Refuge

Mick Lisson

Sometimes refugees from class come to the práctica.  It is a great pleasure and privilege to have them.  Some of these say they love the freedom of following the music. I guess that's in contrast to the tyranny of steps.

A: But what's this that's playing now?

B:  This is vals, Argentinian waltz.

A:  Not tango?

B:  Right. We play tango, vals and milonga, and maybe candombe in the social dance. 

A:  All different types of music? 

B:  Yeah, with different rhythms.

A:  And does vals have its own steps?

B:  Maybe more like a different energy.  You often see it danced with more turns because, well, I guess that circular energy goes with the music, no? Didn't you learn about the different types of music, in class?

A: No.

B: The ronda? 

A:  No. 

B:  About tandas, cortinas? 

A:  No.

B:  So what did you learn?

A:  Just a couple of steps, often without music.