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Hidden Struggles: Why Silence Enables Harm in Dance Communities
Argentine Tango is celebrated for its beauty, its embrace, and its emotional depth. Yet behind the elegance, there exists an uncomfortable truth: social dance communities, like society itself, are not immune to harassment, manipulation, and abuse. Unfortunately, silence perpetuates harm, creating unsafe environments where predators thrive and survivors are left questioning themselves. The Invisible Threat: […]
The Origins of Group Practices in Social Dance: Did Tango Start It All?
Group practices for social dancing are a well-known feature of Argentine tango, but they didn’t originate exclusively with this iconic dance. The tradition of organized group practices predates tango and has roots in earlier social dances from Europe and beyond. Let’s explore the history and evolution of group dance practices to understand tango’s influence on […]
Tango on a Budget: How to Dance More, Spend Less
My goal isn’t for dancers to be with me forever, but for them to learn from me and dance anywhere in the world. Are you feeling financially stretched since you started tango? Do you feel like you’re spending money but not seeing results? Do you have more dancing shoes than street shoes? Are you spending […]
Dance Transcending Boundaries: Exploring Equity and Compensation Challenges
Dance, with its ability to transcend boundaries, cultures, and languages, holds the power to evoke emotions and unite people. However, dance communities, all over, grapple with challenges related to equity and compensation. This exploration focuses on equity in dance, specifically in social dancing, the fair payment of dancers, and the importance of financial transparency. Embracing […]
Musicality vs. Music Interpretation in Dancing Tango
I have consistently challenged perspectives on musicality and music interpretation throughout my dance and music career. I often ponder whether I am overly focused on semantics. Nevertheless, my goal is to underscore the significant distinction between the two, with the confident intention of aiding dancers in demystifying the “gimmick” of musicality. I encourage them to […]
Improvisation in Tango:
It is not making it up as you go Tango, a dance that embodies a language of its own, thrives within a realm of culture and performing art that has boundaries. With ethno-choreographic movements and the fusion of tradition and evolution, Tango’s essence remains steadfast and evolving at the same time. However, there is a […]
Tango as Exercise
Dancing Argentine Tango enhances your ability to recognize your own body and become familiar with your hips and legs. Attending numerous milongas can strengthen your abs, back, and glute muscles, while toning the biceps and adductors, leading to improved posture and equilibrium. If you engage in Argentine tango for a continuous two-hour session at a […]
Touching, no Touching
The intimate art of matchmaking and tango Last night, I had a brief encounter with Aleeza Ben Shalom at a meet and greet centered around matchmaking. You might recognize her from the popular Jewish Reality Matchmaking show on Netflix. Some attendees came with hopes of finding their perfect match, while others sought to gain insights […]
The Codes for Tango
The Overview of the unwritten agreements Social Tango Argentine tango culture refers to the set of unwritten rules and norms governing social interactions and behavior on the tango dance floor as “los códigos.” These codes, observed by dancers, create a respectful and harmonious environment, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dancing experience. While the specific tango […]