Forever Tango, Luis Bravo's internationally acclaimed dance spectacular. The show, which traces the history of tango through music, dance and dramatic vignettes, features an all Argentine cast. The show's first production number recalls the early home of tango in the brothels of Buenos Aires, the women appropriately attired for their trade, the men suited in gangster mode. Dancers: Claudio Villagra, Carlos Gavito & Marcela Durán, Jorge Torres & Karina Piazza, Hector Mayoral & Elsa Maria Borquez,Hugo Patyn & Carolina Garcia, Luis Castro & Claudia Mendoza. Bandoneón: Lisandro Adrover, Hector del Curto, Jorge Trivisono, Miguel Varvello. Choreographed by Luis Bravo.
Saturday
Forever Tango - Carlos Gavito
Monday
Bulletin Dec.25
Merry Christmas to all today. Our mini milonga Thursday filled Deva's with local tangueros. It was not crowded, but if the public had popped in, it WOULD have been. There are no classes for another week. A two-week hiatus from tango can be hard to take, but there are New Year's Eve milongas in Fresno, where overnight lodging is offered, and in Sacramento at Tango by the River. When we resume classes in January, Patrick will instruct.
1. Roberto Riobo, dancer, historian and teacher, agreed to teach the introductory class, and to serve as D.J. at our next milonga at Jacobs on January 20
2. Hope you have time over the holidays to enjoy this video of great examples of modern Argentine tango from Nora's Tango Week 2006. Dancing are Nito & Miriam, the old guard and the new guard. Nito recently celebrated his 71st birthday and Miriam Larici participated in Forever Tango.
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
WEDNESDAY:
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
New Year's Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31: 9 p.m. NEW YEAR'S MILONGA at Studio 65. Everyone is invited to attend a dessert party with champagne/sparkling cider at Studio 65 to ring in the new year. With loads of great tango music, there will be a swing or line dance and, maybe some tanguero will teach the 'chacarera'.
SACRAMENTO
SUNDAY, DEC. 31! - NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA at Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. Beginning tango lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. Cost is $15 per person for lesson & dance; $10 for dance only. Both include hors d'oeuvres & refreshments (including, of course, champagne). There are fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight, and usually we go outside to watch the fireworks. This year at midnight we will stay inside and do the traditional countdown -- 3, 2, 1 ... kiss! So if you want to see fireworks, come early enough to catch the 9 p.m. show so that at midnight we can stay indoors and have our own fireworks right at TBTR! 
2nd SUNDAY / Time 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - at Giovanni's Pizzeria Milonga
3rd Saturdays DOWNTOWN MILONGA
"MILONGA MIRABELLE" 7318 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (just west of San Juan). Hosted by Mirabelle European Pastry Café. Mini Cover Charge: $5 for dancers (includes two tickets for drawings at 8 & 8:30 p.m.) This charge is to support our host, whether or not we eat and drink there. The Mirabelle will remain open for customers which will expose Argentine tango to a new area with the hope of promoting tango. Teachers are encouraged to put out their flyers.
Every THURSDAY evening at "Café La Boca" at 2600 Fair Oaks Boulevard 
Thursdays
Also in this bulletin.
1. Roberto Riobo to D.J. our next milonga and conduct two workshops.
2. This week's Video of the Week offers a look at some exhibition dances at Nora's Tango Week milongas.
and then conduct two workshops on Sunday January 21. One of the Bay Area's most popular D.J.s and tango instructors, he began teaching with the Dinzels in Buenos Aires. His knowledge of tango history is extensive and he currently conducts a teacher training program for tango instructors. Be sure to mark your calendars for January 20. More information will be forthcoming.
OUR CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY Dec. 25 & Jan. 1. Dinner and dancing at Jacobs cancelled.
SATURDAY, December 30: No classes, See you all January 6. Patrick teaching.
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/
Modesto Tango is a non-profit association of tango aficionados dedicated to sharing the artistic, cultural and social aspects of Argentine Tango in Stanislaus County. To discontinue receiving this bulletin go to http://groups.google.com/group/Modesto-Tango/subscribe
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
EMERYVILLE - Classes at Allegro Ballroom. Glenn Corteza fills in for Nora Dinzelbacher in December.
