Argentine tango is a fascinating dance that requires skill in technique, musicality, a relationship with a partner (at least for periods of three to six minutes) as well as an understanding of a non-verbal code such as the cabeceo or invitation to dance.
Women may sit on opposite sides of the room from the men at a milonga (tango dance). At the break (cortina) between tandas ( a group of three to five songs), we scan the men, attempting to make eye contact (without appearing to do so) to show our interest in dancing. From the opposite side of the room, the men, who have been watching dancers, now nod slightly to issue an invitation to dance. The targeted female might look away (a refusal) or she might sustain eye contact and rise when her tanguero approaches (an acceptance).
Like many aspects of Argentine tango, the cabeceo is subtle, perceptible to the couple involved. The invitation. The acceptance or refusal. Only the man and woman know.
At one of my first milongas in France, the women stopped talking during the cortina. They directed their looks toward the men. I made eye contact (I thought) and then stood up to accept an invitation only to realize it was for the woman behind, who also stood.
Because I am near sighted, I cannot see the cabeceo across the room. And I cannot dance in glasses without injuring my partner with pointy frames when our faces touch. Friends suggested I wear my glasses for the cabeceo but remove them for close embrace. I hope to avoid a mistaken cabeceo and worse, to miss an opportunity to dance altogether.
It is just a dance after all, but it is a dance of subtleties. . . . Perhaps that is part of its attraction.
Wonderful picture!
ReplyDelete