.
9. How many hours a week do you dance, including classes, practicas and milongas?
4
10. How do you see yourself as a tango dancer in 6-12 month? What would you like to improve/ achieve in your own dance?
more clarity in lead, ability to improvise, see opportunities. takes more and more dancing to learn that.
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