Roger says, "I often marvel at the fact that a high level government employee ,
medical doctor or artist allow themselves to be pushed around by a gardener or
motor mechanic or housecleaner on the dance floor, but then "tango" doesn't
equate very well with status in real life."
It always marvels me that eventually somebody notices "something" that is
atypical for the general culture to which he/she belongs to.
The traditional milonga is a world of its own,governed by its own codes,secrets
and rites: the entrance where you pay the ticket, is frequently separated from
the salon by a curtain . This separates the outside from the inside worlds.
As you enter you realize that you are in another place, here everyone adopts
the role of "tango dancer". it is like being part of a show, who you really are
in the outside world is irrelevant, you are recognized and respected as a tango
dancer, nobody will ask you what your occupation is, they come here just to
dance.
The tango dancer hangs his uniform at the end of the day,goes home and
carefully prepares himself for the new role, his daily life is left behind.
A shower, an elegant suit or a beautiful dress, new shoes and the show starts
in this world of postures, gestures, stares and nods.
There is no meaningful conversation, only small talk, it is the embrace, the
music and the dance. It is "he" and "she", only at that moment, the rest is
irrelevant.
In the USA as soon as you are introduced to somebody else, you are asked what
your occupation is, this immediately places you in the social ladder. To do
such a thing in Argentina, would be considered bad manners.
If somebody is curious to know what you do, they will ask another person when
you are not present but never directly to you or in front of you. Tango in some
way reflects that culture.
As to being pushed around by a gardener or a mechanic what about Tango-L?
Have a nice day, Sergio
.
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