Monthly Archives: August 2011

Don’t fence me in

Posted on August 21, 2011 by

The tango has just finished — a tango of smooth, simple but elegant salón in the arms of an accomplished leader. I open my eyes as we come to a standstill and there, right behind us, is another one, an … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad dancing, Carablanca, Floorcraft, Leading, London tango, Milonga 8 | Tagged | 20 Comments

Berlin Tango Part 2: Knit one, purl one

Posted on August 19, 2011 by

It could not be more enticing. The courtyard is dark and deserted, but for cars and bicycles patiently awaiting their absent owners; the very faintest strains of music can just be made out. Only one thing is alive: a wooden-framed … Continue reading →

Posted in Berlin tango, Floorcraft | Leave a comment

Berlin Tango Part 1: Chaos in Kreuzberg

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

“The Berliners can be very expressive, very — erm — expansive in their dancing,” a friend has warned me, with twinkly-eyed irony, “Even the beginners.” I hover at the edge of this dark, intimate dance floor in the heart of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Berlin tango, Floorcraft | 26 Comments

Same-sex tango for “straight” people*

Posted on August 3, 2011 by

“Funny things happen when you dance with another guy,” a male friend tells me, “They just do.” We are watching the floor at a tango marathon, where several male-male couples are swapping the lead back and forth. In their flat … Continue reading →

Posted in Active following, Decorations, Leading, Same-sex tango | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Green

Posted on August 1, 2011 by

For a long moment, I am completely unaware of my surroundings. Nothing in the world exists for me except this giro. My pale-skinned leader has one of the smoothest dances I’ve ever felt. In the centre of our circle, he is an almost ethereal presence, a column … Continue reading →

Posted in Marathon Vert, Tango marathons | 3 Comments