We all have a different story that brought us to tango in the first place – whether it is the nagging wife or girlfriend, the cute guy who made us swoon, the tune that gave us goosebumps, the simple desire to do something creative and artistic, Strictly’s wild leg moves… Something made us start tango, and something made us continue dancing: once a week, then twice a week, then 3 times a week… You might know the story.

We’ve asked people around us what tango was to them and we’re publishing a series of blogs with their genuine answers! After all, talking about Argentine tango is the next best thing after actually dancing tango in London and beyond.

 

For me personally, when I was a kid I used to dance on my own to music. I also tend to express my happiness and excitement through dance often in response to music. I also love to watch dance. I think ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ helped me to see what different types of dance look like. I noticed I was most intrigued by the Tango. To me it was the most sophisticated, the most beautiful and passionate dance. I was also amazed by the leg movements, and thought ‘I wish I could do that!’.

I invited my mother to ‘Midnight Tango’ last year and she loved the show. I mentioned that I had thought about having a Tango lesson and she told me to just go for it. I tried the Lambada and Salsa may years / decades ago for a short while, but gave up very quickly. This time I didn’t want to give up. Although I’m a doctor and scientist, I also love the arts. As a child I used to do calligraphy and I also like languages and literature.

I have to say that dancing tango is very different to watching it. I find it quite hard. I guess because I used to just dance to music on my own. However, I feel it’s worth continuing as it’s also a social dance and you can meet other people through it. Also, I see it as learning a new skill and doing something very different to my every day work, Having said that a lot of my work is about understanding people, connecting with them and trying to help them.

It’s been a slow process, but I’m beginning to listen to the music more, and beginning to enjoy it more. At the beginning, it seemed more like a fearful task to get through! Unfortunately I still don’t get much time to practice, and keep forgetting things.

The few group classes I’ve been to have also helped. I’ve been able to check what I’m doing with different partners, because they all respond differently, and I learn something new from the interaction.

I started learning Russian 2 years ago and have continued with it. It is difficult, but I enjoy it very much and I feel it has broadened my mind. I sort of feel the same about Tango, although I think it is more difficult than learning Russian! I hope to continue with it because I feel I’m making progress and that it taps into my more creative and artistic parts of my personality and broadens my mind.

Sep,

 

Come back in a few days for our next blog post! And do let us know if you’d like to be featured in this series!

Abrazo, Nathalie

Have a read if you want more information about our Argentine tango classes.