Modern Tango World #7 (Havana & the Caribbean)
Caribbean Special Features Tango in the Crystal Isles Percell St. Thomas & Raymond Lauzzana 03 Tango Cubano Maria Roumpalou 08 Tango on the Costa Caribe Raymond Lauzzana 12 Cruising the Caribe Percell St. Thomass 14 Guide to Tango in the Caribbean 18 Cuba’s Special Painter Pedro Álvarez Castelló 24 Interview with Martin Delgado Marco Buso 28 Top Ten Ways to Get Asked to Dance Karen Kaye 32 100 Years of Recorded Tango Raymond Lauzzana 34 New Tango Music Arndt Büssing 38 Tango Moves: Promenades (Paseos) Raymond Lauzzana 42 Letters to the Editor 46
Caribbean Special Features
Tango in the Crystal Isles Percell St. Thomas & Raymond Lauzzana 03
Tango Cubano Maria Roumpalou 08
Tango on the Costa Caribe Raymond Lauzzana 12
Cruising the Caribe Percell St. Thomass 14
Guide to Tango in the Caribbean 18
Cuba’s Special Painter Pedro Álvarez Castelló 24
Interview with Martin Delgado Marco Buso 28
Top Ten Ways to Get Asked to Dance Karen Kaye 32
100 Years of Recorded Tango Raymond Lauzzana 34
New Tango Music Arndt Büssing 38
Tango Moves: Promenades (Paseos) Raymond Lauzzana 42
Letters to the Editor 46
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
— 1 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 2 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> <strong>World</strong>: Autumn, 2015 — Neolonga Syndicate, Via Maestra Riva 124, Riva da Pinerola, Italy<br />
Table of Contents<br />
<strong>Caribbean</strong> Special Features<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Crystal Isles Percell St. Thomas & Raymond Lauzzana ...... 03<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Cubano Maria Roumpalou .................................................................. 08<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Costa Caribe Raymond Lauzzana ...................................... 12<br />
Cruising <strong>the</strong> Caribe Percell St. Thomass..................................................... 14<br />
Guide to <strong>Tango</strong> in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong> ............................................................ 18<br />
We are always looking for tango<br />
news and stories from around <strong>the</strong><br />
international tango community. If<br />
you would like to join us, send us<br />
your stories and news from your<br />
tango group.<br />
We welcome your participation in<br />
this exciting adventure.<br />
<strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />
<strong>Caribbean</strong> Special Edition Editor<br />
Percell St. Thomass<br />
Cuba’s Special Painter Pedro Álvarez Castelló ................................... 24<br />
Interview with Martin Delgado Marco Buso ..................................... 28<br />
Top Ten Ways to Get Asked to Dance Karen Kaye................................. 32<br />
100 Years of Recorded <strong>Tango</strong> Raymond Lauzzana ............................34<br />
New <strong>Tango</strong> Music Arndt Büssing ............................................................... 38<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Moves: Promenades (Paseos) Raymond Lauzzana ................ 42<br />
Letters to <strong>the</strong> Editor ....................................................................................... 46<br />
— 3 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> <strong>World</strong><br />
Publisher & Evangelist Raymond Lauzzana<br />
Designer-in-Chief Fré Ilgen<br />
Special Edition Editor<br />
<strong>Caribbean</strong> Percell St. Thomass<br />
Psychology, Spirituality & Health Christa Eichelbauer<br />
Book Reviews Rena Poling<br />
Motion Picture Reviews Alexandru Eugen Cristea<br />
Music Reviews Arndt Büssing<br />
English Language Editor Irena Levicar<br />
German Language Editor Annmarie Deser<br />
Spanish Language Editor Joel de la O<br />
CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS<br />
Venice Marco Buso<br />
Buenos Aires Martin Delgado<br />
Correspondents<br />
A<strong>the</strong>ns Thanos Kasidis<br />
Austin Tom Kamrath<br />
Barcelona Jordi Bruña Buges<br />
Berlin Violet Starr<br />
<strong>Caribbean</strong> Percell St. Thomass<br />
Cleveland Ted Howard<br />
Dubai Oliver Krstic<br />
Geneva Jean-Marc Vandel<br />
<strong>Havana</strong> Maria Roumpalou<br />
Istanbul Duygu Çiloglu<br />
Kobe Yutaka Katayama<br />
København Ralph Fehderau<br />
Mainz Annmarie Deser<br />
Mexico Mauricio Salvador<br />
Milan Giacoma Giaquinta<br />
Montreal Jean-Sébastien Viard<br />
New York Barbie Griser<br />
Réunion Sébastien Séry<br />
Rome Elio Astor<br />
Rosario Martin Delgado<br />
Saigon Phuong (Alice) Nguyen Thi Tha<br />
Taipei Sunny Wang<br />
Winnipeg Kathleen Donnelley<br />
Zagreb Quinn Saab<br />
WebMaster Raymond Lauzzana<br />
`<br />
EDITORIAL CALENDAR<br />
Rome Edition<br />
SPRING, 2017<br />
Istanbul Edition<br />
SUMMER, 2017<br />
Taiwan Edition<br />
AUTUMN, 2017<br />
Scandinavia Edition<br />
WINTER, 2018<br />
PRICES<br />
COVER PRICE<br />
EU ............................... €15. 00<br />
Elsewhere ................... $17. 00<br />
ONLINE subscription (one year)<br />
EU ............................... €18. 00<br />
Elsewhere ................... $20. 00<br />
PRINT Single Issue (mailed)<br />
EU ............................... €13. 00<br />
Elsewhere .................... $15. 50<br />
Single Issue Shipping & Handling<br />
EU ................................. €9. 00<br />
Elsewhere .................... $13. 00<br />
PRINT Subscription (4 issues)<br />
EU ............................... €45. 00<br />
Elsewhere .................... $50. 00<br />
Subscription Shipping & Handling<br />
EU ............................... €35. 00<br />
Elsewhere .................... $50. 00<br />
Subscribe Now<br />
We need your support to make this happen<br />
Contact Us —<br />
email: editors@moderntangoworld.com<br />
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderntangoworld<br />
— 4 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Tango</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Crystal Isles<br />
Percell St. Thomas & Raymond Lauzzana<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> has been alive for many years in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>, although not always well. The islands have ra<strong>the</strong>r small<br />
populations. You can find enthusiastic tangueras and milongueros if you look for <strong>the</strong>m. <strong>Tango</strong>, though enjoying<br />
an ever-growing audience of enthusiasts and aficionados, is still very sparsely situated throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>.<br />
Small and isolated groups such as <strong>the</strong> Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Marathon, <strong>Tango</strong> Milonga in Santo Domingo,<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> en Cancun, <strong>Tango</strong> St Lucia, and Club de <strong>Tango</strong> Flores in Trinidad, are doing what <strong>the</strong>y can to help foster <strong>the</strong><br />
dance. Visiting artists help as well. Winter and Spring bring notable dancers, such as Emilie & Pablo Tegli,<br />
Martinique and Ricardo Luis Gallo & Carla Maria, Dominican Republic. As long as <strong>the</strong>re are dancers ready<br />
to dance and cruise ships ready to sail, <strong>the</strong> tango will grow, live, and prosper in this Crystal Paradise.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> islands of Aruba and Curacao can be found a<br />
group lnown as <strong>Tango</strong> in Paradise founded by Mady &<br />
Rafael Oliana. You can hear tango emerging from <strong>the</strong><br />
trees, <strong>the</strong> breezes, <strong>the</strong> sun, and <strong>the</strong> beaches of <strong>the</strong>se two<br />
beautiful, <strong>Caribbean</strong> islands. This is a small but growing<br />
group of tango enthusiasts who are dedicated to cultivating<br />
<strong>the</strong> dance here.<br />
This group of tango dancers are intent on spreading <strong>the</strong><br />
art of <strong>the</strong> porteños of Buenos Aires throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>.<br />
With regular weekly classes, milongas and outdoor<br />
artistic events, <strong>the</strong> tango is building a presence here.<br />
They continue to bring reality to <strong>the</strong> dream of dancing<br />
<strong>the</strong> tango in <strong>the</strong> idyllic <strong>Caribbean</strong> islands, <strong>Tango</strong> in Paradise<br />
includes evenings of tango with orchesta tipicas from<br />
Argentina, a presentation of <strong>the</strong> International Argentine<br />
filmmaker Daniel Mitre, and a performances by <strong>the</strong> prestigious<br />
choreographer and expert tanguera, Susana Red.<br />
Each night ends with enjoyable, traditional milongas. In <strong>the</strong><br />
Fall, <strong>the</strong>y hold <strong>the</strong> Petit <strong>Tango</strong> Different Festival. Mady and<br />
Rafa headline <strong>the</strong> event. Their hope is to continue promoting<br />
and spreading tango on <strong>the</strong> islands.<br />
The Bahamas are not quite in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>. They are in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Atlantic, north of Cuba, east of Florida. But, <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
small native tango community <strong>the</strong>re. They hold milongas<br />
with free classes on Friday nights through <strong>the</strong> Summer<br />
at Sunny Side Restaurant in Nassau.<br />
In Barbados. an island off to <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>ast corner of<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Argentine <strong>Tango</strong> Dancers of Barbados<br />
are a group of tango enthusiasts residing in Barbados<br />
The group includes Maj-Britt Waagenes, Randy<br />
Payne, Rosemarie Layne and Lalu Hanuman. They<br />
meet irregularly at <strong>the</strong> BooGaLoo Recreation Studio<br />
in Bridgetown.<br />
Cuba is home to Casa del <strong>Tango</strong>, a popular tango venue<br />
in <strong>Havana</strong>. Owners Wilki and Adelaida have turned<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir home into one of <strong>the</strong> more distinctive and eccentric<br />
venues in <strong>Havana</strong>, offering dance classes in tango,<br />
along with a floor show and dancing. The main room is<br />
a shrine to <strong>the</strong> dance, packed with old posters, sheet<br />
music and o<strong>the</strong>r memorabilia.<br />
Everyone agrees that tango arrived in <strong>Havana</strong> in 1920<br />
when Argentinean tenor José Muñoz, member of an<br />
opera and zarzuela company, sang three tangos to save<br />
<strong>the</strong> day when <strong>the</strong> show seemed doomed to failure.<br />
Perhaps because it was influenced by <strong>the</strong> Cuban habanera,<br />
tango has been a favorite in <strong>the</strong> island, reinforced<br />
by old movies still shown on TV of famous Argentine<br />
movie stars and singers Carlos Gardel and Libertad<br />
Lamarque, radio shows dedicated to this genre.The<br />
perseverance of Cuban musicians and singers, including<br />
Berta Pernas, Santiago Marrero, pianist Rey Díaz<br />
Calvet and young trovadora Liuba María Hevia.<br />
— 5 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
In Grenada, <strong>Tango</strong> Grenada<br />
holds regular latin dancing classes<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Dodgy Dock bar and<br />
restaurant, Classes include salsa,<br />
bachata and tango at <strong>the</strong> True<br />
Blue Bay Resort. Thursday is<br />
tango night.<br />
The Casa del <strong>Tango</strong>, which developed spontaneously and<br />
has no link to any Cuban state institution, has for decades<br />
preserved recordings, posters, documents, photographs,<br />
sheet music, and o<strong>the</strong>r memorabilia, all related to<br />
this music genre. Every Monday evening, from 5 to<br />
7 pm, tango devotees attired in scarves and fedora<br />
hats in pure Buenos Aires style of <strong>the</strong> 1940s, defy<br />
<strong>the</strong> torrid Cuban climate to attend this legendary<br />
music venue.<br />
Jamaica is <strong>the</strong> home of raggae<br />
and reggaeton. It is also home of<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Jamaica .Currently, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are no tango instructors living in<br />
Jamaica. But, on occasion, some<br />
instructors do visit. Cruise ships<br />
make port in Ocho Rios, bringing<br />
with <strong>the</strong>m tangueros and<br />
instructors. When that happens,<br />
this small tango community organizes milongas and<br />
classes with <strong>the</strong>ir visitors. These events are often<br />
held at <strong>the</strong> New Kingston Conference Center.<br />
In Curaçao, Gilles Vicrobeck & Rafael Oliana hold<br />
bi-weekly open air milongas on Sundays in <strong>the</strong> Brionplein<br />
Otrabanda in Willemstad. Also in Curaçao,<br />
Mundo Bizarro Restaurant in Willemstad hosts irregularly<br />
scheduled milongas called <strong>Tango</strong> Bizarro.<br />
The Teatro Luna Blou is a venue that hosts tango<br />
performances. TuTu <strong>Tango</strong> is a bar restaurant that<br />
hosts latin music dancing, mostly salsa, but one=ce<br />
in a while tango. The Curuçao tango community<br />
may be small. But, it is dedicated and growing.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic,<br />
Milkeya Melo hosts an irregularly scheduled Monday<br />
evening milonga. She is <strong>the</strong> only tango teacher<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir small community, and do not have regular<br />
milongas. But, <strong>the</strong>y do hold practicas after <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
dance sessions. The classes and practice is every<br />
Thursday at <strong>the</strong> Syrian-Lebanese-Palestinian Club<br />
from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in Santo Domingo. They<br />
are a tango community of about thirty persons.<br />
Milongas are held every two or three months.<br />
They also organize special milongas when a maestro<br />
or maestra comes to visit.<br />
— 6 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
In Martinique, <strong>the</strong> Vaya con <strong>Tango</strong> Exole de Dance in<br />
Saint-Pierre offers tango dance classes with José Désiré-<br />
Faula. He has trained with Argentine maestros Hernan<br />
Villegas, Gaston Torelli, Raul Bravo and Olga Uralde, as<br />
wellas <strong>the</strong> French masters Gerome Lefevre and Dominique<br />
Lescarret. He is convinced that <strong>the</strong> tango will lose<br />
its richness if it is limited to a single style,. He teaches<br />
three main styles — traditional tango, tango salon and<br />
tango nuevo. <strong>Tango</strong> soirée are sometimes held at <strong>the</strong><br />
Ô <strong>Tango</strong> Bar in Saint-Pierre, Martinique. They are organized<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Association <strong>Tango</strong>Felino which holds practicas<br />
in Fort de France on Thursdays. Their school has<br />
a full range of classes, and is located in Le Lamentin. In<br />
January, <strong>the</strong>y hold a festival called Madin’ <strong>Tango</strong>.<br />
In Puerto Rico, Rut Riv organizes a regular Wednesday<br />
milonga, called Milonga Realenga. It is held on <strong>the</strong> Condado<br />
at El Barril Bar. Rut also organized <strong>the</strong> October<br />
Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Festival for five years. However, <strong>the</strong><br />
