Work Text:
The piano, violins and cellos played in the background, the beautiful sound of the bandoneón giving the piece depth and soul; and even if the lyrics of the song were not understood by the audience, each word got translated into the movements of the two dancers as they twirled and glided across the stage. They looked dashing in the low lights of the theatre.
The festival-goers watched in awe as the dancers moved around quickly yet precisely, their feet were mesmerizing as they drew circles and practically caressed the other’s legs in their gentle ways. And their legs! They seemed to have a life of their own as they bent them around and in between each other’s in perfect synchronicity, never missing a beat.
Each step was measured, practised over and over again until the routine was nothing short of impeccable. And it showed. It was clear from the way the girl’s forehead rested on the boy’s chin, their eyes trained on the floor and on getting everything right, to the careful manner in which they switched places, their hands finding each other instantly after losing contact. Every transition was just smooth, making it all seem effortless.
The whole scene spoke of intimacy, with their eyes meeting briefly from time to time, their lips just inches away, and yet they separated whenever they got too close, a sly smile adorning their faces as they met in the middle of the stage again, unable to keep away, needing to go back for more.
It was flirty, elegant, breathtaking.
But the best thing about the performance was the final pose when the dancers finally broke character, matching grins on their faces as they hugged and bowed before exiting the stage, proud and happy of what they had accomplished.
