What I hear is not always what my leader is hearing… or dancing to. Eeek!
In my early tango years this drove me crazy. I would get frustrated and annoyed.
Can’t they hear the music?
Why aren’t they doing this or that?
Then one day I had a little light-bulb moment.
Maybe they can hear the music?
Maybe they are simply listening to a different instrument?
Maybe they are dancing to something I’m not noticing at all?
And if that’s the case, their interpretation is just as valid as mine. It’s their truth in that moment — and I really don’t have the right to judge it.
Over time I’ve learned to redirect my energy.
To connect with my leader’s interpretation of the music.
To listen.
To adapt.
To dance with what is being offered.
And yes… before you think it or say it out loud — my body still occasionally seems to become possessed.
Every now and then I catch myself dancing to my own tune and secretly hoping my leader will embrace it and go with it… even if only for a few phrases.
Not perfect.
Still loving the journey.
Perhaps the magic of tango is not hearing the same music…
but learning to dance together anyway.
And every now and then, when it all aligns, it feels like we were hearing it the same way all along.
Reflective question
Have you ever discovered that two people can hear the same music… and feel it completely differently?
Keep it simple. Keep it connected.
Meg 🤍
If this reflection resonated with you, you’re welcome to follow along. I share a new Tango Thought each month.