Tango is not only a fascinating dance but also a fascinating philosophy, culture and lifestyle. The search of tango is the search of connection, love, fellowship, unity, harmony and beauty, i.e., an idealism that is not consistent with the dehumanizing reality of the modern world. The world divides us into individuals, but tango unites us into a team, community and species. In tango we are not individualists, feminists, nationalists, Democrats, Republicans, etc., but interconnected and interdependent members of the human family. Tango calls us to tear down the walls, to build bridges, and to regain humanity through affinity, altruism, cooperation, and accommodation. It is a dance that teaches the world to love.



May 24, 2016

Tolerance and Grit


Gu Feng described his fishing experience in a poem, which reads, "In the mist that shrouds the valley, by the stream that reflects the lush green bamboos and shiny red flowers, stood I in soft breeze, fishing in quietness. At dusk I listened to the rain dripping on the pavilion. At dawn, in blue robe under an umbrella, I walked in solitude along the stony path." Picturesque and relaxing!

But I am not the poet. For me, the joy of fishing is in the bite, without which the relaxing scenery is not enough to make me content. The disposition of fish is elusive. In some days I don't catch any. In most days two or three fish an hour is normal. But sometimes the fish suddenly scramble to snatch. You toss the lure, and they jump up to bite. One after another you can catch dozens in an hour. This happens only one or two times a year. My fancy for fishing, in addition to the soothingness of nature, comes mainly from the temptation of such wonders. The addiction, therefore, is in the anticipation. In reality miracles are rare.

This situation is a lot like what we experience in tango. The elegant venue, smooth dance floor, soft light, enchanting music, resplendent dresses, all are captivating but not enough to make you happy without a good partner. But one night, unexpectedly, you encountered a person, whose height, figure, dance skill, musicality, temperament and manner were all compatible to yours. Like a perfect match made in heaven, the two of you became instant pals, giving rein to the dance that enabled you not only to enjoy the flawless cooperation, but also the freedom like in an unrestrained solo. This experience changed your outlook on tango because it gave you a new way to see the dance. From then on you've been to dance again and again, week after week, hoping to re-experience that moment. But miracles come only by luck and not will. In my fourteen years of dancing tango in countless milongas, that experience only occurred few times, which, nonetheless, is still the reason I am addicted to tango, because I yearn to revisit that moment one more time. Tango is the search of a dream. In reality miracles are rare.

People often forget that imperfection is the norm in life. To enjoy life one needs a heart that can appreciate the ordinary. Voltaire said: "What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of fragility and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly - that is the first law of nature."

On the other hand, we all yearn to transcend the ordinary and become extraordinary. Excellency is the consequence of grit. Only by repeating the boring routine countless times can we achieve perfection. Therefore, let us encourage ourselves and be gritty. Miracles will happen as a result - that is the second law of nature.