The Tango and I
In the Beginning
Her name was Encarnación. She was fifteen years old and a dancer in a cabaret in Colombia. She lost her job and had no family to help her except her brother, who was as poor as she was. She was desperate. She was thinking about becoming a prostitute. It appeared to be the only solution. Her brother suggested they enter a national tango dance contest to be held in the city of Manizales, where they lived. If they won there would be enough money to tide her over till he found a work. They practiced day and night, and entered the competition. They won the first prize. She never had to sell her body, and she became Jorge Nel’s mother. He was conceived that very night. And so begins the fascinating story of the life of Jorge Nel Giraldo. Jorge Nel’s father Alonso was eighteen, very handsome and an accomplished dancer. He entered the guaracha dance competition held that same night in the same cabaret. He too, won first prize for his excellent dancing. The producer of the competition had a large table set up with food and drinks for the winners. There were various kinds of wines and liquor. Everyone was excited, in congenial mood, and ready to party. It was then that Encarnación and Alonso discovered each other. He invited her to dance with him. She was giddy with joy after winning the first price and her beautiful face was radiant. Alonso was charmed by her loveliness and they laughed and toasted their success. She was used to drinking, and she had more wine than she should have. She had never been with a man before. She left a strong longing for him. They left the party together, and went to her house. They started to kiss. His embraces left her breathless. He took advantage of her innocence and they made love. She did not see or hear from Alonso after that. He was used to frequenting cabarets, always surrounded by alluring young women. He had many ardent partners to dance with. He came from a very wealthy family and had the reputation of being a generous spender. He liked being with women and he was always looking for a good time. He did not have to attend school or go to work. His mother Mercedes owned more than thirty blocks of real estate properties. She was extremely wealthy and she was excessively indulgent with his only son. 2
