[Tango] Tango classes and milongas this week

[Lois Donnay]

Classes this week will concentrate on loose legs - getting them for the
followers, and using them for the leaders. This is what is necessary for
successful secadas, ganchos and a variety of other moves.

A word on following: Recently a follower sad something to me that was rather
disturbing. She said she needed to learn more moves. When I commented that I
believed she needed to learn how to hold her body, she said "No - I don't
know where to put me feet, and the guys need to tell me. If I learn the
moves, then I'll be able to follow them."

Recently I also led a woman who was doing all kinds of unexpected things.
She was trying to get her legs in between or around mine, stepping in
unusual ways and generally making the dance difficult for both of us. I
needed to tone the dance way down, to save us from the possibility of a hard
landing. These two events are related. Followers - don't do a move simply
because you have been taught it, or think that's what the leaders wants. You
are not doing the leader any favors by following a move that he doesn't lead
clearly. Leaders - don't tell your follower that she should put her foot or
leg someplace or another. You would not be happy if she does that move when
you aren't leading it. Most following problems come from followers doing
what they were told rather than what is natural. 

Tuesdays tango at Vino 610, Lake and Lyndale Ave S. is going great! We are
there usually until after midnight. We start about 9:45. Check the City
Pages for a coupon.

Saturday is the TSoM milonga! The best one, in my opinion, of the month.
This month it will be back at Hopkins Dancesport, 811 Main Street above the
Mainstreet Bar and Grill.

The Leading for Followers/ Following for Leaders class on Mondays is going
quite well. I have received really positive feedback on how this is
improving people's dancing, plus it's a lot of fun! Cost is $12
non-students/$8 students, time 8:30-9:30 followed by the Oddfellows
practica. Ladies, if you come early for the practica, the women leaders
would really appreciate dancing with you.

Fourth Saturday workshop, Oct.28th: We will continue the previous class on
Performance Tango.  Many of you are getting requests and opportunities to
perform, or at least to demonstrate some tango. We'll explore the
differences between tango for your partner and tango for an audience, plus
learn an easy move or two designed to impress your audience. Workshop starts
at 7:30 PM. For this workshop you may want to bring your own partner, and
dress to move. $15, held at 3142 1st Ave S, Mpls. Afterwards, we'll find
some place to go dance, about 9 PM. Check my website for updates.

Lois Donnay
3142 1st Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 5408
612.822.8436
www.mndance.com

Hsueh-tze Lee from Boston will be here teaching workshops the weekend of
December 1st- 4th. Try to get in some work with this amazing teacher!


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