TWO TO TANGO

Most of us, are created with ordinary talents. We study, pursue a career, get married, have children, grow old and die.   During our 70 to 80 years of existence, we do not make a single special contribution to the society. We are so commonplace.

When someone is different, he finds himself to be a square block in a round hole. Everyone around us, be it parents, teachers or employers tell us to blend into the mass of anonymity. 

I had the fortune to meet a young man of exceptional talent. He was my son’s classmate. The only thing he knew was to dance.

One day, he danced in my house. I watched in rapt attention. When he danced, his entire body became a single unit of movement; fluid, energetic, brilliant. Even a layman, could not help admiring his talent.

He was very poor in studies. Obviously, as each and every cell in him was already filled with dance. He was a natural and had picked up dancing while he was just 6 years old. He had not been formally initiated into dancing. He was self taught. All his movements had been picked up from watching the TV.

Since dancing came naturally to him, he did not know that he was extraordinary. I told him that he had great talent, and that he was no ordinary dancer. 

He dropped out of school. I tried to fix him in some jobs. But, he could not fit into anything. He was at a loss. He did not know what to do.  He then joined a dance school; within a few months became employed there, as a teacher. He choreographed few numbers. I had the pleasure of seeing him create magic on the stage with his performance. 

The school sent him abroad to head one of its lucrative schools. He was most loved teacher. Simple friendly, unpretentious, patient, he could reach out to inspire his students.

He wanted to start his own school abroad. He was also unsure of the future of the plan. He asked me for advice. I told him, “Go ahead. You are young. You can run the risk. You are not married, and have no major responsibilities. If you become a success, it is good. If you fail, there will still be time to restructure your future.  He is very successful today, as both a teacher and an entrepreneur. 

His school teaches all types of dancing styles. He has regular shows. He teaches all age groups; from 6 years to 60.

He fell in love with one of his students; a lovely young woman.  They have married recently. He invited me to his marriage reception. It was a grand affair. They looked resplendent in the marriage outfits. He hugged me warmly, and introduced me to his wife. She told me, ”Sir he talks about you everyday. “ He told her, “What ever I am today is because of him. He is the one who made me realize my talent, encouraged me to pursue my passion.” He turned to me and said,” Stay sir for sometime, we want to dance a few steps with you.” I stayed, and the newly weds and I danced for a few moments together.  

I bid goodbye to the wonderful couple who would be together, in work and in life. The marriage would be a great one, for they shared a common bond of dance. After all, it takes two to tango.  

“You can sail on a ship by yourself

Take a nap or nip by yourself

You can get into debt on your own

There are lots of things that you can do alone

But it takes two to tango two to tango

Two to really get the feeling of romance

Two to tango two to tango do the dance of love “