I started in January and was absolutely terrified in the days leading up to that first class. There have been times, as you know, when I have thought I would have to give it up, but I am so glad I did not. It took me a while but I realized finally that the things it was stirring up were things to be acknowledged and embraced, rather than ran away from and ignored. As you have said so many times, if you are not honest with yourself you can't really share a connection with someone else. There have been many changes in me over the past year. I have become physically and emotionally more comfortable and aware and present. I have developed further my ability to love and be loved, and connect with other human beings in my world. I have discovered that I can after all be a wife and mother at the same time that I am a dozen (at least!) other things, mostly things that don't usually go along with the typical suburban mom profile. I have discovered that my close and intense relationships with other people don't necessarily indicate that there is a problem with my marriage. I have learned a better appreciation for my family, I no longer see them as something holding me back from who I am. I see them, finally, as a part of my whole - now that I have discovered and accepted the other parts. I have developed a confidence that is more consistent than ever before. I have become more expressive, physically and verbally.
Tango isn't the cause of all this, but I am 100 per cent certain that tango has unlocked it, allowed it. I am more *me* now than I have ever allowed myself to be before. Sometimes it is still a little scary but I am learning to just open my eyes and experience it rather than wondering whether it is appropriate or not.
 
I am sure I didn't know what I was in for when I signed up last January, and as you always say, it is a journey - so even now I am aware that there is more in store for me as I continue. I see it almost as a religious epiphany - some people find God, I found tango. So, thank you. I am grateful to you for helping me on this journey.
 

S. E

11-10-2005

Student

I would like very much to say thank you for all your tireless hours of instruction, but more than that instilling, a love for the dance, an understanding for the beautiful connection that can and must happen between dancers, and too a great appreciation for the music that I haven't found in other instructors. Because of your passion, I have come to see the dance as great an art as any.

M. B

Life can lead us down many roads and present us with many opportunities. Often, we don’t recognize them and they pass us by. If we’re fortunate, some of these opportunities will again come into our life. If we are aware, we will recognize this and not let them pass us by again. This is basically what happened to me. I had the opportunity to learn Argentine Tango in the past and let it pass me by. I was lucky. Tango presented itself to me again and I seized the opportunity to begin to learn about this beautiful art form.

My quest for knowledge led me to the Tango Academy of Pasadena and instructor, Jorge Luis González. From the very beginning I found his love for the music and the dance intoxicating. From him I’m learning that Tango is not “just” a dance. It is a passion. It is a way of living your life. It is about connection with others, being in touch with your feelings and knowing yourself. It intertwines itself into your being and takes on a life of its own. I know there is a “Tango Diva” deep in my soul, waiting to emerge. Thank you, Jorge, for sharing your knowledge and your passion; showing her the way to float to the surface and fly. If you are dedicated to learning about the art form of Argentine Tango, the music, the dance, the culture, Jorge Luis will show you the way to Tango Nirvana.

Student