Understanding Musicality

This little book is in some ways quite astonishing. As someone who has played several instruments, can sing, and was a drum major in high school—but CANNOT dance (though I'd dearly love to)—I never considered that there could be books on dancing. And moreover that a book could actually make dancing something as mysterious as the tango seem just a tiny bit more accessible.

Clapping on the beat along to music. Can you do it? If you can, then you probably think everyone can or at least that they should be able to. If you can't you probably think that having rhythm is akin to being born able to fly.

But this book tells us there is middle ground. That rhythm and musicality can be learned. And in little doses, step by step, it gives us the tools to start practicing.

I definitely recommend actually watching all the recommended videos and doing the exercises. And I appreciated the compassionate instructor voice that does not insist any of these seemingly rudimentary skills should be easy. For some, especially those who might pick up this book, musicality might very well be still a good ways off.

Some favorite quotes:

“Even classical music which often seems to pathologically dislike drums”... This had me laughing.

“It's not about getting the “right” answer—you don't have to pass a written exam in this. It's about finding what works best for you as a social dancer.”

“Thankfully, there are no Tango Police.”