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April 02, 2006
three to tango
Escuela Argentina de Tango opened for its first Sunday class at 3:00pm. I calculated it was just possible to take the lesson, walk back to the Sheraton Park Tower and meet Cheso and her son for an hour before taking a taxi to the airport.
Even though it was late I was alone in the studio and was beginning to wonder if I had got something wrong when a tiny, elegant blond lady came in. She introduced herself as María Solero; the teacher, and said she was waiting for someone. When she started the lesson without waiting for other students I could barely believe my luck.
María Solero preparing for class
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
To my happy incredulity the person María had been expecting turned out to be her dance partner and not another student. Marcelo Almirón was the only other person to join us, resulting in an unintentional private lesson.
After a slightly wobbly warm up (it was the first outing for my high, black tango shoes) we worked on the bar and on my couple dancing. María watched everything, and corrected a movement or borrowed Marcelo to demonstrate a move or make a point. We covered a lot, including weight shifting, posture and balance, turns, general and 'follow' technique as well as some patterns. I had an absolutely fantastic time and learned more than would have been possible in a week of group classes. If I had put pleasure before work yesterday this perfect private lesson would never have happened.
While walking back to the hotel I realised that my dancing shoes are much more comfortable than the street shoes I'll be wearing on the journey home. After a brief internal struggle (irrespective of their comfort, three inch heels aren’t really appropriate for a long haul flight) I've resolved to wear them as much as possible when back in Blightie.
What a wonderful way to end a fantastic few weeks in Argentina! It's a huge, beautiful place with friendly open people, fantastic food and great dance and I’m already looking forward to coming back.
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
April 01, 2006
tiempo fugit
Time Management here is difficult because I have no way of knowing how long it takes to get things done. With so little time left, the sheer quantity of remaining work is daunting. However I’m still walking to each meeting, not just for fun but because a better feel for Porteños and their city will help with my articles.
After visiting a specialist shop in Suipacha this morning I'm the proud owner of my very first pair of tango shoes. Through the entire trip the food has been so good that I'm fatter despite all the cycling. There’s no point in getting something that will be too big as soon as I return to a normal size, so rather than the outrageously sexy tango dress that I had been thinking about, I ordered a second pair of custom made dance shoes with built-in supports, teeteringly high heels and soft, supple leather in a wonderful shade of blue.
Moving from the Panamericano to the Sheraton Park Tower took far longer than it should. Despite clear written and spoken instructions from the doorman at the Panamericano and some serious nagging on my part, the taxi driver contrived to treat me to a scenic tour via every other Sheraton in Buenos Aires.
On the way to the police station again
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
At last week's lunch Roberto and Alejandra were amused by my ‘horita’ stories and laughed sympathetically when they heard that trips, visits and meetings seemed to move of their own accord. I’m mortified at the idea I might have to tell them that I've been too disorganised to get a lesson and am embarrassed about how ungrateful it will seem. It’s going to be tight. I am covering a Buenos Aires flamenco club tonight and have to write the piece before getting on the plane, and also need to meet and thank my Porteña friend, take some photos to go with another piece, pack and be ready to leave by 6:15 pm.
I hope I can make it.
View of Buenos Aires from my hotel room at the Sheraton Park Tower
photo (c) Carole Edrich, 2006
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