I have always wanted to marry my two loves together: Dance and Art. For our September meeting I invited my Argentine Tango friends to come and perform for UWS. This is a photo op, or if you are a fast sketcher, a drawing and or painting opportunity.
I feel that performing arts and visual arts have all the same elements. So putting the two together is very exciting. Here is such a list of art elements and how I see them as they pertain to Argentine tango.
Line: As you will see, tango in particular has beautiful lines.
Shape: In tango there is the gancho, boleo, secada, barrida, colgada, ocho, parada and volcada, to name a few.
Color: The costumes in dance are works of art in their own right: Colorful, flowing,
beautiful.
Balance: One of the critical skills of a good dancer is their ability to turn on one foot and perform other moves without relying upon their partner for support.
Rhythm: Well, if you can’t keep rhythm with the music, dancing may not be for you!
Space: Correct spacing is critical. Too close to your partner or another couple and you bump into each other. Too far from your partner and you lose connection.
Variety: Nobody wants to see or even dance the same moves all night. Followers and audiences enjoy being surprised
Form: Posture is critical. Lunges must have only one leg bent or the dancer looks like they are squatting. Toes should point to elongate the legs.
Unity and Harmony: The couple needs to move together as one unit.
Contrast: Variety of speed, intensity, and height improve the dance quality.
Area of interest: Both partners need to look at and have their upper bodies “flashlight” toward each other, not only for appearances, but to keep a connection with one another in order to dance in unity.
As Anne of Green Gables might say, both art and dance are very “romantical”. I hope this experiment goes well and that both dancers and artists have a great experience!