WARRIOR

Last July a crew of 17 dancers from 6 countries met in Berlin. We brought to life a plan I had been refining for a long time.

For years I’ve worked to understand how we can be more effective in marketing tango to new people. We all know that most people come to tango initially as a dating alternative. But as Sven Elze of Berlin’s wildly successful Milonga Popular has demonstrated, we have the best chance to resonate with some subset of that group, our own “tribe”.

My tribe is not Sven’s (young art students who like doing drugs in clubs). And it’s not divorcé/es (but most tango organizers are doing a very good job on that one).

My tribe is athletes.

Years ago I noticed that the best Marks I’ve ever trained had martial arts experience. The most relevant physical training for Revels is yoga.

As a yogi myself I yearn to be witnessed and admired for my strength, flexibility, discipline, concentration, and openness. I want social activities where that physicality is relevant – with more boys than yoga classes.

Observing martial artists, I see their well-earned pride in their physical skills. I imagine that martial arts boys would also like to be witnessed and admired for this by girls.

Without a lot of alcohol or small talk.

For years I tried to make a plan of outreach to yogis and martial artists. Last year I met Cédric Tellier, kung-fu master, actor, tango and zouk dancer. The concept for this film unfurled before our eyes. It’s designed to resonate with yogis and martial artists with insider cultural references.

Then an absolute dream team of cinematographers, dancers, and musicians joined with beautiful enthusiasm. I am so grateful for the trust everyone placed in me.

Herewith, is WARRIOR. As you probably know, there are several yoga poses named ‘Warrior’, and martial arts practitioners cultivate a spiritual warriorhood, even if they do not intend to fight anyone.

Developing these disciplined, solitary skills is a kind of warriorhood itself. As is getting through life. I have always believed that partnership would be the reward. Tango offers us the experience of unity through our disciplined bodies.

Yogis and martial artists are the folks I want to be dancing with in 5 years. You too? It so, please help get this film out globally to these tribes.