Dancing the Tango is a true expression of life and human relationships. Particularly the Argentine Tango, which allows couples to transmit their individual energy between one another and flow organically through each move. I had started learning the dance a few weeks ago as a way for me to get in touch with my Argentine identity, but also to find a passion of mine that I can commit to fully. And although I have to admit I have not gone to every class yet, once I settle into a more stable living situation with my fiance (whom I will call GA for the purpose of this blog) I plan to take a class on a consistent basis with him. This makes me even more excited, particularly because of the power and intensity of the dance. I feel it truly allows two people to connect on a deeper, more intimate level without speaking but rather, just being. I am definitely looking to explore that realm with him.

The specific aspects of Tango that I observe are similar to life, start with the basics. On the first day of class, my two instructors C & M explained the importance of being in tune with your partner by feeling the energy coming from the other person. To do this, you just stop, connect, and lean slightly towards each other with a "forward leaning" intention. This aspect in particular is very interesting to me because I noticed that in every relationship we have in life, in order for it to work, you must show an active interest in the other person. Moreover, you cannot passively accept a relationship but rather take the bull by the horns and be willing to lose some skin. In that way, you life fully and engaged with one another.

Another interesting aspect of the Tango is the issue of leader and follower, or as C & M clarified yesterday, the active and passive roles. This issue is almost always difficult for women and men to get a handle on, at least has been for me because I often hate feeling like I am weak and must "follow" the man. Learning the Tango, however, changed my mentality on this issue. By just "being" with my partner with the goal of dancing a beautiful Tango, I discovered the value of the active and passive roles. In doing so, I realized that it was not about giving up too much power to the man, but rather complementing each other in order to produce a work of art...the Tango. In relationships I see this parallel. I used to get so caught up in the idea of not being the housewife, that it would sometimes bite me in the butt. But by complimenting my partner, we both gained more out of the relationship and I actually felt more empowered. Naturally the active and passive roles shift, which also occurs in the Tango, but the end goal is reached when both partners are in tune and agree to this relationship. I was floored when I realized this powerful connection between the Tango and life.

In essence, I see the Tango as much more than a dance. When a song by Astor Piazzolla comes on, and the room fills up with the energy of each couple, to watch and to dance this beautiful dance is truly overwhelming. I feel as if all my distractions and worries fade away and I am free. To find this kind of passion for me had been a long time coming, but now that I have it, I never want to let it go...