Just Dance
BY ANNA KORSUNSKA (COMD/III)
annak@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
This week I want to take the opportunity to tell you about one of the most important aspects of my life, and, perhaps, why you should consider adopting it into yours as well.
I'm talking about Dance.
I've tried almost all types of dance, from ballet to belly dancing, but here I'll concentrate on my favorite, the one I'm pursuing professionally. I'm talking about Argentine Tango. Before you start thinking about holding a red rose in your mouth and shuffling around to the "la Cumparsita," let me tell you something. Tango is nothing like what you've heard.
Tango is an elaborate system of complete improvisation that relies on clear communication and understanding between partners. It's about taking the energy of the music and creating elaborate figures, tracing them lovingly into the dance floor. It's a three minute love affair, more passionate and more pure than most of the love affairs people have outside of the dance. It is devoid of stereotypes, expectations, issues, and differences. It's purified to the simple interaction of a man and woman, which promotes respect, freedom of expression, communication, and the intimacy of the embrace.
Simply, the tango teaches us how to behave in life. The ideal leader and follower in description come very close to what we can expect the ideal man and woman to be. The dance inspires confidence, compromise, communication, and trust.
And of course, like any other physical activity, it's very healthy, as it strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, corrects spinal alignment, and imbues the dancer with balance and grace. And now specifically regarding gender: for women, I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to have a sense of your own body. For me this is a large part of the very essence of being a woman: beauty, grace, self-esteem and creativity. As for men, the most attractive thing in a man is confidence. No wonder women all swoon in unison when they see male dancers performing!
But, if all of this sounds too complicated, there is also another aspect: it's simply a very beautiful, fun dance, and it's a wonderful social event. Luckily, you have an opportunity to experience tango right here in Bilkent, and each class is priced less than a coffee at Starbucks. Eşli Danslar Topluluğu offers tango classes on campus with dancers from Shine Dance Studio. There are classes for beginners, and also we are starting up a show group for future performances. Don't hesitate! Dancers of any level are welcome. For details please contact: Cem Mergenci, cmergenci@gmail.com, (542) 549 4242 (or me at my e-mail above). There is a practice time on Fridays, so come and see what tango is all about.