2015 festival was <strong>the</strong> last. There may be ano<strong>the</strong>r someday.<br />
But, none is planned now.<br />
In October, <strong>the</strong>y host <strong>the</strong> Puerto Rican <strong>Tango</strong> Festival. It<br />
began in 2010, when Juan Rosa and Rut Riv traveled to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Istanbul <strong>Tango</strong> Festival, while Carlos Riverea Burgos<br />
and his wife traveled to Miami <strong>Tango</strong> Festival. They<br />
all wanted to do something similar in Puerto Rico. Then,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y met Emily Ortiz who was teaching workshops in<br />
Puerto Rico at that time. She was thinking <strong>the</strong> same<br />
thing. They started dreaming about <strong>the</strong> possibility to do<br />
it; and in 2011, <strong>the</strong>y did!<br />
When <strong>the</strong>y started <strong>the</strong> festival, hey were focused about<br />
<strong>the</strong> Puerto Rico tango community. The goal was to recreate<br />
<strong>the</strong> experience for <strong>the</strong> local community of what<br />
<strong>the</strong>y had experienced at o<strong>the</strong>r tango festivals. They<br />
wanted to inspire <strong>the</strong> community. They wanted to give<br />
<strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> feeling of being transported to ano<strong>the</strong>r place<br />
without leaving <strong>the</strong> island. At <strong>the</strong> same time, <strong>the</strong>y wanted<br />
to let <strong>the</strong> world know that on this little island <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is a group of committed tangueros.<br />
The festival has contributed a lot to put Puerto Rico in<br />
<strong>the</strong> tango map. Throughout all <strong>the</strong> years, <strong>the</strong>y have received<br />
plenty of emails asking <strong>the</strong>m about tango in Puerto<br />
Rico. Most people are surprised to find how vibrant<br />
<strong>the</strong> tango community here is, The festival has done a lot<br />
to maintain that sense of community.<br />
Puerto Rico are part of <strong>the</strong> USA. But it is also a <strong>Caribbean</strong><br />
island. US citisens can travel to <strong>the</strong> island without<br />
a passport. When people get to <strong>the</strong> festival, <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
expand <strong>the</strong>ir horizons, have a cultural infusion. experiencing<br />
<strong>the</strong> Puerto Rican culture, music and food. This is not<br />
your usual tango festival. The Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Festival<br />
mixes tango and culture in a friendly atmosphere.<br />
All of <strong>the</strong> venues are historical places, like old barracks<br />
and castles in <strong>the</strong> magical city of Old San Juan. There are<br />
free salsa workshops for <strong>the</strong> participants and a beach<br />
milonga. They dance in magical venues, filled with history.<br />
San Juan is a beautiful setting - <strong>the</strong> sun, <strong>the</strong> ocean, <strong>the</strong><br />
antique and <strong>the</strong> new....<br />
— 7 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Participants in <strong>the</strong> festival includes tangueros from Canada,<br />
Switzerland, United States, Spain, Martinique, Tortola,<br />
Aruba and Dominican Republic among o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
The majority of <strong>the</strong> milongas will be at <strong>the</strong> Hotel Condado<br />
Plaza, located right by <strong>the</strong> beach and only 5 minutes<br />
away from Old San Juan. There are daily milongas<br />
by <strong>the</strong> beach and by <strong>the</strong> pool., with live music from<br />
<strong>the</strong> famous bands, like Otros Aires and over five international<br />
DJs. People get to dance both alternative<br />
and traditional tango in a relaxed environment in <strong>the</strong><br />
beautiful place.<br />
In February, <strong>the</strong> Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Marathon holds daily<br />
milongas on <strong>the</strong> beautiful San Juan Isla Verde beach. This<br />
great event is known for its laid-back and easy-going island<br />
feeling, warm receptions, and entertaining activities.<br />
It is promoted as a relaxing <strong>Caribbean</strong> vacation where<br />
dancers from all over North America and Europe meet.<br />
But, <strong>the</strong> atmosphere is one of serious dancing and sharing<br />
passions for tango.<br />
The Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Marathon is five days of wondrous<br />
opportunities for tango aficionados to watch o<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />
learn new moves and improve old ones, and to simply<br />
dance, all day and all night. Tia Maria Helfeld is <strong>the</strong><br />
organizer of this event. She organizes local milongas and<br />
practicas, teaches at Y Entonces dance school, passing<br />
on her enthusiasm to build a more active tango community.<br />
Three years ago, she started organizing Puerto Rico<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Marathon because she wanted all of <strong>the</strong> wonderful<br />
dancers and friends to come visit Puerto Rico.<br />
She wanted to share with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> magic of dancing on<br />
<strong>the</strong> beaches of this beautiful Island. She also wanted to give<br />
<strong>the</strong> Puerto Rican community <strong>the</strong> possibility of experiencing<br />
a tango marathon, and to have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to connect,<br />
to share abrazos, tandas with dancers from around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world, making lots of new friends and to reunite with<br />
old ones in an awesome party. Afternoon beach milongas,<br />
followed by all-night indoor milongas. The wea<strong>the</strong>r is usually<br />
absolutely beautiful, and <strong>the</strong> tango energy is spectacular every<br />
day. There are yoga classes in <strong>the</strong> morning followed by<br />
a delicious brunch, with dance performances. The weekend,<br />
ends with a sail on an epic after-party boat trip!<br />
For a short while in 2015, Luis Pena and Christin Neisler<br />
taught tango at <strong>the</strong> Harmony Suites Resort in Gros<br />
Islet, Saint Lucia. They left behind an enthusiastic group<br />
of dancers looking for instructors. Saint Lucia lies between<br />
Martinique, Barbados and Saint Vincent.<br />
Throughout <strong>the</strong>se crystal islands, tango has lived for<br />
many years. It has a rich history of mixing with those<br />
special <strong>Caribbean</strong> rhythms.<br />
— 8 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 9 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Tango</strong> Cubano<br />
Maria Roumpalou<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> is not widespread in Cuba. But it is still alive! It is mainly found in <strong>Havana</strong> and in Santiango de<br />
Cuba. On this <strong>Caribbean</strong> island where music and dance have always been a creative expression of <strong>the</strong><br />
heart and soul of its people and <strong>the</strong>ir culture, whe<strong>the</strong>r happy or tortured. It was back to <strong>the</strong> early decades<br />
of <strong>the</strong> twentieth century that <strong>the</strong> beautiful and fascinating music of tango reached <strong>Havana</strong> from<br />
Buenos Aires and gained significant popular acceptance. The peak of its popularity was in <strong>the</strong> 1940s.<br />
The remarkable and sustained growth of <strong>the</strong> tango culture in this socialist island has a lot to do with<br />
<strong>the</strong> steady stream of Argentine artists and extensive tours to this <strong>Caribbean</strong> country.<br />
However, it needs to be stated, that, although enjoying<br />
popularity around <strong>the</strong> world, <strong>Tango</strong> has Cuban roots!<br />
The <strong>Tango</strong> was derived from <strong>the</strong> traditional Cuban<br />
dance called <strong>the</strong> Habanera and even though many<br />
people associate <strong>the</strong> tango with Argentina, many Cubans<br />
claim it to be <strong>the</strong>irs.<br />
Habanera rhythm and a couple of closely related variations<br />
are <strong>the</strong> quintessential tango syncopations. The<br />
habanera rhythm is central in tango music. In some<br />
version, it is used to create <strong>the</strong> pulse of <strong>the</strong> music, or<br />
as syncopated rhythmic accents in <strong>the</strong> accompaniment<br />
or melody. It can be found in all tango forms, tango,<br />
milonga and vals.<br />
In Argentina, candombe, canyengue, milonga still exhibit<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir black roots — up-beat, lively and joyous. The tango<br />
took a turn about a century ago and became whitewashed.<br />
The more staid and less life-positive tango survived.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> warmer island atmosphere where tango<br />
was introduced at <strong>the</strong> 20s, it eventually fizzled out, while<br />
<strong>the</strong> habanera rhythms lived on.<br />
After 1959, a few artists still performed in scenarios on<br />
<strong>the</strong> island or on <strong>the</strong> radio or in <strong>the</strong>atres, among <strong>the</strong>m<br />
were Maizani Azucena, Tita Merello, Alberto Castillo,<br />
Hugo del Arril, Libertad Lamarque, Rosita Quiroga,<br />
Eladia Blazquez, Susana Rinaldi, Enrique Santos Discepolo,<br />
Astor Piazzolla, Angel Vargas, Osvaldo Pugliese,<br />
Horacio Ferrer and o<strong>the</strong>rs/ They incorporated<br />
nott only Cuban rhythms,<br />
as well as o<strong>the</strong>r foreign genres that<br />
had more acceptance and sympathy<br />
than <strong>the</strong> tango.<br />
During its peak, many Argentine musicians<br />
settled in <strong>Havana</strong> and spread <strong>the</strong><br />
tango trend, promoting <strong>the</strong> formation<br />
of many groups — Conjunto Rio de<br />
la Plata, Los Romanticos Gauchos,<br />
Orquesta del Rey Diaz Calvet, Trio<br />
Landa-Llerena-Tabranes, Duo Los<br />
Camperos and <strong>the</strong> orchestras of several<br />
radio stations — Mil Diez, Radio<br />
<strong>Havana</strong> Cuba Cadena Azul.<br />
— 10 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Without a doubt, <strong>the</strong> participation of <strong>the</strong> media immensely<br />
contributed to tango’s popularity. Cinema and<br />
radio were <strong>the</strong> greatest drivers of <strong>the</strong> tango activity<br />
in Cuba. The almost mythical Argentine cinema of <strong>the</strong><br />
40s and 50s, with its sumptuous décor, and splendid<br />
blond artists like Zully Moreno moved to admiration<br />
and imitation. A musical films proliferated in <strong>the</strong> small<br />
cinemas of <strong>the</strong> barrios of <strong>Havana</strong>. The films of Carlos<br />
Gardel, , Hugo del Carril, Luis Sandrini and many o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
were financial successes.<br />
However, currently tango has no regular schedule of<br />
lessons and no music playing most of <strong>the</strong> times. It seems<br />
that lessons and performances depend on tailor-made<br />
tourist demand.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r place where <strong>the</strong> tango reigned was <strong>the</strong> Neotango<br />
Pena Tanguera with its familiar atmosphere. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> 80s had mushroomed into one of <strong>the</strong> most popular<br />
clus in Cuba. However, tango remained unusual<br />
in Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Santa Clara and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
more traditional parts of <strong>the</strong> island. In March 1984,<br />
Casa de las Americas organized <strong>the</strong> Festival Ayer y<br />
Hoy del <strong>Tango</strong>, <strong>the</strong> biggest event dedicated to tango<br />
on a worldwide scale. Some of <strong>the</strong> biggest Argentine<br />
names ga<strong>the</strong>red and performed in <strong>Havana</strong>. Citing a few<br />
of <strong>the</strong> performers, gives an idea of <strong>the</strong> significance of<br />
<strong>the</strong> show: Osvaldo Pugliese and his orchestra, Eladia<br />
Blazquez and her musical group, Nelly Vazquez, Sebastian<br />
Piana and his musical group, and o<strong>the</strong>r.s<br />
The Cuban branch of <strong>the</strong> Academy of <strong>Tango</strong> Argentina<br />
was inaugurated in December 1994, in <strong>the</strong> presence<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Argentine maestro Horacio Ferrer and Dr.<br />
Bernabe Ordaz, director of <strong>the</strong> Psychiatric Hospital<br />
and tango lover. They invited a group of musicians to<br />
<strong>the</strong> opening of <strong>the</strong> Cuban subsidiary, including Astor<br />
Piazzolla who premiered his Freudian suite.<br />
In recent years, <strong>the</strong>re are many tango-<strong>the</strong>med events<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Centro Cultural Rosalia de Castro, National<br />
Theatre, Theatre Lazaro Pena, Sociedad Cultural<br />
Rosalia de Castro, Museo de la Musica, Asociation<br />
National Promotora del <strong>Tango</strong>, Theatre America, Caseron<br />
del <strong>Tango</strong>, Ballet de la Television Cubana and<br />
Teatro Mella.<br />
The Casa del <strong>Tango</strong> in <strong>Havana</strong> is ano<strong>the</strong>r important<br />
institution and legendary tango venue. It preserved<br />
thousands of treasures and memorabilia from almost<br />
of a hundred years of tango history in <strong>the</strong> city. They<br />
promise to hold weekly performances on Monday<br />
night, tango dance classes with a practica afterwards.<br />
They share <strong>the</strong> space with salsa and rumba.<br />
In <strong>Havana</strong> Vieja, Old <strong>Havana</strong>, just off <strong>the</strong> Plaza de Armas,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Caseron del <strong>Tango</strong> is a welcoming place to<br />
enjoy shows, take dance classes, meet people and relax.<br />
It has tango mlongas, featuring amateur performances<br />
aiming for cultural promotions on Wednesday, Friday,<br />
Saturday and Sunday featuring tango all-stars Emilio Alvarez,<br />
Katy Angel and Jorge del Cambo. There are also<br />
afternoon tango classes on Thursday and Saturday.<br />
In Centro Habana and Cerro, <strong>the</strong>re is ano<strong>the</strong>r Caseron<br />
del <strong>Tango</strong> with a live tango music. It is a cultural centre<br />
dedicated to tango music and dance, hosts tango<br />
mlongas on Monday. It is home to a mass collection of<br />
tango records, tapes, trophies and o<strong>the</strong>r memorabilia.<br />
Also in <strong>the</strong> Centro, Union Arabe de Cuba hosts occasional<br />
milongas.<br />
— 11 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
La Academia del <strong>Tango</strong> of Agustin Garcia offers well<br />
organised, regular tango classes, practicas, milongas and,<br />
whenever possible, hosts professional dancers and instructors<br />
from Buenos Aires who are visiting for performing<br />
and teaching. There are several o<strong>the</strong>r smaller<br />
organizations that hold regylat milongas.<br />
The Milonguita is organized by Emma Barreras with <strong>the</strong><br />
