Tango lesson 3

Sometimes, the small Armenian man who teaches you tango will explain quite clearly:

"torso over hips, move with your whole body, always keep your feet in contact with the floor when moving, extend the leg backwards, don't shift your weight so soon."

You generally nod in understanding before puffing out your chest and following your partner down the scuffed dance floor.

But sometimes the words sound a little garbled in your head and your nod is a little less confident. Your partner is feeling gimpy because of a capoeira incident and you're mostly hungry, but you puff out your chest bravely anyway. 

Turns out, your torso and your hips aren't talking and insist on moving in two separate directions, your feet have decided that they might like salsa instead, and your balance is off pouting in a corner with your cranky hamstrings.

The Armenian tries to work with you and you start to get it, but that's when the arms decide to show you who's really boss, and you have to admit defeat.

LESSONS OF THE DAY

• Always eat before class.
• It'll be better next time.
• Better shoes are in order.
• Practice. Practice. Practice.