A Tango-teaching-gem shares her view about dance aesthetics.
Philippa Constantinou is a tango dancer and teacher. She graduated from the Biology department of the University of Crete but never worked as a Biologist. Meeting tango was one of the biggest milestone in her life. She attended seminars with Argentinean dancers and for the past 15 years she has been giving tango classes, participating in shows and attending yoga classes, contemporary dance classes, contact-improvisation classes, and any type of classes that could improve body awareness.
What is it you feel when you are dancing? What qualities and values do you experience that can be considered as dance aesthetics?
It depends. On the mood, on the music, on the day. I observe. I get to know me. If I feel that I met a part of me I don’t like so much, I accept it. I try to love it. It’s the only way to make it better. That helps me find my inner peace, an equilibrium, a harmony. It’s like meditation. And feeling good about yourself, makes you feel good with others too. You embrace yourself before you embrace someone else. In the end, it all feels like home.
What drew you to Tango?
It all started unexpectedly. Tango lessons were organized by the dance group of my university. The day and time was perfect for me, because it was exactly after my classes, so I thought: Since I’m here, why not give it a shot? And I did! Three things captivated me: The music, which evokes you feelings, the improvisation, which allows you to express yourself as you want, and the embrace, which is warm and comforting.
What is the main characteristic of Tango aesthetics?
It’s about two people, wanting to stay in each other’s arms, and letting the music initiate a small journey…
What do you associate with Tango? If possible, create a slogan.
Life itself. Our feelings, our behaviour, our awareness, our way of life. It’s not about doing, it’s about being.
If you had the chance to make a statement to all tango dancers and all potential tango dancers, what would your statement be?
The emotion contains the motion. And that motion is always towards ourselves. It’s always about finding home.