Repost: A tango dancer who left a life of oppression behind in Russia
/Cheers to Otar Bagaturia and his husband, for living their lives freely and proudly. So great to see a variety of tango styles. It is fascinating to continue the conversation, around the history of tango, the history of the traditional gender roles within tango, and how they are being explored, expanded upon, and challenged, in today’s world.
We teach tango, both regular tango and queer tango. Tango is a very hetero-normative dance: The man leads and the woman is led, and in queer tango we break that pattern. In queer tango you can be a man who’s led, you can dance in same-sex couples. We did it in Russia, and we brought it here [Israel]. - Otar Bagaturia
How did you start dancing?
I trained in karate for many years, and then realized that I didn’t want to fight any more. I was surprised to discover how similar tango is to karate. The energy is different, but the postures, the movement, are very much alike. The feeling in tango can sometimes be like in war, but it depends on the emotion you bring to the dance. The sexual tension is always there.
There is so much to explore between the areas of martial arts and tango!
When I started to do queer tango [in Russia], I wasn’t very good and I had to prove myself to everyone. Here [in Israel] you can be an average dancer and dance with a man, and no one cares. It’s amazing. You don’t have to be the best in order to survive. In Russia I had to be a very good dancer in order to be able to dance with my husband.
Wow, he has been through so much as a dancer. In the arts and sports, there have been many stories of how the “best in the field,” can break down barriers for other minorities, and blaze trails for others. But it can be unfair to experience that sort of pressure. For two reasons; one, what if your particular unique style does not fit the norm/majority of what is considered good tango, or good art, etc? Also, if you are marginalized, it might be harder to get the chance to prove yourself at all. This couple has done a great service, not just to other gay dancers, but also to their Russian and Israeli communities, by continuing and pushing the art form. I’m glad they can now enjoy a milonga in peace.
Can’t wait to meet you and dance in person someday Otar, and continue to explore and expand tango together!
