I recently received an email from local Los Angeles Tango Teacher, Naomi Hotta. The letter was so moving and inspiring and happened to coincide with a recent theatre review written for the play Bridge at the Complex Theater in December, that I felt this particular letter was well worth posting.
Both deal with the horrific tragedy of the Japanese tsunami, but Naomi alights on one of the most vital remedies for healing in our very human world, that is often ignored or culturally unacceptable in some parts of the world – TOUCH.
Read on…
2011 was a year with many changes around the world. As I just came back from a trip to Japan, I acknowledge the long process of recovery from the earthquake/tsunami, and at the same time the surprising speed of what has already been done. I am hoping this year will be a peaceful and happy year around the world, as an entity and for each individual.
I had the opportunity to teach few tango workshops in Japan as well and converse with the students there. Tango is an international language spoken around the world, as is any other form of art or sports. There may be cultural differences that color the personality that comes through in the individual’s dance and the community, but the basic language is there. In the same way it does in Los Angeles, I heard how tango can bring joy and change to one’s life.
One of the powerful elements of tango is the “touch”. How often do we “touch” someone, let alone, “embrace” someone? I have heard that if there is some sort of “hug” or touch before any discussion, the discussion flows smoother and harmoniously. In tango, we “embrace” someone as we let our creative expressions flow through the physical art form. There is a lot of power in that. In Japanese, there is an English pronounced word, “skin-ship”, which I had always thought was an actual English word till few years ago. It is the combination of “skin”, the touch, and a relation to another such as in “friendship”. In Japan, it is used, for example, to explain how the mother and child should have “skinship” for the health of the mental and psychological growth of a child. It is the perfect word to explain what exists in tango, “skinship”. A connection we create through touch which could be very healing, bringing joy and mental well being.
One of my students in Japan explained that after starting tango lessons, her work environment changed. She believes it is the power of tango that changed her. She is now more open to hearing opinions of others and open to the idea of connecting to others. We never know, but I have a hunch that things like that could happen. If you already dance tango, maybe you have some stories as well? Even if is not tango, giving a hug and receiving one can be a great pleasure. Why not give a “hug” to somebody today and each day that follows in 2012? “skinship” could go a long way, I believe! I am wishing for you all that connectedness and joy throughout the year.
I am wishing for you all that connectedness and joy throughout the year.
