Tango #1

04.25.2004

Took my first tango lesson yesterday afternoon. It was both more & less difficult than I'd imagined. Alison (who I'm not dating) thinks I'm doing well for my first time. But it's completely different from anything else I've ever done (not that I've ever actually taken a dance class). And my arms are terribly out of shape.

Next time I'll go better prepared, w/ smooth-soled dress shoes. Apparently, in tango, you never actually lift your feet (or very rarely, at least). You drag them across the floor. So dress shoes are best.

Also, I'll have to get used to the disjointed sensation of the dance. You're supposed to plant your weight firmly, rooting yourself to the ground. But your upper body's aimed up, reaching to the heavens. And you don't lead w/ your hand on the small of the woman's back — you lead w/ your shoulders (hence my very sore upper arms).

But it was great. It's tough to make out the pace of the music (unlike swing), and it's more a dance of poise & precision than anything else. But I learned the basic steps (both tango & milonga), and even a few tricks. So. I think I'm on my way. Three months of tango lessons should have me in pretty good shape, eh? If you still want to learn tango, Vanessa, I'll probably be up for it.

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I leave for the airport in a bit. Lima, here I come.

Plus, there's reason for political optimism. I don't think the coup everyone expects on 1 May will happen. Mesa's government just signed an agreement w/ three sectors. And Chile's pissed about the gas sale to Argentina, which includes a contract clause that specifically prohibits re-sale to Chile. Probably the best thing to happen to Mesa right now.

Posted by Miguel at 09:53 AM

Comments

I hope you are Ok in Lima enjoying the nice weather (but eventhough Lima is warmer than La Paz, this time of the year it is all day cloudy). I hope you are able to read your e mail, I'll send you Rossana's phone number so you can meet her, she's a very good friend of ours (me & Silvia). She speaks english fluently and she has studied literature in the U.S., for sure she'll be glad to meet you.

Posted by: Daniel at April 26, 2004 08:47 AM

My instructor teaches to lead with the chest, which can be awkward as I push my mass into my dancing partner. Add to that misplaced steps and I've got quite a messy dance.

Posted by: tom at April 26, 2004 04:11 PM

Tango, oh God how I miss it. And Vienna waltz, and rumba, and salsa, and jive, and ... I wanna dance w/ somebody, oooo ...

Posted by: Nenad at April 26, 2004 08:50 PM

Yep, Tom, I do remember we danced at salsa club once... and you stepped on my toes! Ouch! =D

I hope... I'm sure, you've gotten better since then! =D

Posted by: Steph at April 27, 2004 02:29 AM

Actually my salsa is still terrible. I've never taken to the dance. I'm good at bachata, and I'm finally gaining some proficiency with tango.

But unfortunately I'd still be all over your toes if we tried to salsa again!

Posted by: tom at April 27, 2004 08:48 PM

tango lessons? that sounds like it's right up there with the rest of your "casual nonchalance". how fun!

Posted by: cat at April 29, 2004 05:22 PM