Sunday, March 30, 2014

Finding Opportunity In Gender Imbalance

Gaining Perspective

Gender imbalance can be frustrating. It can spoil an otherwise interesting class experience. If you let it, that is. 

If there aren't enough leaders or followers at an event, some people will end up 'sitting out' when they would rather be dancing. Being on the wrong end of the gender imbalance is disappointing, especially if it happens frequently in your community.

I realize that this is a small consolation, but an imbalanced class or event can serve as a learning opportunity. It's a golden opportunity to experience the complimentary role - to lead if you are a follower, or to follow if you are a leader. 

This suggestion is not always met with enthusiasm. "I don't want to learn the other role. I'm happy being a follower (or leader)." Some folks don't say the words, but they thinking it.


But please consider this idea carefully. The objective is not to become an expert at the complimentary role, but rather to gain perspective through the experience.

It's important to understand what our partners feel when we dance with them.

Most people will remain dedicated to either leading or following, and that's absolutely one-hundred percent acceptable. But experiencing the other role can still be a valuable exercise. Please consider the insights that you stand to gain.


Perspective for Leaders

Here are some things that a leader might discover while attempting to follow.

- The "in the moment" mindset that effective following requires
- The critical role of balance in following
- The feeling of being knocked off of your axis unintentionally
- The importance of proper technique in the molinete (turn)
- The joy of being led with clarity and sensitivity
- The joy of being led musically
- The confusion that an unclear lead produces
- The heartbreaking and all too common frustration of being blamed for a leader's mistakes


Perspective for Followers

Here are some things that a follower might discover while attempting to lead.

- The challenge of traffic management
- The frustration of trying to lead one thing and seeing something else happen
- The differences between a follower with good stability and one who clings to you to maintain their balance
- The differences between a responsive follower and one who is not as well "tuned in" to the lead
- The limits that a follower enforces when her steps are too small
- An appreciation for the impact of good (or bad) molinete technique


The Ultimate Payoff

Once we understand both the joys and the challenges of the opposing role, we tend to become more accepting and appreciative of our partners. We understand how we might want to adjust our own technique in order to provide partners with more of what they enjoy and less of what they don't.

In the end, this exercise is not about gaining expertise in the unfamiliar role. It's about gaining expertise in your regular role. Leaders with experience in following become better leaders, and vice versa.

So, the next time this veiled opportunity presents itself, embrace it. As some patient person if they would mind letting you exercise your unfamiliar role with them for a song or two. The insights that you'll gain will be worth the effort.



¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel

Copyright © 2014 The Exploring Tango Blog
All Rights Reserved

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Some Thoughts On Chasing A Dream


Live joyously.

Visualize expansively.

Prepare tirelessly.

Plan carefully.

Work enthusiastically.

Act boldly.

Stumble gracefully.

Adapt intelligently.

Learn cumulatively.

Refine continuously.

Document meticulously.

Persevere courageously.

Succeed graciously.

Celebrate gratefully.

Mentor openly.



¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel

Copyright © 2014 The Exploring Tango Blog
All Rights Reserved


Friday, March 14, 2014

Olympic Lessons - Inspiring Performance

Captivating An Audience

The Winter Olympic Games offer a chance to see all manner of dazzling, daring, dramatic, and death-defying feats. But figure skating and ice dancing are unique in their ability to capture the imagination of an audience. 

Figure skating is as much an art as a it is a sport. In addition to challenging technical elements, skating performances showcase a high degree of creativity, expression, and musical interpretation. 

And yet, it's only the rare performance that stays in our heats and minds long after the scoring has been judged. 

What, beyond technical merit, makes one performance stand out among the rest?


Establishing Connection

We notice the elements that each skater or pair performs: the perfect jumps, the flowing lines, the creative footwork. We acknowledge that these elements are extremely challenging.

But the finest performances inspire us at an involuntary level. We find ourselves smiling, tearing up, or simply staring in amazement.

The elements are still there - we see them, but we don't feel the way that we do because someone just landed a difficult jump or performed an inventive lift. We feel an emotional connection with the performance. We feel pure inspiration.


Alternate Applications

This distinction applies to dance and other performing arts. The finest performances go to a level beyond technique and figures. The audience feels a connection with the artist.

But this phenomenon occurs in social dancing, as well. Connection is more critical than complexity. Connection with the music. Connection with a partner. Moving together as one. This is where the magic happens.

Establish the connection. Experience the magic. 


¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel

Copyright © 2014 The Exploring Tango Blog
All Rights Reserved