ILONA GLINARSKY stumbles upon tango and discovers poetry in motion.
Julio Bassan and Josefina Scaglione share a moment of deep connection as they practice the tango in Los Angeles.
PHOTO: LAURA MINGO PHOTO:
“H
ow loudly does one have to speak in order to be heard?” I pose this question to my beginner Argentine tango class while slowly scanning the reactions on their faces. The room is quiet except for the faint sound of the legendary Di Sarli orchestra playing softly in the background. Most of my students look puzzled by this question, except for Marcus, a well-respected yoga instructor by day. He smiles with his eyes and nods at me, as if to let me know he knows where I’m going. His partner Nora says that tango is the only place in her life where she doesn’t have to take charge, where she can just turn off her brain, relinquish control, and
let go of everything. “I can simply relax into my femininity and allow my partner to guide me,” she says. I’m now looking directly at the men in the class. “When leading a lady in tango,” I tell them, “all you need is to whisper. Every message, every cue you convey to your partner has to be subtle, yet clear. Quiet, yet potent. The quieter your lead is, the more deeply your partner has to tune in, the more intently she has to listen.” The room is silent. I notice some subtle nods and smiles, as well as a few contemplative looks. “Remember, gentlemen, you’re not driving a truck—you’re now driving a Ferrari!” I tell them jokingly. Several of the women nod approvingly. I turn my attention to them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 31 CONSCIOUSDANCER.COM | FALL 2012
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