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Getting entangled in Argentine tango
By Nicole Wong (HK Edition)
Updated: 2009-09-26 07:50 In Hong Kong where people live a hectic and materialistic life, it can be a spiritual luxury to get in touch with one's true emotions. Beyond its aura of sensuality, Argentine tango is an art that liberates and unites souls, in a union of music and dance. For those who seek a rare glimpse of the allure of the dance, world-renowned tango dancers and teachers, Damian Esell and Nancy Louzan, have wonderful insights to share during their first-ever visit to Hong Kong. Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the two mavens are at the forefront of the tango scene. They were the first judges of the first World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires in 2004, and have served as judges and performers at tango events around the world. As teachers, Esell and Louzan have taught extensively in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. They have graced the stage in Asian cities such as Seoul, Taipei and Shanghai, where students are enthusiastic and respectful of traditions of the dance. "Asian students listen intently and do their best to learn the traditional embrace of tango. It's a very relaxing atmosphere for us," Esell remarked. "In many of these workshops we get students flying in from different cities, so it's a good mix of personalities." For their first workshop in Hong Kong, Esell and Louzan hope to reveal the essence as well as the fun of tango to local students. Esell believes tango is a wonderful respite for Hong Kong people from their busy life. "It's a great alternative to their usual way of living," he said. "Tango is a beautiful thing, but to deliver its beauty one needs to put in years of learning and practice. It also brings on changes in one's personality and self-expression." Candy Sze, artistic director of Trio Spin Studio and organizer of the masters' workshop, shares the same sentiments. Sze has thrived in introducing tango to the Hong Kong public not only as a romantic dance, but also as a new mode of communication. "Hong Kong people are used to everything fast-paced. They don't always listen to what others have to say," she pointed out. "In tango you need to follow your partner's feelings and the music; it's a deep interaction." Tango was a rarity in town when Candy and her sister took it up eleven years ago. "There were very few teachers and we often had to go overseas for workshops. Most of the time we didn't have enough male partners to practice with either," Candy recalled. In recent years the dance has grown in presence and popularity, thanks to the efforts of local dance schools and tango lovers in organizing related activities. In 2006, Candy and Anita were teachers for the Hong Kong Dance Festival. In 2008 they worked with RTHK in a TV program that featured tango as a discourse on love, which hints at tango becoming a part of the city's popular culture. The number of tango students has also been rising in the last few years. "Some quit after a while. The ones who keep up are usually very dedicated," she said. "The ratio of male to female students has improved too. Many men are starting to see the style and class in Argentine tango." While there has been a growing recognition of tango in Hong Kong, Anita noted that most people confuse Argentine tango with ballroom tango. The former is the traditional form, while the latter is a derivation. "Ballroom tango has fixed routines and steps. It's a much more 'showy' kind of dance," she elaborated. "Argentine tango is about improvisation and spontaneity. The movements are totally flexible, and it depends on your feelings of the moment." The misunderstanding is unfavorable to the promotion of Argentine tango in Hong Kong, Candy added. "When they hear the word tango, they picture a rose between the teeth and flashy steps. It's a corny image and it stops people from taking a closer look." Candy contended that Hong Kong people can learn a lot from tango as a mode of social interaction, since it stresses a close connection between partners. The close embrace is a way of expressing one's affection for a stranger, who may well become a friend. "The close embrace can look threatening to those who're conservative, but it's just like a hug among Westerners," she said. "It's a way to show your friendliness, and we can find great joy in such physical expression." For those who have an interest in learning the dance, Candy pointed out that they should look beyond fancy movements or techniques. In many ways, tango is an understanding, a way to read and appreciate a partner's desires. "It's about musicality, emotions and trust. When you trust in sharing your feelings, that's when you truly tango." Rosa Chou, a human resources professional, has experienced deep personal growth in her four years of living through tango. The dance opened up a new dimension in her life, and it has given her courage to embrace her self, both physical and mental. "I used to avoid looking at myself in the mirror. Now I can face myself and my body without fear," she said. "It also makes me more sensitive to others' feelings. People are beautiful to me when we dance, because it brings out the purity in us."
 (HK Edition 09/26/2009 page3) |
