Last night I watched ‘Maestro’ the BBCs latest celebrity talent competition where the prize is to conduct a piece at the last night of the proms. A number of the comments made about conducting and the individuals conducting ability, I felt, were quite pertinent to tango, especially for leaders.
“Listening while conducting… follow as well as lead”
“having something to say”
“Rhythm, colour, style, shape and phrasing”
“give the room, the space, the invitation”
“learning the gestures like an actor learns the lines, I want to hear what you have to say”
My money is on Sue Perkins, especially after her rendition of Danny Elfmans theme to the Simpsons.