Tango Lewes offers lessons, dances

They say it takes two to tango, but sometimes it takes a village to really master this captivating dance. At least that is the case for the Tango Lewes group.

What began as a series of lessons has turned into a community of aficionados who find delight in the dance that takes root in 19th century poor immigrant quarters of Argentina.

Once a week, dancers and first-timers gather for practices. On the last Saturday of each month, they showcase their skills and grace at a milonga, or social dance party, held at Anita Peghini-Räber art gallery in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

"For us, dance is a way to slow down and to connect with ourselves and with other people," said Peghini-Räber, one of the founders of the group.

"Now more than ever before, as we find ourselves interacting with each other electronically, we need to connect physically as well."

Milongas are open to the public and include a free intro class from 8:15-9 p.m. The next one is scheduled for June 28.

A dance of the moment

Tango requires couples to be in sync physically and mentally so that that they can move as one in the spirit of compassion and connection.

"You have to be in the moment and focused on the moment," said Suzanne Thurman, a tango dancer who is better known for her role as director of the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute. A lifelong lover of dance, she finds tango to be therapeutic.

"I do it because I enjoy it so much. It's a great escape," she said.

Tango Lewes attracts people of all ages and unites unlikely pairs for what some describe as moments of corporal conversation. Ironically, the lyrics of tango often speak to deception, sorrow and nostalgia. But for the Coastal Delaware group, the dance is really about compassion, grace and unity as pairs glide together counterclockwise across the makeshift dance floor in an intended direction and in perfect speed.

Unlike more structured ballroom dances, tango is often more improvised and spontaneous. Yes, it requires a certain cadence, long pauses and stylized body positions, but with a great variety of step patterns. One never knows what the partner will do.

To follow gracefully, Thurman said both dancers must focus on each other. Some even dance with their eyes close to succumb to the moment. During lessons, everyone practices leading and following roles.

"Tango is in the movement but also in the pauses, it's just like breathing. It's a beautifully natural pulse that carries you through life in good times and challenging times," Peghini-Räber said

The dance community formed casually four years ago. At first, they called themselves the Lewes YouTube Dancers because they would learn from online tutorials.

They even traveled to Sangha Space Tango in Media, Pennsylvania for formal lessons.

Then dancer Yvonne Cimone, owner of Dance Moves and Manner, offered local classes as did Alyssa Findlay. In April 2011, they took on the name Tango Lewes, though they also dance in Rehoboth.

Before long they were organizing weekend-long festivals that included specialized lessons and master tango dancers from New York City and other areas.

"We are always learning wand wanting to improve our art," said Peghini-Räber.

The next Lewes festival will be held in the fall. Details are being developed.

Finding a dance muse

Tango aficionados find different muses that keep luring them back. As noted, for some, it's the mental challenge. But there are also benefits to one's balance, coordination and posture, said Peghini-Räber.

A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy even found that Parkinson's patients who took tango classes experienced an improvement in their balance.

The dance even offers an emotional antidote to feuding couples who must develop trust again as they chose to lead and follow each other.

Some even find spiritual lessons.

Kevin Cushing, a 46-year-old Rehoboth Beach contractor, said that relationships in tango parallels that of one with a higher power.

"You have to listen, let go and follow. For me it's like a relationship with God, you must trust and follow," he explained.