Ms. Poppy Chiffon — the doyenne of dance, the baroness of ballroom etiquette, the sultana of Southern hospitality — is pleased to answer your dance-related questions. Here are a few queries that Poppy deigned to extract from her mailbag this week. If you have a question that you would like Poppy Chiffon to address, please e-mail her at askpoppy@dancestationusa.com. Ms. Chiffon regrets that she cannot respond individually to questions.
Dear Poppy,
I am taking Argentine Tango lessons for the first time. I am intimidated and intrigued at the same time by the connection and the close dance position. How long will it take me to be comfortable?
Intimidated
Dear Intimidated,
Honey, placing yourself in a vulnerable position takes a lot of courage in any dance. However, to be comfortable in Argentine Tango, you must be willing to share your personal space including the depths of your emotions. It’s all up to you.
Dear Poppy,
I know we are supposed to try to communicate with each others torsos when dancing, but I feel my partner pulls away from me and is afraid that our bodies will touch. How can I make her feel safe enough to connect with me.
Looking for Connection
Dear Looking,
You have to allow her to find the courage to share her personal space. There is so much intimacy in partner dancing. If she feels safe and secure, she will learn to connect with you in her own time.
