Be Present and Receptive for the Lead
The role of the follower in Argentine Tango is unique in the realm of the arts. Receiving information in real time in an improvised and unpredictable flow, the follower converts the that information into something tangible and beautiful and emotionally expressive.
That this process works at all is astonishing. It's not like a ballet performance where every step and inflection is choreographed in advance and rehearsed repeatedly. From one moment to the next, the follower has no idea what she will be doing. But she DOES it, beautifully and impeccably.
In order for this miracle of instantaneous artistic expression to occur, the information must be received effectively. In addition to the obvious demands of physical and mental skill, following in tango requires an acute degree of awareness, concentration, and sensitivity.
The primary and fundamental skill in following that that of being present and mindful in the embrace. Nothing else is as important as this. Nothing.
A follower can have excellent balance and technique, but if she is unable or unwilling to respond to the lead, what good will it do? She'll find herself misinterpreting the lead and "getting lost" or "missing things" repeatedly. The dance will have an awkward stopping and starting quality instead of the desired smooth interaction between partners.
The interaction between leader and follower is far more than a series of instructions of directions. It's communication. It's conversation. It's a communion of artistry and ideas and emotion. That communion can't occur when either partner is distracted or not fully committed.
Personally, I would rather dance with a novice who is present and intellectually and emotionally committed in the embrace, than with someone who had been dancing for years but who is unable or unwilling to give their full attention to our interaction.
Being present is that important.
Woody Allen said that eighty percent of success is showing up. This is a good analogy for tango, as well.
Be there. Be present. When you step onto the floor and enter the embrace, be fully invested in what you are doing, be fully present in your communication with this particular partner, even if it's only for one single song. If you can do that, the other twenty percent will easily take care of itself.
¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
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