I Want to Tango!

Dancing a Tango with Antonio Banderas is only a dream. But what a dream!

Maybe I could just pose in a gorgeous red frock with a dashing young beau for a photoshoot? That would be very nice, but it's not dancing the Tango!

It's been a long time since I could fit into a slinky dress. Of course I could still wear one, if perhaps in a larger size, but the visual effect wouldn't be as pleasing as I would want.

For the Tango is a Dance of Passion and the sight of your average suburban grandmother in a backless frock hurling her legs about isn't one to inspire passion (unless in the heart of a Jenny Craig consultant).

I've studied the technique shown in the video below, played it, paused it, played it again, practiced and practiced till I'm bright red in the face ... but I still can't tango!

It's said that the Tango originated with the Gauchos of Argentina, those cowboys of the Pampas.. They wore leather chaps, hardened from horse foam and sweat and were thus forced to walk with their knees flexed.

They would go to the crowded night clubs and ask the local girls to dance. Since the gaucho hadn't showered, the lady would dance in the crook of his right arm, holding her head back away from the pungency. Her right hand was held low on his left hip, close to his pocket, looking for a payment for dancing with him.

I don't know how true this is but it's certainly a good story.

"The Tango is the easiest dance. If you make a mistake and get tangled up, you just Tango on." says Al Pacino.

Easy enough for him to say, he's never danced the Tango with me.

Do you think Antonio Banderas would read this? Would he be moved to escort me onto the floor and dance a Tango with me? And if he did, would I be rooted to the spot in sheer fright? Some of those dance steps make my hair curl.

: Big Stock Photo : : Creative Commons