Events

 Tango, in essence, is a way of being: it lures you from the job that’s too staid; it beckons on a night when you’re feeling lonely; it promises escape from the grind of daily life. Tango is a journey for those who want their lives to change course; and for others, like me, who believe that their lives have ended, it’s an attempt to start living again. Maria Finn   Like anyone would, Maria Finn felt anger when she learned of her husband’s infidelity, then despair over losing him and their plans for a life together. But she refused to become one of those women who sob into their divorce lawyer’s answering machine late at night.   In Hold Me Tight & Tango Me Home, Maria relates how she turned to Argentine tango to cope with her pain, learn to trust again, and rediscover herself. Her exhilarating adventure takes us from New York to Buenos Aires and back, exploring the fascinating culture, history, music, moves, and beauty of this sexy, sometimes heartbreaking, yet ultimately life-affirming dance.   For Maria, learning tango means dealing with rejection, criticism, and unpredictable partners -- some rude, others clumsy, and one who earned the moniker “Ear Licker”. But it’s all made worthwhile by those transcendent moments in which Maria joins with a dance partner and the union transforms into what she refers to as “bliss” -- a marriage of leading and following that seamlessly explores intrigue, melancholy, flirtation, and passion.   With each new step—the embrace, the hook, the sweep, the throw—Maria begins to connect with people in a new way. Gradually, she finds the confidence to try romance again and discovers the strength needed to pursue a new life.   Maria Finn has written for Audubon, Saveur, Metropolis, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times, among many other publications. The editor of two anthologies, Cuba in Mind and Mexico in Mind, she received an MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and her essays have been anthologized in Best Food Writing and The Best Women’s Travel Writing. Visit Maria – and watch these videos!   Celebrate with music and dancing this evening!