5855 Christie Avenue , Emeryville, California 94608
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
Beginning Argentine Tango (Level I)
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Level III) 8:30-9:30 p.m.,
Levels I & II teach fundamentals of Argentine tango. Level III focuses on dancing at the milongas, line of dance, floor craft, navigation, taking what you already know and making it fit the music AND the other dancers on the floor. Taught by studio owner Donna Williams & Zak Brown; Cost is $35 per person/$60 per couple for each series ($20 for students/$40 for student couples).
WEDNESDAY:
La Práctica for all levels with Mike & Alisa at Step One, 1920 T St. (at train tracks), 8:15 - 10:15 p.m., only $3 for all levels, beginners welcome. Another chance for needed floor time
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flair on Thursdays from
8 to 10 p.m. Cost is only $3! Parking is free on the streets after 8 p.m.
MILONGAS - 
Modesto's next milonga, January 20, 2007, at Jacobs, will feature Roberto Riobo as guest artist.
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
FRESNO:
PLEASE RSVP
Four bedrooms are available for travelers who prefer to stay the night. Thanks to all who have already RSVP'd. Call with any questions or if you want details regarding staying over, Kathy and Guy / Fresno Tango Society
559-229-6430 katlou59@comcast.net
At Studio 65, 2965 N. Maroa Ave, north of Clinton & the tracks.
SACRAMENTO
( 2701 Del Paso Rd in Safeway Shopping Center Town Center -
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Contact: Joanne Miyao (916) 215-1020 cell or Betsy Gordon (916) 601-8824 cell
Where: 922 8th Street, Sacramento
Time: 9 p.m. until people stop dancing (2 a.m., 3 a.m.?...)
Music: Tango (traditional and alternative) Cover: $5. The studio is on 8th Street, between I and J. The entrance is left of La Bonne Soupe Café. Go up the steep stairs and turn left, following the music. Refreshments will not be provided, but bring food, wine, beer. Parking on the street may be limited. Car pooling advised.
FAIR OAKS
1st and 3rd Sundays of every month - 6 - 9:30 p.m.
Next Milonga Mirabelle - January 7, 2007 - See you at Mirabelle's next year!
(at Munroe, diagonally across from Loehmann's Plaza) from 7:30 to 10 p.m, más o menos. Contact Ed Loomis, <mailto:TangoBear@pobox.com> TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.
SAN FRANCISCO:
SAN FRANCISCO:
Mariposa Argentine Tango Club at the Verdi Club <http://www.sfmariposaverdi.org/> www.sfmariposaverdi.org
2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Ave, SF
Thu Dec 28, Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
7:15 to 8 p.m.. - Close Embrace Basics with Christy and Adolfo
8 to 8:45 p.m - Int/Adv Close Embrace
12/28 with Christy and special guest Darren Lees
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 am - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 am - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté
with D.J. Emilo Flores
$15 class + Milonga /$14 Milonga only
UPCOMING TANGO TOURS TO BUENOS AIRES:
Nora's Tango Week 2006
Nora's Tango Week 2006 in San Francisco featuring Miriam and Hugo, Jorge Firpo, Nito and Elba (Elba was not available during performances), Fernanda and Guillermo, and Nora and Ed. This is a great example of modern Argentine Tango, and this is the best event to attend for enthusiasts and practitioners on the west coast.
Monday
Bulletin Dec.18
A number of us went to San Francisco last Friday to see Leading Ladies of Tango, a great performance featuring the who's who in tango on East and West coasts. If an opportunity arises to see it again,do so.
After class on Saturday, we celebrated Roman's birthday at the India Bistro, our old practica venue. A good time was had by all.
There are no classes for the next two weeks, but you can still get your tango fixes, in town on Monday and Thursday, and out of town as well.
