From my seat along the edge of the dance floor I can hear the faint sound of dancers' shoes sliding across the floor, the wood is worn from the love of the Tango. They are silently wrapped in each others arms, occasionally sharing a glance or a smile, sometimes exchanging whispers. The music is so beautiful that there are times it can make ones heart ache. It is captivating to watch them circling the floor, circling each other. It is dark and mysterious, leaving the dancers and the observers breathless.

After spending a short time taking ballroom lessons, a friend and fellow dancer told me about Argentine Tango "..you have to see this, you'll enjoy it." and that first night I fell in love. Walking through the door you can leave the harsh reality of work and problems behind to spend a few precious hours caught up in the beauty and passion of the Tango, and you get to share this time with some truly unique people. Being part of this beautiful art is a privilege, and we are fortunate to have Patio De La Morocha to learn, practice, and dance at here in Orlando.

As effortless as some of the dancers make Tango look, it is challenging. It is classy and graceful and at the same time strong and powerful, and constantly leaves you wanting more. There is always something to be learned from one another. Sometimes partnerships are awkward, forcing both of you to compromise and find common ground. You need to work together, reading each other, communicating through touch. Other times pairings come easier, even with a total stranger, it makes sense and flows like a comfortable friendship. And sometimes the connection is magical. An intimate moment. Moving together, breathing together, the world narrows down to just the two of you.

Learning Tango can be hard at times, pushing you physically. For me it has also become a lesson in both self control and relinquishing control. I'm trying to learn restraint and patience, to wait for each step, each turn. With much of my life I tend to be in a rush, trying to anticipate what comes next. I'm trying slow down and allow the story to unfold, enjoying the journey. Giving up control has not been easy either. I'm learning to trust my partners, yield to their lead, and find a balance between the back and forth of the dance. All this is a work in progress and one day I hope to do the Tango justice.

We dance deep into the night, exhausted yet exhilarated, not wanting it to end and already looking forward to the next time. In the arms of a stranger I cross the dance floor. Moving as one, pausing occasionally, legs entwined. Circling the floor, circling each other. For only the length of a song I belong to him and he belongs to me, and just beyond the music I can hear the faint sound of my shoes sliding across the floor.

Debbie

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