And today I swept my floors for the first time in seven weeks. (Okay, so hubby swept them a few times too but they were seriously b.a.d.)  It felt like a major accomplishment and I can handle the clutter much better when the floors are clean.  Maybe tomorrow I’ll try mopping.

It got me to thinking (while I hobbled around in my brace).  I could almost imagine dancing again…almost.  I know it’s still a very, very long ways off but the little thrill was there.  

I’ve been keeping myself away from the music.  Not being able to move to it was too disheartening and I decided that if I was to be still that I was gonna be “still” but I’m ready to hear the music again tonight and so I feel like sharing.

This is El Pulpo.  I actually met him when he came to Charlottesville.  Alas, I was too shy and self-conscious to dance with him and my babysitter expired at midnight so when he asked me (as I was heading out the door) I had to refuse stating my car was soon to turn into a pumpkin.  (Sometimes I really want to kick myself.)  Anyways, he’s got quite a unique style and it’s not the norm but it sure is cool!

This music is by The Gotan Project.  It’s what they consider Neo-tango – tango with a modern twist.  I like this style in moderation – I really love the “classic” sound in comparison (though what’s “classic” can be a topic of hot debate) but there’s a great flow to this style.  And this video is so amazing on so many levels.  It really captures all the angles of a tango (no pun intended) but that’s a whole ‘nother post (or two or three) about polarities.  :D

And here is Ester and Chiche.  My German friend dances with them and someday I’ll be in this very salon dancing tango through the night and working on our book during the day.  It’s gonna be one heck of a working vacation.  As you can see this style is quite different again - there are so many styles of tango dancing with the “Argentine Tango” umbrella.  I get irritated with “this is the right way” and “this is the wrong way” unless we are talking about basics of course (which I’m still trying to master).

And now for my favorite style of all….milonga.

When a set of milongas come on the dance floor generally clears.  Not many men are comfortable dancing to this quick beat.  If I’m lucky (and I work hard at being lucky) I’ll snag one of the finest milonga dancers I’ve ever danced with and it’s the most joyful thing I’ve ever moved my feet to.  It’s very earthy and there’s a lot of room for expression (if you can move your feet that fast!).  I LOVE dancing a milonga …

*sighs*

Yeah, I can’t wait until I’m dancing again…even if I have to wear my little flat jazz shoes.