Sue Levy invited us to her home to view the DVD "Tango Fatal" by Carlos Copello Saturday, (Dec. 23). This one-hour movie's flimsy story line offers an excuse for a lot of good dancing. Let's get together at noon and bring a pot luck offering. Call me for directions 522-1571, or email fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
1 A "Christmas milonga" this Thursday, Dec. 21 at Deva, 1202 J St., Modesto, CA 95354 (209)572-3382, This opportunity to dance in this popular downtown eatery is scheduled to coincide with "Art Walk Nights" each third Thursday, Even though "art walk" is cancelled this month for Christmas, we will launch this opportunity to dance downtown. Food and beverages will be available.
2. Roberto Riobo, dancer, historian and teacher, agreed to be guest artist at our next milonga at Jacobs on January 20. One of the Bay Area's most popular tango instructors, he began his teaching with the Dinzels in Buenos Aires. His knowledge of the history of tango is extensive and he is currently conducting a teacher's training program for tango instructors. Be sure to mark your calendars for January 20. More information will be forthcoming.
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
WEDNESDAY:
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flare on Thursday nights from
SATURDAY, Dec. 23, 8:00 PM At Anne's house : 3129 D Street
SATURDAY, DEC. 30! - NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA at Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. Beginning tango lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 7:45), dance from 9 to midnight! Cost is $15 for lesson & dance; $10 for dance only; both include hors d'oeuvres & refreshments.
2nd SUNDAY / Time 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - at Giovanni's Pizzeria Milonga
3rd Saturdays DOWNTOWN MILONGA
"MILONGA MIRABELLE" 7318 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (just west of San Juan). Hosted by Mirabelle European Pastry Café. Mini Cover Charge: $5 for dancers (includes two tickets for drawings at 8 & 8:30 p.m.) This charge is to support our host, whether or not we eat and drink there. The Mirabelle will remain open for customers which will expose Argentine tango to a new area with the hope of promoting tango. Teachers are encouraged to put out their flyers.
Every THURSDAY evening at "Café La Boca" at 2600 Fair Oaks Boulevard 
Thursdays
New Year's Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31: 9 p.m. NEW YEAR'S MILONGA at Studio 65. Everyone is invited to attend a dessert party with champagne/sparkling cider at Studio 65 to ring in the new year. Along with loads of great tango music, there will be a swing or two, teach a line dance and, maybe one of our devoted tangueros will teach the 'chacarera'.
After class on Saturday, we celebrated Roman's birthday at the India Bistro, our old practica venue. A good time was had by all.
There are no classes for the next two weeks, but you can still get your tango fixes, in town on Monday and Thursday, and out of town as well.
Sue Levy invited us to her home to view the DVD "Tango Fatal" by Carlos Copello Saturday, (Dec. 23). This one-hour movie's flimsy story line offers an excuse for a lot of good dancing. Let's get together at noon and bring a pot luck offering. Call me for directions 522-1571, or email fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
Also in this bulletin.
- Our mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva's this Thursday.
- Roberto Riobo to be guest artist at our next milonga
- The Video of the Week offers a journey to the Buenos Aires underground tango culture.
underground tango culture, where the elusive soul of tango is to be found. Many thanks to Frankie for suggesting this one
OUR CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY (tonight) Dec. 18. Dinner and dancing at Jacobs Fine Dining, 2501 McHenry. A chance to work on moves learned in class and get floor time. No fee, but you are encouraged to order off the menu. We start at about 8 p.m. An informal gathering; some arrive early to dine. We may dance to 10 p.m. There will be no gathering at Jacobs on the next two Mondays, Christmas and New Years Days.
THURSDAY, Dec 21. "Christmas mini milonga" at Deva, 1202 J St., Modesto, (209)572-3382, Take this opportunity to dance in this popular downtown eatery . Food and beverages will be available.
SATURDAY, December 23: No classes, but a potluck gathering a Sue Levy's house to view Carlos Copello's movie, "Tango Fatal" For directions
Contact: Mary Menz (209) 522-1571 or E-MAIL: fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
For more information visit:
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/
Modesto Tango is a non-profit association of tango aficionados dedicated to sharing the artistic, cultural and social aspects of Argentine Tango in Stanislaus County. To discontinue receiving this bulletin go to http://groups.google.com/group/Modesto-Tango/subscribe
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
EMERYVILLE - Classes at Allegro Ballroom. Glenn Corteza fills in for Nora Dinzelbacher in December.
