Excerpt

The old cliché “It takes two to tango” exists for a reason. Tango is the quintessential couple dance. Without a partner, there is no tango.

However, this does not mean we need a regular partner. In tango, we aim to find, create, and build an intense connection in a very short time. It is part of the beauty, the allure, and the challenge of tango. This can be done with one regular partner or with a variety of rotating ones. Or both. Maybe tonight we will dance only with each other, but tomorrow night we will dance with half the dancers in the room. It doesn’t matter. During each dance, everything we do should be caused or inspired by the person we are dancing with.

If we can focus more on our partners than on ourselves, we will shine in our role—whether we are leader or follower. If we help our partners by leading or following better, by waiting for and being patient with them, we will allow them to dance with more ease and enjoyment. In turn, we will dance with more ease and enjoyment. The tango relationship is not linear; it is circular. It is a constant give-and-take between the two partners, so whatever we give, we will get back.