My tango journey continues...

Friday, November 9, 2007

Leader follows...

What? Do you know what you are talking about?

Indeed, this couple of days I found myself, being a "leader", actually following the followers in the dance. It is actually quite simple.

In the dance, when woman walks back, we follow. "She goes, then you go" Maestro said. The lead is on the leader's intention. The follow is on the leader's movement. Sacada in giro is an another good example.

When I actually follow the women's body and movement, I find more dynamics in the dance. Then come those playful moments, a little see saw: taking turns in the speakers' role of tango conversation, a little cat and mouse: sacadas in giros, a little twist of the body... the list goes on as your vocabulary increases and understanding of music improves. The fun is endless.

That's why sometimes I feel so depressed. Few understand this seemingly simple thing.

12 Days

Needed to dance, I went to La Nacional early. Tried to have a tango nap before heading out, cheated with a glass of wine to get about fifteen minutes sleep. So by the time I stepped in the milonga, I was in a foul mood (plus the fishy smell that lingers downstairs).

I had a fab time last night at LG. I feel like a star at LG but in La Nacional I am still anonymous. First dance with an old acquaintance. She felt tired, stiff and wobbly. And worst, my maestro came in and sat down at one of the tables. I felt that he was judging me. Well, every one at La Nacional is judging one way or the other.

I tried to focus on the connection. We had a good dance. She thanked me like always. She is such a sweet lady.

Chatted with Maestro a little. He dropped and broke his new cell phone last night. Worse, that was a gift given by his gf three weeks ago. "I am in trouble." He said. " I have to fix it even it costs me more than getting a new one."

I laughed. "I won't tell her when I see her in BsAs."

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a man who has danced with and charmed countless women, who taught me how to be macho in my dance. And he worries about breaking a cell phone given by his gf?!

Men lose all their powers when they are in love with the women.

My mood was lighter after the chat with maestro. Then a dance with a new acquaintance. We met at Y and didn't dance last night. She has a different embrace and I am not very comfortable with it. Nonetheless, I tried my best to connect and we had a good time. She paid me a great compliment during the break and requested a dance before she left.

The turning point of the night was the following dance with a student from the University uptown and the organizer of the tango club. She just so happened sitting next to me. And I was glad that I asked.

Her embrace needs work, so does her walk and giros. No matter, we were having a great tango conversation. She did these cute, spontaneous, playful embellishments during a D'Arienzo tanda, that I couldn't help but smile. I led her kick into a empty chair. We stopped and laughed about it.

The tip of her nose touched mine. I felt that we were breathing together. At one point, I closed my eyes and felt just the warmth of her face. The world around us froze at that moment. I felt her body was completely surrendered into my embrace.

Then I felt beads of sweats coming down from our noses. I couldn't tell if they were hers or mine. She didn't move her face a bit. We danced like that for the whole song. At the end of the second tanda, I thanked her sincerely. We could've had the third or fourth tanda. But I dared not to spoil myself...

I was light hearted by the time I walked into the street. The night was still young, and gorgeous people were everywhere. Then I laughed at myself for being a fool all these days.

I think I will love Buenos Aires,

Only 12 more days to find out...