Chapter II: Let's Tango a Little
This Author might not have words to describe what's about to transpire next. Maybe a few come to mind? Words like… dynamic, fascinating, lively, superlative, refined, vivacious… Alright, so maybe I do have a few words. They all describe the tango, by the way, or at least the evening as it will happen for our dearest Shane and Oliver. I foresee a sublime evening, my dears! Let's take a peek, why don't we?
The long-awaited milonga night was upon them and Shane was ready to give Franco a piece of her mind. They were gathered at the Divino Bocadito, a picturesque restaurant-club in downtown Denver. It had the feel of Buenos Aires once you stepped in; of course, this was all according to Franco, since Shane had never been to his home country.
She had to admit the place was inspired. It was cozy thanks to its mood lighting, and strategically placed spotlights. The walls were covered with a gorgeous mural, its various images evoking memories of Argentina. There was a vineyard landscape where the grapes, wine bottles, and glasses interspersed with images of Evita Peron, tango dancers, and the Argentinian flag. Maradona's #10 soccer jersey was featured in a predominant spot, along with Carlos Gardel's silhouette. To Shane's trained eye, it was a stunning work of art. She could appreciate the effort and work behind it, fascinated by how one image diffused into the next. Small tables around a circular dance floor completed the Divino's set up, along with a designated area for live music.
Ordinarily Shane would've been ecstatic taking in her surroundings, but right now she just couldn't get over the way that Franco wanted to mess with her makeup.
"Franco, I'm going to look like a clown."
"Shane, trust me. We're going for sultry," Franco said, exasperated.
"Your sultry look is that of a woman from a house of ill-repute," Shane shot back with a deadpan look on her face.
Franco glared and crossed his arms over his well-shaped chest. "I would never make you look like a hooker!"
Shane sighed, fearing she was going to lose this battle. "I know how and where the tango originated. You don't have to sugarcoat this."
"Shane, look at me," Franco gentled his tone.
She looked at him quizzically, wondering what he was thinking. She lifted her gaze and looked at him straight in the eyes. "What is it?"
"You know what the genius is behind your dancing with Oliver?" Franco asked, looking at her directly, his gaze unflinching. He didn't wait for Shane to reply. "It's the combination of the elegance you both bring to the dance and the burgeoning passion that lies underneath. And of course, the wonderful technique I've taught you."
Shane had to chuckle. Franco always had to bring everything back to him, but that was part of his charm!
"In all seriousness, Shane, you guys will have to pull from that passion even more to ensure a stellar performance."
As Shane pondered his words, Ramon and Oliver approached the curtained off area where the talent would get ready for milongas at the Divino.
Ramon took an exaggerated deep breath of air. "Shane, Ovileer… I know you will do wonderfully. After all, you were my star students, and if I wasn't going to be your teacher, there's no one better than Franco." Ramon stopped talking as Franco approached him and his face turned serious as he listened to his friend's whispered words.
Ramon looked solemnly at Franco and said, "Yes, my friend, I do understand what you mean." Shifting his glance to where Oliver and Shane stood, he directed the following words to his favorite couple. "My dears, Franco has very astutely noticed what Ipicked up on when I initially met you. You…my brilliant Shane… my dashing Ovileer… you are pure passion together! Along with the elegant nature of your lines, you bring something exquisite to the tango. So, I have to tell you… do you remember back then when you loved each other, but you couldn't say so with words, and you had that push-pull energy?"
Shane and Oliver blinked in concert, their expressions blank.
Ramon gesticulated grandly as he spoke. "Bring that energy to your performance! Shane, you have fallen in love with him, even though he's unattainable! Ovileer…you find her absolutely breathtaking and want nothing more than to consume her with a kiss. But… she pulls away from you and you pull away from her, because of course, you're married, and you both have principles. She resists you, and you try to resist her, but you simply can't. And you can only express your love for each other wordlessly through the dance!"
Shane lips curved into a quirky smile, while Oliver's brow shot up as Ramon concluded his inspired speech. In turn Franco applauded, for once in complete agreement with his friend. That's exactly what he wanted his star students to do while they were on the dance floor.
