Tango is all about communication. Quite subtle, interesting, difficult, non-verbal, rewarding communication with people who are very often complete strangers. Its the ‘complete stranger’ part of it that I want to write about.
When Jane started trying to communicate with Tarzan she began with “Me Jane, you Tarzan”. She didn’t start with “Hello. How do you do. I’m Miss Jane Porter of Baltimore, Maryland. I sailed here aboard the Arrow, on Wednesdays we do crochet and my favourite colour is blue”. Baby steps and baby words. Let them build slowly and carefully and before you know it you’ll be having discourses on Kant’s metaphysics.
So when you dance with someone, be it the first time or the first time in a long time, start off simple, establish communication. Don’t expect or try complex and complicated from the off, the communication will be lost in the noise.
Remember. “Me Tarzan, you Jane. Would you like to dance?”