In this intimate volume, Dimitris, the author of "Tangofulness," captures the profound and often unspoken language of Argentine Tango, translating the dance's passion, connection, and fleeting beauty into lyrical verse.
Experience the silent conversations across the dance floor, where a nod becomes an invitation and a step forward, an answer. Feel the weight of unspoken emotions shared in an embrace, the delicate balance of leading with kindness and following with honesty. These poems delve into the themes of connection, empathy, trust, and the poignant act of letting go, all within the rich and sensual world of tango.
More than just poems about dance, "Hug and Let Go" explores the universal human need for connection, the power of non-verbal understanding, and the moments of shared experience that resonate deep within us.
Discover the beauty in the ephemeral, the comfort in being seen without explanation, and the peace that comes with both holding on and releasing. "Hug and Let Go" is a tender exploration of human connection, set to the rhythm of one of the world's most passionate dances.
"We never spoke.
Not before, not during, not after.
I saw the invitation in your eyes—
A quiet nod across the floor,
A question asked in silence,
Answered with a step forward.
And then we danced.
I didn’t know your name,
But I felt the weight of your week in your arms.
The way your shoulder held just enough tension
To suggest you’d been carrying something heavy—
Not just in your muscles, but in your heart.
You didn’t know my story either.
But when the music started, I felt your gentleness.
You left space for me to breathe,
To be soft,
To trust.
You led with kindness.
I followed with honesty.
And somewhere between the first and second song,
We weren't dancing steps anymore—
We were remembering something.
Maybe a moment of comfort.
Maybe the feeling of being seen without needing to explain.
By the end of the tanda,
You didn’t let go right away.
And neither did I.
We smiled. Still no words.
But everything had already been said.
We told each other a story
With nothing but breath,
And weight,
And rhythm.
And for those four songs,
It was enough.
It was everything."
About the authorI am a social tango dancer and the author of the books 'Tangofulness: Exploring Connection, Awareness, and Meaning in Tango' - available in 14 languages, 'Tango Tips by the Maestros', 'How to Dance More in Milongas - for followers', 'When the Embrace Whispers', 'The Tango Playground 1 & 2', 'Letters to a tanguero 1 & 2' and others. I am also the author of The Curious Tanguero newsletter and creator of The Curious Tanguero podcast. My goal is to bring more people to tango and more tango to people.
