Rohan messaged me on Facebook and asked how I was doing in Bangalore. It had been three years since I’d moved there for my job. I started cribbing about having no social life, no friends, and no activity. He then enquired about my Salsa dance classes, which I was learning a few years back. Again, I grumbled about how the dance demanded a partner, the class was far away, and cabs and autos were an issue.
Rohan: Why don’t you try Argentine Tango dancing?
ME: I don’t know anything about it. Do I need a partner?
Rohan: No, you don’t need a partner. Unlike Salsa, Tango is slower and has a calming effect, you will like it. I suggest you try it.
Me: How do I locate a class?
Rohan: My friends run a class in Indiranagar. They will help you learn tango. Contact Shrek.
Simultaneously, Rohan chatted with Shrek and sent me his contact details on Messenger. Shrek sent a Hi, which surprised me. I asked Shrek for the address and the class timings. He mentioned they would conduct a beginner’s batch in May, and I could attend a demo class for free. Shrek’s prompt replies made me feel better.
Me: Great! Shrek responded promptly and asked me to attend a demo class. Indiranagar is far from my place but I will go. The classes are on Sunday so there will be less traffic.
Rohan: Super! I’m sure you will enjoy the dance. I’ve been practicing it for some time now.
Since I’d committed to Rohan I attended the demo class of Argentine Tango. After attending a few classes and working out the logistics, I messaged Rohan.
Me: I liked Tango, Shrek and Neil are excellent teachers. The embrace, connection, and walk of tango dancing made me feel lighter and happier after class. The atmosphere in the classroom had a calming effect and is just right for me. I will continue with tango dancing. Thank you so much for introducing me to the Bangalore Argentine Tango group.
Rohan: Happy for you! You’ll learn to dance all right. One day we will dance together.
That statement gave me a goal – I had to learn to dance well to dance with Rohan. That’s how tango entered my life and persisted.
After 2 years we danced together at the Pune Tango Festival. 😊 In tango one round of dance is called a Tanda and comprises 3-4 songs. We were ready to dance and I was a bit awkward. Rohan was poised. The first dance went well but I was clumsy in the tango embrace. During the one-minute break, I thought I danced with much younger boys who were strangers, in a closer embrace. I knew Rohan and I should drop my inhibitions. In a better frame of mind, I entered the embrace for the second dance and yes that was better!! We ended the Tanda with a fine dance. I was happy. Rohan was encouraging and comfortable leading me. The role reversal was fabulous!!
Me: I was awkward dancing with you but you made me feel comfortable. How did you feel while dancing with me?
Rohan: You did well. Tango etiquette has taught me to treat all partners equally. While we were on the floor it was just two partners dancing, and it was not a teacher-student relationship!!
Wow! Perfect reply. 😊
We continued dancing easily, at various occasions in Auroville, Goa, and Pune. The best one was on Rohan’s birthday. The traditional tango birthday song was played, and I got my 30 seconds with Rohan in the presence of Rohan’s school classmates!! It was an exhilarating experience.
What’s special about Rohan? Well, Rohan is my student. I was his school teacher when he was in secondary school. Rohan was concerned about my welfare, and being a talented artist, he encouraged me to pursue dance as a hobby. Today, Rohan runs special classes for tango learners. I admire how Rohan balances his family, job, tango, and other hobbies.
In the end, learning tango dancing was not just about mastering a new skill, it was about transforming my life from the inside out. For that, I will be forever grateful to my student, Rohan.
Tips:
- Learning is the best way to make life interesting and meaningful.
- Pursue a hobby – age is not a barrier; a hobby helps you remain grounded.
- Seek and accept help from youngsters to keep up with the changing times.
It us just a matter of a spark that comes from within us, or through some incidents in life that necessitates it or someone comes along like a breath of fresh air to stimulate you and induces a fire in you. That someone fir you was Rohan. I feel one must be lucky or destined to get into something like a hobby, which can turn into a professional journey also, but the universe around you need to plan it and get journey started. You have done well dear to learn and pursue new skills through necessity as well as due to hobby or simply investing time in a good positive way. Keep using the Ray of light that comes in your life to brighten yourself
We get opportunities that we seek. Yes the universe helps us find answers and the mediator could be anyone. We have to be open to the suggestions.
I’m blessed the Almighty has my back and Rohan is my angel. 😇😍
Thank you so much, Sneha Ma’am! Your words mean the world to me. I truly believe that the universe brings people together for a reason, and I’m so glad to have played a small part in your journey. You’ve always been an angel in my life too, guiding and inspiring me in ways you may not even realize. Grateful for this beautiful bond we share!
Dear Sneha Ma’am,
Reading your heartfelt post brought back so many memories and filled me with gratitude. I feel so fortunate to have had a teacher like you who has always been such a guiding light in my life. I still remember the time you wrote “perseverance” as a remark on my report card. That one word has stayed with me through the years and has undoubtedly played a big role in shaping my journey. I’m not sure if you remember it, but it was a defining moment for me.
Watching you embrace dance with so much enthusiasm and determination is inspiring not just to me, but to everyone around you. It’s a testament to your never-ending curiosity and passion for learning – qualities that have always set you apart, even when you were my teacher.
Tango, for me, has been much more than a dance; it has been a bridge to connect with people and cultures across the world. On my trips to foreign lands, tango has made me feel at home amidst fellow dancers who share the same passion. It’s a universal language that has brought me joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging, and it’s wonderful to see how it has now become part of your journey too.
You’ve beautifully highlighted something I believe deeply in – that learning is a lifelong journey, and age should never be a barrier to discovering joy and growth through new hobbies and experiences. Your words will undoubtedly inspire many to take that leap and explore the unknown.
Thank you for being an incredible mentor, a compassionate human being, and now, a fellow tanguera. I look forward to many more such magical moments on and off the dance floor.
Warm regards,
Rohan
Oh my! That’s an article by itself. 😝😉
I’m amazed at your memory! Thanks for your generous comments! 😊
Yes, Tango community is closely knit n I have experienced the warmth during my travels too. What I like about tango is the inclusiveness. ❤️
Wow.. that was an amazing clip. So poised and graceful. Indeed you have learnt to live for yourself. Can look upon you as a mentor ❤️
Mentor to you, are you kidding me? 🙂 You are a role model in your own way! Thanks all the same for your compliments!! 🙂
Such a lovely write-up, Sneha! You’ve perfectly captured the essence of Tango. It truly is one of the most beautiful dances I’ve ever experienced. It has this magical way of calming your soul, melting away all the stress, and leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. And speaking of beauty, you are such an elegant dancer yourself! Everyone is always delighted to share the floor with you. Keep dancing, keep embracing Tango, and keep sharing your wonderful words!
So happy it resonates with you! 🙂 Thank you for your lovely compliments. You make my day!
So well expressed!
Reading this, I feel like pursuing a hobby myself. Invariably that takes a back seat the moment we start our professional lives!
Thanks for writing this one ……
Yeah, I’m impressed with folks like Rohan who can balance multiple hobbies with their job and family. 🙂 I was in my 50’s when I found my hobby 🙂 🙂
The moves look elegant and the efforts, dedication put in are evident.
This dance journey of yours is really encouraging in terms of self-discovery and overcoming inhibitions within us.
Great going 🙂
Thanks for noting the efforts, Parth. 🙂