One of the best places to be during the UK Tango Festival Championships is behind those swinging doors. Here the atmosphere is profound. There is excitement, nerves, tension, comradery, anticipation, celebration and all manner of emotions circulating amongst the contestants and teachers.

There are bags and shoes and people getting ready. Couples are warming up, cooling down, fussing with neckties and makeup, discussing technique and planning strategy. Some cling together in groups while others are standing alone with their own emotions and thoughts. Congratulations and commiserations flow freely and truly.

Lasting friendships are formed and solidified here while all the while the sounds of the festival outside provides a muffled and figurative backdrop.

Indeed, behind those swing doors, is the one safe place to breath, and laugh and cry in private, surrounded only by those who could possibly understand what’s inside your head.

The constant activity only ever subsides when the announcement goes out over the loud speaker ‘Couple Number…!’. Hush! Pause… Breath… The doors swing open! It is time to dance.

Magdalena and I really loved the ambience here and we want to share with you some of our favourite photos of this very special place.

Rita
The Folly Crew Pen ‘n Ink