Student discovers joys of Argentine tango

K'ai Roberts fell in love this summer. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old, but it wasn't until a trip to Hawaii that she learned the art of Argentine tango.\n"I went there to learn the international waltz, and I met someone who told me that they would teach me to tango," Roberts said. "Four hours later, I fell in love with it."\nRoberts, a native of Bloomington, is a veteran of dance. She said she grew up dancing with her sister Julie, and eventually realized how passionate she was about the art. In high school, she discovered partner dancing when she participated in musicals.\nNow, her hobby has developed into a career that has led her back to Bloomington.\nRoberts offers instruction in Argentine tango 8-9 p.m. Wednesdays at The Dance Center, 223 Pete Ellis Drive.\nThe Argentine tango has a rich history. It originated in Argentina and Uruguay in the early 20th century when European immigrants were looking for entertainment, according to www.tangocentral.com. Eventually the style of dance reached the United States and integrated itself into popular culture with professional tango shows such as "Tango Argentino," documentaries and numerous motion pictures, most notably "Scent of a Woman," according to the Web site.\nRoberts offered some advice for anyone interested in the Argentine tango and dance in general.\n"Of course, any time you try something new, it's going to feel awkward," Roberts said. "Even if you're an experienced single dancer, dancing with a partner is completely different."\nLike Roberts, some students are intrigued by dancing with others. It was nonstudent Julie Barnett's reason for signing up.\n"I've always wanted to learn to tango," Barnett said. "I like to dance with a partner."\nBut for Roberts' class, having a partner is not required, and she has more singles than couples enrolled.\nSome said they joined the class because the sheer idea of dancing attracts them.\n"I really like to dance, and I've taken a jazz dance class before," said senior Sarah Lauck. "Dancing is fun."\nRoberts said she encourages people to inquire about various types of dance.\n"The music you listen to is a good indication of what kind of dance you might be interested in."\nThe Argentine tango, as Roberts suggested, has numerous positive effects.\n"It's fun, you get plenty of exercise and it's a good way to meet people. And the Argentine tango is such a beautiful, artistic way to express yourself," Roberts said.\nRoberts said an energetic outlook is essential for succeeding in the tango, and a flare for the dramatic side is also a plus.\n"Your expression is a major part of the tango," Roberts told her class Wednesday. "You need to look deep into your partner's eyes, pause and continue dancing."\n"You can take as long a pause as you want," she advised, "but remember to keep dancing"