Generally expressed, music is the most important element for dancers. In consequence, we explore in this session about the importance of musicality . As a result a dancer can improve by building up awareness for the music.
As a first exercise, we lay down and close our eyes for a deep impression of the music. Enjoy the moment. Just listen and witness what happens in our body.
Consciousness for the Music from the Heart.
Music frequencies open our energy centers.
Let the music enter the heart chakra and from there, circulating in our body. It will inspire our soul and eventually lead us to other spheres.
As a result, you will absorb the melodies, the voices, the instruments and indulge in harmony.
After this first exercise to build awareness for the music based on feelings and intuition, we will continue with the next exercise .
Basic Rhythm.
Every dance is characterized by its rhythm. In consequence, it is necessary to find the rhythm to step in the correct beat.
A teacher will introduce the students to the main rhythm of the music. While clapping his hands according the basic rhythm, he will ask his students to step on the beat.
Seems like beginner dancers usually quickly reach their limits right here. When it comes to interpreting the music further than the basic rhythm, they fail. They oftem get overwhelmed with detailed interpretations of musicality.
Finally, this explains why many social dancers stay at basic level.
Others are willing to dig deeper into the topic. But sometimes they fear not being talented enough, even though it will just need more consciousness to be successful.
Most of all, relax, awareness for the music can be trained.
In our workshops we will listen to different musical pieces of tango, vals and milonga. We learn to identify the “compas”.
The expression “compas” is from argentine Tango. This is how they call the basic beat.
Especially relevant, I like this expression a lot, as it symbolises a guideline. A guideline for musicians but as well for us dancers. The “compas” shows us the way, we always come back to. Even when we or the orchestra improvise or emphasise, we learn not to get lost with the “compas”.
😱 Seems like Tango music often confuses people. They have trouble to identify the basic rhythm. Missing awarness for the music make them immune to improve on musicality.
Musical Structure.
In musicality classes you will get a clear vision about the structure and value of the beats. If you play an instrument you will have basic or even defined knowledge. Background information helps a lot to identify interesting moments in the music.
Hence, orchester music with many instruments is complex. With intense listening and awareness to the music you will slowly discover interesting details.
Many instruments are playing together and improvisations are typical in Tango orchestras. Also there are no drums or bongos as rhythmical instruments, that constantly give a dominant basic beat. Different than it is usual in other orchestras or bands.
In Tango, all instruments are interacting with each other, taking the role of the rhythmical or the melodic part. For example is the piano playing the melody, the violins acting rhythmical, and verse wise. Same with the other instruments, they all interact and exchanging roles interpreting the melodical and the rhythmical part.
Furthermore, by listening intense with full awareness you will find out other details, pauses, different color in the music. Dark and heavy parts, light and playful ones.
In conclusion, searching for these special moments will allow you later to emphasise according your own interpretation. This will give your dance a personal, individual note.
❤️Music is a personal choice. Not every rhythm, not any interpretation is bringing joy to every body. With great respect I appreciate the DJs ,who are able to please the audience. Sometimes they will disappoint the one or the other dancer, and earn criticism. My fullest respect not to give up after harsh comments.
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However your demands might be, from sophisticated to ambitious, respect the music and be responsible for your actions.
The most important aspect to build up awareness for the music shall be to comprehend from the heart. Always connect at first with your heart, in my opinion , the simplest and most important inspiration.
My other topics regarding Awareness building:
Awareness for the surroundings
coming soon: Awareness for the surroundings