"Dear heavens, I never thought I'd have to relive all that through a dance," Shane said, amused. The makeup incident forgotten, she thought that taking inspiration from those feelings and pouring them into the dance would be kind of liberating, even cathartic.
Looking at Shane, half-smiling, Oliver said. "You really want to go through with this?" He was attempting to control the laughter that threatened to erupt from his chest. It was either that or spontaneously combust, but he took a deep breath and decided to go with the flow. Funny, how it was all a matter of choice. He could choose to go with the flow or stiffen and succumb to his past stoic nature. Life with Shane was an on-going lesson in choosing joy… and this time around joy was found in going with the proverbial flow.
"We've gotten this far, haven't we, Ovileer," Shane replied, her beautiful face full of delight.
Oliver took his wife's hand and brought her closer to him. They kissed gently and touched foreheads in their signature gesture of tenderness.
Franco coughed, interrupting the affectionate moment between Shane and Oliver. "So, are we ready? It seems like we have a full house!" He shared excitedly.
It was a full house indeed. The milonga nights at the Divino were infamous in Denver. Apparently, there was an underground subculture of tango aficionados in the city Shane and Oliver had no idea existed until they started taking lessons. Also, there were those who loved immersing themselves in different cultures who sought out events like this. The evening's roster wasn't limited to the student performances. It was a complete show that included an opening with live music, followed by the pro exhibition dances, more live music, and would conclude with the student showcase. Oliver and Shane would perform last. After that the floor would open to anyone who wanted to dance. A couple of teachers would be available to teach the basics to anyone who wanted to learn. All in all, it would be a fun event and a great way to pass the time.
There were several friendly faces in the audience. Rita was present along with Norman, because of course, they wouldn't miss this for the world. They were sharing a table with Ramon and Franco, much to Norman's chagrin. Rita had insisted, since they had the best table with the best view of the dance floor. Joe and Vivianne sat at the table beside them, along with Sharon and Juliette. Ordinarily Juliette would've brought her son Olivier, since she knew he'd enjoy the music. However, he had stayed back with Sam, preparing for another violin recital.
Word had spread about Shane and Oliver's performance, so fellow postal workers were there as well, including Hazel, and some of Oliver's choir friends. Rita and Norman were surprised to see Caitlin and Joey Castellucci and waved them over to sit at a nearby table. It turned out that Caitlin and Joey loved the live music at the Divino and had come over for date night, leaving Donatello's in the hands of their trusted staff.
Everyone was excited to be there, and agreed it was a nice change of pace. Getting into the spirit of the evening, Joe and Vivianne ordered a couple of bottles of Malbec, along with mini empanadas as appetizers for everyone to share. Immediately Joey and Caitlin started tossing ideas back and forth as to how to recreate the Argentinian baked turnover into an Italian treat they could feature on their menu.
The lights dimmed. The show was about to start! The band Arquetipo started off the evening's entertainment. Oliver enjoyed losing himself in the guitar strums and the overpowering feel of the bandoneón, the accordion of the Argentine tango. It certainly took his mind off his turn at the dance floor, at least for a bit! When it was finally time for the pro dancers to take the floor, Shane was riveted by how effortless they made everything look. She appreciated wholeheartedly how they weaved themselves in and out of spins and turns, making it all look so seamless. It was certainly beyond belief, at least for her, that she'd be able to share the dance floor with people with such expertise. Meanwhile, Franco was thrilled as he stood by Shane and Oliver behind the curtained area. He loved the electricity in the air and the butterflies in his stomach right before a performance. He missed his competition and exhibition days, but at least he could live vicariously through his colleagues and students.
"How do you feel?" Franco asked Shane, as he saw her put a hand against her stomach.
"Just a bit nervous. There's a lot of people out there!"
"You will do wonderfully. And your makeup looks great, by the way." Franco and Shane chuckled together. They had finally reached a happy medium, where Franco had gotten his way and Shane had darkened her eye makeup more to his liking.
Oliver interrupted their exchange, taking his wife's hand. "Let's just focus on each other, my love, and just enjoy ourselves. That's the whole point of this, right?"
She smiled a sweet and radiant smile. "Of course. We have to remember we are finally having our moment in the spotlight."
