When we see a couple dancing beautifully together, we might notice and appreciate any of a number of elements -
- clean, precise technique
- inventive choreography
- moving musical interpretation
- an eye-catching "move" or trick
Each is important. But to me, the most essential and powerful element that a couple can share is chemistry.
Chemistry broadly describes the quality of the interaction between two people, in this case between two dance partners. Chemistry is difficult to describe, but we react to it instinctively when we see it and when we feel it.
When the interaction works at an average level, i.e. it's nothing special, the other elements become more important. But when the chemistry between two partners is deep and meaningful, it's enough to watch them just walk together, or even to just stand and hold each others without much movement. We sense the electricity between them.
Chemistry Exemplified
Chemistry can describe a physical interaction, as in how seamlessly the leading and following work together to produce movement.
Chemistry can describe an intellectual interaction, as in how well the couple expresses themselves through improvisation and nuance.
Chemistry can describe any of several emotional interactions: trust, passion, the thrill of being in each others arms.
Chemistry can describe a theatrical interaction, as in how the couple uses humor and drama to evoke a mood or tell a story.
A Brief Tangent From Tango
Dancing With The Stars is a popular American reality television program where celebrities study dance for a short amount of time and then put on performances in a competition of elimination. I don't watch the show very often, in part because it does a brutally unjust of representing Argentine tango.
But I would like to mention that one of the contestants on the current season is a very impressive dancer named James Maslow. In addition to extraordinary natural talent, Mr. Maslow has an incredible chemistry with his professional partner/teacher. Every time they perform, it's a delight to watch.
Despite his extraordinary performances, Mr. Maslow finds himself in last place at the moment - yet another reason why I don't watch the show.
But if you have a chance to watch this guy perform with his partner - even if you have to go back to past episodes, I would urge you to do so. It is an illustration of dance chemistry at the highest level.
Chemistry at the Milonga
The next time you find yourself watching couples dance at a milonga, instead of watching for fancy steps (or fancy shoes), watch for chemistry.
The couple with the best chemistry might not be doing the most fancy steps, and vice versa - the couples that are doing the most fancy movements might not have much chemistry.
Chem 101
Think about your own dancing. Think about the partners with whom you feel a special connection. Dancing with certain people just feels better. It's more exciting, more creative, and more smoothly flowing even though their level of experience might not be as high as some of the other people at the milonga.
Chemistry is an important subject. Study it. Do experiments. Gain a respect and an understanding of the power of interaction, of the magic that makes those special partners special.
And then, when you're ready to go for your Ph.D. in Chemistry, share that special formula with all of your partners and make every dance special.
¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
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