A Taste of Buenos Aires

How long has it been since you decided just to break out and try something new?

My husband and I did just that in February after being inspired by ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, to start weekly tango classes.  We’ve joined teachers, David and Kim Benitez,  at Tango Movement in London.  In a fast moving hour, we concentrate on learning new steps and practicing previous ones as we change partners, trying our best to follow and lead in this Argentinian sultry, passionate yet melancholy, elegant dance.

Last Saturday night, our new past-time took us to The Winter Ball, sponsored by APARU and Tango Movement in aid of Argentine children charities.  It was an inspiring escape into a taste of Buenos Aires. In my special, black with pink polka dot high heels, I joined my husband and  about one hundred other couples gliding in the line-of-dance, around the large floor. We discreetly, with power,  maneuvered backward and forward ‘ochos’, ‘paradas’, ‘sandwich’ steps and even more challenging ones for the advanced, all to the beat of music by Tango Siempre.  The highlights of the evening were performances by the advanced students and David and Kim Benitez.  Lifts and dips were accomplished with ease, and with spectator applause.  Just look at David and Kim in the picture!

Of course, the step out into a South American night included food!  Empanadas, which are pastries, served hot, and stuffed with cheese, beef, ham or chicken, seasoned with a dash of red chili, were readily available.  I found them lighter than a Cornish pasty, but equally as moreish.  A little red Argentinian wine, a bite to eat, and we kept dancing until after midnight.  Next night out, in Buenos Aires--the real Buenos Aires--I hope so!

Until then I’ll try my own hand with the savory empanadas and continue to strive for excellence at the tango lessons!