Tango & Love - Julie and Angelo meet at Makela Tango

A Love Affair with Tango

When I first decided to take a tango class, I felt I was working all the time. Taking tango was my way to make time for fun. Tango was described to me as the most “zen” dance because it is totally improvisational in the moment. As an avid meditator, living at a meditation center at the time, I loved the idea of being able to practice being present in a new way. I fell in love with it immediately. I learned a lot about compassion, patience, forgiveness and accepting people as they are. And, to do the same for myself. 

After a year or so, I was still working a lot, but I felt ready for a romantic relationship in my life. I read that the best way to find one is to fall in love with the life you have. That your joy will draw that person to you. 

That summer I started Makela’s Sunday milonga class. Sherri had recommended this wonderful teacher she discovered. She and I both lived at the meditation center at the time, and she had started taking tango, too. She joked to me, there was a shaved-headed dancer in class who she approached and asked: “Are you one of us?” He didn’t understand, but we thought it was a fabulous joke.

I loved Makela’s classes. I loved milonga. It was total joy. I embraced the challenge to come out of my shell, not be afraid to make mistakes, and express myself as I am. Everyone in class was delightful, and each time we switched partners I cherished sinking into the moment and embracing the new energy of the leader before me. I still remember the moment when I recognized one leader’s energy. So low and perfect. It felt great. He was my favorite. It was Angelo.

Later that year, Sherri organized a tango outing for my birthday. I was in heaven: Tango AND feeling the love of all those dear to me out to celebrate. Sherri invited many from the Makela Tango community. Most weren’t able to make it, but even knowing me only a couple of months, many sent their fond wishes and even contributed to a gift. One dancer was able to make it and I had a leader to dance with on my birthday. It was Angelo. Shortly after, he asked me out.

Six years later, I dance at Makela Tango and count myself blessed to have found her. She is a rallying force for the community to gather around as a source of true dedication, love, and mastery. I could easily have written this post all about her and the school she has built. The dance, the study, the teaching she gives, truly bring joy and magic into life. 

This year, Angelo and I will get married, and, if the universe continues to smile on us, we’ll have a long, joyful future dancing together.