On tango and age (Warsaw)

Growing older with tango has its perks. Despite the admittedly bittersweet reality of decreasing demand that you experience in the milonga, you do gain a deeper insight into the nature of things. In particular, you begin to appreciate the importance of genuine human interaction, whether on or off the dance floor.

Now that the dancing itself doesn't feel so crucial anymore, the social gatherings pre-, during and post-milonga have more significance. Connecting with old and new friends, talking about what is light - and heavy - in life, sharing some of each other's burdens, begins to feel much more important than embracing a stranger while being moved by the music and the emotions it evokes.
Sometimes you still feel like dancing is the most natural thing on earth, that you couldn't possibly live without it, at others you are like the proverbial elephant in a porcelain shop, surrounded by all that beauty, youth and grace.
It's not that you are out of the game, it's just that the spotlight has moved away from you. And instead of chasing it, you focus on what comes naturally : the warm glow of compassion, the nostalgic appreciation for all that you have experienced - and the occasional glimpses of flow.

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