Monica Paz visited Seattle leaving a profound impression, both in her group classes as in the private lessons. First, she shared her passion for the Milonguero style, based on her personal knowledge of many of the most influential milongueros in the twentieth century, many of whom are no longer with us. Monica had danced and befriended many of them. Later, as a journalist and videographer she gave us a fascinating record of their personalities and views of the milonguero style. These interviews are available on YouTube in Monica’s channel, “PractiMilonguero.”
Monica excelled in illustrating basic features of the milonguero style, such as: the walk with “intention” for both leaders and followers; the quality of the embrace; leading with the thorax and the body, rather than the arms. She was particularly successful in describing the role of musical interpretation, with attention to both the rhythm and the melodies, in powerful examples. The clarity of her teaching allowed many of us to rapidly incorporate these elements in our dance. The results were evident at the evening milongas where the students had visibly changed their walk, posture and musicality. We can only hope for Monica’s return to Seattle, to deepen our understanding of the Milonguero style. Dancing with the heart and with the music took us to a higher level of practice and of enjoyment, making us thirsty for more!
Armando Lindner