Unattainable Bodies

A month ago, I was teaching when a girl very excitedly came over and said "It's YOU!"

Me: "me?"

Girl: "Yes, you're my favorite dancer to watch of all time! I'm so excited you're teaching today!"

Me (now, somewhat flattered): "Thanks!"

Girl: "I watch you all the time and you're great. Especially since all the tango teachers seem to have those really tall and thin dancer bodies. And you....you're so...." ---she gives me a look up and down--- "attainable!"

I froze. 

I didn't really know what to say. I don't really remember what I said after that, probably thanked her again, although my mind was pretty much focused on how short and stubby I was. My dad used to say, "wow, for someone your size, you sure can run fast and far!" And this was one of those times that I wasn't sure I heard the "fast and far" part to it...just the "your size" part.

Since starting tango, my weight really hasn't changed much, but I have, over the years, switched from excessively baggy black clothes, to more fitting black clothes, and now, I'm finally adding some color, and sometimes a slit here and there. Nevertheless, I gave the girl some comments about her dancing (don't remember what I said anymore), and never saw her again.

Until last week. She showed up at my women's technique class, and told me she was there because I changed her dancing. I almost wanted to say "YOU!" But I knew that perhaps she meant that "real people" with "real bodies" could work their way into becoming good dancers, too, and since I drilled "working hard" more than anything else...well, I suppose that's why she came.

EVERYONE has a "real" body. One of my first female teachers is so naturally thin that she said she used to be scared to wear dresses because people would tease her about her "chicken legs." One time she asked me how to get "big beautiful thighs." I gawked at her, told her she was insane, and then explained that everyone wants to have thin thighs--just like hers. She eats more than most men. (And is absolutely gorgeous, if I may add).

But one thing tango has taught me is confidence. I hold my head high and I stand up straight and I FEEL more confident because of the hours of practice into my posture I put in. And I feel much more comfortable in my body than I ever have, all thanks to tango.