Tango For Two Left Feet (Gr. 2)
Tango For Two Left Feet
The Tango is a very graceful and precise style of Latin dance where the couple performing the dance need to be totally in sync with each other as well as the music. This composition depicts what happens when an inexperienced couple is not in sync and often times drops a beat or step and is not in time with the music. In this case, the music drops the beat for them!
Dancers who seem to have difficulty interpreting rhythm are said to have “two left feet” and cannot manage to feel the natural groove of the music. This composition was written after many years watching dancers of varying levels negotiate their way across the dance floor. Many were very elegant and graceful, and others not so graceful.
Latin dance music is very popular with young musicians partly due to the infectious rhythms inherent to the style. This composition, in addition to the rhythmic uniqueness, will allow young musicians the opportunity to learn and be familiar with the most common of rhythms associated with the tango style. It also contains some unexpected harmonic twists at times as well as contemporary harmonies that will provide some additional interest.
The audience members will need to resist the urge to jump out of their seats and become totally engaged with dancing. It would be amusing to see how they react and adjust to the “missing beats”.
Percussionists will have the opportunity to perform on some traditional latin instruments such as castanets and claves as well.