The wisdom of Carlos Gavito

In English:
The man must know that he dances for her, and in doing so, he makes her feel like a queen. Only thus, will he be the king.

Another Gavito quote:

"The secret of tango is in the moment of improvisation that happens between step and step.  It is to make the impossible thing possible: to dance silence.  This is essential to learn in tango dance, the real dance, that of the silence, of following the melody." 

Carlos Gavito

Milonga Solidaria - a massive success!

Many thanks to the tango community in Adelaide and all those who attended the very busy Comme il faut on Sunday. 

A number of dancers made cash donations before the milonga and at the door. Thank you to Glen, Larry, Janice, Russ and Janett, Bob and Pat, Dee, Dru, Tango Adelaide Club, Mariangela, Lorraine, Anne R, Paul Br, Joan N, Sheila, Siempre Tango, Tricia N, Jan, Terri, Carl, Vicki Sk, Judy, and there may have been others because there was some extra cash in the bag. 

Thank you to the donors to the silent auction and raffle: Nicole, Cris, Pat, Rafael, Martin, Jan, Larry, Kylie, Steve, Robyn, Karin, Gerda, Anne R, Lucy, Mariangela, Lidia, Susanna, Sheila, and Nihada. 

Many thanks to Mariangela and Sheila who did the rounds constantly, selling raffle tickets.  The six prizes were worth around $100 each; thank you to the donors: Paul M, Mt Osmond Golf Club, Lorraine, Dee, Bob and Pat, Southern Cross Tango, Gerry and Anna, Susanna, Karin. 

All of this means that over $4,000 were raised for the Albergue Universitario in Villa Atamisqui, Northern Argentina.   

Adelaide tango is renowned for being an extremely friendly scene.  It is also extremely generous!

Head to our photo gallery for more pics of the event.

MILONGA SOLIDARIA - What can you offer?

'Comme il faut' on 17 March will support the completion of this student residence enabling young people from remote parts of northern Argentina to complete their teaching studies. Weekend vocational & community health courses will also be run. So important for the communities in this impoverished part of Argentina.



Silent auction items are coming in for the milonga. You'll be able to bid for Rafael's traditional Asado, Tuna cooking master class, a 6 week yoga intro course, French breakfast & conversation, Tradie work for 3 hours, gnocchi making workshop, Tango taxi-dancing, lovely handbags & jewellery, and more.

Got an activity or item you would like to add to the silent auction or raffle? Please let us know.

D'Arienzo's neglected singer

You probably have heard of Héctor Mauré, Alberto Echagüe and Armando Laborde - all wonderful singers at various periods of Juan D'Arienzo's orchestra.  I love them all, as each one brings a different colour to recordings.  (Oh, to have experienced them singing live!!)

But, have you heard the expressive voice of Juan Carlos Lamas?  He didn't sing for long with D'Arienzo, before forging a career in the movies, according to the biography in Todotango. (His good looks may have helped a little.)

Listen to this very danceable tanda with a few of my Lamas favourites. Though, I would have included the superb Viejo tintero.

I do wish more DJs would play his songs!
PP

Why chatting and dancing tango don't mix

Well, for a start, having a conversation while dancing seems to miss the point of tango.  Unfortunately, it can be rather anti-social, too.


So, let's re-imagine and replay this scene:
You're at a milonga, and the DJ starts playing a tanda of romantic Di Sarli.  You're in luck when your favourite Di Sarli partner looks in your direction.

As you dance, you begin to feel that the 'tango angels' are watching over you.  You are completely in the moment.  The connection with your partner and the music is deep, and at the same time heavenly.  This is the blissful and elusive experience sought after by dancers.  And when it happens, it gives you goose-bumps.

But suddenly, you are brought back to Earth.  A neighbouring couple's continued conversation while dancing has broken your trance.  You can't help but overhear the discussion about a recent movie, which they could easily have conducted elsewhere.  Are they unaware of the wonderful opportunity which they are missing?

You also happen to notice that their navigation on the busy floor has been affected.  Preoccupied with sharing views of the movie, the man is unable to pay enough attention to leading his partner, and experiences some near-misses with surrounding couples.  In fact, you have to take evasive action to protect your partner.

What to do?  Do you say anything at all?  Do you put your index finger to your lips, discreetly suggesting that they be quiet?  Or do you do nothing, but shake your head and grumble to yourself about their lack of awareness?
PP

On another note, imagine that you find yourself dancing with someone who also wants to chat.  What do you do?  For a few options, take a look at Talk and tango? I just can't do it.

Thanks to Los Angeles Tango Academy for the pictures