support of <strong>the</strong> embassy of <strong>the</strong> Republic of Argentina<br />
in Cuba. It holds a milonga on <strong>the</strong> first and third Friday<br />
of each month in <strong>the</strong> Jerusalem Room of <strong>the</strong> La Union<br />
Arabe on <strong>the</strong> Paseo del Prado in Old <strong>Havana</strong>, near <strong>the</strong><br />
Hotel Sevilla. There is an hour of free class, before <strong>the</strong><br />
milonga.. During <strong>the</strong> evening, it is customary to take a<br />
pause and enjoy a guest singer or a tango performance.<br />
Milonga La Annunciata, organized by Saul Seijo and Olivia<br />
San Roman. With <strong>the</strong> support of <strong>the</strong> Jesuit Fa<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />
it is held on <strong>the</strong> first Saturday of each month at <strong>the</strong> Pedro<br />
Arrupe Theater of <strong>the</strong> parish of <strong>the</strong> Corazon de<br />
Jesus y San Ignacio de Loyola. The Theater is located<br />
at <strong>the</strong> bottom of <strong>the</strong> La Inglesia de Reina, with an entrance<br />
on La Annuncita.<br />
Milonga La Racha is organized by Leo D’Lazaro, an important<br />
plastic artist in Cuba. The milonga takes place<br />
once a month, <strong>the</strong> fourth Saturday, in El Ojo de Ciclon,<br />
his own gallery-studio located in Old <strong>Havana</strong><br />
It is <strong>the</strong> only milonga that can be extended until <strong>the</strong><br />
very early morning hours but <strong>the</strong> space is small. El Ojo<br />
de Ciclon is very most important. It is <strong>the</strong> glue that<br />
holds tango in <strong>Havana</strong> because it is always at <strong>the</strong> disposal<br />
of <strong>the</strong> milongueros. <strong>Tango</strong> classes are taught here<br />
three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.<br />
When speaking about tango in <strong>Havana</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re is worth<br />
mentioning La Compagnia Neotango, a professional<br />
group organized in February 2007. It is composed of<br />
eight dancers and one singer and claims to be <strong>the</strong> oldest<br />
tango group in <strong>the</strong> city. The company is under <strong>the</strong><br />
general direction of professor Rosa Elena Alvarez Fernandez,<br />
<strong>the</strong> artistic direction of her daughter Carolina<br />
Balmaseda and <strong>the</strong>atrical advice of her husband, <strong>the</strong><br />
renowned actor Mario Balmaseda.<br />
It is mainly a group<br />
formed by well-trained young<br />
Cuban dancers and teachers.<br />
They are mostly performers<br />
but <strong>the</strong>y could provide private,<br />
tailor-made t Plaza de<br />
Armas utoring.<br />
While <strong>the</strong>y maintain <strong>the</strong> tango<br />
tradition and defend gaucho<br />
dance presence in Cuba,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y also try to modernize it<br />
through merger with various<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r types of dance, such as:<br />
habanera, son, bolero, popular<br />
Cuban rhythms, jazz, flamenco,<br />
classical ballet, contemporary<br />
dance as well as <strong>the</strong>atre, with<br />
tango rhythm as predominant<br />
in song and dance. In 2014 <strong>the</strong>y<br />
staged <strong>the</strong>ir more recent presentation<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Mella Theatre.<br />
In December 2008, La Compagnia Neotango was invited<br />
to participate in <strong>the</strong> Cambalache Festival, one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> most important in Buenos Aires, where <strong>the</strong>y<br />
presented <strong>the</strong> performance Life is a Dream. The following<br />
year <strong>the</strong>y produced <strong>the</strong>ir Barrio <strong>Tango</strong> Show, <strong>the</strong><br />
first of its kind in <strong>the</strong> Cuban <strong>the</strong>atre. Since <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
have been o<strong>the</strong>rs like Tanguendo, Miradas, Todo <strong>Tango</strong><br />
that have followed in <strong>the</strong>ir path. Their milongas are<br />
held in <strong>the</strong> Paseo del Prado every Sunday. They meet<br />
in <strong>the</strong> park to dance tango, and local people and, foreign<br />
visitors often go by and start dancing!<br />
— 12 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Outside <strong>Havana</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Festival del <strong>Tango</strong> de Gibara, Holguin\<br />
is <strong>the</strong> most important international tango event<br />
in Cuba. Under <strong>the</strong> presidency of Elisa Hernandez, it<br />
has attracted a wide range of Argentine tango dancers<br />
as well as local performers. During <strong>the</strong> festival, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are tango classes available from both Argentine teachers<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir hosts, practicas, demonstrations, tango<strong>the</strong>med<br />
performances.<br />
Santiago de Cuba, <strong>the</strong> second city of Cuba is <strong>the</strong> undisputed<br />
home of traditional Cuban music and dance,<br />
Circulo Amigos del <strong>Tango</strong> Argentino Ledesma is <strong>the</strong><br />
oldest and most well established tango club in <strong>the</strong> city<br />
with regular classes, practicas and seminaries. Founded<br />
in 1984 by Don Hugo Sagredo Jimanez, it aims to develop<br />
among its members practice, promotion and dissemination<br />
of <strong>the</strong> tango music and dance. Classes are<br />
held every Friday.<br />
Cuba offers many opportunities to practice and dance,<br />
from <strong>the</strong> El Ojo de Ciclon galeria of Leo D’Lazaro to Del<br />
Prado on Sundays, in front of La Union Arabe. If it rains,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is always <strong>the</strong> Academia del <strong>Tango</strong> on Calle Agustin<br />
Garcia. On Fridays, Pedacito de Cielo hosts evening practicas<br />
and milongas at <strong>the</strong> Academia del <strong>Tango</strong> Agustin Garcia.<br />
Gion Santana has begun a relatively new milonga called<br />
Ensueno that is also held <strong>the</strong>re. So, dancers have a choice.<br />
Cuba is, without question, <strong>the</strong> leading <strong>Caribbean</strong> island<br />
for <strong>the</strong> teaching and preservation of <strong>the</strong> tango. Here is<br />
where it all began for <strong>the</strong> peoples of <strong>the</strong> Crystal Isles.<br />
The Cubans are very proud of <strong>the</strong>ir musically inspired<br />
heritage, as can be noted by <strong>the</strong>ir deep immersion into<br />
many o<strong>the</strong>r world famous Cuban music and dance<br />
genres, such as danzón, rumba, and cha cha cha. With<br />
<strong>the</strong> reopening of travel opportunities for Americans,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y will able to share <strong>the</strong>ir love of music and dance.<br />
— 13 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Tango</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Costa Caribe<br />
Raymond Lauzzana<br />
The <strong>Caribbean</strong> coast stretches from <strong>the</strong> Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, around Central America and<br />
across <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn coast of Venezuela. It contains a diverse population and some very dedicated tango<br />
communities. There are festivals, regular milongas and port-of-call for tango cruises.<br />
The <strong>Tango</strong> Maya Festival is held every year in Cancún,<br />
Mexico. It is organized by Alejandra Orozco and Luciano<br />
Brigante. <strong>Tango</strong> Maya is an all inclusive packaged<br />
concept that includes hotel accommodations for four<br />
days of refreshing milongas, shows and master tango<br />
classes with international artists. Cancun, a global central<br />
location, is <strong>the</strong> ideal place for <strong>the</strong> alliance between <strong>the</strong><br />
different tango communities.<br />
Also in Cancun, Alfonso Olimar and his wife, Liz Mary<br />
López, hold regular tango performances at <strong>the</strong> Hotel<br />
Marriott Casa Magna, They hold regular milongas with<br />
free classes on Fridays at <strong>the</strong> Terrazas Parrilla restaurant.<br />
ON Wednesday and<br />
Sunday, <strong>the</strong>y hold classes<br />
and milongas in Playa<br />
del Carmen at <strong>the</strong> Parrilla<br />
MuchoGusto Argentine<br />
steakhouse.<br />
The Puro <strong>Tango</strong> dance troupe toured Belize in 2016.<br />
They gave performances at <strong>the</strong> National Institute for<br />
Culture and History and <strong>the</strong> Bliss Center for Performing<br />
Arts. While <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>the</strong>re, <strong>the</strong> company offered<br />
classes to learn tango. Hopefully, <strong>the</strong>y reached<br />
<strong>the</strong> hearts of Belizeans and that a tango culture will<br />
grow in <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Inland from Belize, Victor Melchor’s Guatemalatango<br />
holds regular Wednesday and Thursday milongas at <strong>the</strong><br />
El Centro buiding in Guatemala City. Victor’s partner,<br />
Rocío Trkman studied folkloric Argentine dance with<br />
Luis Guillon and modern dance with Mario Morales,.<br />
Claudio Crecciente also holds occasional milongas at<br />
<strong>the</strong> ArteCentro Paíz in Guatemala City.<br />
In Honduras, Isadora Paz organizes La Milonga <strong>Tango</strong><br />
en at <strong>the</strong> Museo para la Identidad Nacional de Honduras<br />
in Tegucigalpa which include classes.<br />
Furher down <strong>the</strong> coast<br />
in English speaking Belize,<br />
cruise ships stop at<br />
at <strong>the</strong> port city of Belize.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
Belize tango community.<br />
On rare occasions,<br />
milongas are held at <strong>the</strong><br />
San Ignacio Hotel.<br />
— 14 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Moving fur<strong>the</strong>r South along <strong>the</strong> Carbbean Coast to<br />
Nicaragua, María F Navarro holds monthly Saturday<br />
milongas in Managua. They are organized in cooperation<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Academia Pasión Latina Nicaragua. Occasionally,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y hold special milongas at <strong>the</strong> Hotel Seminole.<br />
In San Jose, Costa Rica, <strong>the</strong>re is a milonga held at <strong>the</strong><br />
Centro de Artes Promenade, on <strong>the</strong> first Saturday<br />
of <strong>the</strong> month. It is called Milonga Promenade, Pamela<br />
Camacho organizes <strong>the</strong> Festival de <strong>Tango</strong> Costa Rica<br />
which is held in April. It always features live music and<br />
visiting instructors from Argentina.<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Panamá is a non-profit and voluntary organization<br />
with <strong>the</strong> mission to encourage and inform people<br />
to enlarge <strong>the</strong> tango community and to support everybody<br />
who helps on <strong>the</strong> growth of this art in <strong>the</strong> region<br />
of Panama, They hold regularly scheduled milongas on<br />
Wednesdays at <strong>the</strong> Hotel Riu Plaza Panama. Classes are<br />
given at <strong>the</strong> Academia de Danza.<br />
Along <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong> coast of Venezuela, in Caracas, <strong>Tango</strong><br />
Caracas holds milongas at <strong>the</strong> Centro Uruguayo Venezolano,<br />
on Saturdays. On Sundays, Ivan Martinez organizes a<br />
milonga at <strong>the</strong> Nuevo Circo de Caracas dance school. An<br />
open-air milonga called La Mariposa is held at Parque Santa<br />
Cecilia, This milonga is organized by Zoraya Baliache.<br />
On Wednesdays, its Milonga del Uruguayo at <strong>the</strong> restaurant<br />
Parrilla Uruguaya, organized by <strong>the</strong> Milagros Hance<br />
association. Earllier in <strong>the</strong> afternon, <strong>the</strong> Arrebato Gotan<br />
holds a practica at <strong>the</strong> Discovery Bar. On Fridays and Saturdays,<br />
Milonga del Ungaro is held at <strong>the</strong> Casa Hungara<br />
ballroom, organized by Elena Spakosky.<br />
All along <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong> coast, <strong>the</strong>re are pockets of tango,<br />
some large, some miniscule. But, tango is living along <strong>the</strong><br />
edge this incredible sea, Each community is unique, and<br />
worthy of attention, as tango evolves here.<br />
— 15 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Cruising <strong>the</strong> Caribe<br />
Percell St. Thomass<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong>re is no better way to discover <strong>the</strong> tango, its music and dance, than cruising; and, <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
better place to tango aboard a cruise ship than sailing <strong>the</strong> beautiful <strong>Caribbean</strong> islands. After <strong>the</strong> resurgence<br />
in popularity of <strong>the</strong> tango, it quickly became a highlight of many of many cruises. Throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong> from <strong>the</strong> United States to South America, <strong>the</strong> tango has been rediscovered<br />
Of course, dance cruises of all sorts had been common.<br />
Many cruise lines offered <strong>the</strong>me cruises which highlighted<br />
a particular dance genre. There were ballroom and<br />
Latin dance cruises, and swing dance cruises, but not<br />
tango. One of <strong>the</strong> first groups to specialize in putting<br />
tango on <strong>the</strong> high seas was <strong>Tango</strong> at Sea. They conducted<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir first tango cruise to <strong>the</strong> Western <strong>Caribbean</strong><br />
in March 1998. Their primary focus was in bringing on<br />
board <strong>the</strong> top names of <strong>the</strong> day, such as Gabriel Misse,<br />
Leandro Palou, Miguel Zotto, Milena Plebs and o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
almost exclusively from Argentina, to providing classes<br />
and showcases.<br />
It didn’t take long for <strong>the</strong> idea to catch on, Today, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are several cruise lines and companies, including <strong>Tango</strong><br />
at Sea, Bailando Reisen, Greek Island <strong>Tango</strong>, and <strong>Tango</strong>-DanceKinesis<br />
which continue to create one of <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest ways to visit <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r island paradises.<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> and cruising were made for each o<strong>the</strong>r. Both<br />
tango and cruising combine to provide a special kind<br />
of escape. Dancers can lose <strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong> fantasies<br />
of a life from <strong>the</strong> pages of a novel. <strong>Tango</strong> is, at its core,<br />
a highly social dance. Dancing with a foreign strangers<br />
for <strong>the</strong> first time is <strong>the</strong> norm.<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> cruising <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong> in particular,<br />
offers <strong>the</strong> perfect setting for a<br />
