Musings on Tango, Sensuality and Spirituality
Wait just a minute! I thought that was the mystique of tango: the freedom to hold an absolute stranger in your arms for ten minutes without having to explain yourself. (Thanks Gustavo*) Let me clarify. Absolutely, I dance with people I have never met before, people who often have never danced Tango. In fact, these are … Read more
Of course! the path to heaven doesn’t lie down in flat miles. It’s in the imagination with which you perceive this world, and the gestures with which you honor it. – “The Swan,” Mary Oliver every person is accompanied, at all times, by a procession of angels crying out, “Make way, for an image of … Read more
Pt. 1. The last one to arrive wins.* *English translation of a brilliant Instagram/ FB post by Candela Ramos, “cuerpotango”. Follow her for some wonderful instructional Tango videos. The last one to arrive, wins. The faster you want to get there, the more things you miss. Tango doesn’t appear when you run to complete the movement. … Read more
A little word: pause.
But it encapsulates one of the foundational elements of tango. This is the heart of the dance. This is what gives it its soul; those moments, however fleeting, when the couple creates time and space to join together, connect, to listen to the other, to attune to the press of body against body, feel a heartbeat, share a breath. Some call this the tango high, tango heaven.
In tango as in life.
As we are in our bodies, so we are in the world. This is not just about looking good or dancing correctly; it is about embracing life.
… our lives are woven together in love. … We belong to a mutually beneficial web of connection, well-being, and love. At the root of this connection is empathy; the result is kindness, compassion, respect, and understanding. … love is the strongest force on the planet. Jacqui Lewis, Fierce Love: A Bold Path to a … 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.
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
Question: Do you have to be psychic to dance tango?
Answer: No, but it helps.
Here are a few of the magical mysteries that I experience in tango. Let’s explore.
“The body is porous and is an open membrane to receiving and expressing affect.” E. Kelly McMaster University At his celebration of life, my brother was remembered for many striking attributes, not least of which were his legendary marathon hugs. 20 seconds! When was the last time you had a 20-second hug? You would remember. … Read more
A guest blog by Shar, member of the YEGTango Community. Apapachar is an old word carried up from Nahuatl, meaning to touch with the soul. It does not arrive loudly. It is a hand on the forehead, a bowl of soup placed into waiting hands, a quiet knowing that care can soften the body. In … Read more