When I was in college studying art we were asked to answer the question, “What is art?” Many of us gave the same answer, that art is meant to communicate. Although now, I think this is oversimplified. Art communicates but is also so much more. Art is a feeling, an expression, it's new, unique and inspiring. Dance is also art. And with any art form, one needs to become … [Read more...]
United We Tango
The other night at the milonga, a friend said to me, “dancing tango is what's keeping me sane”. I think we are all feeling that way... in desperate need to keep our sanity. Tango allows us to just to focus on the moment, connect with others and find joy. Tango does not care what language you speak, what god or gods you pray to your political beliefs. What matters is your … [Read more...]
Finding Balance in Tango
As the year comes to a close and the holiday season nears, our lives become busier than ever with obligations to work, family and friends. It becomes harder to balance our needs with those of everyone around us, yet this is the time when balance in our lives is more important that ever. This is the time to relax, spend time joyfully with good friends (Tango!), and allow … [Read more...]
Connecting and Sharing
Once I again I find myself preparing a post in the wake of another tragedy. This time even closer to home (the last one was Paris). This article began a couple of weeks ago as I was considering our world's addiction to smart phones and social media. And now in the midst of this heartbreak, it's exactly these two things that help us to share our feelings and connect with … [Read more...]
Teaching Tango in Africa
A few years ago I received an email from Camille Cusumano requesting support for her "Go Fund Me" campaign to teach tango in Africa. Camille is someone I've known for several years now, first as the author of Tango: An Argentine Love Story and then in person as a Bay Area dancer and teacher. Her teaching partner in this endeavor was Mungai Waweru a young Kenyan-American who was … [Read more...]