Regent’s Park Tango

On Sunday I braved the heat to meet my friend Jane at Regent’s Park. We settled in the shade to eat sandwiches before joining in with Tango Al Fresco. They started with a beginner’s class, which, unlike some classes, was really for beginners. We even practiced moving our feet around the dance floor before we got started. There should be more classes like that! I was also lucky enough to be partnered with one of the instructors, who was kind enough not to point out that I am essentially a lumbering mess on a dance floor. Still, it was a lot of fun, and for the tiny moments when I managed to let my partner lead, I loved it. I definitely need to take more classes and then get out there and tango!

As well as the instructors and beginners, lots of dancers came out to just enjoy the sun and spin around on the dance floor in bright frocks and pretty shoes. There was also a demonstration from a professional tango duo from Argentina who were really spectacular to watch.

After our tango class, we wandered around the park, trying to keep cool with ice cream. We looked at the roses, examined what was on at the open-air theatre, and got up close to an elephant.

On my stroll back to Great Portland Street Station I spotted a familiar face. I’m not sure exactly why he was there, but it was lovely to see. I suspect, of all the presidents, JFK really would have enjoyed a good tango around a dance floor on a summer day.