To err is human, to dance is divine!

I am not the dancer in the family. As a matter of fact, the only dance history I have consists of 2 years of ballet (when i was six), 2 months of Salsa classes (6 years ago) and an overnight lesson of Club-Can't-Handle-Me dance steps taught by my little sister for my kuya's wedding. Mea, my little sister, who takes her dancing with a passion would often roll her eyes at me as I try to show her my moves. Sometimes even, I'd see her cringe and look away as she feels embarassed for me. Haha!

So, why have I always been fascinated with Argentine Tango?

Because when i was learning Salsa few years back, I got to know Ms Edna Ledesma who's one of the country's most fabulous dancers.. And her personal dance of choice? Yes, Argentine Tango. I saw her talk about it and dance it with grace and passion.

Argentine Tango, for non-dancers like me, is like a softer version of the standard Tango dance. It concentrates a lot on leg extensions, with minimal movements from the upper body. Unlike the standard Tango, which for me is very stiff, Argentine Tango does not limit the couple to be distant from each other at all times. The dance almost tells everyone of the love-hate relationship of the couple performing. The love, the hate, the passion in every single movement is characterized by both the man and woman. Sometimes even, you'd feel their emotions just by watching.

I remember being so mesmerized when I, for the first time in my life, saw different dancers, Ms Edna Ledesma included, perform this dance live.

I watched hundreds of youtube videos on Argentine Tango, ranging from the How-to's to Competition Performances. When my thirst to learn this has not been quenched by simply watching people perform it, I finally decided to attend a couple of dance classes so that I can actually try to learn it. Needless to say, I enjoyed every minute of it. I never grew tired.. Or maybe I did, I just never realized it. And although this is a dance with a partner, I sometimes practice it alone. Hahaha!

I know that I will never be able to give justice to this dance, however hard I wish, study or practice it. The most I can contribute to this dance is to give proper praise and respect to the people who perform it well.

So anyway, with that said, je me presente.. my Argentine Tango dance! Please don't cringe.


*Note: My partner and I danced in an open floor, so you will see other couples dancing around the video too. Hehe.

P.S.: Dear sister, I can just see your reaction now. Stop laughing.



When: July 11/15, 2011; Jan 3, 2012
Where: Studio 116/J&A Dance Studio, Makati City
With: Aga Santos