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Life can be divided into two parts: Before Tango and With Tango.
Once tango takes hold, we become curiouser and curiouser about what it is, how it works, why it makes us feel the way it does, and why it selected us. We search for things to read, talk about it to anyone who will listen and start building our calendar around tango events.
What it is: It's easier to describe what it isn't. It isn't like any other dance. If you've danced it, you know. If you haven't danced it, no description would be accurate or adequate.
How it works: There is no set choreography and no standardized sequence of skills. It is founded primarily on the principle that "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."
How it changes: We approach tango as a dance of the feet and it gradually becomes a dance of the heart.
The basic step: Walking. One step at a time, to the front, back or side; with or without a pivot; in parallel or crossed system; inside or outside the lower frame; in slow, quick, or single time; with or without compression, lift, or torque; soft or intense; on, off or between beats of the music. Limitless possibilities.
Why us? Tango selects us and inspires those who remain to reach our potential as a partner, to share our love of the dance with anyone who will listen and to use our natural gifts and professional skills for the improvement of our community and the world around us.
Things that attract us: Connection. The music. Intimate and silent communication. Incredibly interesting footwork. The underlying system of lead and follow. Interesting partners. Intrigue. Introspection. Innovation.
How it changes us: Tango infuses us with a better understanding of life, love and consideration of others in ways that nothing else can . Sweeping statement? Doubt that it's accurate? Stick around.
How it feels: Can we adequately describe how "life" feels? It spans the scale from "needs serious improvement" to "it doesn't get any
better" depending on our partner, the music, our mood, their mood, the floor, when we ate and/or slept last, whether we are in pain , how our shoes feel, and a zillion other factors. But…when it's good, it's beyond compare and when it's bad, it's still beyond compare.
That's Argentine tango. Let the quest begin.
