Gotanmana's Weblog

Tango Musicality – Back to the basics (Absolute Beginners to Tango Music)

gotanmana — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:21:45 +0000

Tango music is an essential part of dancing tango and it goes without saying that an understanding of the music will go a long towards the development of your dance. It can inspire, motivate both leaders and followers to do more and open the possibilities of intimate dancing experiences.

For those new to Tango, the beginning of this journey is daunting because of the sheer volume of available material spanning several stages in the history of the music.

Personally speaking, It took several months trawling and unnecessary purchases before finally discovering danceable tango Orchestras/CD/Tracks suitable for the beginners. My education began with several hours and months listening (whilst still attending classes) to several Tangos, milongas and vals before I begin to appreciate the relationship between Tango music and the dance.

For the absolute beginners to tango, where do you start your education? The first step to understanding the rhythm of Argentine tango music is to begin with the music of the Francisco Canaro and Carlos Di Sarli.

The music of both orchestras is particularly suitable for learning to hear and move to the beat of tango. we would consider recommendation the following CDs from both orchestras.

Francisco Canaro – La Melodia de Nuestro Adios
Carlos Di Sarli – RCA Victor 100 Años

The “La Melodia de Nuestro Adios” CD contains mix tracks of Tango, Milonga and Vals, both CDs are also have clear and simple walking beat for dancing.

The quest for Tango Musicality is an ongoing and like the dance is a never-ending learning process.

What are you waiting for? Start listening and practicing your walking. Enjoy.

Driving home from New Year’s Eve Milonga in the New Forest

gotanmana — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:32:20 +0000

Just left TangoUK New Year Milonga in the New Forest for the 45 minutes drive home, a regular journey I undertake after each Milonga to Bramshaw. I suddenly discovered a few days before Christmas that I enjoyed this homeward journey so much. I also enjoy the drive to Milonga as well, the promise and the expectation of an evening, meeting new and old Tangueros, good music and lots of exciting dance is irresistible.

The journey home on New Year’s Day was different and special, it was a foggy, wet and moonless night and the beginning of a New Year. I was in my usual reflective mood about the evening’s milonga etc and put on the CD of my favourite orchestras, Francisco Canaro’s Poema but tonight was different, I had a chance to revisit the various milongas, classes I had attended, wonderful dances I enjoyed, new Tangueros I met over the year and look forward to more of the same in the coming months.

As I pulled into the drive, I concluded that I have had a wonderful year of dancing tango, meeting and enjoying the company of fellow Tangueros, old and new.

In the spirit of goodwill, I wish all Tangueros, wherever you are, a wonderful new year of dancing and companionship. For a daily dose of virtual milonga (while waiting for your next Milonga Fix) visit TangoMana for weekly playlist of danceable Tango music, all day and everyday.

gotanmana — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:30:14 +0000