Theatre improv can transform your tango!
The only rule for theatre improv is:
Every dialogue transfer has to be received with a “yes, and…”
Receiving every storyline presented by the previous actor with a “yes and” implies unconditional acceptance of what was passed to them and an energetic commitment to pick up the story line and continue on enthusiastically.
The rule “yes, and” forces actors to avoid rejecting other cast members’ ideas, and, instead, creatively go with the flow.
The alternative response “No, but,” kills the energy instantly and irrevocably. End of game.
Imagine your tango dancing as …
Tango Improv
Tango is an improvisational dance so it fits perfectly. Like theatre improv …
1) There are several suitable responses to each lead and follow sequence.
2) No response of your partner can be predetermined.
3) Every dancer brings personalized nuances to every step.
4) A positive, accepting response to your partner’s movement feeds the generative, creative energy. A negative, judgmental response/ attitude kills it.
5) The most engaging and generative moves are the unpredictable ones.
A skilled dancer never has to be stuck for a response to his/her partner’s moves. Every move is an invitation to do something creative and novel. And every step can be met with the response, “yes, and.”
If we respond with a “no, but,” i.e., “That is not the move I was expecting/ wanting. I need to fix and change your response before we can continue.”
……..the creative dance-energy dies instantly.
A lead is not a demand or even an expectation but an open door inviting a creative, expressive response.
Let’s play the tango improve game next milonga by responding to whatever dance step our partner makes with a “yes, and.” If it is not what we were expecting or desiring, get creative. Embrace it.