daring, warm ocean intrigue, set beautiful<br />
moonlit romantic evening.. Dancers<br />
may take classes and attend milongas,<br />
held weekly around <strong>the</strong>ir home cities.<br />
But, <strong>the</strong> exotic escape of a <strong>Caribbean</strong><br />
cruise can create a tango fantasy.<br />
This is a fantastic way to mingle with<br />
people from around <strong>the</strong> world. What<br />
could be more exotic, romantic, alluring,<br />
mysterious, captivating, joyous, and personal<br />
than <strong>the</strong> warm moonlit oceans of<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>, and <strong>the</strong> palmed cooled,<br />
white sandy beaches of islands?<br />
Finding <strong>the</strong> right cruise line and/or<br />
cruise can be like finding <strong>the</strong> right<br />
dance partner. There are many cruise<br />
lines offering dance and even tango only<br />
cruises in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>.<br />
— 16 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
There is always dancing on cruise ships. It is one of <strong>the</strong><br />
most favorite pastime for passengers. However, on<br />
most cruises, <strong>the</strong>re is not much tango. Increasing., tango’s<br />
popularity has made many cruises now offer at least a<br />
tango bar where a tango performers entertain nightly.<br />
The most popular cruise lines for <strong>Caribbean</strong> travel for<br />
<strong>the</strong> tango aficionado are <strong>the</strong> Norwegian Cruise Line,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Holland America Line, <strong>the</strong> Royal <strong>Caribbean</strong> Line,<br />
and Celebrity Cruises. The Holland America Line, once<br />
was <strong>the</strong> tango leader, with top-of-<strong>the</strong>-line teachers,<br />
classes, and shows.<br />
One group known for its tango adventures is <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis.<br />
It has unofficially become a staple of <strong>the</strong> Holland<br />
America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line for teaching<br />
and choreography. The teachers are very familiar with <strong>the</strong><br />
ships, <strong>the</strong>ir types of clientele, and <strong>the</strong> islands. In February,<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis, a division of <strong>the</strong> body movement and dance<br />
training group, DanceKinesis, conducts on <strong>the</strong>ir tango<br />
dance cruise. <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis is dedicated to <strong>the</strong> teaching<br />
of tango, not only as a concept or dance, but as a way of<br />
life. <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis teaches pupils to dance tango by <strong>the</strong><br />
principles of natural movement and energies, and how to<br />
relate those principles to its concept and to partnering.<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis instructors prefer <strong>the</strong> morning hours, allowing<br />
dancers to be free to explore <strong>the</strong> ship and <strong>the</strong><br />
beautiful <strong>Caribbean</strong> during sailing and docking times. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> late afternoon or early evening, <strong>the</strong> first practica/<br />
milonga is held. Fore some, this is first time that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to discover <strong>the</strong> unexpected joys<br />
of dancing aboard a cruise ship. The cruise is planned to<br />
allow dancers time to relax, visit o<strong>the</strong>r dance venues, and<br />
take in walks in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong> moonlight<br />
The third day is pretty much <strong>the</strong> same as <strong>the</strong> second —<br />
classes in <strong>the</strong> morning. This will be <strong>the</strong> day for docking at<br />
<strong>the</strong> first port-of-call in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>. Although <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
many islands where tango is popular, don’t expect to find<br />
tango activities during <strong>the</strong> early hours.<br />
And, don’t be surprised to discover that <strong>the</strong>re might not<br />
be any tango on a particular island, at all.. <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis<br />
tries to hold <strong>the</strong>ir practica-milonga around 5:00PM.<br />
Cruise ships are not very flexible to changing times.<br />
On days four and five, <strong>the</strong> schedules are generally <strong>the</strong><br />
same as <strong>the</strong> previous days, save for one days, except<br />
without classes. <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis offers a day of rest for allowing<br />
<strong>the</strong> instruction to settle in.<br />
It is a well sought after program, and is<br />
becoming increasingly more popular. The<br />
concept is simple —<br />
If <strong>the</strong> definition of dance is natural<br />
movement put to a specified rhythm,<br />
timing, and styling, <strong>the</strong>n just walking<br />
can be a graceful dance.<br />
A typical <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis tango dance cruise<br />
experience includes five days of classes with<br />
two well known and respected instructors,<br />
four milongas, and seven days at some of<br />
<strong>the</strong> most beautiful places in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> first day, boarding day, <strong>the</strong> instructors<br />
meet and greet <strong>the</strong> boarding passengers,<br />
getting to know what <strong>the</strong>ir expectations<br />
for instruction and dance are. They<br />
spend time with <strong>the</strong>m so that everyone<br />
knows where <strong>the</strong> classes and milongas are<br />
to be held.<br />
The second day is usually a day at sea, a sea-day. It is <strong>the</strong><br />
perfect time for <strong>the</strong> guests begin with lessons typically<br />
held after breakfast. Although many cruise lines hold<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lessons in <strong>the</strong> afternoon hours.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> fourth day, <strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis has a relationship with<br />
<strong>the</strong> Norwegian Cruise Line that allows <strong>the</strong>m to hold<br />
classes at a very nice little dance hall on one of <strong>the</strong> islands.<br />
Most o<strong>the</strong>r cruise lines do not offer this. It provided<br />
a great opportunity to dance on <strong>the</strong> island with <strong>the</strong> local<br />
tango dancers.<br />
— 17 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 18 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
All cruise lines and all cruise ships are not <strong>the</strong> same. Carnival<br />
Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have begun operating<br />
more and more in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>. They are both<br />
known for <strong>the</strong>ir fun dance cruises and entertainment. But,<br />
nei<strong>the</strong>r offers as many opportunities for ballroom, Latin, or<br />
tango dancers. Single ladies are more likely to find dance<br />
partners with dance hosts than single men, although some<br />
ships provide dance hostesses, as well.<br />
Wendy Olsen’s Dancers at Sea is in its 19th year. It is <strong>the</strong><br />
longest running program, offering dance lessons, parties,<br />
and more formal or controlled, mostly ballroom-style dancing.<br />
But, it is an industry leader in <strong>the</strong> nontraditional<br />
genres including nightclub social dance, salsa, salon tango,<br />
bolero, etc. They organize roughly ten dance cruises a<br />
year. They are also known for having contracted teachers<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir tango <strong>the</strong>med cruises, ra<strong>the</strong>r than having<br />
<strong>the</strong> classes taught by lesser qualified dance entertainers..<br />
These cruises have one of <strong>the</strong> best ratios: one dance pro<br />
or host/hostess for every three passengers.<br />
John Ranivand, founder of Dancing at Sea, organizes four<br />
to five dance <strong>the</strong>med cruises a year for sixty to ninety<br />
guests on a variety of cruise lines. Some Dancing at Sea<br />
cruises have a special tango focus, <strong>Tango</strong>. All are taught by<br />
<strong>the</strong> group’s instructors, typically two to four per cruise.<br />
Most Europeans love to dance, so you’ll find <strong>the</strong> dance<br />
floors busy on European lines like Costa Cruises and<br />
MSC Cruises. These ships feature more dance space,<br />
too. While American lines tend to have larger casinos<br />
than dance clubs, European ships divide up <strong>the</strong>ir space<br />
<strong>the</strong> opposite way.<br />
America Line regularly sails <strong>the</strong> Caribe offering dance<br />
hosts, but not alwayss dance hostesses. These partners<br />
are not always experienced dancers, although all of <strong>the</strong><br />
ships do require at least a knowledge of <strong>the</strong> basic steps<br />
of <strong>the</strong> social ballroom dances. Mostly, <strong>the</strong>y dance standard<br />
ballroom variants of foxtrot. waltz, tango, swing, rumba,<br />
cha-cha, and sometimes salsa. The salon tango, Argentine<br />
style, is not a high priority on most cruises for <strong>the</strong> hosts or<br />
hostesses, even when <strong>the</strong>re is a live band playing tango,<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>, on <strong>the</strong> Holland America Line ships, is considered<br />
featured, or special entertainment.<br />
Crystal Cruises offers more upscale <strong>Caribbean</strong> cruises<br />
with a Ballroom at Sea program. The evening dance<br />
is set at various lounges with orchestras. Dance classes<br />
are mostly American ballroom style. They have had tango<br />
teachers on board. But, <strong>the</strong>y are not part of <strong>the</strong> normal<br />
program. They are contracted for special Dance Theme<br />
cruises. Although Crystal Cruises does not have as many<br />
of <strong>the</strong>se cruises, <strong>the</strong>y do offer one of <strong>the</strong> highest rated,<br />
and longest, music and dance cruises to <strong>the</strong> Caribe.<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> is enjoying an ever-growing audience of enthusiasts<br />
and dancers. And, it is growing throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong>.<br />
Visiting artists are helping expand <strong>the</strong> number of dancers<br />
and <strong>the</strong> audience for tango. As long as <strong>the</strong>re are tango<br />
dancers ready to dance, <strong>the</strong> cruise ships of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Caribbean</strong><br />
will be ready to sail <strong>the</strong>m away to <strong>the</strong> crystal isles.<br />
— 19 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> Guide<br />
Milongas<br />
Bahamas<br />
Friday<br />
17:00 - 22:00 <strong>Tango</strong>&Beyond Sunny Side Restaurant East Bay Street Nassau<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Sunday<br />
17:00 - 22:00 Milonga de los Domingos Casa del Arcoirism Hospital Calderon Guardia San Jose<br />
Wednesday<br />
20:00 - 01:00 Milonguita de los Miércoles Costa Rica <strong>Tango</strong> Estudio, Setena Barrio Escalante San Jose<br />
Saturday<br />
20:00 - 01:00 Milonga Promenade Centro de Artes Promenade San Jose<br />
Cuba<br />
Wednesday<br />
10:30 - 01:00 El Ojo de Ciclon Estudio Leo D’Lazaro Calle O’ Reilly Habana Vieja<br />
Friday<br />
10:30 - 01:00 Pedacito de Cielo Academia del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle J Habana Vieja<br />
Saturday<br />
13:30 - 16:30 La Milonguita L’Union Arabe Paseo del Prado Habana Vieja<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
Thursday<br />
19:00 - 21:00 Milonga Milkeya Lebanese Syrian Palestinian Club Santo Domingo<br />
Guadaloupe<br />
Thursday<br />
19:00 - 21:00 La Milonga Negra 156 rue de la Chapelle Baie-Mahault<br />
Jamaica<br />
Wednesday<br />
21:00 - 23:00 Noche de <strong>Tango</strong> Hotel RIU Plaza Calle 50 Kimgston<br />
Martinique<br />
Wednesday<br />
20:00 - 21:00 <strong>Tango</strong>Felino Espace DD Hauts de Californie Le Lamentin<br />
Saturday<br />
19:00 - 22:00 Madin’ <strong>Tango</strong> Centre de Danse Zecler, Bellevue Fort-de-France<br />
Annual Events<br />
February Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Marathon https://www.facebook.com/PUERTO-RICO-TANGO-MARATHON-138700429658044/<br />
June Festival de <strong>Tango</strong> de San José https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>CostaRica/<br />
September El <strong>Tango</strong> Abraza a Honduras https://www.facebook.com/events/302133633504744/<br />
October Puerto Rico <strong>Tango</strong> Festival https://www.facebook.com/PuertoRico<strong>Tango</strong>Festival/<br />
November Encuentro Nacional Caracas https://www.facebook.com/tango-caracas-22063971470/<br />
November <strong>Tango</strong> Maya Festival Cancún https://www.facebook.com/groups/932457080119684/<br />
— 20 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Milongas<br />
Mexico<br />
Wednesday<br />
20:00 - 00:00 <strong>Tango</strong> en Cancun Plaza Nayandei Cancun<br />
19:30 - 22:00 <strong>Tango</strong> del Playa Parrilla Muchogusto Avenue 25 Playa del Carmen<br />
Nicaragua<br />
Sarurday<br />
20:30 - 23:30 <strong>Tango</strong> Nicaragua El Garabato Hotel Seminole Managua<br />
Panama<br />
Wednesday<br />
20:30 - 23:30 Jonkanoo Milonga Jonkanoo Lounge 77 Knutsfor Blvd Panama City<br />
Puerto Rico<br />
Wednesday<br />
20:30 - 23:30 Milonga Realenga El Barril, 1302 Ave. Ashford, Condado San Juan<br />
Friday<br />
20:30 - 23:30 Milonga La Victrola La Casa del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle Domenech San Juan<br />
Saturday<br />
20:30 - 23:30 Milonga Tropical La Casa del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle Domenech San Juan<br />
Venezuela<br />
Sunday<br />
14:00 - 19:00 Milonga del Nuevo Circo Nuevo Circo de Caraca, Zona Metropolitana Caracas<br />
Monday<br />
19:00 - 22:00 La Mariposa Parque Urb Santa Cecilia, La Carlota Caracas<br />
Wednesday<br />
20:00 - 01:00 Milonga del Uruguayo Centro Uruguayo Vernezolano, Av. Calvani 14 Caracas<br />
18:30 - 22:00 La Practica Discovery Discovery Bar El Rosal, Chacao Caracas<br />
Friday<br />
20:00 - 02:00 Milonga del Ungaro Casa Hungara, Av. Alvarez Michaud Caracas<br />
Saturday<br />
20:00 - 01:00 Milonga del Uruguayo Centro Uruguayo Vernezolano, Av. Calvani 14 Caracas<br />
WebSites<br />
<strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> Events.................. https://www.facebook.com/groups/246889562067869/<br />
Milonga In America ......................... http://www.milongas-in.com/milongas-in-america.php<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Info ..................................... https://tango.info/<br />
These are some of <strong>the</strong> Internet resources that were used to build this guide.It is a consolidation of information<br />
Please. check <strong>the</strong>se resources in <strong>the</strong> future, as we all know - things change.<br />
— 21 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> Guide<br />
Classes<br />
Bahamas<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> & Beyond Via Caffe, Parliament Street Nassau +1 242 322 7209<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>BeyondBahamas-769542383166376/<br />
