A unique tango musicality tip for intense connection
Musicality can be an intimidating word.
And creating a definition for that word can be even more intimidating.
But definitions are important.
I like to create definitions that make potential actions easier to understand.
A cup for me is not “a small bowl-shaped container typically having a handle”.
Ιt is “a convenient way to drink liquids”.
Is this definition complete?
Absolutely not.
Is this definition better than the first one?
I don’t care.
It is actionable and it makes potential actions easier to understand.
So I use it.
When it comes to musicality, I have a few different ‘definitions’.
One of them is:
The beauty of finding a structure/step/movement/change that mimics the music in any way.
Is this a complete definition?
No.
Accurate?
No.
Actionable?
Yeap.
Finding a structure/step/movement/change that mimics the music.
The music goes faster, you go faster, that’s mimicking.
A little bridge with three piano notes goes ding, ding, ding, and you do three quick steps, that’s mimicking.
The music changes from intense to calm and you go from tense to relaxed muscle tone, that’s mimicking.
Having said that, I recently came across a very subtle way of mimicking that I absolutely loved.
In every tango song you have musical phrases.
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If you don’t know what a musical phrase is, here is the most fun and entertaining way I have found to understand phrases: these videos.
I also bought the Kindle book, it costs 3-4 Euros.
100% recommended.
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They last a few seconds, then the next phrase comes.
Now put a tango song that you like and identify where a musical phrase ends.
Extra points if you can find a part of the music where a very rhythmic phrase ends and a melodic starts.
Now rewind back ten seconds and take a breath.
Exhale and let your body contract as the musical phrase is coming to an end.
The moment the musical phrase ends your exhalation should be complete.
That last moment where the musical phrase is over and your breath is complete can be a beautiful moment of silence, relaxation, letting go.
For you and your partner.
Now that’s next-level mimicking.
Try it.
Find the silence and the pause, and combine it with emptiness and contraction.
With this little tip you can create moments of intense connection with your partner.
If you are a leader and want to learn more ways to improve your dance, don’t miss the next Curious Tanguero newsletter.