The Tango Dilemma: Should I Continue?
Carrying on with tango is a personal journey, fraught with choices that require deep introspection. Whether you should continue to dance tango depends on several factors, each of which adds nuance to your decision-making process.
Reflecting on Tango Through the Lens of Personal Fulfillment
Throughout my twenty years in the tango community, I've often asked myself the same question annually: Should I continue to dance tango? The act of tango is not just a physical exercise; it's a profound reflection of one's life and aspirations. As a seasoned dancer, I recently re-emptied my passport with renewed vigor, making my return to tango a joyous reaffirmation. Tango has not just been a dance; it's been a life.
Personal Reflections on Tango's Enduring Appeal
Tango, more than any other dance, is a triumph of community and social engagement. It was never a dance that I would consider dropping, even if I were 110 years old and required a walker. The dance community is precious, and it offers the comforting familiarity of a second family. No matter where you are in the world, you can find your dance family, making tango accessible and engaging.
The Benefits of Continued Tango Practice
Community and Social Support
Two: tango enhances your social life. The dance offers additional 'family' connections that transcend the typical social circles. These companions in movement offer daily opportunities to connect, dress up, and participate in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Whether in Buenos Aires or Berlin, tango communities exist, making the dance accessible regardless of geographic constraints.
Emotional and Physical Vitality
Three: tango reignites a spark of life within you, even amidst the occasional missteps or awkward evenings. Dance, especially tango, is an exhilarating experience that contributes to your overall well-being. It's a celebration of the lived moment, making any attempt to embrace it worthwhile.
Embracing Lifelong Passions
Four: tango mirrors life. You don't abandon your life or passions; similarly, you never abandon tango. It’s a dance that demands your commitment, like any other significant aspect of life. The unique rigidity and fluidity of tango demand your undivided attention, ensuring a lifelong pursuit that keeps you engaged and evolving.
Accepted by Tango, Embrace Life
Five: Tango has a way of bringing you back, ensuring ongoing engagement. Success or failure in tango does not define your worth. There is an inherent acceptance in every step, and even the disappointments are moments of unexpected pleasure. This dance accepts no quarter, but it also provides constant support.
Growth and Investment
Six: tango represents a significant investment of time and effort. You've likely navigated the discomfort and awkwardness of the first few dances, and mastering these initial steps is a considerable achievement. To abandon tango now would be to waste that hard-earned mastery, a waste of your investment.
Feeling Special Through Tango
Seven: tango always makes you feel special. Even when the dance disappoints, there's always the joy of finding a kindred spirit in the face of the unexpected. This unique connection is an addiction that tango enthusiasts struggle to shake off.
Conclusion
As you navigate the decision to continue with tango, consider these factors: enjoyment, progress, community, physical health, and time commitment. Tango is not just a dance; it's a way of life that demands your dedication and acceptance of its challenges. Continue to dance tango with enthusiasm, knowing that it offers more than just steps on a floor, but a life filled with joy and connection.