2709  Close embrace in Europe

Date: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 14:49:58 +0100
From: John Ward <johnofbristol@TISCALI.CO.UK>
Subject: Close embrace in Europe

Here is an article printed in the "Ilkka" newspaper in Finland on 10 July 2004, during the Tangomarkkinat. Translated by me without =
permission, but I'm hoping they won't mind. It might or might not be relevant to the current open/close embrace discussion.

FINNISH TANGO IS BORN IN THE TOUCHING OF CHEEKS, by Marja Pennanen

Whereas they kiss in France, they tango in Finland. Those who cannot speak or cannot kiss can show their feelings in dancing. In the Finnish =
tango one has permission to touch.

First right, then left. Strangers' cheeks salute one another. The thought is embarrassing, but the touch isn't.

Leena and Åke Blomqvist give encouragement to those attending their course on the heart of Finnish tango.

"Tango is closeness and the longing for touch on the part of the participants. If the man and woman accept on another, that is enough to =
bring forth tango", says Leena Blomqvist.

According to the Blomqvists, Finns think about picture figures too much. Tango is created by the dancers themselves. However the beginner couple =
is recommended to attend a proper dance course to start with.

The Blomqvists, who have taught all over the world, know Finnish tango like their own feet.

"Cheek to cheek is Finnish tango's own speciality. This sort of closeness is not seen anywhere else. In England the couple barely touch, =
and in Argentina the glance is directed away from the partner", explains Leena Blomqvist.

In Finland more people dance than in other countries.

"Have a look at the weekend newspapers and look at the number of dance announcements."

Tango flourishes in Finland, and the features change from north to south, and east to west. The Blomqvists are very familiar with the =
version favoured in the Ostrobothnia area of Finland.

"Ostrobothnian tango is strong and clear-cut. It is stripped of all unnecessary fripperies."

Friday's course offered the enthusiastic students the lively beerhall zaivi and sprightly jenkka as well as tango. The teaching of the =
charming and personable master brought a smile to the lips and movement to the legs. Nobody need feel foolish. First the knees move, then the =
backside.

"Don't look at the ladies' bottoms, it will only bring sex to the mind", the sharp-eyed master warns, and a hundred clenched toes can relax.

Men wipe their brows and women sniff their armpits. 90 minutes flash by, but all the students know their dancing.

"Men who know how to dance always get the best women" Blomqvist says encouragingly to the men who at last approach their own partners.

On Friday evening Leena and Åke Blomqvist will shut their teachers' eyes and the couple will concentrate on judging the social tango dance =
competition. Old hands will know what that involves.

"We direct our attention to the basic nature of tango. A couple must have a framework which exudes passion. The woman must capitulate", =
gushes Åke Blomqvist.

END OF ARTICLE

Interesting that! Blomqvist teaches Argentine and ballroom tango as well as the Finnish version, so presumably he knows that his countrymen do =
not in fact have a monopoly on close contact. Sorry I don't know what the zaivi is.

John Ward

Bristol, UK