... look at my whole body!" says Javier Rodriguez in a class I attended in Buenos Aires 3 years ago. I couldn't help but giggled at a corner, trying to cover my own and everyone else's embarrassment as our eyes peeled from the master's legs. "Dancing is not in the feet, it's the whole body - it's all of you!". Such were the words of wisdom from a teacher who wanted you to understand the soul of the Tango.

 

Javier is one classy dancer who makes his partner look (and feel) like the most beautiful woman in the world, albeit it's only for 3 mintues! When you watch him dance, he doesn't seem to do much. His movements are subtle but his partner shines like the brightest star in the night. I think the late maestro Carlos Gavito once commented that a great dancer (leader) was one who made his partner, not himself, look good on the dance floor! Javier is definitely a master in this art!

 

I don't remember any of the steps Javeir taught in class, but I remember how he made me feel about tango. He helped me discover the connection in a partner - how to receive and give back in return. He described the tango embrace as a big warm hug with a close friend. It's firm yet soothing, it transmits feelings with an open heart, there's no holding back nor control. 

 

Sometimes it's just as wonderful to watch his face when he dances. It's so full of joy and appreciation. It's connection bewteen partners that can be "seen". Great to finally have him in HK in May!