Interesting dance – Argentine Tango. And not just because of wonderful music, fancy moves, or a healthy addiction it can create. Turns out that taking Tango lessons helps with other physical activities.
I knew some of them, my students shared with me about others. What I knew first hand was how learning Argentine Tango improves other dances I have done in the past – Ballroom, Latin, Salsa. Since Tango first and foremost is about musicality and good technique, it really improves our movement, walk, leading and following. After I switched to Tango, I advised to my ballroom friends to take at least some lessons so they could see it for themselves.
Later, after I started to teach Tango in Atlanta, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from one of the ladies how taking Tango with me improved her Lindy Hop and related dances. I have done Lindy Hop just a little in the past, so I couldn’t know. I trust her opinion as she is an accomplished Lindy Hop dancer as well as occasional teacher.
Another comment was not related to dance at all, when a male student commented on how taking Tango lessons was improving his golf game. Again, not being a golfer I had no idea it could do that. Since than I trained several athletes to dance (a minor league baseball player and a basketball player among them) and our conversations confirmed previous facts.
So, the verdict is: Taking Tango Lessons Helps With Other Physical Activities, Whichever They Are. For as long as we pay attention to proper technique :)
No wonder Samuel Beckett said: Dance First. Think Later. It’s the Natural Order.
Ilya
(see our post on how Tango classes help with creativity)
P. S. BTW, should you decide “to test” this post, we start a new Beginner Tango Course on March 7, 2011. Click here for more.
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