Argentine Tango: Friluftsliv Connections

Argentine tango is not to be confused with the comedy of American ballroom tango. This fascinating dance contains all the cultures of Argentina: From the African milonga to the European waltz and polka, all are blended with the flair of the gouchos of the Pampas. The tango of Argentina is a challenge to learn. Fortunately, New York City attracts the best Argentine dancers in the world. Cathy and I have been fortunate to be able to take advantage of this instruction. Locally,we have taken classes with Walter and MariLynne Kane for two years.
So how does this relate to the principle of friluftsliv? It's very simple-- anything you can do to enhance your sensitivity to your surroundings will enhance your ability to connect with nature. To dance tango you must feel the floor, the music, the embrace of your partner. My neighbor in Alaska, Jerry Blemke, is a former professional Latin dance champion of California. He tells me that when he crosses the difficult tussock terrain of Arctic tundra in search of caribou, he wears softsoled tennis shoes: As a dancer, he says he needs to feel the ground. How often do we feel the ground beneath our feet when we're outdoors?