“When you talk you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen you may learn something new.”
Dalai Lama
When was the last time you just sat and watched? Not “watching” while chatting, watching your friends dance, judging the new guy, all while simultaneously trying to cabeceo someone. I mean really watched- sitting quietly and observing everyone. The more I dance, the less I find myself sitting and just observing. While I was at the Buffalo Tango Marathon this past April I found myself in an unfamiliar environment, and many more hours dedicating to enjoying dancing, so less pressure to dance every tanda. Less pressure to make small talk.
I realized that I had forgotten what it was like to sit alone, with the sound of the music, and all of these people in front of me. I forgot how beautiful it looks to see everyone swirling around each other. Watching a couple hold the embrace after a song finishes. Seeing a follower laugh with delight during a quick milonga. The quiet and peaceful faces. The ones with their eyebrows burrowed, dancing to the sorrows of the singer. As you continue on your journey, I beg you, do not forget to sit back and appreciate what it is that we are all doing. How lucky we all are to share this beautiful dance we call tango.
“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
Marilyn vos Savant
dagny arizona 