I have been an advent yoga and pilates person for years and have dabbled into dance, here and there (salsa, belly dance, jazz, hip hop) oddly enough I have always loved dance more than anything but I see now it was fear that kept me from really diving into it. Perhaps a fear of how wonderful it would actually be, fear that this really could be what I've been searching for and once I surrendered myself to it I wouldn't have to look any further. Well, I have surrendered and since Saturday I haven't looked back. So, what happened Saturday?
Saturday was my first Milonga, a Milonga is generally used to describe a place or event where (in this case) Tango dancers 'unite' and celebrate the dance. They usually go on for several hours into the evening and dancers of all levels dance together, share, mingle and enjoy the music. This Milonga was held at Oxygen Tango, the place where I also practice. The festivities began at 8p with a beginners intro class and light food and wine. Around 10p the room seemed to explode and the energy was thick with passion, and fire (the room was really hot too, so that might explain the fire part). There were easily 100 people that attended and all though the space is relatively small we all made due and danced to our hearts content.
Traditionally men and women will make eye contact across the room and this signals that you wish to dance. you then walk up to each other, embrace and move into the first step. I tried things that night I hadn't even learned in class yet and somehow my feet knew what to do and I completely trusted my partners and the journey they wanted to take me on. Normally a control freak it was amazing to finally let go and just be. I didn't think, I didn't look at my feet and I didn't concern myself with anything other than just being there for my partner. God, it was amazing. I know it may seem as if I'm putting a lot on a simple dance that people have been doing for years; but the truth is - this isn't a dance for everyone and the people that I've met have the most interesting stories of how they found Tango and the ways its improved and/or changed their lives and their relationships.Being in that room, you couldn't help but feel the love, feel the acceptance, feel that there was absolutely no pretense, no ego, there was nothing but pure passion and dance. I immediately came home that night and decided that whatever it takes I will keep dancing, learning and improving. I will make time for this in my life no matter what because it brings me joy. I now have one more love and thing that fulfills me and gives me peace. Isn't this what we're all looking for, in one way or another?
The pictures posted here are not of the Milonga I attended as I was to busy dancing to take pictures - but these will give you an idea of the community and the style. Milongas are typically held weekly - monthly and truly whether you're just starting or been dancing for years (but for some reason never ventured to a Milonga) you should definitely check it out. I promise you won't regret it. AND, if by chance you live in Los Angeles and can find your way to Mar Vista, please please please check out Oxygen Tango, Mitra and Stefan are wonderful dancers and teachers and the community they have created around their studio is very special and welcoming.
Alright, back to more food, wine and dance (and maybe not in that order)!
Cheers!
Oxygen Tango
12958 Washington Blvd
Mar Vista, CA 90066
1 comment:
I love the tango but have always been to scared to actually for any classes. I think from reading your post, you might have inspired me to take it up :)
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