Mindfulness and Tango: Passion and Possibilities

My husband and I went to see ameans as being "rich as an Argentinean."
production of "Forever Tango!" presentedTango became a dazzling form of
at the Angela Peralta Theater just twoentertainment among the rich and
blocks from our home here in Mazatlan.After all, sincefamous of Europe, and eventually this
we're moving to Argentinahigher status was conferred upon the
in July, we need to learn more about tango,smoldering dance in its native Buenos Aires.Of course,
which was born in Buenos Aires back inthere are plenty of examples of
the late 1800s.It was a great show--passionatedances that were once considered too risque
dancing,for the general public--the Charleston, the
stirring music, spectacular costumes. But Itwist, hip-hop--but few have risen from
wanted to know more about how this dancethe lowest class to the highest in such
form started, so I did a little research on thespectacular form."What does this have to do with
history of tango.Despite the fact that we tend tomindfulness?" you are asking.Well, everything.You see,
considertango was embraced--eventually--
tango to be a dance performed in highonce people were able to view it in a
society while wearing gorgeous dresses,new way. The same bawdy dance carried
the roots of this dance are decidedlyout in dark brothels in Buenos Aires was
low class.In the 1880s, Buenos Aires attractedconsidered sophisticated and daringly
immigrants from around the world--Germans,modern once it was dressed up and
Italians, Africans--as well as those moving topresented at Paris cocktail parties.Mindfulness helps
the burgeoning city from the pampas in theus see the world in
Argentine countryside. These new arrivalsa nonjudgmental way. It inspires
brought their cultures with them, and ascreativity as well--we can see
the lonely working men and women longedpossibilities that wouldn't be so obvious
for companionship as well as a bit of home,if we were looking through that veil of
a new form of music, dance and culturejudgment.What if you DIDN'T consider this particular
evolved.Though many still argue the exact origin ofthought negative? What if you DIDN'T see
the word "tango" it is generally consideredthat particular practice as scandalous?What if you
to be derived from a word describing thesaw the world--and yourself--
drumming music of the African immigrants.as simply full of possibilities?Learning to watch our
The Germans added the accordion, and aresponses is a lot
new craze in European dancing--a scandalouslike dancing the tango--we need to be
new position in which the man actuallyfully present. We need to be brave
rested his arm on the back of his womanenough to look really, really closely.If we don't focus,
partner!--trickled into the gatherings of thosewe're likely to
who were alone and seeking a way to releaseget kicked in a rather personal place.
their despair and express their passion.The onlyIf we are tuned in, we will flow
women in Buenos Aires willing toeffortlessly with little resistance and
dance in this provocative style at that timetremendous grace.Mindfulness helps us move through
were the prostitutes, so tango was developedlife
by immigrants looking for love in thewith awareness, creativity, and a
houses of ill repute. Later, men actuallycertain flair that says
practiced dancing the tango with other"I'm paying attention."Glittering dresses are
men so they could become skilled enoughoptional.Maya Talisman Frost has taught thousands of
to impress the wealthy European ladiespeople how to pay attention. Her playful,
who made visits to the exciting, prosperouseyes-wide-open approach to mindfulness is featured in
country of Argentina after the turn of thepublications worldwide. She publishes the Friday Mind
century.In fact, Argentina was so wealthy atMassage, a weekly ezine with subscribers in over 100
that time that those in Paris and Londoncountries.
would refer to someone with considerable