ZenTango

I am Michael (aka Raj*) and this is my first post.

I'm an Argentine tango dancer, and I teach something I call ZenTango. That's because this dance is a mindfulness-based movement. We are present and still, moving together as one across the floor.

My tango is informed by contact improvisation (a dance form that is gender-neutral, not led and not danced to music, where two or more people maintain physical contact with at least one part of our body as we move together as one). CI has taught me to maintain a connection, a shared oneness, as we move as one through space.

My tango is also informed by meditation. There are many ways to meditate, but for me I focus on the breath. Thoughts will come and go, and when they do I simply return to the breath. When the mind is focused on a single thing it tends to become still. And a still mind is a happy, relaxed and refreshed mind, one that we may then easily govern and utilize for our benefit. I have found that where my mind goes so goes my body, and so goes my life.

My tango is also informed by yoga. I am a certified Integral yoga teacher, and I affirm that there is no perfect pose but that which is perfect for each one of us. Listen to our body, for our body is our best ally. Be still and present wherever we are and wherever we are going. Sthira sukham asanam – “Steadiness and ease in all our positions.” (Sutra 2:46)

Stay tuned for more about ZenTango in subsequent posts.

*Oh, and stay tuned for more about Raj.

Photo by Joe Ring