Well! I have actually returned to tango.
I decided that part of the process would be to have a private lesson with my teacher, David Backler, from Sidewalk Tango which is where we learn. I wasn’t sure of how strong I was or what my stamina would be like and wanted to test that with a very experienced dancer who would have a good feel for where I was at. I felt I needed to be kept safe.
I was nervous but the lesson went well as we gradually moved from walking to going into the cross. That was a test of my straight back leg which had got a bit timid over the last few months off the floor. It was good to focus on that crispness and also remember to focus the gaze onto my partner’s chest. Interesting that I’d lost a bit of that concentration. We did two twenty minute sessions and it felt really good and encouraging. I enjoyed doing an ocho which flipped around instead of me having to winch myself around.
Encouraged by that, I joined the Intermediate Class on the following Wednesday. That was harder. Not all partners wait for the lady to get on her axis and I’m very sensitive to that at the moment. We did voleos as part of the dance figure and my hip and leg are not quite ready to do a lot of them in succession. I sat out for a few minutes about two thirds through but next time will stop for a break each 15 minutes. The nature of a class is repetition and that’s a bit tiring. However, I was pleased and excited to have managed it.
In the Practica following the class, I had a couple of good dances with friends who were thoughtful and considerate in their lead. That was enjoyable.
We went to the Practica the following Sunday afternoon where I had a pleasant time of dancing a couple of songs and then resting before some more. Partners were thoughtful and steady in their lead.
Generally, I can still feel the stiffness in my thigh muscles and am aware of needing to strengthen up.
I’m starting a clinical Pilates class this week and am looking forward to that very specific strengthening and stretching.
All I take now is a couple of Panadol Osteos before a class to help with the distraction of the thigh tightness.
Sense of Places 
Yay! What a great journey for recovery!
Are you able to dance argentine tango fully now? Pivots too? Or are your movements circumscribed?
Yes, it’s two years now and I am able to almost anything I want. Ochoes/pivots better than they ever were. My leg/hip is so much stronger than it has been for years. I’ve kept up the Pilates and occasional physiotherapy which is increasing my general core strength and stability. The only thing I need to avoid is crossing either leg across the front of my body – bad for female hips generally and especially for hip replacements. Muscles still get tight down the front of the thigh but that’s ok to stretch out.
Thank you so much for your reply! It makes me feel more positive about getting the hip replacement You got the titanium and ceramic combination right? Was there a special position the surgeon had to put it in?