Oliver smiled indulgently. "I hope this makes up for that failed showcase once upon a time."
"I'm sure it will." Shane held her husband's gaze, as they both went down memory lane for a minute.
"Guys, it's time." Franco interrupted, rubbing his hands together. The couple on the floor was mid-way through their choreography and Shane and Oliver were up next. "Listen to the music, remember the push and pull of emotions, and most importantly, have fun! Alright?"
Oliver touched Shane's cheek in a loving display of affection. "Here goes nothing…" he said as they waited for their cue. When they finally stepped onto the dance floor they were welcomed with an uproar of applause.
Only focusing on her husband, Shane laid her head on Oliver's shoulder as they got in hold for their dance, the infamous tango embrace they had learned during their first lesson. The band started playing the acoustic version of Piazzolla's Libertango, the ever-present bandoneón filling the air with its rich, organ-like sound.
Moving as one, Shane and Oliver glided into the initial steps of the salida¸ their movements lithe, languid, and fluid. They then blurred into twists and pivots, and sharp, crisp turns. As the music built, the steps led to a lift which left the crowd breathless, as Oliver spun Shane around effortlessly, her legs suspended mid-air. A transition to a box-step set up the choreography for leans and lunges. The audience gasped as Oliver ran a hand over Shane's thigh in one passionate move. The series of steps progressed into the characteristic ganchos of the Argentine tango, the intricate movements leaving the spectators enthralled. As she watched, Rita's eyes sparkled, and her smile was luminous. She was so ready to sign up for the basic class right after the show! She clasped her hands together and brought them to her chest, her chin resting on top of them in an ultimately pleased gesture. Meanwhile, Sharon was simply in awe of her daughter and son, her mind wandering to the days when she danced with Facundo. Like mother, like daughter, Sharon thought; so proud of Shane and the beautiful lines she created, her body and Oliver's in complete harmony.
Ramon left Rita and Norman at their table and joined Franco where he was standing near the staging area. He wanted to stand by Franco and his star couple when they took their final bow. They looked at each other with smug grins on their faces. "So, what do you say, Ramon… will you help me convince them to sign up for the amateur competition?" Franco asked his friend.
"Oh, you can count on that!" Ramon replied excitedly. "But they need a ballroom piece as well."
"Of course. I am sure that will come easy for Shane and Oliver. This dance was the one way out of their comfort zone."
"Agreed. I do know Ovileer has always wanted to learn the foxtrot," Ramon shared.
Franco glanced over at his students and smiled with satisfaction. He knew they would slay the foxtrot, Oliver in a sleek tux and Shane in an elegant ballroom ensemble. Maybe he could get her to wear something that bared her back; as she would look absolutely superb. Franco could picture them flowing with ease and elegance, easily winning the regional competition. His mind wandered with all the possibilities, his face showing delight. However, it didn't take long for his attention to snap back to Oliver and Shane's tango performance when the music started its crescendo.
Shane's mind was blank. She had become one with the music, and along with Oliver, a single unit moving in pure synchronicity. The feelings were there… and once she felt Oliver pulling from her, she gravitated unconsciously back to him, with all the grace her body allowed. As Oliver spun her, following with the most intense dip they had ever been able to accomplish, he pulled her upwards slowly. They were so close they could almost kiss to the syncopated rhythms of Libertango. And now, for the final move…Shane pushed Oliver in a futile effort to keep him away from her, with a dramatic expression on her face that spilled onto the choreographed move. His brows furrowed, and with a stern look, Oliver could only take her hand and spin her right back at him, the movement ending with an impressive jump. Oliver gracefully caught her in an effortless move, as she then purposefully slid down his body. The final pose had Shane delicately holding on to his leg, her hand on his thigh, while he looked down lovingly at his wife. It was an amazing final portrait that expressed the intense feelings of connection between the two.
The last notes of the music drifted away, and for a millisecond stunned silence hung in the air. As the crowd got to its feet and erupted into applause, Shane and Oliver heard nothing. He held out his hand and helped her up, sweeping Shane into a hug. They had finally come full circle, the memory of their failed showcase replaced by the tenor of the tango, reveling in the fact they could make even more wonderful memories together.