The Push and Pull of Life

I had a revelation last night and it came from my first night in Intermediate Tango class. We practiced walking, forward and back, turns and movement with each other without using our arms. There was no tango embrace not even the practice hold, we had only to rely on our core and support each other without tipping over (or dropping) the other person. Pressed chest to chest you had to match the force you gave with the force your partner was giving to you; you couldn't lean on them, they weren't there to support you, not really that was up to you; but, they were there to guide you and help you execute the move.

I realized three things last night:
1. My core is pretty weak.
2. I relay to much on my hands instead of trusting myself and my body to do and give what it instinctively knows
3. and lastly, I realized this one class represents so much of life (at least my own).

Life itself is a push and pull, in our daily lives we give to others and want (or at least hope) to receive the same in return.  We push against the things we don't want but we also push ourselves towards those that we do.  We give ourselves fully when it's something that resonates with us and we protect ourselves when people are trying to put their 'stuff', their energy onto us.  Throughtout all of this however do this with faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in those that we follow and faith that we won't fall.  Much like our practice we had to have faith that we could work together, to come to a mutual agreement, to complete the process only using our own strength and body weight.  I always imagined the embrace was the most important part, the way you express your intention and your passion to your partner; but now I realize that's just the icing.  If you can do all of that without holding your partner you've entered a whole new realm, a whole new dimension of trust and connection that is even more powerful.

Tango is so much more than just a dance. It's a language, it's an expression, it's an outlet and a meditation as my favorite teacher Stefan says.  I'm reminded every time I step into class that I'm not just here to learn a new dance move, but I'm here to be apart of something and I'm here to grow spiritually, emotionally and as a person.  A person who can tango and express herself in whole different light.

Ocho Cortado here I come!! Clear the dance floor. :-)

Oxygen Tango

12958 Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066

Passions Ontop of Passions Ontop of Passions

I must confess, there is something new in my life that is slowly taking over first place as my favorite thing. Although I need food and drink to live, it is Tango that's becoming what sustains me. I am absolutely head over heels in love with this dance. I began taking lessons about three months ago and after the first class I knew I had found something that I could and wanted to devote my time and energy to. For the first time (in a long time) I have found something that takes me out of my head, something that requires precision, presence and concentration. The steps and dance are not only beautiful and powerful but almost become a meditation, you almost enter this trance-like state when you're fully in the moment. My world has changed.

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