There hasn't been a lot happening on the Tango front for me lately...hence my inactivity on this blog. Since my last post--way back in 2008--I've simply been practicing, dancing, practicing dancing, and practicing then dancing. Not much else, I suppose. I did, however, have one pretty interesting Tango experience during that period. I basically found myself, for the first time ever, DUI (dancing under the influence) at a recent San Francisco milonga.
Now, I'm not one to write about stuff like this often, but reflecting upon the experience got me thinking very much about Tango and it has led to a bit of an epiphany on my part. I decided to share with you some of my thoughts. At the heart of my musings is the idea of energy transmission from the leader to the follower. It turns out that, at least with the kinds of followers I already love dancing with, I need to transmit a LOT less energy than I previously thought I did.
At that particular milonga, a friend of mine shared with me one of the "special brownies" for which she is well-known in the community. For about an hour after I ate the thing, I didn't feel much of its effects. But then, around 11:30 p.m., it hit me. I was in the middle of a tanda with a friend when I realized I was losing sensation in my left leg. I tried to ignore it, but then in the middle of the next song, I started losing sensation in my left arm, as well! Being the athlete/martial artist that I am, I remember feeling a bit scared with what was happening--after all, I am accustomed to being in control of my body and being aware of what it is doing at all times. But there I was, in the middle of a San Francisco milonga with a beautiful woman in my arms, unsure if I'd be even able to stand during the next song, much less navigate the both of us safely around a crowded floor filled with marauding, clueless bozos.
I explained to my friend the situation, apologized profusely, then asked if it was okay for us to sit down. She said she had to leave anyway, so she was happy to stop. I waited for her to put on her shoes, walked her to her car, said my goodbyes as she drove off, then I returned to the venue.
Now, I fully intended to sit out the rest of the milonga, waiting for the effects of the brownie to wear off. But, alas, it wasn't to be. As soon as I re-entered the dance hall, a woman with whom I've always liked dancing because of her softness and patience cabaceod me. Without thinking, I went over to her, took her into my embrace then had what I could only describe as one of the most incredibly soft and beautiful tandas I have ever had. (I think I was actually drooling when we released the embrace!) At the tanda's conclusion, I remember blabbering what must've been an incoherent "thank you," then started off again toward my seat.
Still enjoying the vivid memories of the previous tanda as I walked back to my seat, I ran into yet another friend of mine, with whom I've also always liked dancing because of her super-soft and patient follow. After greeting one another, the next tanda started, and we took the embrace as well. My gosh, it was even more heavenly than the previous one! I'm not exactly sure what I said at the end of that tanda, but she said I was really nice, too! It must've been a bit awkward for the next 15-20 seconds, because all I could do was stand there speechless, smiling like the village idiot as she waited for me to say something. Finally, she just hugged me...then walked off.
To Be Continued ...
Tango-The Story of a Milonguero's Life
-
Do you still think that the magic of Tango resides largely in its
fascinating music? Then, just take a look at the lyrics of these Tangos, and
the deeply t...
3 months ago
