“The key to life is balance,” writes Vladimir Estrin, host of LA’s famous TangoAfficianado.com.

Balance is a harmony between elements, it is “unity in diversity” and it is always a beautiful experience when we are able to observe, express and share this with each other.

We look for balance in colors that we see, in the music that we hear, in the flavors we taste, in the activities that we do, in the places that we visit, and of course in the people with whom we spend time.  This becomes especially important and evident between two people on the dance floor.

Balance is essential in the partnership between man and woman, or leader and follower in the dance.  Mutual feeling of rhythm, support of each other, balance between strength and softness, structure with mobility, movement and stillness - these are all key to the success of a partnership.

Each partner’s balance affects the other.  Each partner has to reach a level of balance within themselves – in their own strength, stability, openness, focus, desire, determination and overall feeling of the dance in order to reach this balance on the next level with each other.

We can see a real life example of this in the partnership between actor Robert Duvall and his partner Luciana Pedraza.  Robert emits a strong, direct, fiery, active type of energy which is balanced by the beautiful stillness, grace and stability of his partner.  She has the freshness of youth, yet deep maturity of character.  He has a boyish aspect in his persona matched by a lifetime of experience in the world.  The two balance each other in the dance and in life.

Here are some interesting facts about the famous actor, his partner Luciana, and their meeting.

> Veteran acto rRobert Duvall born in 1931

> Started his career off-Broadway in NYC, in the 1950’s with veteran actors such as Dustin Hoffman, Jene Hackman and James Caan, has starred in over 80 films.

> “To Kill a Mockingbird” – first important role

> The Godfather I & II – lead roles

> 6 oscar nominations, 1 oscar win for “Apocalypse Now”

> Luciana Pedraza, his 7-year companion approached him on a street, outside of a bakery, in Buenos Aires

> Robert and Luciana born on the same day, January 5th, 4 decades apart

Duvall’s last three marriages ended in divorce. Why? “I don’t know, you don’t connect,” he says. “You withdraw. You don’t connect. You try to make things work. Sometimes, they don’t.”

* Reference for section above: source # 1

"It was on a deserted street on a Saturday when they closed all the businesses down," Duvall says. "The flower shop was closed. Had it been open, I never would have met her. I went down the street to a wonderful little bakery and bought some sweets for a gathering I was going to that night. I had my back to her and she approached me."

Pedraza, who grew up in Northern Argentina, did not know American films at all, and did not recognize the famous actor. Still, the couple soon bonded over their love for music.

Interestingly, Pedraza had never danced or acted before. For her part in Assassination Tango (2003), she trained in every way she could to become a professional tango dancer, as well as a tango teacher, which she plays in the film.

Duvall says that he learned a great deal from simply watching the way the old tango guys walked. "They walk the tango," he says.
"My style tends to be elegant and relaxed. But the main thing is that it's a social dance. You're not out to prove anything. It's simple and you take your time."

Reference for section above: source # 2

Luciana Pedraza (born January 5, 1972) is an Argentine of Italian descent and is currently married to Robert Duvall.

Born in the Argentine Northwest she was the oldest of five girls. After graduating from the University of Buenos Aires with an MBA and minor in English she became the marketing director of W. & Associates. In 1997, while strolling down the street, she approached Duvall to invite him to a party without knowing who he was.  They share the same birthday 41 years apart.

Pedraza wrote and directed the short documentary Portrait of Billy Joe (2004), and had an important role in the 2002 film  Assassination Tango, written, directed and starring Duvall. Even though she grew up in Argentina she was a foreigner, Duvall introduced her to tango.

Reference for section above: source # 3