Musings on Tango, Sensuality and Spirituality
The first time I was invited to breathe in unison with my dance partner in a close embrace, I froze. My gut twisted into a knot. I felt deeply vulnerable. What could it be about breathing in unison – in close embrace (Tango) or even generally in a hug – that would make one feel … Read more
Exploring the calesita and volcada. (A tip of the hat to Vera and Daniel, Casa Tango Edmonton.) Vera: “Remember guys, no violence here.” Really? No violence? How rough can things get? This is a dance class, after all. Vera’s caution is simply about the lead. Last class the boleo, this class the calesita. But it … Read more
How do I nurture an appreciation for the magic and mystery of tango?
(even when I am screwing up the steps or dancing with my least favourite partner)
Answer: Breathe in the WONDER.
(3 minute read. This blog is part two of a post from about a decade ago. Still relevant and fascinating.) Session #2 with Jean-Sebastien, Studio Ten. Tango is communication. Learning tango is like learning a language. The only difference is that with each tango lesson, I seem to have to relearn the alphabet. Case in … Read more
ego rub #1 The sign over the garbage can at the entrance reads: “DEPOSIT EGO HERE.” Missed that. When will introductory classes stop feeling like introductory classes? How many years will I be dancing before I can walk away with the smug feeling that I have learned this already? How many miles do I have … Read more
Every time I create space for my partner (as a lead) I am sending her out on her own to explore, express, be creative, have fun. In the interval as I patiently wait for her return, I am enthralled by the skill and energy that my partner invests in beautifying the dance. When she reconnects in close embrace, we are both enriched by the elegance and creativity that has been added to our shared experience.
Every time I create space for my partner (as a lead) I am sending her out on her own to explore, express, be creative, have fun. In the interval as I patiently wait for her return, I am enthralled by the skill and energy that my partner invests in beautifying the dance. When she reconnects in close embrace, we are both enriched by the elegance and creativity that has been added to our shared experience.
What makes for a memorable tango dance, something you take home with you and warms your heart for a day or two after, maybe even gives you some insights into the subtleties of relationships?
Tango is about feeling and sensitivity, otherwise you are just doing gymnastics. You can do all the steps but it has to have the feeling and sensitivity of authentic tango.” — Carlos Gavito
This is how we dance in Buenos Aires, in the small clubs, where the lights are dim and the floor is crowded and you are dancing with a stranger. There you do not care how it looks. No one is watching.
You care how it feels. Feeling is more important than form, than fancy steps. You go with the feel of the music, the flow of the floor, the warmth of your partner’s body against yours. This is milonguero. This is tango.
Tango as a spiritual discipline has the power to teach us to appreciate beauty, create with our bodies, reverence physical connection and intimacy, respect boundaries, and be attuned to our partner,…