A Passion for Tango

Tango promotes levels of communication and understanding with a partner that are “unforgettable and intoxicating,” says Residential College faculty member Mabel Rodríguez. She is shown here dancing with Olivier Poudou, a Ph.D. student in the Engineering school.

Mabel Rodríguez, a faculty member and coordinator of the intensive Spanish program at the Residential College, took up the Argentine Tango on the recommendation of a friend. “I liked to dance and was looking into starting a new activity, so my friend suggested I try the classes. I went to a Michigan Argentine Tango Club potluck during the Thanksgiving break, and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. So I started taking classes the following term.”

In the two-and-a-half years since, she has become an active and committed member of the Club, as well as an accomplished dancer.

“One of the reasons I joined the club was the friendliness of its members. They were very accommodating to newcomers and went out of their way to make you feel welcome and part of the activities. For example, our advanced dancers work with beginners during our weekly practicas (practice sessions) to help them improve. Also, all of the people I have worked with in the past two years are volunteers who teach, organize, and administrate without any compensation. This type of passion and effort creates a wonderful environment in which to learn and grow as a dancer. And now, many of the club members are my friends.”

Asked what aspects of Tango dancing and music most appeal to her, Mabel says:“There are a number of elements of Tango that are highly appealing. First of all, the music, which incorporates tango, waltz, and milonga. Each of these categories are quite distinct, but each of them has a lot of variety depending on the historical period and the artists. Also, there is alternative tango, which incorporates popular music. The dancing can also be an incredible experience. Even if you are just watching, the intricacy of the movements and seamless connection between partners is beautiful. However, if you are able to reach that level of communication and understanding with a partner on the floor, the experience is unforgettable and intoxicating.”

“The challenge aspect is also very compelling. The milonguero style of Argentine tango, which is what I practice, is improvised. There are no patterns or steps. This makes each dance a unique experience. For this reason, dancing milonguero style can be exciting and frustrating at the same time. But it’s great if you like to challenge yourself and are open to new experiences.”

The social aspect of her involvement with the Tango club is also satisfying. “In Ann Arbor, the Tango community is precisely a ‘community’. We are very international and share a common passion for dancing tango, but we also participate in other events together.”

The Michigan Argentine Tango Club hosts milongas, or social dances, approximately once every two weeks, but sometimes more often, especially during the summer. Mabel says she, and other club members, also make Tango trips to other nearby and not so nearby communities when there are festivals or special guest instructors. The Ann Arbor club also holds 4-5 big events per year (September Anniversary, November Workshops, January Festival, May Madness, and July 4th), where there are many milongas and workshops throughout the weekend.

In a typical week, Mabel takes classes on Mondays and Wednesdays (from 8:00–10:00 pm) and a general practice session afterwards from (10:00–11:30). On Wednesdays, she assists newer dancers, sometimes filling in as a substitute instructor.

Asked what impact Tango has had on her work and thinking, Mabel explains, “Most of my life I have focused on analytical reasoning and have disassociated my analytical skills from physical expression. Although I am active in other sports, I have never analyzed my body movements. Tango has challenged this separation because it is both a highly technical and analytical dance, but it also requires strong body control and strength. I have become much more aware of how the body moves and how to become more expressive in movement, instead of relying on verbal cues.”

“I have also gained a much higher appreciation for the learning process and understanding how different students advance at different rates and through very varying processes. I have always been patient with my students, but I think I can now pose questions in a different light, and use physical means to communicate my ideas.”

Asked what advice she would offer to newcomers interested in learning the Tango, Mabel says: “I would encourage people to see Tango as an activity with many facets. There is enjoyment in the music, understanding the history, getting to know the community, and personally there is the challenge of dancing in complete connection with another person. Learning about yourself and your body, and listening and understanding your partner can be extremely rewarding.”