Barbados<br />
BooGaLoo Studio 1 Rockley Main Rd,, Bridgetown +1 246 263 2040<br />
https://www.facebook.com/BoogalooRecreationStudio/<br />
Costa Rica<br />
Café Cambalache El Portón Rojo ,Avenue 16 San Jose +1 506 2253 2794<br />
https://www.facebook.com/cafecambalachecostarica/<br />
Le Chateau Parque de Guadalupe San Jose +1 506 8311 1070<br />
https://www.facebook.com/events/283134618529357<br />
Boga Dance Studio Heredia Province San Pablo +1 506 8345 7060<br />
https://www.facebook.com/bogadancestudio/<br />
Malajunta <strong>Tango</strong> Casa del Arcoiris . Avenida 9A San Jose +1 506 2221 8480<br />
https://www.facebook.com/groups/599711200048819/<br />
Costa Rica <strong>Tango</strong> Estudio Setena Barrio Escalante San Jose +1 506 8869 6899<br />
https://www.facebook.com/crtango/<br />
Prometango Entrelazados Centro de Artes Promenade , 113 del ICE San Jose +1 506 82283 6421<br />
https://www.facebook.com/prometango<br />
Fantasía de <strong>Tango</strong> Costado este Outlet Mall , Calle 59 San Pedro +1 506 2280 3173<br />
https://www.facebook.com/fantasiadetango<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Saudade Academia Ave Shanti , Paseo Colón San Jose +1 506 2280 3173<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>Saudade/<br />
Cuba<br />
Casa del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle Neptuno No.309, Habana +53 7863 0097<br />
http://www.lahabana.com/guide/casa-del-tango/<br />
Caseron del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle Justiz #21 Habana +53 7861 0822<br />
http://www.caribbeanlocalpages.com/listings/caseron-del-tango-in-la-habana53-7-861-0822/<br />
Union Arabe de Cuba Prado, entre Trocadero Habana +53 7861 0582<br />
http://www.unionarabecuba.org/<br />
El Ojo de Ciclon Calles O’ Reilly y Villegas, N. 501 Habana +53 7861 5359<br />
https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Ojo-del-Cicl%C3%B3n/650757111628313<br />
Academia del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle J, entre 17 y 19, N. 534 Habana +53 5361 0615<br />
http://www.tango.bild-art.de/classes.html<br />
Dance Studios Canada 450 Rideau St Habana +1 613-884-9869<br />
https://www.facebook.com/groups/26905865335/<br />
Circulo Amigos del <strong>Tango</strong> Calle Madrid <strong>#7</strong>4 Santiago de Cuba +1 613-789-9996<br />
https://www.facebook.com/C%C3%ADrculo-Amigos-del-<strong>Tango</strong>-de-Villa-%C3%81ngela-1706460096284569/<br />
— 22 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Classes<br />
Curaçao<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>Curacao Brionplein 1 Otrabanda Waterfort Willemstad +599 9514 9933<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>Curacao/<br />
TuTu <strong>Tango</strong> Kaya Jombi Mensing Willemstad +599 9461 7888<br />
https://www.facebook.com/TuTu-<strong>Tango</strong>-204576411411/<br />
Dominican Republic<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Milkeya Melo Lebanese Syrian Palestinian Club Santo Domingo +809 840 2572<br />
https://www.facebook.com/tangomilonga.milkeyamelo<br />
Grenada<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Grenada Dodgy Dock, Old Mill Road, True Blue Bay, Saint George’s +1 473 415 6000<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>-Grenada-352761218132933/<br />
Guadaloupe<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Guadaloupe 156 rue de la chapelle , ZI de Jarry Baie-Mahault +1 590 6907 0157<br />
http://www.tangoguadeloupe.com/<br />
Honduras<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> en Tegucigalpa Lomas de Boulevard Centro Comercial, Tegucigalpa<br />
https://www.facebook.com/La-Milonga-<strong>Tango</strong>-en-Tegucigalpa-276757242003/<br />
Jamaica<br />
Salsa Society Jamaica New Kingston Centre, Dominica Drive Kingston +1 876 906 0856<br />
https://www.facebook.com/groups/salsasocietyjamaica/<br />
Peppers Lounge n Gri 31 Upper Waterloo Road Kingston +1 876 289 2487<br />
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peppers-Lounge-n-Grill/1437429739806519<br />
Martinique<br />
Vaya con <strong>Tango</strong> Ecole 80 rue Prof Raymond Garcin Fort-de-France +1 596 559 850<br />
http://vayacontango.e-monsite.com/<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Bar Place Félix Boisson Saint-Pierre +1 596 696 373 102<br />
https://www.facebook.com/otango97250/<br />
Association <strong>Tango</strong>Felino Espace Dd - Hauts de Californie Le Lamentin +1 596 696 740 102<br />
https://www.facebook.com/tangofelino/<br />
Centre de Danse Zecler Centre Commercial de Bellevue Fort-de-France +1 596 696 937 609<br />
https://www.facebook.cm/events/215695388867558/<br />
Mexico<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> para Todos La Capilla Restaurant, Blvd. Kukulkan Cancún +1 52 998 578 0509<br />
https://www.facebook.com/tangocancun/La Capilla Argentin<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> en Cancún Parque Sor Juana del Palacio Municipal Cancún +1 52 998 881 2062<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>EnCancun/<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Playa del Carmen Av.25 entre calles 28 y 30 Playa del Carmen +1 52 984 807 1549<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>-Playa-del-Carmen-212667272165521/<br />
Centre de Danse Zecler Centre Commercial de Bellevue Fort-de-France<br />
— 23 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> Guide<br />
Classes<br />
Nicaragua<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Nicaragua El Garabato, Hotel Seminole 2 1/2 al Sur Managua +1 505 2278 2944<br />
https://www.facebook.com/<strong>Tango</strong>Nicaragua<br />
Panama<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Panama Hotel Riu Plaza Panamá,Calle 50 Panama City +1 507 378 9000<br />
http://www.tangopanama.com<br />
Puerto Rico<br />
Y Entonces <strong>Tango</strong> Escuela Casa del Tengo, 374 Avenida Domenech San Juan +1 787 312 6760<br />
https://www.facebook.com/La-Casa-del-<strong>Tango</strong>-Puerto-Rico-160410362624/<br />
Saint Lucia<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> St Lucia Harmony Suites, Rodney Bay Gros Islet Rodney Bay +1 758 452 8756<br />
https://www.facebook.com/tangostlucia/<br />
Trinidad & Tobago<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> en Trinidad Cafe Beyruti <strong>Tango</strong> Lounge, Santisima Port-o-Spain +1 598 4364 2929<br />
https://www.facebook.com/clubdetangoflores/<br />
Cruises & Cruise Organizers<br />
Bailando Reisen ................... +49-821-31 96 570<br />
Celebrity Cruises ............... +1-800-647-2251<br />
Costa Cruise Lines ............ +1-800-462-6782<br />
Crystal Cruises ................... +1-888-722-0021<br />
Dancers at Sea .................... +1-888-791-2918<br />
Dancing at Sea ..................... +1-954-439-4444<br />
Holland America Line ........ +1-877-932-4259<br />
MSC Cruises ........................ +1-800-338-4962<br />
Norwegian Cruise Line ..... +1-866-234-7350<br />
Princess Cruises ................. +1-800-774-6237<br />
Royal <strong>Caribbean</strong> Line ........ +1-866-562-7625<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> at Sea ......................... +1-301-365-9285<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>-DanceKinesis ........... +1-601-297-2185<br />
http://www.tango-cruise.com/<br />
http://www.celebritycruises.com/<br />
http://www.costacruise.com/<br />
http://www.crystalcruises.com/<br />
http://www.dancersatsea.com/<br />
http://www.dancingatsea.com/<br />
http://www.hollandamerica.com/<br />
http://msc.cruiselines.com/<br />
http://www.ncl.com/<br />
http://www.princess.com/<br />
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/<br />
http://www.tangoatsea.com/<br />
http://www.dancekinesis.com/<br />
— 24 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 25 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Cuba’s Special Painter<br />
Pedro Álvarez Castelló<br />
Pedro Reinaldo Álvarez Castelló (1967-2004) was a Cuban painter who rose to prominence<br />
during Cuba’s Special Period. Alvarez was a native of <strong>Havana</strong>, Cuba. He studied art at <strong>the</strong> Escuela<br />
Nacional de Bellas Artes San Alejandro from 1980-1985 and <strong>the</strong> Instituto Superior Pedagogico Enrique<br />
Jose Varona from 1986-1991. He was a member of <strong>the</strong> National Union of Writers and Artists of<br />
Cuba. He married a Cuban woman and had a child. When he wasn’t travelling to promote his work,<br />
he divided his time between Malaga, Spain and <strong>Havana</strong>, Cuba.<br />
— 26 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 27 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Alvarez’s painting style, like those of many o<strong>the</strong>r Cuban artists<br />
of that era, was highly influenced by <strong>the</strong> development of<br />
popular culture in Cuba during <strong>the</strong> feverish Special Period. His<br />
paintings are shown in museums around <strong>the</strong> world, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana in <strong>Havana</strong>,<br />
Museo Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo in Seville, Spain,<br />
Arizona State University Art Museum in Tempe, Arizona, Museum<br />
of Art in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Museo de la Universidad<br />
de Alicante in Alicante, Spain. He has had more than<br />
eight personal exhibitions in Cuba and Spain and has been in<br />
more than fourty group exhibitions in Germany, Canada, Spain,<br />
England and <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
Among his more notable personal exhibitions were Exposición<br />
de Paisajes (1985) at <strong>the</strong> Galería de Arte Universal, Trinidad,<br />
Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. His group exhibitions have included Arte<br />
Cubano en Boston (1988), Massachusetts College of Art, Boston;<br />
Misa por una Mueca (1993), Centro de Desarrollo de las Artes<br />
Visuales, <strong>Havana</strong>; Bienal de Pintura del Caribe y Centro América<br />
(1994), Museo de Arte <strong>Modern</strong>o, Santo Domingo, Dominican<br />
Republic. Álvarez died on February 12, 2004, just five days after<br />
<strong>the</strong> beginning of a major solo exhibition of his work, Landscape<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Fireplace, at <strong>the</strong> Arizona State University Art Museum.<br />
— 28 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 29 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Martin Delgado<br />
— San Telmo Lounge<br />
interview by Marco Buso<br />
San Telmo Lounge is a one of its kind Argentinian electrotango musical project, combining elements<br />
of tango, jazz, rock, and electronica in a unique and smooth way. We at <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Tango</strong><br />
<strong>World</strong> had <strong>the</strong> pleasure to talk with guitarist and composer Martin Delgado, founder and<br />
leader of <strong>the</strong> band, about his experience.<br />
MTW: Martin, first of all thanks for being here and<br />
talking a bit about San Telmo Lounge with <strong>Modern</strong><br />
<strong>Tango</strong> <strong>World</strong>.<br />
Martin: Thanks to you Marco! It’ss my pleasure.<br />
MTW: Let’s start from scratch. We would like to know<br />
something about your musical background.<br />
Martin: Oh well. I fell in love with music as a teenager,<br />
when I enjoyed to tears listening to Sting and The Police’s<br />
music besides of classic rock, mainly from <strong>the</strong> 70s.<br />
At fifteen, I was moved by <strong>the</strong> influence of artists like Led<br />
Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, and<br />
yes, Jethro Tull, EL&P, John McLaughlin and Al DiMeola, I<br />
started playing guitar and studying ear training and musical<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory. After high school, I continued my musical studies<br />
at <strong>the</strong> University of Litoral in Santa Fe, where I graduated<br />
as Professor of Guitar and Composition in Traditional Classic<br />
Music. In that period, I got more involved into jazz and <strong>the</strong><br />
work of composors, such as Igor Stravinsky, Bela Bartok,<br />
Olivier Messiaen. I began studying classical guitar as well,<br />
playing Abel Carlevaro arrangements of Astor Piazzolla’s<br />
compositions among <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. This was my very first introduction<br />
to tango. Today I still get inspiration from classic<br />
albums from <strong>the</strong> 70s. I listen to all kinds of music. But,<br />
I always end up amazed by classic artists such as Miles<br />
Davis, Astor Piazzolla, Antônio Jobim, Anibal Troilo, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Beatles.<br />
After graduation in 2001, I continued studying guitar and<br />
harmony at <strong>the</strong> New Jazz School in New York City and<br />
attended many courses in Argentina and abroad in music<br />
production, tango, jazz interpretation and private lessons<br />
with Rodolfo Mederos, Manfred Swazrskopf, Marcelo<br />
Braga Saralegui, Pablo Lopez Ruiz, Dante Grela, Julian<br />
Peralta, Claudio Lluan, Gabriel Data, Pablo Deluca, Turco<br />
Josami and Cacho Hussein among o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
MTW: How was <strong>the</strong> San Telmo Lounge project born?<br />
How did you meet, how did you start working on it?<br />
Martin: In 2001, I moved to New York city to study<br />
jazz. There I realized that my musical identity made me<br />
different from <strong>the</strong> american jazz guitarist. For some<br />
reason, my sound had something that had to do with<br />
tango. When I came back from <strong>the</strong> USA, I told myself:<br />
You got to do something with tango. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand<br />
I couldn’t see myself playing in a traditional tango orchestra.<br />
In those years, <strong>the</strong>re were not as much tango<br />
orchestras and musicians as <strong>the</strong>re are today. I decided<br />
to build a project based on every kind of music I liked<br />
— rock, jazz, tango, combined with <strong>the</strong> electronica that<br />
I heard so much of in <strong>the</strong> USA. I did this without even<br />
knowing that <strong>the</strong>re was a growing electrotango movement.<br />
It wasn’t until I started building <strong>the</strong> first San Telmo<br />
Lounge demos did I find out about Bajofondo and<br />
thw o<strong>the</strong>r electrotango groups.<br />
— 30 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
In 2003, <strong>the</strong> band was fully formed with bandoneonist<br />
Pablo Gaitan, keyboardist Lucas Polichiso and violinist<br />
Maximiliano Natalutti.<br />
MTW: Musically speaking, your project is very rich and<br />
dense, combining elements of tango, jazz, electronica,<br />
rock, pop. How did you set such an intriguing mix up,<br />
and how do you approach composition? Did you have<br />
any particular musical inspiration from o<strong>the</strong>r artists?<br />
Martin: I believe that in each composition, I try to<br />
merge diverse genres, but end up emphasizing one element<br />
or <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, pulling <strong>the</strong> music towards a particular<br />
aes<strong>the</strong>tic. In this sense, <strong>the</strong> influences are diverse,<br />
which is both a luck and a problem. What mixes all toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
is <strong>the</strong> tango thread, that comes in different doses.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> time of writing, I am approaching composition in<br />
