Trauma to Tango: Dancing through the shadows of unforgiven dreams. - Paperback

by Aydan Dunnigan (Author)

Haunted by ghosts of the recent and distant past, the author abandons his faith, his marriage and his career as a pastor and heads off to the tango salons of Buenos Aires. He is compelled by the irrational hope that immersing himself in this seamy, sensual dance will transform his inner turmoil into something of elegance and beauty and passion. This memoir is a sensitive but frequently light-hearted account of healing from childhood trauma. In alternating attempts to avoid and confront these formative wounds, the author stumbles on and off of divergent life paths, including religious fundamentalism, the parish ministry, a mismatched marriage, New Age Paganism and ultimately Argentine tango. This reflective treatment of the effect of abuse on the developing psyche will be an engaging read for anyone seeking understanding into the courageous and difficult journey of healing.

Author Biography

Aydan received a Master of Theological Studies from Regent College, Vancouver, BC, and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. After a brief but tumultous stint in the Lutheran ministry, Aydan entered social work and now works with adults with disabilities. Along with his wife, Patricia, who maintains a counselling practice, they continue to explore newly evolving therapies for treatment of trauma as well as keep up their dancing skills. Aydan and Patricia Dunnigan keep their heritage home in Edmonton open to the comings and goings of eight adult children and sixteen grandchildren. In addition to tango, they enjoy writing, hiking, skiing, photography, and most other outdoor activities. Aydan's recently publication, "From Trauma to Tango" reviews his life journey of healing from sexual abuse. Aydan recently won a publishers' competition for his submission to an anthology of Spirit in Nature. Contact Aydan by email at aydan.tango@gmail.com or visit on Facebook.