BETWEEN WORK AND TANGO - A LIFE BALANCE IN BALI

Life in Bali lately has been a balance of work, creativity, and building small routines that make everyday life feel enjoyable and meaningful. 

Most of my time is currently focused on production work for Tan Living products, especially fabrics and the process of turning ideas into finished pieces. A typical day usually starts with checking samples, reviewing fabric selections, discussing adjustments, and following up with the production team to make sure everything stays on track. There are always small details that need attention — measurements, stitching, colors, textures, or simply how a fabric falls once it becomes a finished product.

A large part of the work is making sure the original design vision stays consistent throughout the entire production process. Sometimes a design looks perfect on paper, but once it becomes a real product, changes are necessary. Certain fabrics behave differently than expected, proportions may need refining, or small construction details have to be adjusted to make everything work properly. It’s a process that requires patience and constant problem-solving, but seeing an idea slowly come together from concept to final product is probably the most rewarding part of the job.

The workdays can get quite busy, especially moving between suppliers, production spaces, meetings, and fabric sourcing. No two days are exactly the same, which keeps things interesting. Despite the pressure that naturally comes with production timelines and deadlines, Bali still brings a slower and calmer atmosphere. Even on stressful days, there’s something about the environment here that makes the process feel more balanced and manageable.

What I appreciate most is how creativity feels naturally connected to daily life in Bali. Inspiration comes easily — through the surroundings, the people, the craftsmanship, and even the slower pace of the island itself. There’s a strong sense of artistry here, and it quietly influences the way I approach both work and everyday routines.

By the evening, I usually switch gears completely and head to tango class.

Tango has become one of my favorite ways to end the day. After spending hours focused on production, coordination, and problem-solving, dancing feels like a complete mental reset. It requires a different kind of concentration. Instead of thinking about fabrics, deadlines, and production schedules, I’m focused on movement, timing, connection, and music.

There’s something enjoyable about stepping into a different world for a few hours — one that has nothing to do with work or responsibilities. Over time, tango has become more than just a hobby; it has become an important part of my routine and something I genuinely look forward to after long days.Feel like dancing tango while you’re in Bali? Visit Made's warung seminyak— they host a Monday night class starting from 7 PM onward and Ely's kitchen seminyak every Saturday night

By the time I get home, I’m usually exhausted, but in a good way. The days feel full without becoming overwhelming. There’s a satisfying balance between productivity and personal time — work during the day, tango at night, and somewhere in between, moments to enjoy the slower lifestyle that Bali naturally brings. 

Lately, life has felt busy yet grounded, and I’m learning to appreciate the simple rhythm of it all.