For Carlos Argentina, the art of tango has been a love affair.
“Music has always been a part of my life, part Latin and tango,” he said.
“I moved from Venezuela to Australia and was swayed by rock and roll.”
But tango found its way back into Mr Argentina’s life, and with a reignited passion for the dance, Mr Argentina launched a non-profit tango dance class in Traralgon.
“I teach people the basics and periodically bring super experts in,” he said.
“I go to class in Melbourne to stay one step ahead of my students.”
Mr Argentina said tango is danced at a walking pace to the rhythm of a heartbeat and in the arms of another person.
“Dancing tango induces a mindful and meditative state,” he said.
“During the act of doing the dance, you don’t talk … it is like mediation in motion.
“Everyone has things in their life today but it gives you a total switch-off.”
The class, held in Traralgon at the VRI on Tuesday nights, attracts a diverse group of people some of whom are experienced tango dancers and others who are just beginning and looking for a fun social activity of an evening.
“I always say ‘if you can walk, you can tango’,” Mr Argentina said.
