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Transformed by Tango Nights
Isaac Oboka and fellow instructor Daniela Borgialli demonstrate.
(Leah L. Jones - For The Washington Post)
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"How bad was that?" Oboka said jokingly. "Did anybody die?"
He then moved on to tango's basic steps: the dramatic pause, in which one foot slowly slides to meet the other, and the rock step, or shifting weight between the feet. It didn't take long for most couples to become at least proficient in the basics. Even some of Garcia's more reluctant friends found themselves on the dance floor.
"Tango sells itself," she said of her birthday party. "I like to think I sell it, but I'm pretty sure it's the tango."
Oboka made the class change partners several times. In tango, dancers rarely keep the same partner for more than a few songs, which is good news for singles, D'Alessandro said. At a tango gathering, it is hard not to meet at least one new person during the night.
"You can be 25 and dancing with a 70--year-old. It's not about age or beauty," D'Alessandro said. "Tango forgives. Because you can just be able to walk across the floor with your partner, and that can be good. That can be perfect."
At the Eighteenth Street Lounge, the class ended with a demonstration by Oboka and Fabiano. He was sweaty from teaching, and she wore no makeup or elaborate costume. But as they started moving, no one could tear their eyes away. They danced mostly with their eyes closed, her head on his chest, melding their movements into one.
Finally, they stopped and opened their eyes. The crowd applauded. The music changed. The milonga began.
Tango Crash Course and Dance Night Tuesdays at 8 at the Eighteenth Street Lounge, 1212 18th St. NW; 202-466-3922 Cost: Class and dance each cost $10. For age 18 and older. Tango Crash Course and Dance Night Tuesdays at 8 at the Eighteenth Street Lounge, 1212 18th St. NW; 202-466-3922 Cost: Class and dance each cost $10. For age 18 and older.
