Musings on Tango, Sensuality and Spirituality
More hard-won lessons from COVID. Not that we ever want to repeat the unpleasantness of dancing with masks but there were some lessons to be taken from the experience. Apart from keeping us from getting sick, assumedly, it taught us all to pay attention to our breathing while dancing. Conscious Breathing (Tango Flo exercise #5) … Read more
“Dance, dance wherever you may be. I am the Lord of the Dance,” said He. Traditional Irish Hymn “I would believe only in a god who could dance.” Frederick Nietzsche. In the night of Brahman (the ultimate reality, the inner essence of all things, infinite and incomprehensible), nature is inert, and cannot dance till Shiva … Read more
Tango is an amazing practice for relationship skills. It requires attentive listening and adaptation to one’s partner, while at the same time tending to one’s own positioning, axis and musicality. Consider other partner dances. I can come off the floor from doing a jive or line dance or whatever, having had a wonderful time, and … Read more
“If one does not keep pace with their companions, perhaps it is because they hear a different drummer. Let them step to the music which they hear, however measured or far away.” (changed to inclusive language). Henry David Thoreau The above quote was formative for me some 50 years ago. I am now revisiting it … Read more
We are all looking for the magic ingredient to take our dance to the next level, to make it more engaging, more inspiring, and more soulful. We all are in search of the essence of the Tango. Is Piazzolla Tango? I recently watched a very interesting documentary on Piazolla, a brilliant musician and composer who … Read more
Non-verbal communication is a skill taught in a tango class Constance Brissenden MARCH 1, 2023 Aydan Dunnigan-Vickruck discovered tango more than 20 years ago. Ever since, he has used this complex and sensuous dance to explore feelings of connection both with his wife, Patricia Dunnigan, and with others in his dancing and teaching. In the … Read more
Is my body my friend? My teacher? My guide? A trickster? Can I create with my body? Communicate through my body? Express my inner self? Can I love my body?…love with my body? These questions have pursued me throughout my conscious life – in and out of relationships, in and out of the church, on … Read more
There is a common centre in each of us where we meet at a deeper level, … the point at which we converge, … the ambiance in which we float. Teilhard de Chardin Knowing and being known – in equal measure. This is the culmination of the human quest, our spiritual journey. It is through … Read more
“Life is like a rond de jambe: Everything will go in continuous circles. Everything should move continually, even when you are still.” —ballerina Michaela DePrince, quoting her favourite advice from teacher Charla Genn “Will you, won’t you, will you won’t you, will you join the dance?” Lewis Carroll, Song of the Mock Turtle. The universe … Read more
Of Love and Fear “Over the years I have come to the conclusion there are only two reasons people do things: fear or love.” Sister Julienne, Call the Midwife. Community has been one of the great casualties of the pandemic. With the advent of the virus, we were prohibited from all social interaction – from … Read more