| Nonverbal communication plays a pivotal role in couples' relationship satisfaction. The initial purpose of this study, to explore somatic nonverbal communication in Argentine tango dancing couples, was expanded when data revealed that dancing Argentine tango has a broader range of influence on couples' quality of relating both on and off the dance floor. Results also yielded possible alternative and creative approaches for helping distressed couples in couples therapy. First, a dance rating questionnaire was created from a qualitative analysis of data gathered from Argentine tango dance instructors and then pilot tested within the dance community. Second, a mixed method study of 24 couples who dance Argentine tango, married, living together, and living separately, was conducted. Couples were video recorded dancing together and then individually administered the dance rating questionnaire, a relationship satisfaction scale, an empathy scale, and interviewed. Most couples agreed about similarities between their relationship on and off the dance floor. Satisfied couples associated connection in the dance with a form of communication, which is related to the coordination dynamics of the complementary pair Follower∼Leader roles traditional in Argentine tango. Couples who switched dance roles experienced less empathy than those who remained in their gendered and sex-specific Follower and Leader roles. Satisfied couples viewed jealousy as an opportunity to explore their relationship more deeply. Couples' well-being can be enhanced dancing Argentine tango through increased pleasure and closeness; meaning making through spiritual and community connections; engagement in a stimulating and challenging activity; and the accomplishment of gaining and improving skills as a dancer. Transpersonal aspects of dancing occurred through connection, the music, and losing oneself in the transportive qualities of the dance. Implications for improving couple's quality of relating are discussed. |
