Customer Reviews

The Tao of Tango

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Tao of Tango by Johanna Siegmann is a delightful chronicle of her discovery of the inner world of Argentine Tango - plus an insightful look at the application of Taoist philosophy to both Life and Tango.
On the surface, Tango is rooted in the sensuality and seduction that goes on between a man and a woman. But deeper things are going on. As Ms. Seigmann discovered, it is a conversation "in some language of the soul that resided in some part of me I never knew existed."
Drawing on key principles of Taoism, Ms. Siegmann shows how all people, whether men or women, are mixtures of characteristics that are either yang (masculine) or yin (feminine), and in order to be successful, in either Life or in Tango, each person must have these energies in balance within themselves. Yet in our post-Feminism world, this is rarely the case, for either gender. Johanna Siegmann discovered, as have many others, that learning to tango is much more than learning a new dance.
In order to dance tango properly, whether we are a man or a woman, we must be in touch with both our halves, both the confident masculine part, and the sensitive feminine part. Per Ms. Siegmann, "True happiness lies in the mutual embrace of both our [masculine and feminine] energies." Only when we can draw on both these qualities will our tango have the deep character for which it is so justly revered. In a real sense, it is a journey of self-discovery and healing. We find that, whether interacting on the dancefloor or in a Life relationship, having our energies in balance promises nothing less than a resolution of the age-old "battle of the sexes."

Ms. Siegmann deftly sheds light on this unique dance form from a spiritual/ metaphysical point of view. In particular, her distinction between male/female energy and behavior is a powerful concept that helps us provide a framework to better understand gender issues in our still somewhat patriarchal culture. She shows that tango can be treated as a metaphor for many areas in life, including a deeper understanding of our own natures.

This book is not so much about steps or sequences, so don't expect to learn cool moves from it. It's more about what lays beyond the movement. A balance between two energies: feminine and masculine that is what creates that strong unforgettable connection between people in dance or in life.

I recommend this book to anyone, either you are dancing tango or not; it's short and very easy to read. And if you don't find a nice dance technique suggestion in it, you might find something that would be applicable in your every day life in a relation with your significant one or friends, or colleagues at work.

The Tao of Tango is successful because it probes the right questions.
As the result of "feminism", we can enjoy a fairer balance of power with men, but what femininity is still remains a complete mystery to us. The book dares to praise passivity, surrendering and following, and reminds us that those words can still carry derogative connotations. At the same time it tells us about male and female energies present in each one of us and with that, it frees us of limiting patterns of behavior.

Dancing Tango is a beautiful way to play, rehearse and observe how we are as women and men. The Tao of Tango refers to it in a provocative, measured and grounded way.

Valeria Solomonoff
Tango performer, teacher and choreographer
Co-founder of TangoMujer
www.valetango.com

I've studied Taoism with some depth, and have practiced Tai Chi Chuan for 10 years. More recently I've sought to learn dancing the Argentine Tango. In all of this, I've noticed quite clearly the intersection between the principles of Taoism, Tai Chi Chuan and Tango. I'm certain that a great book could be written on the subject of that intersection. Unfortunately, this is not such a book. This book is actually a journal entry style account of the author's personal journey and self-discovery while learning to dance Tango, and thinking about the Tao. While her words sometimes impart a nice observation, the material didn't qualify for me as particularly profound or extraordinarily insightful. Maybe this would be good material to consider for someone new to Tango, or who has never thought about it deeply. I think that the title set me up to expect something else, and my hope for that something else led me to be disappointed with what the content of this book actually is. Aside from that, I thought the writing style could have been better; a lot of the emphasized text in the book distracted me from better appreciating what the author wanted to say.

In summation, the biggest obstacle that confronted me in trying to read and appreciate this book is that I was expecting, and was wanting, it to be something other than what it is. I wanted it to focus more directly on, and go more deeply into, Taoism and its relationship with Tango, which is what the title suggested to me. I could only get through two thirds of the book before giving up. Perhaps other people may find it helpful or enjoyable, but I didn't.

A quick read, packed with philosophical and insightful concepts. If you're a tango dancer, this book will speak to you as you compare what she is writing with what you already know. The Tao of Tango will have you nodding your head vigorously, agreeing that what she says is in fact true. Johanna Siegmann's
comparison of female/male energy to tango is a thought provoking, but compelling theory filled with accuracy. I couldn't put this book down .

This deliciously light, but yet profoundly deep book should be required reading for individuals entering into, or struggling with relationships, whether in life or on the dance floor. The author richly captures the essence of the authentic Argentine Tango dance and the diverse energies that make it the communion between the souls. By taking the metaphor of this beautiful language and applying it to life and lessons learned and then completing it with exercises, she has aptly taken education to the next level through application. I have shared this gem with my partner and will be ordering more as gifts. I look forward to more writings from this very talented author. Susan Munoz

This little book is not just about Tango , but about the delicate balance we all strive for in our every day relationships.
It gives us permission to be who we are to express all of ourselves.
And to re-joyce in being male and female.
Excellent

this is a very interesting book!!! if you are willing to learn about tango, about life, about your inner female or male energys, and about reletionships and dance together. i highly recomend this book!!!

A clever and readable book that delves into the nuances of tango and links them to the challenges of relationships. If you are a tango afficianado and think you have heard it all, you will find Johanna Siegmanan's approach refreshing and insightful. If you've never danced tango, but want to understand yourself and your partner's interactions, it's mapped out here. Not written on a "lofy" level, Johanna Seigmann talks about her own journey into the world of tango and love. This book is written by a woman who knows the dance body, heart, and soul. If I'm ever in her area, I want to take a workshop with her!