<strong>the</strong> style of European classical composers, in front of a<br />
computer with guitar and piano at hand. I start developing<br />
a basic idea by playing around. Once a basic <strong>the</strong>me<br />
comes up, I proceed writing a first arrangement in digital<br />
score for quintet — violin, bandoneon, guitar, piano and<br />
bass. After that is done, I make a demo with a drum<br />
sequencer. Usually 95% of <strong>the</strong> composition is done and<br />
finished before I proceed to rehearsal. The composition<br />
may sound a lot more tango-like if <strong>the</strong> typical elements<br />
of this genre prevail, or it may just suggest an idea of<br />
tango with <strong>the</strong> mere presence of <strong>the</strong> bandoneon.<br />
Anyway, I think that <strong>the</strong> main definition of genre is given<br />
by <strong>the</strong> rhythmic structure. For example, you can recognize<br />
tango looking at <strong>the</strong> bass patterns, at <strong>the</strong> accompaniments<br />
of piano and guitar, and at <strong>the</strong> melodic structures. A strong<br />
tango rhythm makes it possible to clearly identify tango<br />
even if <strong>the</strong>re are no traditional acoustic instruments, such<br />
as <strong>the</strong> bandoneon, to incarnate that tango feel. In <strong>the</strong> case<br />
of San Telmo Lounge, I can identify <strong>the</strong> top tango influences<br />
in Astor Piazzolla, Anibal Troilo and Osvaldo Pugliese.<br />
Beyond tango, I am inspired a lot by English rock artists<br />
such as Pink Floyd and by certain elements of European<br />
folklore which you can find in Sting’s music. I sometimes<br />
find myself very close to <strong>the</strong> aes<strong>the</strong>tics of Tom Waits, Nick<br />
Drake and Fito Paez. From a jazz perspective, I am drawn<br />
to cool jazz. The idea is has always been to tighten a little<br />
<strong>the</strong> limits of genres. San Telmo Lounge originated as an<br />
experiment, and I think this innovative desire accompanies<br />
us in all our records. It is also true that all electrotango<br />
bands are beginning to sound quite <strong>the</strong> same. We want<br />
to differentiate ourselves from this trend, trying to always<br />
surprise our listener by expanding <strong>the</strong> possibilities of <strong>the</strong><br />
musical genres we work with.<br />
MTW: What about your lyrics? Where do <strong>the</strong>y come<br />
from? Do you get inspiration from tango classical lyrics<br />
subjects or those from any o<strong>the</strong>r musical culture? Or do<br />
<strong>the</strong>y ra<strong>the</strong>r come directly from you and your life experiences?<br />
Or maybe both? How do you approach and develop<br />
lyrics composition?<br />
— 31 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Martin: I am a fan of American Beat Generation writers,<br />
mostly William Borroughs. Starting from that point,<br />
over <strong>the</strong> years, I have discovered Henry Miller, Charles<br />
Bukowski and o<strong>the</strong>r self-biopic writers. I use to imagine<br />
<strong>the</strong> existence of a link between <strong>the</strong>se writers and<br />
some cosmovision of <strong>the</strong> Bohemian tanguero. It could<br />
be that nocturnal character, those dreams suggested by<br />
<strong>the</strong> sunset, a lament for a lost love or for a wrong life.<br />
Sometimes, it is better for <strong>the</strong> story not to know <strong>the</strong> exact<br />
original sin. I have written fictional lyrics. I don’t take<br />
any inspiration from my real life. As for lyricists, I worked<br />
with Adrian Abonizio in my project TANGOMORFO-<br />
SIS. Sometimes I try to steal ideas from him, because<br />
he’s by far <strong>the</strong> best lyricist I ever met.<br />
We never ask our guest to sing in a style different of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own, and even less to sing as tangueros. We have also worked<br />
with Palo Pandolfo and Juan Subira, rockers with aes<strong>the</strong>tics<br />
very close to tango. As a matter of fact, I think that Palo was<br />
an important influence on <strong>the</strong> fusion of rock, song and tango<br />
at <strong>the</strong> beginning of this century. We have invited Laura Cardini<br />
on different occasions. Laura does not dedicate her life<br />
exclusively to singing, which we find to be an advantage. She<br />
is an anthropologist. She is also very <strong>the</strong>atrical in her live<br />
performances, and people really like that.<br />
MTW: What do you think about dancing to San Telmo<br />
Lounge songs?<br />
Martin: That is not so easy! I do not create<br />
<strong>the</strong> music of San Telmo Lounge with <strong>the</strong><br />
idea of this must be danced, because I am<br />
not a dancer. I started to learn to dance<br />
tango this year, I think dancers have a very<br />
different approach from musicians. In spite<br />
of this, we used to play at many milongas,<br />
mostly in Europe, where people enjoy<br />
dancing to our music, maybe because of its<br />
mix of traditional and new ways.<br />
MTW: Today’s tango scene is complex,<br />
looking both at tradition and absorbing a lot<br />
of influences coming from contemporary<br />
musical styles. How do you feel about today’s<br />
tango and neo-tango scenes? Where<br />
do you think we’re going in <strong>the</strong> future?<br />
MTW: San Telmo Lounge has featured many guest artists,<br />
especially singers. Can you tell us something about<br />
<strong>the</strong>se partnerships? Do such artists have any tango or<br />
tango-fusion background, or do <strong>the</strong>y come from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
musical styles? How did <strong>the</strong>y react to <strong>the</strong> experience<br />
with your project?<br />
Martin: Our two first guests where Noelia Moncada<br />
and Lidia Borda, two great tango singers. We <strong>the</strong>n invited<br />
Sandra Corizzo, Adrian Abonizio, Fabian Gallardo<br />
and Coki Debernardi, rock and pop musicians. For each<br />
of <strong>the</strong>m, we managed to arrange a song close to <strong>the</strong><br />
aes<strong>the</strong>tics of what <strong>the</strong>y usually sing.<br />
Martin: Today’s tango scene is really big,<br />
with a great diversity of subgenres and formations.<br />
There are traditional groups trying<br />
to play as near as <strong>the</strong>y can to <strong>the</strong> original<br />
styles of Anibal Troilo, Osvaldo Pugliese,<br />
Carlos Di Sarli or Horacio Salgan. Then <strong>the</strong>re are <strong>the</strong> new<br />
songwriters like Acho Estol from La Chicana and Cucusa<br />
Castiello among <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand you have<br />
more new orchestras like Astillero, Rascasuelo or Julian<br />
Peralta, which compose new repertoires of instrumental<br />
pieces for orchestra. Here in Rosario, <strong>the</strong>re are many musicians<br />
engaged in tango who started studying more than ten<br />
years ago. Among <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs, I can name guitarist Martin<br />
Tessa and pianist Gerardo Martinez Lo Re. They both teach<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Municipal <strong>Tango</strong> Orchestra, a project in which <strong>the</strong>y<br />
prepared new tango musicians. All in all, this is a very good<br />
moment for <strong>the</strong> tango scene. The future is ours.<br />
— 32 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
MTW: What can you tell us about your future and <strong>the</strong><br />
future of San Telmo Lounge? Do you have any particular<br />
short and/or long term projects for new albums or live<br />
concerts/tours?<br />
Martin: A few months ago we released our sixth album<br />
Doble Imperfecto with a partially new line-up adding<br />
to our members Ariel Aguilar (bandoneon), Laura<br />
Cardini (vocals), Sebastian Mamet (drums), and Tutu<br />
Rufus (bass). We played it at Sala Laarden in Rosario in<br />
November. The idea is to play in Buenos Aires in March<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n to repeat <strong>the</strong> event everywhere we can. At<br />
this time we don’t have in mind any tour. Maybe in <strong>the</strong><br />
second part of <strong>the</strong> year. Now I am thinking about our<br />
next album, which I am sure will not be a double one, no<br />
more than ten songs!<br />
MTW: We at <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Tango</strong> <strong>World</strong> can’t wait to hear<br />
it, and to get more info about your future project. We’ll<br />
surely stay in contact. Martin, thanks a lot for sharing <strong>the</strong><br />
San Telmo Lounge experience with us!<br />
— 33 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Top 10 Ways to Get Asked to Dance<br />
Karen Kaye<br />
I’m not getting asked to dance she said. And I could see why. She was a skilled follower<br />
and a beautiful woman with <strong>the</strong> warmest soul. But no one noticed because she sat<br />
buried in <strong>the</strong> corner of <strong>the</strong> room looking royally annoyed.<br />
10: Stand up. If you REALLY want to dance, don’t sit<br />
down. It gives <strong>the</strong> impression that you are resting and<br />
taking a break. Stand up and position yourself at <strong>the</strong><br />
edge of <strong>the</strong> dance floor.<br />
9: Start moving. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are standing by <strong>the</strong><br />
dance floor or sitting down, moving your body and<br />
your feet to <strong>the</strong> music shows that you are feeling <strong>the</strong><br />
song and want to dance to it. The fastest way for me to<br />
get asked is to go onto <strong>the</strong> edge of <strong>the</strong> floor and begin<br />
moving to <strong>the</strong> music.<br />
8. Be less social. This isn’t <strong>the</strong> time to get into a deep<br />
conversation with a friend. If I am chatting with someone,<br />
I keep my eyes on <strong>the</strong> dance floor, and actively<br />
convey that my interest is not in <strong>the</strong> conversation, but<br />
on <strong>the</strong> possibility of dancing. I show this by smiling at<br />
people who walk by and being interested in what’s<br />
happening on <strong>the</strong> floor.<br />
7. Be more social. Find someone you want to dance with<br />
and strike up a conversation with <strong>the</strong>m. Comment on how<br />
much you love <strong>the</strong> band or DJ tonight. Ask if <strong>the</strong>y like <strong>the</strong><br />
wine <strong>the</strong>y are drinking. Or simply go up and say, “I don’t<br />
believe we have met, I’m Karen….”. Making a new friend<br />
this way will almost always lead to <strong>the</strong>m asking you dance –<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>n or later.<br />
6. Check your attitude. You have to look receptive, so drop<br />
<strong>the</strong> crossed arms. Confidence is great thing, but don’t strut<br />
around and watch <strong>the</strong> floor with an attitude that suggests<br />
you are too good to dance with anyone <strong>the</strong>re. Some people<br />
appear to be always judging what’s happening on <strong>the</strong><br />
floor. Don’t be that person. It suggests you will do <strong>the</strong> same<br />
when you dance with <strong>the</strong>m. Lastly, be gracious regardless of<br />
who asks you to dance. People will notice how you respond<br />
when asked to dance – and will watch your attitude while<br />
you are dancing with o<strong>the</strong>r dancers. Stay gracious!<br />
5. Drop your ego. You aren’t entitled to being asked<br />
just because you showed up. Your 10,000 hours of<br />
lessons and practicing doesn’t guarantee you a thing.<br />
If you want to dance, sometimes YOU have to ask.<br />
Make a guy’s night and approach him or initiate <strong>the</strong><br />
cabeceo. Some guys love this far more than we ladies<br />
realize.<br />
4. Make it easy. Don’t play hard to get. Don’t make<br />
it difficult or awkward for <strong>the</strong> guy to ask you. Ensure<br />
you have plenty of moments when you are alone so<br />
he doesn’t have to awkwardly interrupt a conversation.<br />
Smile at <strong>the</strong>m. Make eye contact. Even if you<br />
have to fake it, appear to be enjoying your night. No<br />
guy wants to take on <strong>the</strong> challenge of flipping an attitude<br />
from “bitter bench warmer” to happy dancer.<br />
— 34 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
3. Be <strong>the</strong> first to say hello. When you walk into a room<br />
or pass people, take <strong>the</strong> initiative to be <strong>the</strong> first to say<br />
hello. Greeting people shows <strong>the</strong>m that you are friendly<br />
and receptive. Upon arrival, I do my best to walk <strong>the</strong><br />
room greeting everyone I know in <strong>the</strong> room. At that<br />
point, I oftentimes say, “Save me a dance later” – which<br />
basically fills up my dance card right away.<br />
2. Master <strong>the</strong> mirada. When I want to dance, I smile<br />
and make my intention clear in my gaze. I position myself<br />
where I have a clear line of sight to dancers and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have a clear sight to me. Gaze as much as you want; <strong>the</strong><br />
contract doesn’t happen until <strong>the</strong> cabeceo (<strong>the</strong> nod), so<br />
don’t be shy with looking around. Gaze <strong>the</strong> room as if<br />
you are holding an amazing secret that you are simply<br />
dying to share with <strong>the</strong> right person.<br />
And if you really want to guarantee getting asked to<br />
dance all night….<br />
1. Take a private lesson. If people are still skirting around<br />
you and focusing on blank walls when <strong>the</strong>y see you, find a<br />
pro who is a master at teaching social dancing technique.<br />
Find a pro who has <strong>the</strong> courage to teach you what you<br />
need, not what you want. There’s a tendency to believe<br />
our technique is better than it truly is, and it’s easy to get<br />
a little sloppy over time. Committing myself to regular<br />
coaching has made a massive difference for me.<br />
Lastly, some nights I’m simply feeling more demure or shy,<br />
especially if I am feeling intimidated by <strong>the</strong> skill level of <strong>the</strong><br />
room. In that case, I ask friends, <strong>the</strong> DJ, host or promoter<br />
who <strong>the</strong>y recommend I dance with. Most people are<br />
more than happy to make an introduction or point out a<br />
warm, friendly dancer who will put me at ease.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> day, keeping your skills sharp is key.<br />
However, a big part of getting asked is simply about exuding<br />
good vibes. Change your vibe - and it will definitely<br />
change your night.<br />
Our Advertisers<br />
Arbois Marathon ..................................................47<br />
Arrabal.....................................................................23<br />
Amr Diab................................................................37<br />
Bailarinas <strong>Tango</strong> Festival.......................................16<br />
Carlo Buti...............................................................31<br />
Caro Emerald.........................................................31<br />
Cee Lo Green........................................................31<br />
