Words of Wisdom
[Chen Lizra:] As a well established dancer, instructor and choreographer, what would you recommend to beginner dancers and experienced ones?
[Felix Bambury Webbe:]
• Understand the origin of the dance that you want to learn.
• Each dancer should interpret their dance steps within the music like an instrument in a musical group.
• Dancers should recognize the details of posture, the correct angle between partners, the interrelationship, the delicacy of maintaining the steps while listening to the rhythm of the music.
• To enjoy the dance, there is an inseparable tie between the enjoyment of the rich rhythm of the music that is man, woman and music.
- from Chen Liza’s interview with Cuban dance instructor Felix Bambury Webbe
What’s New for November
This October, I attended Tangofest in Portland for five days of workshops, milongas, and comraderie with fellow Argentine tango enthusiasts. During my stay I interviewed Alex Krebs. Not only is Alex a highly respected tango instructor and performer, he also plays the very challenging instrument (and the heart of tango music), the bandoneón, in the tango orchestra Conjunto Berretín. I was very excited to be able to talk with Alex about his background, his passion for the tango, and his perspective on musicality, connection, and flow. This is an interview you will not want to miss. To read more, visit the Articles page.
For the month of November, I also reviewed Ralph Giordano’s two-volume set, Social Dancing in America: A History and Reference. Go to the Articles or Resources page to read the review, then visit the Joy in Motion Dance and Music Resources Store to check out more social dance books, videos, and music.
If you do not already subscribe to the Joy in Motion newsletter, use the sign-up box on this page to do so now. The newsletter will notify you of updates to the Joy in Motion website. The month of December will feature Part 2 of Flow Seekers: The Characteristics of Flow in Social Dance. (You can read Part 1 on the Articles page). December will also include a review of Brian Winter’s book, Long After Midnight at the Niño Bien: A Yanqui’s Missteps in Argentina. Don’t miss out; sign up for the newsletter today!
New Salsa Documentary
Check out the new salsa documentary A Gozar (To Enjoy): An Introduction to Salsa Dancing online. Enjoy!
