Pickle Barrel
IT’S A CLICHE BUT so true: It really
does take two to tango.
Until now, I could only sit back and watch, toe tapping along to the exotic beats as others partake in this dramatic experience.
Luckily, it’s easy to become entranced by the sheer drama of the tango. From skillful staccato frenzies to lingering passionate postures, these dancers can exude more emotions during a single song than some of us express in a day.
But a girl can only sit on the sidelines for so long. Freshly inspired by the anticipated arrival of Tango Fire in Toronto this month and a desire to to blast a little heat these autumn days, I vow to stop dragging my feet. I want in on the action.
Of course, I have my reservations. Besides the logistics (it can be difficult enough to find someone to have coffee with, never mind a partner who wants, and knows how, to dance!), embarrassment has been another deterrent.
There’s no room for ignorance in tango. From the aura of seriousness on the dance floor, there’s no doubt that the dancers know exactly what they’re doing.
I figure that one awkward move, mistimed step or loss of balance can make me look silly enough dancing alone. Factor someone else into the equation, and suddenly dancing has the potential to not only be humiliating but dangerous!
I decide that only award-winning dancers Roxana and Fabian Belmonte could be entrusted with my tango fate. The couple, who are in their mid thirties, have performed in the most legendary tango halls in their native Argentina and in shows and competitions around the world. Last year they were chosen to judge the first world tango competition in Japan. They have even appeared in The Tuxedo, alongside stars Jackie Chan and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Here in Toronto, prominent residents like Isadore Sharpe and Shane Baghai are among their roster of students.
So I meet them at a downtown studio last month for my first lesson. Sure, it’s a far cry from balmy Buenos Aries — homeland to both the couple and the tango — but luckily, I have an active imagination.
How this couple simultaneously sparked their dance careers and lives together is a fairy tale in itself.
Fabian tells me how they were both art school students when he first caught sight of Roxana dancing. Just one look was enough to convince him to pursue her and the tango, which proved rather successful in both instances. Fabian and Roxana insist that passion and the tango are inseparable.
“A tango is a three-minute romance between the dancers,” Fabian says. “You live the music and put all of your passion into the dance.”
Music begins to play, and they improvise, moving counterclockwise around the room in perfect unison. I watch, becoming rather intimidated by Roxana’s impressive performance. Even if I ever manage to execute the sophisticated legwork with such precision, I doubt that I could pull it off with such provocative intensity.
Well, if I can’t act the part, I can at least attempt to look it. Roxana has brought an entire wardrobe of colourful (and, in some cases, quite revealing) dresses and high heels for me to choose from.
Plus, Fabian has blind faith. He explains that learning the tango is like learning a new language.
“Once you learn the words — the steps — you can have a conversation — a dance — with anyone who speaks the same language,” he says.
We assume basic ready position: right arms up and my left gently resting on his. My goal is to master the eight basic steps.
He is leading and I must follow — a definite struggle against my natural womanly instincts. He steps back with his right, and I move forward with my left. Priorities here are proper balance and a sturdy frame. As we progress, it becomes increasingly difficult. The fourth and fifth steps involve a crossover — left foot over right. Are there any cultures that consider stumbling sexy? I wonder.
Once I master that, I learn how to launch into a forward figure eight or ocho. Roxana demonstrates, and I mimic her move. This is no problem until we begin from step one, having to repeat the entire sequence. I forget to respond to Fabian’s figure eight cue.
The backward eight takes a few attempts. But when we practise all eight moves in sequence, I feel like I’m really dancing!
It’s all fun and games until I attempt “the sandwich.” This is where the woman playfully presses her foot against the man’s heel then extends her leg over his open stance. Performed properly, by Roxana, this is quite suggestive. Performed improperly, by me, it proves to be less seductive than, well, making an actual sandwich!
I practise this repeatedly until, with only minutes of studio time to spare, I can tell I got it right by the excitement in their eyes.
I’m not sure which success I’m more proud of: having conquered basic tango or my new-found ability to dance in stilettos. But I’m already looking forward to putting both into practice.
It’s amazing how much one can learn in an hour, I think, as I exit the studio and say goodbye to Roxana and Fabian that day.
If only it were half as easy to find
a suitable partner… 
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