The Romantic Gift of Dance

[noel conrad]

From the beginning of time, dance has been a societal activity.
Dancing in groups was popular and dances were open, no close proximity
touching of partners. In the nineteenth century, about 1880, a dance,
the tango, emerged in Buenos Aires. It was born in the poor areas and
brothels of the city and made its way gradually into the upper class
homes of the rich. Argentina was a very rich country and many of its
inhabitants had vacation homes in Paris and London. They took the
tango with them when they went abroad.
The origin and meaning of the word tango appears to have come from an
African word. Its translation by Europeans and others in the Americas
was "a closed space where Negroes gather to dance" and then later the
name of the dance.
The tango that was born in the brothels of Argentina had overt sexual
undertones and many considered it vulgar. As it moved from class group
to class group, the dance changed. The main ingredient of the dance,
the connection between the two partners, did not change. It evolved
into a more sensuous, acceptable form in society. If you watch
ballroom dancing competitions, you will see the tango performed by the
contestants. This is a diluted version of the dance.
Dancing itself is a romantic activity. When you dance, you are in
close proximity of your partner. You move for and with each other. A
truly romantic gift for Valentine Day is Argentine Tango lessons for
the two of you. After you have learned the dance, create a romantic
setting for the two of you:

Create an invitation for your loved one, inviting them to dinner and
dance.
Purchase a CD of your favorite tango music.
Prepare a meal of their favorite food.
Add candles and flowers to the table.
Use your best china, silverware, and crystal.
Push back the furniture in the living room for dance space.
Eat your romantic dinner.
Dim the lights.
Work off your romantic dinner by dancing the Argentine Tango.
End your evening of romance in a way that suits the two of you.
The Argentine Tango is one of the most sensuous and romantic dances in
the world. Each partner must concentrate and focus on the presence,
the body, and the emotions of their partner. They must feel each
other. The Argentine Tango is a dance in which the partners can
express their desire and longing for each other.
What a truly wonderful romantic gift for Valentine Day or any time of
the year.
http://groups.google.com/group/dancejag