Tango Uncorked #1 - Rebecca Shulman - Tango cool, Tango dreams

Today on the show we will speak with Rebecca Shulman from New York City. Rebecca began dancing in 1991 and her first visit to Buenos Aires was in 1992.We talk about all sorts of stuff regarding life, tango, dreams, and much more. (00:00) Adam Hoopengardner reflects on the naming process for the podcast, settling on 'Tango Uncorked' to capture the essence of sharing ideas and stories about Tango. (09:12) Rebecca Shulman shares her early experiences in the Tango community of New York in the 1990s, highlighting the absence of the internet and the reliance on phone calls for communication. (12:58) Rebecca discusses the whimsical and spontaneous nature of early Tango DJing, where music sets included a mix of styles and were often played from cassette tapes and LPs. (12:07) The conversation explores the balance between spontaneity and structure in Tango music and events, noting that while spontaneity can be liberating, it can also lead to frustration. (16:03) Rebecca reflects on her initial reluctance to teach Tango, which was encouraged by a mentor, and compares the teaching approaches of earlier and newer instructors. (20:07) The importance of being present in dance is likened to meditation, emphasizing the challenge of quieting the mind and matching the leader's muscle tone to improve connection. (24:00) Rebecca discusses her dancing style, noting that she finds it easier to stay engaged with challenging leaders, while dancing with many partners can lead to a lack of attentiveness. (50:00) Rebecca reminisces about the evolution of Tango events, from smaller gatherings to larger, more organized milongas, and the challenges of promoting events before the internet. (54:27) Rebecca and Adam discuss the shift in the Tango community towards practicals over milongas, reflecting on how engagement with Tango dancing has evolved. (01:02:45) Adam and Rebecca emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive community in Tango, highlighting the role of feedback and acknowledgment in building confidence among dancers. (01:08:23) Adam reflects on the joy of discussing dance and fostering community, expressing gratitude for Rebecca's humility and passion despite her extensive career. (01:08:53) The episode concludes with Adam thanking listeners and encouraging them to continue dancing, growing, and learning, while hinting at future topics for the podcast.