Modern Tango World N° 10 (Athens, Greece) | Page 30

Often, we are completely wet with sweat. Despite this,
there is a pleasant smell of manicured bodies. Havana
dancers are very elegant. Their shirts are ironed with
great care, and there are delicate scents of cologne.
This, for me, can make a most beautiful sweaty milon-
ga — very close without embarrassment and very
sexy without shame. After the milonga, there is always
a walk along the Malacon with its fresh sea breeze.
Sometimes, a sip of Havana rum added that tastes like
the best ever. In New York, I often sense that, perhaps, the essence, of
tango is overlooked with busy steps. In Havana, when I
dance or listen to tango, I sense a pair of dancers flow-
ing like rivers or the softness of ice melting in the hot
Cuban sun. I am simply amazed with their movement
and their stillness. I am filled with sentiment, joy, and and
the certainty that I do not want to be anywhere else,
but right here and now. My boyfriend back in the States
queried: You fell in love in Cuba. I answered: I fell in love
with Cuba.
It is not necessary to speak fluent Spanish in Havana.
My Spanish is full of limitations. Mike Polarny, my
copartner, is fluent in Spanish, that helps. But, young
people in Havana are familiar with basic English. Tango
groups take in visitors like family. When I arrive there,
I feel like I’m coming home. Unlike so many places in
the U.S., there are no clicques in Havana tango. We are
all just dancers. The most beautiful and illusive part of the dance, is
the movement within the stillness
– Percell St Thomass
Urszula Abolik conducts tango tours of Havana. She
may be contacted at:
http://www.amberconnection.org
My experience in Havana was absolutely amaz-
ing! I have danced for 21 years, and visited Bue-
nos Aires 40 times. I was amazed when I danced
a Piazzolla tanda with a young guy, and could not
believe it when he told me that he had danced for
only three months!
— Margareta Westergard, a Swedish dancer
After Havana, New York City, Toronto, and Warsaw feel
just a little uncomfortable.In these cities, there are big
and competitive milongas. In Havana, tango is a family
affair.
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