More web-based services I'd pay for

Back from another holiday; it's serious stuff. This time in Argentina, half-way around the world for that magical music-dance experience called Argentine Tango.

I've been learning this complicated dance for nearly ten years. "Learning" is understatement, as that - to me at least - implies you could learn it from a book or a website. But it is physical, too; your body has to be under control in ways most of us cannot easily achieve without a lot of practice. How controlled? Enough so the leader -usually the guy - can indicate to his follower - usually the lady - the intended direction, energy, and length of their next movement; and it is their next movement as it needs to be taken together and be empathetic with the mood and feel of the music; and the guy's leg and feet may need to be doing something different in order to set up the next move etc.; and all smooth .... Not much scope for web-based services here - at least not in real-time.

But it is often taught and coached in Spanish; so there's a raft of language-translation options that might help.

And most of the best teachers and coaches hail from Buenos Aires or nearby, brought up on the refrains and mythology of tango, its musicians, dancers, and venues. Much more scope for web-based services to help plan and support the experience.

And you know what? GSM has reached Buenos Aires so my Vodafone kit - well voice and text, not yet the 3G stuff, works out there so less need to carry a second handset with a local SIM card. We'll soon be able to put the Tango Map (with venues for teachers, shows, and milongas) onto Google maps and navigate our way around BsAs without paper. And the restaurants, sights etc.

Next time, perhaps?

Frank (Frank@vecta5.com)