Club Beluga.............................................................47<br />
Eartha Kitt..............................................................45<br />
Forever <strong>Tango</strong>.........................................................43<br />
Geneve AfroKizomba Festival............................07<br />
Giovanni Marradi...................................................45<br />
In-Grid.....................................................................47<br />
Isadora Paz..............................................................17<br />
Ishtar........................................................................47<br />
Iyeoka.......................................................................31<br />
La Mosca Tse-Tse..................................................48<br />
Media Luna Project...............................................47<br />
Moulinex.................................................................47<br />
MYW New York Tour...........................................40<br />
Newevo<strong>Tango</strong> .......................................................43<br />
Neo<strong>Tango</strong> Moscow .............................................37<br />
Quadro Nuevo......................................................47<br />
Rain...........................................................................47<br />
Rome Neo<strong>Tango</strong> Marathon................................06<br />
Ryuishi Sakamoto..................................................47<br />
Sound of Silence....................................................45<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>, A History of Obsession...........................40<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>Kinesis..............................................07, 23, 40<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> in <strong>the</strong> Night................................................43<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> for Teachers................................................23<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Lessons........................................................09<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Rico..............................................................07<br />
<strong>Tango</strong> Today............................................................16<br />
Unchained Salon....................................................16<br />
United Rhythms of Brazil....................................47<br />
Vietnam <strong>Tango</strong> Festival.........................................37<br />
Please Patronize<br />
Our Advertisers<br />
— 35 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
100 Years of Recorded <strong>Tango</strong><br />
Raymond Lauzzana<br />
2017 marks <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary of recorded tango. Roberto Firpo’s La Cumparsita was <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
first recording of a tango that was ever made. It was recorded in November of 2016 at <strong>the</strong> studio of<br />
Max Glücksmann in Buenos Aires. for Odeon Records. The record was released to <strong>the</strong> public in a<br />
performance at <strong>the</strong> café La Giralda in Montevideo where Firpo frequently performed.<br />
La Cumparsita was originally written as a march. It<br />
was composed by an 18-year-old architecture student<br />
named Gerardo Hernán Becho Matos Rodríguez.. Early<br />
in 1916, he showed <strong>the</strong> song to orchestra leader Roberto<br />
Firpo. When Firpo looked at <strong>the</strong> music, he saw ita as<br />
a tango. Originally, <strong>the</strong> song had two parts. Firpo added<br />
a third part taken from his earlier tangos — La gaucha<br />
Manuela and Curda Completa. He also added parts of<br />
Giuseppe Verdi’s Miserere from <strong>the</strong> opera Il trovatore.<br />
Although it was among <strong>the</strong> few tango recordinsg, it<br />
did not gain much popularity until lyrics were added<br />
in 1924 by <strong>the</strong> Argentine Pascual Contursi. The song<br />
soon became an international hit, and is considered <strong>the</strong><br />
most widely known tango song in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
It is also <strong>the</strong> most widely recorded tango song of all time.<br />
It has been performed and recorded by small trios and<br />
large bands everywhere in <strong>the</strong> world. Having moved to<br />
Paris, Matos Rodríguez spent <strong>the</strong> nearly two decades in<br />
various court battles over royalties, finally succeeding in<br />
secure title to <strong>the</strong> rights for La Cumparsita.<br />
This year, <strong>the</strong>re will be major events thoughout Uruguay<br />
celebrating this 100th anniversary. of La Cumparsita.<br />
Montevideo begins <strong>the</strong> celebration with a musical<br />
show in Plaza Independencia with <strong>the</strong> participation of<br />
numerous artists. An open-air event called Bienvenido<br />
Cumparsita, by Intendance, is followed by an event at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Salvo Palace, where <strong>the</strong> La Giralda Café used to be,<br />
where <strong>the</strong> song was first performed.<br />
Performers will include Ricardo Olivera, Valeria Lima,<br />
Maia Castro, Triple Nelson, Gabriel Peluffo, Néstor<br />
Vaz, Laura Legazcue, Roberto Herrera, Monica Navarro<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Philharmonic Orchestra of Montevideo.<br />
Admission to any of <strong>the</strong>se events will be with free and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re will be a fireworks!<br />
Uruguay can rightfully claim that <strong>the</strong> tango was originally<br />
made in Uruguay. Argentines, from <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Rio Plate, surely will claim that that is Argentines<br />
that brought <strong>the</strong> erotic dance to <strong>the</strong> sensual music.<br />
— 36 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 37 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
This argument will never end. <strong>Tango</strong> exists. It is world<br />
music in <strong>the</strong> truest sense. It has incorporated or been incorporated<br />
into o<strong>the</strong>r musical forms around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Today, dancers enjoy dancing to tango from Sydney to<br />
Paris, from Rome to Tokyo, and everywhere in between.<br />
<strong>Tango</strong>, itself, is more than 100 years old. The first known<br />
tango was composed in 1886, by Angel Villoldu — El<br />
Choclo. Everybody knows tango when <strong>the</strong>y see it —<br />
beautiful men and women in elegant dress with sensual<br />
movements. But, that is just <strong>the</strong> surface of <strong>the</strong> tango.<br />
There is a deeper tango. that takes you through <strong>the</strong><br />
sadnesses of life — <strong>the</strong> River Plate Blues. <strong>Tango</strong> lyrics<br />
often deal wi<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong> problems of life.<br />
The power of tango laliesys in transforming <strong>the</strong>se existential<br />
problems into pure energy and joy of life. They<br />
are filled with jealous women swearing revenge, men<br />
who have been betrayed; abandoned women crying<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir lost loves . — love, hate, emotion, madness,<br />
fears, sorrow — passion.<br />
As with almost all popular dances, <strong>the</strong> tango was considered<br />
vulgar and not suited for polite society. It was<br />
a working class dance that was danced in bro<strong>the</strong>ls ond<br />
on <strong>the</strong> street, where <strong>the</strong> erotism of <strong>the</strong> dance was<br />
usedseductive strategy to increase sales. Honest women<br />
would not dance <strong>the</strong> tango. But, men danced tango with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r men, perfecting <strong>the</strong>ir skills.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> advent of radio,<br />
recorded music and <strong>the</strong><br />
Victrola, this all changed.<br />
By <strong>the</strong> twenties, <strong>the</strong><br />
tango became socially<br />
acceptable, not only in<br />
Uruguay and Argentina,<br />
but in North America,<br />
Europe and Asia. It conquered<br />
all <strong>the</strong> dancing<br />
halls of <strong>the</strong> world. By <strong>the</strong><br />
Golden Decade of <strong>the</strong><br />
fourties, when tango was<br />
no longer regional. It was<br />
everywhere.<br />
— 38 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 39 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
New <strong>Tango</strong> Music<br />
Arndt Büssing<br />
El Cachivache Quinteto: <strong>Tango</strong> Punk Vol. II<br />
With <strong>the</strong>ir album <strong>Tango</strong> Punk Vol. I <strong>the</strong> El Cachivache Quinteto surprised <strong>the</strong>ir audience. They revitalized<br />
nine traditional compositions and<br />
underlined that each generation has to<br />
find <strong>the</strong>ir own approach to reconnect<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir history and carry it fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Now <strong>the</strong>ir album <strong>Tango</strong> Punk Vol. II is out,<br />
and no, it is not a sampler with some<br />
more traditional tangos. They intend to<br />
convince us with eleven of <strong>the</strong>ir original<br />
compositions.<br />
Six tracks are from pianist Pablo Montanelli,<br />
four by guitar player Vito Venturino,<br />
and one by Argentine composer-guitarrist<br />
Julian Graciano. Again, <strong>the</strong> quintet<br />
plays with verve and enthusiasm and<br />
can easily convince a young audience.<br />
Of course, I have my favourite songs,<br />
namely <strong>the</strong> lively and propelling El Viajero<br />
and Se hizo de Noche which are irresistable.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong>ir strange compositions,<br />
Fetiche, is more post-rock than anything<br />
else. Transylvanika is a really beautiful<br />
vals that invites you to dance. Although, I<br />
didn´t care so much for <strong>the</strong> bottle neck<br />
guitar parts.<br />
Víto Venturino said that <strong>the</strong>y wanted a live sound for this recording and all tracks were recorded simultaneously.<br />
However, this means that also several problematic moments of intonation on <strong>the</strong> violin<br />
were also retained, which decreases one’s listening pleasure in some tracks, such as Celosamente.<br />
Never<strong>the</strong>less, with <strong>the</strong>ir dauntless and forceful approach, <strong>the</strong> El Cachivache Quinteto will surely become<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> next influential ensembles in <strong>the</strong> contemporary tango scene. Definitely go and see<br />
this band perform!<br />
Overall Scoring (1-5 stars): ****<br />
Dancer´s pleasure = Listener´s pleasure<br />
Duration: 35 min.<br />
Artist´s website: http://www.elcachivache.info<br />
— 40 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Orquesta Tipica Andariega: Balliamo<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> third album from Orquesta Tipic Andariega, featuring singer Walter El Chino Laborde with<br />
<strong>the</strong> rich sound of three violins, three bandoneons, a double bass and a piano. Compared to <strong>the</strong>ir 2014<br />
album of new compositions, Andiamo, this time around <strong>the</strong> ensemble chose to play tangos from <strong>the</strong><br />
past. With new arrangements, mostly from <strong>the</strong>ir director and bass player Luigi Coviello and one by<br />
bandoneon player Adrian Argat.<br />
All of <strong>the</strong>se Golden Age tangos live through<br />
<strong>the</strong> contrast of rhythmically accentuated<br />
stride ahead parts followed by elegiac<br />
melodies, and <strong>the</strong> straightforward arrangements,<br />
reduced to <strong>the</strong> essential, support<br />
this impression. This clearly is <strong>the</strong> beauty of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se songs.<br />
Listening to Esta Noche de Luna, composed<br />
1943 by José Garcia and Graciano<br />
Gómez-Marcó, I like very much how arranger<br />
Luigi Coviello deals with <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
melody and contrasts it with <strong>the</strong> rhythmic<br />
orchestral accents with strict compass.<br />
Compared with Francisco Canaro´s version,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y also have <strong>the</strong>se accents. But Canaro<br />
seemed to be more interested in <strong>the</strong><br />
elegiac melodies to please <strong>the</strong> dancers. In<br />
Coviello´s arrangement <strong>the</strong> melodies have<br />
more space to shine, and <strong>the</strong> accents are<br />
more aggressive.<br />
Luigi says that for him <strong>the</strong> balance of groove and rhythm is important, and that means having <strong>the</strong>se clear<br />
differences between <strong>the</strong> rhythm parts and <strong>the</strong> melodic legato parts so that <strong>the</strong> musicians can be like an<br />
angel in <strong>the</strong> legato and a devil in <strong>the</strong> rhythmic parts. These devils are quite friendly but never<strong>the</strong>less seductive.<br />
Te Aconsejo que me Olvides, written in 1926 by Pedro Maffia and Jorge Curi, is a highly accentuated<br />
song with an attractive syncopated beat and a performance of singer Walter Laborde. Nothing<br />
against <strong>the</strong> Aníbal Troilo version with Francisco Fiorentino. It has its own charm. But, <strong>the</strong> Orquesta<br />
Tipica Anariaga version is more strict in its route. The singer El Chino Laborde plays his cards to<br />
phrase <strong>the</strong> lyrics, slowing <strong>the</strong> tempo, raising <strong>the</strong> dynamics and thus wakes <strong>the</strong> heart of this song. Outstanding!<br />
The same is true for Rodolfo Biagi’s well known Humillación from 1941. Laborde lives this<br />
song with an intensity that hurts. I hate this love! When it broke my will, it reduced me to begging for your<br />
warmth. Great. A clear recommendation to join <strong>the</strong>ir shows and listen to <strong>the</strong>ir music.<br />
Overall Scoring ****<br />
Dancer´s pleasure = Listener´s pleasure<br />
Duration: 31 min.<br />
Artist´s website: http://www.andariegatango.com.ar/<br />
— 41 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 42 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Juan Pablo de Lucca Quinteto: Después de todo<br />
The quintet’s debut album has 8 tracks, most of which are written and arranged by <strong>the</strong>ir pianist<br />
Juan Pablo de Lucca, grandson of famous tango-singer Alberto Castillo. We hear Juan Pablo de<br />
Lucca (piano), Santiago Cirmi (bandoneon), Manuel Villar Lifac (contrabass), Mauro Caracotche<br />
(drums). Juan Pablo di Leone (transverse flute), Gabriel Wolff (viola), Emanuel Aguirrez (cello),<br />
Luis Caruana (bandoneon), Maia Perduca (flute), Emiliano Lorenz (bass), and Luciano Sellan (guitar)<br />
also appear on some tracks.<br />
The compositions and <strong>the</strong>ir arrangements<br />
explore <strong>the</strong> narrative textures of<br />
contemporary jazz and rely on <strong>the</strong> rich<br />
and vivid tango history, yet <strong>the</strong>y remain<br />
in <strong>the</strong> usual spectrum. The transverse<br />
flute and bandoneon as solo instruments<br />
