[Tango-L] Paying my dues

[newtonr@mscd.edu]

I too considered myself an experienced AT dancer.  But perhaps it was 
only my perception. Only a sojourn to the mecca of milongas would 
offer insight. Fortunately, I was briefed on what to expect, 
especially in regards to the neighborhood milongas. The elbows, the 
blocking and boxing-in (of the space, especially in the corners) only 
to be topped by a rather large alpha milonguero, timing his entry into 
my LOD, protruding his buttocks first to define his space, and then 
stopping to ease into the embrace in the middle of the song.  After 
all, it was his neighborhood and his club, I was a visitor.

It was an honourable challenge to how I would react.  A challenge to 
any newcomer, gringo or one from another barrio.  Handling these 
situations with humor and dignity without losing the feeling or rhythm 
of the song is what is expected, sort of like the fraternity hazing 
one would expect in college, but more importantly because you owe this 
grace to your Argentine partner.  She knows what the guys are doing 
and she knows why, she accepted your cabeceo and you must not let her 
down.  Although this is going on all around you, she must not feel 
your discomfort.  Lose your cool and the whole world becomes chaotic. 
This to me is life - “Tango is life”, I believe Maria Nieves said.   
Pass the tests and you're welcomed warmly, it’s a wonderful real 
culture. 

Abrazos, Richard