5855 Christie Avenue , Emeryville, California 94608
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
Beginning Argentine Tango (Level I)
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Level III) 8:30-9:30 p.m.,
Levels I & II teach fundamentals of Argentine tango. Level III focuses on dancing at the milongas, line of dance, floor craft, navigation, taking what you already know and making it fit the music AND the other dancers on the floor. Taught by studio owner Donna Williams & Zak Brown; Cost is $35 per person/$60 per couple for each series ($20 for students/$40 for student couples).
WEDNESDAY:
La Práctica for all levels with Mike & Alisa at Step One, 1920 T St. (at train tracks), 8:15 - 10:15 p.m., only $3 for all levels, beginners welcome. Another chance for needed floor time
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flare on Thursday nights from
8:00-10:00 p.m. Cost is only $3! Parking is free on the streets after 8 p.m.!
MILONGAS - 
Modesto's next milonga will be January 20, 2007 at Jacobs, featuring Roberto Riobo as guest artist.
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
SACRAMENTO
Please bring something delicious to eat, favorite music if you'd like, and your
smiling faces and dancing feet! Please RSVP by email or phone 447-2976.
( 2701 Del Paso Rd in Safeway Shopping Center Town Center -
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Contact: Joanne Miyao (916) 215-1020 cell or Betsy Gordon (916) 601-8824 cell
Where: 922 8th Street, Sacramento
Time: 9 p.m. until people stop dancing (2 a.m., 3 a.m.?...)
Music: Tango (both traditional and alternative) Cover: $5. The studio is on 8th Street, between I and J. The entrance is left of La Bonne Soupe Café. Go up the steep stairs and turn left, following the music. Refreshments will not be provided, but feel free to bring food, wine, beer. Parking on the street may be limited. I advise car pooling.
FAIR OAKS
1st and 3rd Sundays of every month - 6 - 9:30 p.m.
(at Munroe, diagonally across from Loehmann's Plaza) from 7:30 to 10 p.m, más o menos. Contact Ed Loomis, <mailto:TangoBear@pobox.com> TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.
SAN FRANCISCO:
SAN FRANCISCO:
Mariposa Argentine Tango Club at the Verdi Club <http://www.sfmariposaverdi.org/> www.sfmariposaverdi.org
2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Ave, SF
7:15-8 p.m. - Close Embrace Basics 8-8:45 p.m. - Int/Adv Close Embrace
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté with D.J. Emilo Flores
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté with D.J. Emilo Flores
$15 class & Milonga/$14 Milonga only.
FRESNO:
PLEASE RSVP
Four bedrooms are available for travelers who prefer to stay the night. Thanks to all who have already RSVPd. Call with any questions or if you want details regarding staying over, Kathy and Guy / Fresno Tango Society
559-229-6430 katlou59@comcast.net
At Studio 65, 2965 N. Maroa Ave, north of Clinton & the tracks.
UPCOMING TANGO TOURS TO BUENOS AIRES:
Gato & Andrea offer a 14-day tour accompanied package.
• March 30th to April 14th 2007.
If interested please check our webpage soon! There are already 8 people registered.
To reserve your place at the promotional price make a deposit of $300 before December 31st.
Subtango, The Spirit of Tango
A journey to the Buenos Aires underground tango culture, where the elusive soul of tango is to be found…
Even after a century of history, after enshrinement as the national music, after rampant commercialization and packaging for export, the tango still speaks to the Argentine soul. Subtango shows how tango music, dance, art and poetry are an essential part of the emotional expression of regular people, featuring the gamblers, ramblers and barroom prophets of the Buenos Aires night, playing weather-beaten accordions and singing old tangos of heartbreak and resentment. Through interviews with the citizens of this subterranean world, the film expands on the tango’s lugubrious aesthetic, the origins of its melodramatic lyrics in the laments of alienated immigrants, the sensuality and profound communication of its dance. The film explores the faded old bars where the nightcrawlers of Buenos Aires come to dance and drink amidst the peeling paint and thick clouds of smoke. Subtango is a portrait of that world of tango that lies closest to the true meaning of what tango is in Argentina
Bulletin Dec.11
On Dec. 16 Roman will end the year with a special gift, accompanied in the regular intermediate and beginning classes and a handful of privates by his dance partner, Sherry Berjeron-Oliver. A master Alexander Technique teacher with 30 years of experience, she will assist Roman at no extra cost to us.
