Ask me what I miss most in life, and I will have to say that it's dance. I miss dancing more than I could perhaps even miss a person, because it was always just that much a part of my life.
It began, of course, with ballet at school, which, to my great credit, I used and followed through on until I was in my late twenties and then quit, for good reason, though that's for me to know, not you. My school was closing down and the relocation would be simply too far for me to travel, and the other ballet school cost twice as much money which at the time I didn't have and frankly don't know whether or not I would have it now.
I also took tap, and drove my family nuts with my tap shoes, kicking up a storm on the kitchen tile or out in the back "garden" cement (there was no grass in our garden in Tottenham; I'm not even sure it even qualifies as a garden as much as an "out-back" where you have a shed and a few old bikes and set of fireworks on Guy Fawkes night. That was about right - it was more some cement staging ground than garden, which suited me fine, for I could practice dance out there as long as I wanted, or until the grown-ups got really tired of me. I also used to dance on top of my grandfather’s feet, gently placing each tap shoe on his big work boots while he carried me atop his feet, waltzing and whirling about the room.
I danced in nightclubs as soon as I could sneak in; at about age fifteen I managed to swindle my way into of-age clubs. It's all make-up and attitude and besides, I never went to drink, I went only to dance, and though the dance had no name or real form, there were certain rules that applied and certain moves that were common and I mastered them all until I became so good that one evening, I was lifted high to the top of a speaker at Palladium and danced before thousands of people.
Article comments
1 - chancelucky
Nicely said. Wonderful image of you suddenly finding yourself dancing at the club in front of thousands of people after having slipped in illegally.
It seems that the tango provokes more writing than virtually any other dance and so often its about the sublimated violence, control, and revolution in its roots being held in perfect tension by the discipline and rhythm it demands. It makes me want to rewatch Mad Hot Ballroom again, which sadly as close as I ever get to dancing myself.
2 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Hi Chance - thanks, and yes, i had to slip in illegally but they all knew me at the door, so it was never a problem....
you're right about the Tango - i think because it has so much real history and is unexpected, not what you'd think in terms of history... I never saw Mad Hot Ballroom ---- and you know, it's never too late to dance. You still have the time if you want to. I know i still dance and will for as long as i can ... :)
Thanks or reading...
3 - Christopher Rose
Beautifully written Sadi, it made me both laugh and cry. Dancing the Tango in Buenos Aires (or pretty much anywhere) is right up the top of my things I have to do before I die list.
4 - Purple Tigress
When I dance Argentine tango, I don't feel suppressed violence. Perhaps suppressed sensuality and sexuality, but not violence or dominance-subordinance.
I think of two people creating something in a brief, transcient moment.
And I will tango tonight.
5 - Trinket
I'm always euphoric when I find someone else that loves a sharp, emotive tango. I love ballroom & this has always been my very favorite dance.
6 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
thanks all: the tango is complicated (mostly i speak to Tigress about the emotions) - i didn't ascribe those emotions of passion, sorrow, subordination etc they have been there for years and were assigned by the Working Class immigrants to the ports of Buenos Aires. To me though,, the Tango can be whatever you want it to be and no two people will dance the tango alike, as you'll do tonight, as i'll do soon as well and that too will be different. We make it our own, we take it into and unto ourselves and redefine it every time.
That's the best part of all --- thx. Tigress and thanks all for ringing in --- i'm glad you found this.
dance on,
sade
7 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Hi Trinket - keep dancing; it is different with everyone, but sharp is the right word... i'm glad to know other dancers here... :) I almost didn't post this... you all make me really glad that i did. ---
et, Tango!
s.
8 - Purple Tigress
I mentioned this entry to my fellow dance partners. They said they do believe there is a pattern of dominance and submission but it has to do more with my dominating personality. LOL.
I guess it brings out the faux Latina in me.
9 - Trinket
I think that if you have the perfect piece of music with capable dancers the result alternates between strong & delicately sensual. Piazzola's "Oblivion" is my very favorite piece for a Tango.
10 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Hi Tigress, you crack me up... you actually checked up on me, so i'm glad i did my research.
Hi Trinket - Astor Piazzola is incredible. I have a whole CD of his tangos and we use them to practice in the kitchen, though lately my husband and i are arguing a bit about the right steps (i'm righ, he's wrong, of course ;)
11 - Purple Tigress
As anyone knows in Argentine tango, it's always the leader's fault.