Tango Uncorked #11 - Gayle Gibbons Madeira - ”You can waken the Entrega in the other person, if they’re open to it.”

Gayle sat down for an amazing conversation this week. I learned a lot not only about Gayle but what I believe is a very positive and healthy way to look at the dance. We also discuss her early days in New York City as a modern dancer, her work in finance that helped her have time to continue her growth as a dancer, her work as a painter and an artist, and also her philosophy about what tango means to her. I hope you enjoy her journey.

• 09:11) Gayle shares her journey in modern dance, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and emotional stability in building a successful career in the arts, especially in a demanding city like New York.
• (10:30) Gayle recounts her creative approach to balancing her dance career with work, including learning skills like typing and VBA coding to secure flexible jobs in corporate environments, which allowed her to continue dancing.
• (12:00) Gayle emphasizes the value of striving for greatness in any situation, drawing parallels between navigating high-stress environments and the art of tango dancing.
• (18:14) Gayle discusses her self-published book 'The Apocalypse Alphabet,' a project on climate change that took three years to complete, reflecting her commitment to meaningful and impactful art.
• (21:04) The conversation explores the connection between working with animals and tango dancing, emphasizing the sensitivity required to understand energy and intention in both contexts.
• (25:39) Gayle reflects on the challenges of making a living as an artist in New York, noting the rising cost of living and the trend of artists moving to smaller cities to sustain their creative pursuits.
• (29:03) The discussion highlights the importance of the follower's skill in tango, particularly their control over their axis, which significantly impacts the leader's ability to navigate the dance floor.
• (38:19) Adam and Gayle discuss the cultural differences in tango communities, noting how Argentine women project a strong sense of power and how leaders in Buenos Aires often seek feedback from their partners.
• (47:18) Gayle emphasizes the importance of learning to confront challenges and difficult interactions, framing them as opportunities for personal growth and resilience.
• (49:49) The concept of 'terroir' in tango is introduced, valuing the unique qualities and experiences that each dancer brings to the floor, which enrich the dance community.
• (01:28:15) Adam and Gayle reflect on the joy of observing dancers and how it reveals new interpretations of music, emphasizing the importance of both dancing and socializing in the tango experience.
• (01:30:15) The conversation touches on the unpredictability of dance nights, encouraging dancers to embrace spontaneity and enjoy the social and musical aspects of tango without rigid expectations.
• (01:32:10) Adam and Gayle discuss their efforts to create a map of tango events in New York, inspired by their experiences in Buenos Aires, to help dancers discover new opportunities and foster community engagement.
• (01:34:00) The interview concludes with reflections on the importance of personal growth, responsibility, and inclusivity in the tango community, encouraging listeners to engage and contribute positively.