are played elegantly and avoid<br />
<strong>the</strong> annoying melodic patterns that can<br />
be found quite often in jazz-oriented<br />
tango ensembles. This is one of <strong>the</strong><br />
strengths of this ensemble, <strong>the</strong>y rely on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own music ra<strong>the</strong>r than making <strong>the</strong><br />
100th resuscitation of tango standards<br />
from <strong>the</strong> crypt.<br />
The musicians present <strong>the</strong>se new compositions<br />
very cautiously and provide a<br />
beautifully relaxed atmosphere, even in<br />
<strong>the</strong> more energetic, drum-supported<br />
end of Nuestras ilusiones. No need to<br />
hurry. There is time to get down to <strong>the</strong><br />
essentials.<br />
This music fits quite well to a comfortable café, but may be a challenge for non-professional tango<br />
dancers at <strong>the</strong> weekend milongas. For my part, I would prefer my café with <strong>the</strong> Juan Pablo de<br />
Lucca Quinteto!<br />
Overall Scoring ****<br />
Dancer´s pleasure < Listener´s pleasure<br />
Duration: 38 min.<br />
Artist´s website: http://www.juanpablodelucca.com<br />
— 43 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
<strong>Tango</strong> Moves<br />
Raymond Lauzzana<br />
Promenades — The most common walk in tango is with <strong>the</strong> partners facing each o<strong>the</strong>r, with <strong>the</strong><br />
leader walking forward and <strong>the</strong> follower walking backwards - caminando. However, this is not <strong>the</strong> only way<br />
in which tango dancers can walk. The dancers can both walk forward side-by-side, as in a walk in <strong>the</strong> park —<br />
a promenade or paseo. Normally, dancers would only walk in promenade for a few steps, more than<br />
four. But, in canyengue style, <strong>the</strong>y may walk forward toge<strong>the</strong>r, cheek-to-cheek, throughout <strong>the</strong> dance. As always,<br />
it is important to dance with <strong>the</strong> music. In more modern styles, promenade should be used to express<br />
specific musical phrases and always ‘in time’.<br />
Basic Promenade (Paseo)<br />
In all promenades, both partners face <strong>the</strong> same direction,<br />
side-by-side. Typically, <strong>the</strong> follower is on <strong>the</strong> leader’s right side.<br />
The leader’s left and <strong>the</strong> follower’s right hand may be joined<br />
in front. In this case, <strong>the</strong> leader’s right arm would be around<br />
<strong>the</strong> follower’s waist, while <strong>the</strong> follower’s hand is on leader’s<br />
shoulder as in a normal close embrace. However, both dancers<br />
face <strong>the</strong> same direction towards <strong>the</strong> leader’s left hand.<br />
Obviously, <strong>the</strong>re are numerous variations on this position. But,<br />
this is a good basic reference. There are many ways to get to<br />
this position from <strong>the</strong> zero position. Here are a few.<br />
Sashay (Chassez)<br />
A casual normal walk in whch <strong>the</strong> active foot collects with<br />
<strong>the</strong> standing foot as it passes by. The dancers may walk may<br />
be ei<strong>the</strong>r in parallel or cross system. That is, <strong>the</strong>y may step<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r in parallel, on <strong>the</strong>ir right, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>ir left, or <strong>the</strong>y may<br />
step toge<strong>the</strong>r in cross system, , on <strong>the</strong> inside feet, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />
outside. Weight is gradually transferred from <strong>the</strong> standing foot<br />
to <strong>the</strong> active foot. The next foot is lifted only after <strong>the</strong> active<br />
foot is loaded and <strong>the</strong> axis has been transferred to it. This is a<br />
slow smooth walk without a bounce.<br />
American Start (el Americano)<br />
The so-called America Start comes from American Ballroom<br />
dancing. It occurs at <strong>the</strong> beginning of <strong>the</strong> dance, when <strong>the</strong><br />
couple first embrace, with <strong>the</strong> leader is facing <strong>the</strong> outer rim<br />
and <strong>the</strong> follower is facing towards <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> dance<br />
floor. The leader initiates <strong>the</strong> move into a promenade by stepping<br />
with left foot across behind to a toe tap, swivels 90°<br />
counter clockwise on right foot, before stepping forward with<br />
<strong>the</strong> left foot. The follower steps forward with <strong>the</strong> right foot in<br />
<strong>the</strong> direction of <strong>the</strong> line of dance, Their hips are engaged as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y continue to step forward.<br />
Cut Sidestep (Corte a Lado)<br />
The leader sidesteps left. As <strong>the</strong> follower steps, <strong>the</strong> leader<br />
rotates 90° counter-clockwise. The follower opens clockwise<br />
rotating into a promenade position. The follower’s left hand<br />
remains on <strong>the</strong> leader’s shoulder., with her right hand at her<br />
waist. They both lean back and extend <strong>the</strong>ir legs and step<br />
forward. They walk with opposite feet, outside, with outside,<br />
inside with inside — cross system<br />
Outside Swivel (Giro a Fuera)<br />
The leader steps thru in front and across with right foot,<br />
changing weight to left foot that is crossed behind. and swivels<br />
counter clockwise. on <strong>the</strong> lft foot The follower swivels on right<br />
foot with upper body torque, and <strong>the</strong>n brush steps backward<br />
to a cross. This leads to a promenade, in which both dancers<br />
step with same foot, side-by side — parallel system.<br />
— 44 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 45 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Half Vine Promenade (Paseo Medeo Vid)<br />
The dancers step sideways to open, cross in front. step sideways,<br />
cross in front again, and repeats. They do not cross behind.<br />
This gives <strong>the</strong> opportunity for a variety of adornments<br />
and moves, such as sacadas or barridas, during <strong>the</strong> promenade.<br />
Crab Walk (Congrejo)<br />
A promenade mirror walk in which partners face each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Cross step in front, rotate to promenade, side step to face,<br />
cross step again, and repeat. The walk is sometimes done with<br />
inside hip contact at <strong>the</strong> rotation.<br />
Closed Promenade (Paseo Cerrado)<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> most common form of promenade. It taken from<br />
canyengue style, but also popular in ballroom tango. In ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
close or closed embrace and in mirror image, <strong>the</strong> dancers step<br />
thru to <strong>the</strong> leader’s left. To lead <strong>the</strong> follower to walk in promenade,<br />
<strong>the</strong> leader may use a quick turn of <strong>the</strong> head, brusco, to indicate<br />
<strong>the</strong> direction of <strong>the</strong> promenade.The upper bodies of <strong>the</strong><br />
dancers are torqued towards each o<strong>the</strong>r, as <strong>the</strong>y walk in mirror<br />
image. In ballroom tango, <strong>the</strong> lead arms are extended forward. In<br />
canyengue, <strong>the</strong>y are frequently lowered below <strong>the</strong> waist.<br />
Open Promenade (Paseo Abierto)<br />
More common form of promenade in modern tango or tango<br />
nuevo. Although <strong>the</strong> follower is usually to <strong>the</strong> right of <strong>the</strong><br />
leader, <strong>the</strong> dancers may be on ei<strong>the</strong>r side. The type of steps<br />
<strong>the</strong>y may take vary widely and may be in parallel or in cross.<br />
The speed or pace of movement can me much greater in an<br />
open promenade; It is an excellent move to take advantage<br />
of available space on <strong>the</strong> dance floor. n <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, it is a<br />
bad move on a very crowded floor..<br />
Promenade Rock Step (Cadencia Paseo)<br />
Just as in <strong>the</strong> caminando, any step can be turned into a rock<br />
step during a promenade, simply by reversing and repeating.<br />
This can be done to change <strong>the</strong> pace of <strong>the</strong> walk, if <strong>the</strong> tempo<br />
of <strong>the</strong> music changes, or as regular repeat to a syncopation.<br />
Reverse Promenade (Paseo Atras)<br />
Beyond a single rock step, any promenade may be danced<br />
backwards, but only for a few steps. Sometimes, this may be<br />
necessary because of traffic in <strong>the</strong> ronde, or that <strong>the</strong> dancers<br />
have reached a some sort impasse, ei<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> music or<br />
on <strong>the</strong> dance floor. This can be an excellent ocassion for <strong>the</strong><br />
dancers to reverse sides, as well.<br />
Grapevine Promenade (Paseo Vide)<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> molinete in a straight line. Like <strong>the</strong> molinete it is a sequence<br />
of rour steps — step sidewaysl, cross in front, step sideways,<br />
cross behind, and repeat. The dancers walk in mirror image<br />
of each o<strong>the</strong>r. It is most appropriate for quick tempo music, for<br />
a maximum of two repeats. Once again, this should be reserved<br />
for ocassions when <strong>the</strong>re is adequate room on <strong>the</strong> floor.<br />
Serpentine Promenade (Paseo Serpeante)<br />
Similar to <strong>the</strong> grapevine or crab walk, but hands are held high<br />
as in a butterfly or mariposa. The steps are side,step, cross<br />
behind, side step, cross behind, repeat. During <strong>the</strong> back step,<br />
both dancers lower <strong>the</strong>ir bodies to make a large fan with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
free leg as <strong>the</strong>y move it backwards.<br />
Scissors Promenade (Paseo Tijera)<br />
The partners interlace <strong>the</strong>ir legs, scissoring as <strong>the</strong>y walk. The<br />
partner that is behind sweeps <strong>the</strong>ir inner leg around so it is<br />
in front of <strong>the</strong>ir partner’s leg. The dancer that is in front must<br />
step wide enough to provide space for <strong>the</strong>ir partner’s step.<br />
They walk in a zig-zag pattern as <strong>the</strong>y move forward.<br />
Running Crawl (Corrida Gateo)<br />
A promenade mirror walk in which partners start facing each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r. They <strong>the</strong>n lower <strong>the</strong>ir bodies and take a long cross step<br />
in front, rotate to face each o<strong>the</strong>r once again. This is repeated<br />
rapidly, but no more than three times. This is almost a running<br />
move. So, <strong>the</strong>re must be adequate space ofn <strong>the</strong> dance floor.<br />
Spinning Promenade (Paseo Vuelta)<br />
As <strong>the</strong> promenade proceeds, <strong>the</strong> leader may take <strong>the</strong> follower’s<br />
hand and raise it above her head to spin <strong>the</strong> follower as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y walk. This can be done from any promenade.<br />
Hairpin (Horquilla Contra Paseo)<br />
From any promenade, <strong>the</strong> follower is led across <strong>the</strong> front<br />
of <strong>the</strong> leader. The follower ends up on <strong>the</strong> opposite side,<br />
facing <strong>the</strong> opposite direction. They may <strong>the</strong>n promenade<br />
in rotation about <strong>the</strong>ir shared axis.<br />
Rolling Hairpin (Horquilla Rodante)<br />
From any promenade, <strong>the</strong> follower is led scross <strong>the</strong> leaders.<br />
The follower rolls and rotates over <strong>the</strong> front of <strong>the</strong><br />
leader and ends up on <strong>the</strong> opposite side, facing <strong>the</strong> same<br />
direction. This is appropriate for any of <strong>the</strong> promenades.<br />
The rolling hairpin is a common way to change sides.<br />
Its obvious that <strong>the</strong>re are many variants on promenades. The<br />
reader should definitely experiment with <strong>the</strong>ir partner(s)<br />
on o<strong>the</strong>r possibilities. These were just a few of <strong>the</strong>m. One<br />
issue remains to be discussed — How to end a promenade.<br />
— 46 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Switchback (Cambiando Paseo)<br />
From any promenade position, <strong>the</strong> partners rotate out<br />
away from each o<strong>the</strong>r, and <strong>the</strong>n back towards each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r in mirror reflection to an embrace.<br />
Natural Promenade Finish (Final Paseo Natural)<br />
Starting from any side-by-side promenade position, <strong>the</strong><br />
leader steps left diagonal, right forward thru, left diagonal<br />
again, <strong>the</strong>n to right collect in a touch instep. That was a full<br />
360° counter-clockwise rotation by <strong>the</strong> leader away from<br />
<strong>the</strong> follower. The leader sends <strong>the</strong> follower into 360° clockwise<br />
spin. The dancers finish facing each o<strong>the</strong>r in an upright<br />
position, with <strong>the</strong>ir feet collected, with <strong>the</strong> follower facing<br />
towards <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> floor.<br />
Promenades are a very fun wat to add variety to your<br />
dance from <strong>the</strong> usual caminando. However, <strong>the</strong>y require<br />
more space amd should be limited to musical phrasing<br />
that is appropriate to <strong>the</strong> feeling of <strong>the</strong> promenade.<br />
They are most appropriate with milongas.<br />
— 47 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
Letters<br />
Fabulous music! Graphic design is marvelous also. I’m<br />
subscribing to <strong>the</strong> internet version. Thank you.<br />
.— Beverly Reiser<br />
Bravo, some very good articles on <strong>the</strong> stage of tango<br />
in Montreal.<br />
— Katie Chaunier<br />
I am glad that my tapestry of CD of tango of Montreal<br />
has been able to find a place in your edition.<br />
— Daniel Saindons<br />
Thx so much. looks great...abrazos<br />
— Terry<br />
I love neo and <strong>the</strong> creative space and freedom partners<br />
get in it.<br />
— Tatiana Nigout<br />
It’s great. Awesome!<br />
— Mike Herrera<br />
I will always support to you. Always. For your<br />
important project<br />
— Cetin Yavuz<br />
Wow! What a great plan!<br />
— Anna Stąpór<br />
GREAT ARTICLES ...nicely written...<br />
— Mario Rinald<br />
Send me some postcard. I can distribute <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
— Mauricio Salvador<br />
We are happy to send you a PDF to make postcards<br />
locally, and distribute <strong>the</strong>m. In exchange<br />
for distributing our postcards, we will give you a<br />
free sixth page advertisement in <strong>the</strong> magazine.<br />
— MTW<br />
— 48 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 49 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 50 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 51 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE
— 52 —<br />
TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE