The Tango Banter

Whether it’s wardrobe malfunctions, stepping on partners' feet, or farting, the dance floor is a place where many things can go wrong. (It’s a wonder they don’t go wrong more often!) In this episode Alex and I banter about some of our more memorable ones as well as the cringiest. 🪗 How to use musicality to get better dances - LIVE Musicality Webinar May 31: https://imsotango.com/musicality-ma...

Breakups are never easy, especially when you have to keep seeing your ex afterwards. Moving on from a romantic relationship in tango can be difficult and lonely process. In this episode I share some of my own strategies that helped me reconnect with myself and move on without having to give up my dance. Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld Sign up for my wee...

Do you feel stuck in your tango? In this episode I discuss some of the less than obvious factors that might be holding you back. Sometimes it has to do with your technique, other times it’s something that seems completely unrelated to your dance. Ultimately, only you can know what’s going on and this episode will give you some things to consider and ideas to chew on. Join my private FaceBook Group...

This conversation revolves around our recent experience at The Thing, a yearly tango marathon in Portland, OR. We discuss our personal experiences and observations, highlighting the challenges and strategies we used to get dances. We emphasize the importance of moving around the venue, being proactive in initiating conversations and connections, and understanding the dynamics of the dance floor. T...

Both Alex and I started tango more than 10 years ago. Certain things have definitely changed over the past decade, but in other ways, tango is just as challenging as ever. We chat about the things we would do differently if we were going to start all over again, and other things that we would definitely do again. If YOU were to start over, what would you do differently/the same? Join my private Fa...

In this banter I explore the (un)friendliness of the social tango scene and the different camps that people fall into regarding this topic. The topic was sparked by a recent article (https://therhinestone.medium.com/i-went-to-my-first-milonga-lets-talk-about-it-2a4a93192d2b ) and interview I had with Elena Rovito (https://link.chtbl.com/O109KHbx ), a zouk dancer who had a negative first time exper...

In this episode, I explore how tango followers can become more expressive in their dance, what that means and how to practice it. I offer practical tips for developing musicality and incorporating adornos into your dance in a way that enhances your movement. I highlight the value of practicing and making videos to improve your dance. Tango Simplified Learning Series: https://www.youtube.com/playli...

In this episode, I review my experiences as a competitor at the Southern California Tango Championship. I’ve had a critical view to tango championships but this experience changed my perspective. I was surprised by the of camaraderie I saw and felt among the dancers and saw this kind of an event as an opportunity for personal growth. I placed 3rd in the Jack & Jill Category as a leader and I t...

In this episode, I interview Elena Rovito ( https://www.facebook.com/Lena. Rovito ) about her recent article she wrote where she described her less than positive experience at a milonga. We discuss the reactions she received and the challenges of entering the tango scene as a new dancer. Elena also talks about her dance journey, starting with gymnastics and transitioning to various social dances l...

In this episode, I discuss the experience of ghosting, both in tango and in life. I share personal stories and explore the pain and confusion that comes with being rejected or ignored by someone. I also delve into the different areas of life where ghosting can occur, such as dating and professional relationships. Takeaways Ghosting is a common experience that can occur in various areas of life, in...

In this episode, Alex and I review our experiences at the Portland Valentango Festival and El Motivo Marathon in LA. We discuss the highlights, challenges, and differences between the two events. We also explore the physical demands of marathons and festivals, the differences in dance levels, and the importance of floor craft. Takeaways - Marathons and festivals offer different experiences and cha...

In this episode I discuss the importance of knowing specific elements of tango music in order to succeed as a dancer. I emphasize the significance of recognizing orchestras and understanding the different characteristics and styles they bring to the music. I share my personal journey of learning to recognize orchestras and provide a simple process for others to follow. Takeways: - Tango music is a...

In this episode, I explore the topic of jealousy in tango. I reflect on my personal experience with jealousy and how it has affected my relationships. I discuss the different types of jealousy that tango dancers experience, particularly focusing on the insecurities and fears that women often face. I emphasize the importance of embracing solitude and reconnecting with oneself to overcome jealousy....

In this episode, I delve into the mysterious dynamics of tango chemistry, exploring how dancers navigate preferences for a more successful dance experience. I share my own personal preference and what I consider to be indicators of whether I would have good chemistry with someone or not. Main points: - The shape and tension of the embrace can indicate the level of the dancer and the comfort of the...

In this episode I explore the concept of balance in tango, discussing common misconceptions and highlighting the crucial role of alignment. I discuss how tango resembles controlled falling and share practical exercises for improving solo movement balance. Addressing considerations for partner dancing, I differentiate between balance and stability. The episode emphasizes developing balance through...

In this episode my sister (who is NOT a tango dancer, and IS an Emmy Award-winning journalist) interviews me about the world of DJing tango. We explore the challenges, nerves, and the artistry that go into DJing, unraveling the complexities of this strange ritual. From the importance of knowing the tango music canon to the struggles of finding good DJ mentors, we discuss it all. In a nutshell: - D...

In this episode, I discuss my experiences and insights on traveling for tango events. Travel preferences are very subjective and personal factors such as physical and mental well-being can greatly impact your enjoyment of an event. I share suggestions and tips on how to make the best of your tango travel. SoCal Tango Champinoship: https://socaltangochampionship.com/ Join my private FaceBook Group:...

In this episode, I discuss the common experience of not wanting to dance with someone anymore and the associated feelings of guilt and embarrassment. I explore both interpersonal and technical reasons for this change in preference and share my own strategies for navigating these situations. Valentango Tango Festival: https://valentango.us/ Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/g...

Tango is famous for confusing people to the point that you might forget how to walk for a second or two. In this banter Alex and I cast a wide net as we talk about the parallels between tango and art. We then explore a few of the tango concepts that cause the most confusion and debate among dancers and share personal stories about making sense of tango over time. Join my private FaceBook Group: ht...

FOMO (fear of missing out) is a common experience for tango dancers. Throughout the year we see videos and pictures from exotic locations of beautiful dancers having a lot of fun and we wish we knew about it before it happened. How do you find out tango events and how to do you make sure they are right for you? In this episode, I discuss the process of finding the right tango events to attend. I s...

In this episode, Alex and I reflect on our tango experiences in 2023. We share some of our insights and lessons learned throughout the year. Overall, we discuss the joys and challenges of being social tango dancers and the impact it has on our lives. In a nutshell: Reflecting on the year allows for personal growth and appreciation of tango experiences. Dancing with a crush can be both exciting and...

In this episode I'm delving into the captivating world of tango as an addiction, exploring why I consider it to be an unparalleled pleasure fix. Picture those heart-fluttering, toe-tapping vibes that beckon you back for more – akin to savoring your favorite delicacy, but with a rhythmic twist. Tango is more than just a dance; it's an invitation to an exclusive realm where emotions run deep...

In this episode, I discuss the topic of body image, particularly in the context of tango. I share my personal struggles and experiences with body image and explore the impact of societal beauty standards on dancers. Takeaways - Body image is an evergreen topic that affects many people, including those in the tango community. - Beauty standards in tango can create challenges and insecurities for da...

Do you want to know what my cat thinks about rejection? In this episode you can hear all of his opinions as Alex and I banter on the subject. Rejection is hardly black and white when it comes to the tango dance floor. Sometime no can mean just no for this tanda, other times it’s something different. How do you decide? Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld Sig...

Whether you dance ballet, tango, or hip hop, at some point all of us come face to face with some form of physical limitations. What we do with and about those limitations directly influences our ability to continue dancing. This is what Carolyn Stoklosa and I banter about in this episode. Carolyn is a physical therapist and draws on her extensive experience as a professional ballet dancer to help...