ValenTango XV is now history and what a weekend it was. One of the absolute best moments ever in 20 years of tango and 15 years of helping organize PDX’s festivals, was dancing Sunday afternoon with an Argentine who has taught for 11 years at El Canning, one of the most popular salons in BsAs. I’ve danced with several Argentines, Masters and instructors over the years, but this was different.
Alberto Catala was hosted by Rachel Lidskog and she introduced us. He asked about the procedure for being considered for teaching at our festivals and I gave him the information. Rachel said that we should dance, he agreed, and of course I was up for it. But we were in the lobby, and those kinds of plans have a way of getting lost.
Rachel had ordered one of my books and when they left I signed a copy for her and gave a signed copy to Alberto as a gesture of welcoming him to the U.S for his first teaching tour. He was sincerely appreciative, not just gratuitous thanks. From the half hour or so conversation we’d had, it was clear that he is genuinely tango spirited and interested in the folks he meets and friends he makes.
Later, Rachel and I met in the hallway and she asked if we’d danced yet. She told me where he was sitting and that I should ask him. So, I sat at the table next to his. She was introducing him to about five other women at the same time and they, of course, were eagerly enthusiastic about meeting him. I figured he’d be dancing with them the rest of the afternoon. Then out of the blue, they all left and he sat down. I waited a couple of minutes to see if someone was coming back to get him and worked up the courage to walk over to see if he were leaving or whatever. When he saw me he jumped up, big smile, and said “Do you want to dance?” (Be still my heart!)
We stepped on to the floor and he thanked me again for the book saying how wonderful it will be to have a book about tango that will help him learn more about our language. Then he took me in his arms and the rest of the world disappeared, I know not where. His embrace was unbelievably, comfortably delicious. We could have just stood there and I would have been happy.
He did exactly what I describe in my book and classes as being the way to a woman’s heart and soul, and we connected…completely. Although every woman he dances with probably feels the same way, I’ll always feel there was something special about our connection, and it had started way before we got to the floor. There was something between us that clicked as friends and by the time we were on the floor, it was as if we’d danced together many times.
What are the chances…Di Sarli was playing, one of my favorite orchestras and three favorite songs. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. He said, “Ohhh! DiSarli. I Love DiSarli!” The next several minutes passed in seconds as we floated somewhere above the dance floor. At least I did, he was well-grounded but every neuron in my body was defying gravity.
The DJ had previously announced this would be the last set. He hadn’t heard that, but I knew. Then she played DiSarli’s ”La Cumparsita” my absolute favorite version. Slow, smooth, romantic, meloncholy. Alberto thrusts his arms in the air in a ”Yay!” sign and says, “Ahhh, La Cumparsita! And I get to dance it with you!”
When I tried to tell a friend about this, I couldn’t get the words out. It was such an emotional experience that just thinking about it…you know…if you’ve ever had a similar connection. It was a moment to savor and a memory I’ll cherish forever. Sigh.
