Argentine Tango: what a delicious way to dance into 2007! No, not the rigid, neck snapping dance seen on ball room dance shows, but a close, engrossing dance that takes you away to another world.

Not only is this dance riveting and sensual, but women may benefit by feeling graceful, joyful, free and expressive. Benefits for men include confidence, physical and mental acuity, co-ordination and the pleasure of being a trustworthy lead.

If you question the benefits of tango, consider the following:

A recent publication in USA TODAY, reported a study done by the Society of Neuroscience in Washington. The study showed that dancing tango boosts brainpower that can offset negative symptoms of old age. Seniors aged 68 to 91 demonstrated improved balance, self-esteem, multi-tasking ability and motor coordination.

Seniors who tangoed were compared with others who walked for exercise, and the dancers showed more improvement. Tango uses one’s listening skills, and expands the brain to synchronize with rhythm and melody, and to discover your body and feet interpreting it effortlessly! Tango is a passion that one can begin at any age, and continue to enjoy with more refinement and elegance over the years.

Contrary to many forms of exercise that exacerbate joint pain, tire the back, and are repetitive and non-challenging; Argentine tango is always exciting, challenging and creative. For both men and women, the more you dance, the more freedom emerges in your unique style and an endless choice of musical interpretations becomes available to you.

Years ago, a study was done to show the importance of human touch and health. It was discovered that human beings need an equivalent of eight hugs a day to enhance the immune system and to remain in a satisfactory mental state. Because of the close embrace of tango dancing, a one-hour class would be the equivalent of at least 20 hugs. The biological system has a huge opportunity to leap into a super-healing mode through tango!

Argentine Tango is the rage and is taught in large cities worldwide. It is the hip dance for the young and old. The popularity of tango can be easily seen by the climb of tourism in Argentina. In 2000, 35,000 tourists came to Buenos Aires just to see, learn or shop tango. In 2005, the numbers climbed to 250,000! Just for tango!

There are two Argentine tango teachers in the state of Mississippi, and Natchez is lucky enough to claim one of them, Christina Johnson. Christina has been teaching Tango for years and even has a company, Exotic Tango Vacations that originates right here in our little town.

Her passion for the dance is evident in her teaching. For those of you who have always wanted to give Tango a try but were afraid to, look at Copiah-Lincoln’s Community College’s Special Interest Classes.

She begins teaching tonight. It’s not too late to sign up for the most fun you have had in years.

Judy Wiggins is an English instructor at Co-Lin in Natchez and a student of tango.