I laughed at this because it is funny! But it is also sad because there are women in Sydney who actually behave like this... and even make similar comments. A regular partner of mine, who is a beautiful leader, once asked a new tanguera to dance - and got a similar response!! Thanks again tangocynic.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Hosting a milonga
In the last few weeks I have been emailing a tanguera who is a long way away about the role of the host at a milonga - her problem began when she went to a milonga that appeared to be hostless and had a horrible time. She has since got involved with this milonga, which is run by a community organisation, and is giving it a face and a direction which is bringing in more and more dancers. So today when I spotted Arlene's posting about the role of a host it seemed opportune to write a few words here. As one who hosts a milonga I know firsthand the organisation required before you even announce your event - finding a venue - then keeping the managers sweet - organising the night (music, refreshments, table set-up, lighting, door prizes....) and making sure you have the right insurance and licences.
Then there is the question of hosting. I think of my milonga as I would a party at my house. The dancers are my guests (albeit paying otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford to do it) and it is my duty to welcome them -even when I have a door person - make sure they have somewhere to sit and move around during the night talking to them and making sure all is okay (unfortunately it isn't always possible to ensure the ladies get 'enough' dances! - though I do have a couple of leaders I can ask - but that is the nature of the milonga).
So when I go to a milonga where there does not appear to be a host or hostess I instantly feel slightly aimless and not particularly welcome - even if I have booked a table or reserved seats. There is one such milonga in Sydney which badly needs a host/hostess - I know if they nominated someone to do this role I would enjoy my evening more - and maybe others would too. I agree with Arlene that a host/hostess is crucial to the success of the milonga - does it bother you?
Then there is the question of hosting. I think of my milonga as I would a party at my house. The dancers are my guests (albeit paying otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford to do it) and it is my duty to welcome them -even when I have a door person - make sure they have somewhere to sit and move around during the night talking to them and making sure all is okay (unfortunately it isn't always possible to ensure the ladies get 'enough' dances! - though I do have a couple of leaders I can ask - but that is the nature of the milonga).
So when I go to a milonga where there does not appear to be a host or hostess I instantly feel slightly aimless and not particularly welcome - even if I have booked a table or reserved seats. There is one such milonga in Sydney which badly needs a host/hostess - I know if they nominated someone to do this role I would enjoy my evening more - and maybe others would too. I agree with Arlene that a host/hostess is crucial to the success of the milonga - does it bother you?
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