Difference between revisions of "AGEISM IN TANGO: Natural or Controversial"

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(Created page with "== AGEISM IN TANGO: Natural or Controversial? - with Robin Thomas (NYC) == In a follow-up to his earlier discussions on the darker aspects of tango culture, Robin Thomas delves into the topic of ageism in tango in his latest video. This discussion sheds light on how age discrimination, particularly against older dancers, has evolved within the tango community. ===Overview=== Robin Thomas, who has been a part of the New York City tango scene for over 25 years, r...")
 
 
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== AGEISM IN TANGO: Natural or Controversial? - with Robin Thomas (NYC) ==
== AGEISM IN TANGO: Natural or Controversial? - with Robin Thomas (NYC) ==


In a follow-up to his earlier discussions on the darker aspects of tango culture, [[Robin Thomas]] delves into the topic of ageism in tango in his latest video. This discussion sheds light on how age discrimination, particularly against older dancers, has evolved within the tango community.
In a recent discussion, [[Robin Thomas]] shares his insights on the issue of [[ageism]] within the tango community, a topic he approaches with caution due to its complexity and his reliance on personal experiences rather than formal data. The conversation was aimed at shedding light on how age discrimination affects the dynamics and opportunities within the tango scene.


===Overview===
===Key Insights===
Robin Thomas, who has been a part of the [[New York]] City tango scene for over 25 years, reminisces about the early days when the community was smaller and more inclusive. At that time, people of all ages mixed freely on the dance floor. However, as the scene grew and more young people were introduced, a shift occurred, leading to a form of segregation where younger dancers often preferred to dance among themselves.
* '''Nature of Ageism''': Ageism in tango, similar to broader societal trends, naturally occurs as younger dancers often prefer dancing with peers, leading to segregation based on age.
* '''Impact on Opportunities''': Older dancers, especially older women who are skilled, may face discrimination, reducing their chances to dance and learn.
* '''Learning and Comfort''': There's a significant impact on the comfort and learning curve in tango, where age can affect one's ability to perform and connect due to physical factors like balance and flexibility.
* '''Community Dynamics''': The pandemic accelerated age segregation in community activities, with younger dancers forming their own groups, which significantly increased their participation rates.
* '''Personal Experiences''': Robin discusses his own aging process in the tango community and the adjustments needed to balance roles between dancing, teaching, and personal hobbies.
* '''Complex Interactions of Ageism and Sexism''': Both ageism and sexism intertwine, creating complex social dynamics within the tango community, affecting interactions and perceived abilities.


===Discussion Points===
===Discussion Points===
* '''Emergence of Ageism''': Initially, ageism was not prevalent in tango, but as demographics shifted, it became more noticeable.
* '''Preferences for Younger Partners''': A notable trend is observed where, particularly, male dancers prefer younger female partners, often for the perceived ease of guiding them through dances.
* '''Challenges for Older Dancers''': Older dancers often find themselves facing both subtle and overt forms of discrimination, impacting their participation and experience.
* '''Return of Young Dancers''': Young dancers may leave the scene for other experiences but often return, contrasting with older dancers who might retire due to fatigue.
* '''Ageism as a Fact of Life''': Robin presents a nuanced view of ageism, suggesting that while it is a sad reality, it is also a natural aspect of societal dynamics, both within and outside of tango.
* '''Challenges for Elderly Dancers''': Elderly dancers face unique challenges, such as the lack of respect from younger dancers and fewer opportunities for private lessons, impacting their engagement in the community.
* '''Physical and Mental Challenges''': The discussion also touches on the physical and mental challenges that come with aging, suggesting that staying physically active, such as maintaining a gym membership, might help older dancers continue to enjoy tango.


===Conclusion===
===Conclusion===
Robin Thomas reflects on his own aging process and how it affects his perspective on tango. While acknowledging the complexities of ageism, he poses critical questions about its potential justifications and how the tango community might address these challenges moving forward.
Robin Thomas emphasizes the importance of discussing ageism openly in the tango community to better understand and address its impacts. This dialogue is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding tango environment.


[[Category:Tango]]
[[Category:Tango]]
[[Category:Ageism]]
[[Category:Ageism]]

Latest revision as of 22:30, 26 April 2024

AGEISM IN TANGO: Natural or Controversial? - with Robin Thomas (NYC)

In a recent discussion, Robin Thomas shares his insights on the issue of ageism within the tango community, a topic he approaches with caution due to its complexity and his reliance on personal experiences rather than formal data. The conversation was aimed at shedding light on how age discrimination affects the dynamics and opportunities within the tango scene.

Key Insights

  • Nature of Ageism: Ageism in tango, similar to broader societal trends, naturally occurs as younger dancers often prefer dancing with peers, leading to segregation based on age.
  • Impact on Opportunities: Older dancers, especially older women who are skilled, may face discrimination, reducing their chances to dance and learn.
  • Learning and Comfort: There's a significant impact on the comfort and learning curve in tango, where age can affect one's ability to perform and connect due to physical factors like balance and flexibility.
  • Community Dynamics: The pandemic accelerated age segregation in community activities, with younger dancers forming their own groups, which significantly increased their participation rates.
  • Personal Experiences: Robin discusses his own aging process in the tango community and the adjustments needed to balance roles between dancing, teaching, and personal hobbies.
  • Complex Interactions of Ageism and Sexism: Both ageism and sexism intertwine, creating complex social dynamics within the tango community, affecting interactions and perceived abilities.

Discussion Points

  • Preferences for Younger Partners: A notable trend is observed where, particularly, male dancers prefer younger female partners, often for the perceived ease of guiding them through dances.
  • Return of Young Dancers: Young dancers may leave the scene for other experiences but often return, contrasting with older dancers who might retire due to fatigue.
  • Challenges for Elderly Dancers: Elderly dancers face unique challenges, such as the lack of respect from younger dancers and fewer opportunities for private lessons, impacting their engagement in the community.

Conclusion

Robin Thomas emphasizes the importance of discussing ageism openly in the tango community to better understand and address its impacts. This dialogue is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding tango environment.

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