tango touch

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.

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.

An invitation:

Let’s play the tango improve game next milonga by responding to whatever dance step our partner makes with a “yes, and.” If it is not the response we were expecting or desiring, we can chose to welcome it as an invitation to be creative. 

With my hand extended
I invite you, my partner,

for the briefest of moments,

to nurture with me

this delicate warmth.

It is easy to become mesmerized by the glitz and glamour and technicality of tango.
But the older I get, the more intrigued I become with the basics …

“This is about men who have taken the time to go through the humbling and scary challenge of learning to dance Tango. And whose Tango gives me huge inspiration and a feeling of oneness that lasts for days.” Guest blog, Mitra Martin. Brilliant.

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