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ARTS & CULTURE
KANSAN.COM
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KU Tango gives students close-knit community of dancers at all skill levels
▶ SAMANTHA SEXTON
@Sambiscuit
from ballroom to swing, the University has an eectetic collection of dance groups and clubs accessible to all students on campus. Whether they're masters of the art or just looking for something to do on a Monday night, anyone can find their own fit.
KU Tango is no different, offering classes, workshops and practices focusing on the sensual and lively Argentinean Tango.
"I wasn't looking for tango, I was just trying out some new things when I ran into the dance and fell in love with the music and the challenge of the technique."
Ali Irman graduate student
Ali Inran, a graduate student from Pakistan studying psychology and the founder and president of KU Tango, said his group is more about the body than the dance, despite there being other dance groups on campus.
"It's a highly improvised dance," Imran said. "Other dances work on routines and steps but with Argentine Tango, you really focus on the body work and the communication between you and your partner. You're really building body awareness and musicality rather than just sticking to patterns."
"I wasn't looking for tango," Irman said. "I was just trying out some new things when I ran into the dance and fell in love with the music and the challenge of the technique."
Imran's passion for tango seemed to happen by accident a little over five years ago when he was looking for something to take his mind off of his studies.
Imran said he had no experience with tango before, or with any other dance for that matter, but said he "couldn't deny how beautiful" the practice was and was inspired to share his experience with the rest of the student body.
"There was a community group with a handful of people downtown, and they organized an intro to tango, and after going, I knew this was something that KU students deserved to have on campus," Imran said. "I found a few other students who were interested and founded the club in 2011. We have about 70 members now."
The club meets twice a week for an informal practice, sometimes partnered with Lawrence Tango, at Signs of Life from 8-10 p.m. and again on Thursdays for a more structured class on campus. Because of their connection with Lawrence Tango, KU Tango has 60 student members joined by 10 members from the community.
A couple members, University students Mary Mitchell, a freshman from Overland Park, and Taylor Moreno, a sophomore from Lansing, said even meeting just once a week gives them a chance to destress with friends.
"It's a great way to get away from the day and just not think about school for a few hours," Mitchell said. "Plus I get to hang out with my friends and socialize in a great atmosphere."
Studying psychology, Moreno said while tango has nothing to do with her major, she's excited to have a community to support her in the future because of KU Tango.
Laura Jimenez, a graduate student from Mexico studying ecology and evolutionary biology, said she was surprised to find the tango community here in Kansas.
"Wherever you are, you can always find the dancers, and I feel like this is a skill and an experience that I'll be able to bring with me wherever I end up after graduating," Moreno said. "It's nice to know that I'll have something to bring with me that I can fall back on for making friends and finding a supportive community."
Jimenez said KU Tango has helped her with her studies and branching out while on campus.
"I was trying to find people that were interested in dancing, and I was surprised to find this style being taught and practiced," Jimenez said. "I expected to only find modern dances like hip-hop."
"It's helped to have this to go to when I'm overwhelmed at school and I'm really enjoying meeting, not only other students, but other people from the Lawrence area," Jimenez said. "Tll definitely continue with tango after graduating after this experience."
- Edited by Mackenzie Walker
More information can be found at the club's Facebook page, KU Tango Club. Beginners and experienced dancers are both welcome.
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6TH KU ENERGY CLUB CONFERENCE OLD INDUSTRY NEW TRICKS
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Keynote Presenters Allyn Risley & Kyle Vann Monday, April 11 // 9 am-3 pm // Kansas Union Ballroom
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