|
> As a one-time avid Tango dancer, while I believe all the motions/steps can (and have been) be sketched out, named, and notated and put to paper, [...] This is obviously untrue. For simple math reasons. If you believe that, I suggest reading an intro to combinatorics. Or just doing the math in your head for a combination of two steps. Leader does forward step towards follower's forward cross. Just in one system (cross or parallel) and considering how deep the step is (outside, sacada, deep sacada/behind/in front) and where the leader steps (behind free foot, next to outside, next to inside, in the middle between legs, next to to standing foot inside, next to outside, in front), we can reasonably say we have 21 possibilities. Now multiply by system and that's 42. Now multiply by combinations of systems on one side and that's 84.
This still makes a lot of simplifications but we're talking one step.
Furthermore, if we mirror, we can't just assume the same observations apply, as tango has an open and closed side, etc. etc. The endeavor is also not about capturing the essence of a dance but about exploring a motion space; structurally and kinesiologically. Tango, specifically, will elude documenting on so many levels, otherwise, it's not even worth talking about. |