Closing your eyes while dancing, particularly when following in Argentine Tango, can be a profound expression of connection and internalization rather than a mere physical action.
According to the late tango master, Carlos Gavito, closing your eyes when following is regarded as:
"...a sign of artistic maturity when it develops from a subtle quality of trust and confidence."
This perspective highlights that for experienced dancers, shutting out visual input isn't about inability or distraction, but about deepening the dance experience through other senses and the connection with their partner.
Exploring the Meaning Behind Closed Eyes in Dance
While people might close their eyes for various personal reasons (like focusing, feeling the music, or simple comfort), in the context described by Gavito, it signifies a specific level of development in the dance.
Artistic Maturity
For followers in tango, visual cues are important initially. However, relying solely on sight can limit reactivity and musicality. As dancers mature, they develop a deeper sensitivity to their partner's lead through body language, subtle weight shifts, and energy rather than strictly following visual signals. Closing eyes can be a manifestation of this internalized understanding and response.
Trust and Confidence
This is a critical component mentioned in the reference. Closing your eyes implies a high degree of trust in your partner's lead and your own ability to respond intuitively.
- Trust in Partner: Believing that your leader is clear, communicative, and will guide you safely and musically.
- Confidence in Self: Having confidence in your technique, musicality, and ability to feel and interpret the subtle cues without visual confirmation.
Deepening the Connection
Removing the visual sense can enhance focus on tactile connection, balance, and the flow of movement and music. It allows the dancer to inhabit the moment more fully and respond from a place of intuition and feeling.
Context is Key: Tango Following
It's important to note that the provided insight specifically refers to the follower's role in Argentine Tango. The dynamics of leading and following in tango create a unique environment where this level of trust and non-visual communication is paramount. The reasons for closing eyes might differ in other dance styles or roles.
| Aspect | Significance of Closed Eyes (Tango Following) |
|---|---|
| Level | Artistic Maturity |
| Foundation | Trust and Confidence |
| Focus | Tactile Connection, Intuition, Music |
| Sense Diminished | Sight |
| Sense Heightened | Touch, Balance, Proprioception, Hearing |
In summary, while there could be personal reasons, from the perspective of a respected tango teacher, closing your eyes as a follower in tango can be a sign of advanced artistic development stemming from a deep sense of trust in your partner and confidence in your own connection to the dance.
