Tango classes in the Wairarapa
Tango has been described as like a cross between sex and chess – although many decades ago it was also referred to as “that reptile from the brothel”. A noble lady in France once asked, “Is it supposed to be danced standing up?”
In fact, tango isn’t so difficult or so lustful, and contrary to popular perception there is no rose held between the teeth. When you dance traditional tango, you dance a feeling – un sentimiento. Unlike stage tango – the version we see on tv – social tango is not about what you see from the outside, but what you feel on the inside.
New Zealanders don’t have a rich cultural heritage of couple dancing and perhaps the thought of hugging someone for ten minutes while walking around to music isn’t immediately appealing… but that’s essentially what tango is: an embrace, beautiful music, sentiment and a walk. Anyone can dance it – indeed the best dancers in Buenos Aires are often nondescript men and women in their 70s and 80s who have danced socially at their local club for decades.
Similarly in NZ, you don’t need a ‘dancer’s body’, and it’s not essential you come along to classes with your sense of rhythm intact. All that’s needed to begin with is a willingness to embrace friends and strangers alike and to listen to the music. We look forward to seeing you there!
In fact, tango isn’t so difficult or so lustful, and contrary to popular perception there is no rose held between the teeth. When you dance traditional tango, you dance a feeling – un sentimiento. Unlike stage tango – the version we see on tv – social tango is not about what you see from the outside, but what you feel on the inside.
New Zealanders don’t have a rich cultural heritage of couple dancing and perhaps the thought of hugging someone for ten minutes while walking around to music isn’t immediately appealing… but that’s essentially what tango is: an embrace, beautiful music, sentiment and a walk. Anyone can dance it – indeed the best dancers in Buenos Aires are often nondescript men and women in their 70s and 80s who have danced socially at their local club for decades.
Similarly in NZ, you don’t need a ‘dancer’s body’, and it’s not essential you come along to classes with your sense of rhythm intact. All that’s needed to begin with is a willingness to embrace friends and strangers alike and to listen to the music. We look forward to seeing you there!
