THE enchanting world of tango dancing has captivated individuals around the globe for decades, but a tango class in Colchester is facing a unique challenge.
With an overwhelming female presence, the class leader is on a mission to recruit more male members to achieve the perfect balance on the dance floor.
Miriam Gita has been perfecting her Argentine tango for 15 years and is holding a beginner’s workshop at The Minories, in High Street, Colchester, on Saturday afternoon, where participants can experience the sheer joy of tango firsthand.
She said interest in the dance has been taken up a notch thanks to shows like Strictly Come Dancing.
The 42-year-old explained: “I think British men are a little shy. In countries like France and Italy it’s the other way around and the men far outnumber the women - they understand the benefit of a 12-minute embrace with a beautiful woman.”
She even says the men who can’t usually dance often make the best tango leads.
“Over my years teaching tango, I have noticed that it's always the guys who say they're useless at dancing who turn out to be the best at tango,” she said.
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Miriam added: “Safely escorting the follower around the crowded social dance floor and making sure she has a great time is the priority for the men - not showing off.
“All the flamboyant moves are done by the follower and the man's job is just to suggest those moves to her and enjoy the embrace and the music.”
Simon Wright admits he is “a bit geeky” but has enjoyed learning tango since November.
The 54-year-old said: “I enjoy leading tango because my role is to guide my partners around the floor and give them the opportunity to look great.
“No-one is looking at me because all the attention is on her. I feel more like I'm navigating for her than dancing.”
Spaces are available for men, women, and couples at the workshop on Saturday between 2pm and 4pm, costing £10.
More information can be found by searching for The Joy of Tango on Facebook.
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