The Irony of the Tango Therapy Conference

Below is a letter to a tango friend recounting a six-milonga weekend with CEUs (continuing education units) called, the Tango Longevity and Wellness Conference

Hi Frédérique!  Everyone knows about the healing powers of tango, but you will not believe what I learned at the conference. I learned not to go to all the modules! 

Module One:  Thursday evening. The Science of Sleep for Dancers presentation was mind-blowing with new information about what neurologists and sleep scientists are learning with MRI technologies and clinical controls to observe levels of deep sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.  Unfortunately, the presentation went on until 2 a.m.! We danced after that. The presenters mentioned how the immune system is impaired drastically with less than four hours of sleep.  Ironic.

Module Two:  Friday morning. The title was How to Live to Be 100 by Building a Strong Immune System.  It was enlightening, but due to the talk on sleep deprivation, many slept in and missed Module Two.  Too bad. They would have learned to go to bed early enough to maintain the same sleep schedule.  There was something about the circadian "sleepy" rhythm--I think.  I am not sure. I had brain fog, and now I am fighting a cold now. Ironic.

Module Three:  Friday evening. The Science of Exercise Module had everyone go on a walk with numerous stations to stop and discuss the science of exercise, and especially walking.  Our walk seemed like a half-marathon.  We walked in tango shoes, which you know are not so good for walking.  Bless the poor woman who came in stilettos.  We danced after that anyway, albeit with sore feet and blackened toenails.  Ironic.

Module Four.  Saturday afternoon.  A talk on Optimal Nutrition. I took notes for you from the talks given by famous dietitians and nutrition scientists.  We danced long on Saturday evening.  The dietitians and nutritionists served a delightful meal at midnight at the milonga--albeit, contrary to their teaching.  I really indulged. What was I thinking?  I didn't sleep well.  I know, ironic!

Module Five:   We had a good laugh with a stand-up comedian who presented "The power of temperance in all things of pleasure."  I guess that we were all laughing because we tend to overdo our passion for tango: Not sleeping enough, eating and drinking too late, and dancing until we have damaged feet. He was so funny, and he was only a hobby comedian.  His job in real life is that he is a board-certified podiatrist.  It's strange that he was silent about the subject of our bleeding feet.  Ironic, no?

Module Six:  On the last day of the conference on Longevity and Wellness,  an inspiring speaker presented the last speech on the Power of Friendships for Longevity.  Yet with all the modules, I had little time to talk to any of my friends or new acquaintances.  I wanted to dance so much, and I always resist talking on the dancefloor.  Not much talking during the weekend.  Ironic.

What I learned:  One should apply breakthrough research about longevity via tango therapy.  I bought some books to read some books on sleep, nutrition, foot care and moderation as a philosophy.  But I will never go back.  I can overdo myself more than at any conference by just going to encuentros, festivals, and tango marathons!

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Moral of the story:  Generally people who dance tango are very intelligent, but too often struggle in the area of being wise.  Ironic.

  Irony Alert:  I have written ironical posts in the past,   
  but no matter how obvious the irony, someone doesn't  
 get it.  So now you know. :-)