Historically, dance has created community bonds, served as a form of spiritual practice, provided physical exercise and stress relief, and, of course, taken on the important role of a "mating ritual". Dance has always been distinguished in two categories either in the court or in the country circles, as the close position was not yet recognized in 17th century, however. While close embrace creates the most direct and instinctive communication between two people, it serves the power of its social purpose .
Close position was first found in the Viennese Waltz, while subsequently from the past 100 years, the tango traditions of close embrace was slowly emerged into the court dance and the dance culture of nobility and middle/high social classes.
In recent years people have been experiencing a revival of social dances from around the world. This indicates a growing need for people to reconnect with each other, their communities, and themselves. Partner dance just might open the door to this reconnection, and the tango, one of its most distinguished representatives, could be the key. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the tango was born around 1850, they say that the initial "embrace" tells you everything before you even take the first step. Well, what exactly, you might ask, is this "everything" that can be learned in a mere instant of physical contact?
The tango sidesteps the notion of a "right way," but rather teaches us, above all else, to "improvise." He, the leader, then invents a step of his own to accompany her, she follows, and so on until the end of the song. This is why the tango appears so complex, and why the two partners' legs manage to intertwine in such a remarkable way. Herein lies the beauty, and the puzzle, of the tango. While dancers change partners often, and every dance is different, bringing its own surprises, challenges, and thrills. Do we take a step softly, or does it carry a sharp accent? Do we embrace our partner very tightly, or very gently? There is a sudden connection between you and your partner after the initial embrace, whether you like it or not... That demonstrates the telepathic communication without language and without distracting thoughts ...
*Allegory of Wisdom and Strength
