I recently started taking Argentine Tango lessons with Master K. I am in love with this art form. What a wonderful teacher he is! He is a very respectful dancer and teacher. He is kind, supportive and patient. I am catching on rather quickly (so he says...I feel like an idiot about half the time).
Master K contacted me randomly via email and wanted to know if I was interested in lessons. I had no idea who he was. I had never danced with a partner before. I am a belly dancer with a background in women's studies. Needless to say, I was a wee bit skeptical to say the least.
Who was this guy? And why did he want to give me Tango lessons?
Every girlfriend and female relative I told about the opportunity asked, "Why?"
My 85 year-old-gram, who I consult on all important issues, said "Is he a pervert?" She proceeded to call on a weekly basis after I started lessons to make sure he was NOT a pervert. I, of course, googled the guy to make sure he was legit. All looked good. Great, even.
So, I took the dive. I am so happy I did. It really wasn't that difficult of a decision, despite all of the above mentioned precautionary jabbers, I am almost always open to new things and meeting new people. I knew before the google search that I was sold.
So, here I am: a beginner Argentine Tango student.
How does this relate to belly dance?
Tango is a sensual and beautiful art form. I realized that the same type of skepticism and uncertainty about Master K also happens to me as soon as I tell people I am a belly dancer. The main difference is a reverse in gender stereotypes. I get a look like, "Oh you are living on the edge, girlfriend." Or, "You must be a sex crazed Kama Sutra expert!" Or even, "Don't talk to my husband."
Sometimes, I even get asked, "Do you do strip tease, too?" I love that one.
What is so hilarious is that belly dance has nothing to do with any of these ridiculous insinuations. It is such a misunderstood art form. The problem, like Argentine Tango, is that it does explore and express sensuality.
Our cultural inheritance has layered sensuality and sexuality so thick that most people don't know the difference between the two.
It is hard to find a good definition of sensuality. I found this description online at an IntimateExpressionGift.com no less!
"Sensuality means to be aroused by things of beauty, luxury and refinement, to be aware of and explore the world, life and love with all the senses. To be sensual is to be aware of and appreciate the natural, ecstasy that can be found in the sensuous, passionate world of feeling, inhabited by poets, artists, song writers and dreamers. Being sensual brings to us a life felt through our senses, seen only in the world of spirit."
To dance a sensuous dance, your world is enhanced by awareness, appreciation and acceptance for who and what you are. A passion for life and love.
Tango lessons will be offered at Moon Belly soon and I am so excited to share this with everyone!
