Signals

One of the reasons I've kind of dropped off the blogging map is that I've taken up Argentine Tango. I've had a lot of fun and I'm learning a lot.

One thing about social dance is you learn a whole new way of communication with your partner. All of the things in Argentine Tango, all of the fancy stuff you see, is all communicated through signals the lead gives the follower. It's not magic, it's a very complicated bit of non-verbal communication going on there.

I think the lessons I've learned on the dance floor can definitely be applied to real life in general and relationships specifically. If the follower doesn't know what a signal means, the message will be lost and the lead will have to give up executing whatever he/she had in mind. (Yes, a woman can lead in Tango) At milognas I've definitely been inept enough to miss a signal or two. And I can instantly tell who the good leads are after a dance or two with them. Or at least if I like the way they lead me. :)

I've heard of some ballroom dancers who are good enough to "carry" their partners and disguise any skill deficiencies. Not so in Tango. In Tango, you can only be as good as the weakest partner. Good thing I follow well.