The deep embrace, which is the norm in Buenos Aires, both seduces and frightens us. We are so thrilled to be held in a close embrace and led strongly around the dance floor in a dance of beauty and passion, that sometimes we confuse the dancer with the dance. It is easy for many of us to fall in love with the dancer. However the sensuous communication and intimacy of the Tango is traditionally over once you leave the floor. Argentines know this, but Americans can be disoriented and befuddled after a sexually-charged dance.
American men are different, unsure of their place in the world and with women.
It's a cultural thing. Perhaps we American women have brought it on ourselves with our race to equality. It's possible that American women don't really want a romantic relationship with a macho man, but many are starving to give up control, at least for the time it takes to dance two or three tangos. On my trip there were a lot of tears shed by my American traveling companions in the Ladies' Rooms of the tango halls. And I admit, even though I knew better, to having a crush on one of the teaching assistants and being disappointed that all he did was dance with me.