Argentine tango makes connection in Lewes

The foundation of tango is connection: first with oneself, then with one's partner, the music, the dance floor and the dance community. Dancers communicate movement with their partners through the connection in the embrace.

For the duration of the dance, the focus of both partners is on maintaining the connection to and awareness of the other, and it is from this place that the steps and movement come. Since tango is an improvisational dance, good connection and communication are essential.

Tango arose in working-class neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the late 19th century and spread to Europe in the early 20th century. Argentine tango is danced socially, meaning that partners are changed throughout an evening of dancing, a practice that builds community as well as dance skill, as each dancer must adapt to the skill and style of various partners.

At its most fundamental, Argentine tango is walking, using the same movements people use in everyday life. This means absolutely anyone can learn to dance, and no previous dance experience is necessary.

Tango Lewes began nearly two years ago as a way to share the love of the dance and to build a community. The group holds weekly practicas, or practice sessions, and will be holding a monthly milonga, or social dance party, beginning Saturday, March 23, at the Anita Peghini-Räber art gallery, rehobothart.com, in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Also offered is a month of beginner lessons every Tuesday in March, starting March 5 with a free introductory lesson and a cost of $30 for the remainder of the series. All are welcome and no partner or prior dance experience is necessary. To get more information or to join, email organizer Alyssa Findlay at tangolewes@gmail.com.

The group thanks its parent community, Sangha Space Tango, located in Media, Pa. For more information go to www.sanghaspace.com.