In tango, as in life, there is a delicate balance between what we are willing to give and what we are capable of receiving.
Having the willingness to give means being present, putting something of ourselves into the relationship, taking responsibility for our own intentions, and offering the other person a space where they feel welcomed. It does not mean imposing ourselves or PROVING anything. It means being there, with awareness.
But giving, on its own, is not enough.
We also need the willingness to receive. The ability to make space for the other person, to listen to what they offer, to embrace something that does not originate from us and that, precisely for this reason, can enrich us.
In tango, every embrace is a meeting of these two dimensions. We may have every intention of leading, suggesting, and accompanying, but if we are not open to listening to our partner’s response, communication remains incomplete. Similarly, we may be ready to receive, but if we are unable to offer something authentic, we risk losing our active role in the relationship.
Personally I call it FEEDBACK.
Others QUESTIONS-ANSWER
Mainly, me as a leader I try to share an information as clear as possible, from the other side we should get a message she got and understood that info.
Giving does not mean controlling. Receiving does not mean enduring.
It means finding a meeting point where both can express themselves, maintaining their own identity without giving up the chance to build something together.
How often are we so focused on what we want to achieve, on what we want to communicate, without truly making room for what the other person has to offer us? How often are we so busy giving answers that we forget to listen to the questions?
Being open to receiving requires openness, trust, and, at times, the courage to let go of our certainties.
In tango, as in life, the quality of an encounter depends not only on how much we are able to give, but also on how willing we are to let ourselves be touched by what we receive.
In tango. In life.
Tango: Communicating a clear lead
Life: Expressing one’s intentions
Tango: Maintaining one’s center
Life: Preserving one’s autonomy
Tango: Don’t anticipate the lead
Life: Don’t assume you already know what the other person is thinking
Tango: Respect the timing of the response
Life: Leave the other person space to understand and choose
Tango: Adapt your movement
Life: Accept that a relationship requires flexibility
Tango: Listen to the partner
Life: Calling one’s own point of view into question
The key point is that we cannot fully control how the other person will receive what we offer. We can, however, take responsibility for our communication and remain open to their response.
Giving without listening can become imposition. Receiving without participating can become passivity. A relationship is born when both people can contribute, each while maintaining their own identity.
GIANPIO CAPPUCCI