1. Since 1977, when Argentina declared Dec. 11 the national day of the Tango, Argentina and the world celebrate National Tango Day every Dec.11 the date of two historical births: Carlos Gardel, born Dec. 11, 1890, and Julio De Caro, born Dec. 11, 1899. Let's observe the occasion at tonight's practica by featuring music played by De Caro as well as danceable renditions of Carlos Gardel compositions.
2. Mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva, 1202 J St., Modesto, CA 95354 (209)572-3382, on "Art Walk Nights" - each third Thursday beginning in December - Mark your calendars for Dec. 21. Consider it a "Christmas milonga."
3. Jennifer Bratt has an excellent tutorial on embellishments. The Video of the Week shows the Basic Tap, in back ochos and walking forward and back.
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
Ed Loomis & Rebeca Basave teach an intermediate/advanced level "Continuing Tango" class at Step One, 1920 T Street, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY:
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flare on Thursday nights from
2nd SUNDAY / Time 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - at Giovanni's Pizzeria Milonga 
SATURDAY, DEC. 30! - NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA at Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. Beginning tango lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 7:45), dance from 9 to midnight! Cost is $15 for lesson & dance; $10 for dance only; both include hors d'oeuvres & refreshments. 
"MILONGA MIRABELLE" 7318 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (just west of San Juan). Hosted by Mirabelle European Pastry Café. Mini Cover Charge: $5 for dancers (includes two tickets for drawings at 8 & 8:30 p.m.) This charge is to support our host, whether or not we eat and drink there. The Mirabelle will remain open for customers which will expose Argentine tango to a new area with the hope of promoting tango. Teachers are encouraged to put out their flyers.
Every THURSDAY evening at "Café La Boca" at 2600 Fair Oaks Boulevard 
Thursdays
New Year's Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31: 9 p.m. NEW YEAR'S MILONGA at Studio 65. All invited (and bring friends) to a dessert party with champagne/sparkling cider at Studio 65 to ring in 2007. Along with loads of great tango music, we will play a swing or two, teach a line dance and, maybe some devoted tanguero will volunteer to teach the 'chacarera'. PLEASE RSVP. Fresno tangueros may offer a bedroom for Modesto friends who prefer to stay.
Many Tango teachers emphasize the importance of good posture but lack the skills and principles to teach this. Alexander Technique is a refined and sophisticated method to get you there, unique and powerfully effective. You will experience lightness and poise in movement, plus enhanced co-coordination and appearance. The Alexander Technique is taught at the most prestigious performing art schools and universities through out the world.
You can read more on Sherry's website www.alexanderatwork.com
Join us for this new experience Questions? Roman: rzapata@comcast.net
Also in this bulletin.1. Dec. 11, National Tango Day2. A new mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva3. Video of the Week shows Jennifer Bratt with an excellent tutorial on embellishments.
OUR CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY (tonight) Dec. 11 & 18. Dinner and dancing at Jacobs Fine Dining, 2501 McHenry. A chance to work on moves learned in class and get floor time. No fee, but you are encouraged to order off the menu. We start at about 8 p.m. An informal gathering; some arrive early to dine. We may dance to 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, December 16: Last class this year with Roman, accompanied by his partner Sherry Bergeron-Oliver, at Modesto Fitness and Racquet Club, 200 Norwegian, off McHenry. 11 a.m. Intermediate, 12:30 beginning level. Intermediates are encouraged to stay for the beginner class at no additional fee to work on technique and assist beginners. $12 a class per person.
Contact: Mary Menz (209) 522-1571
E-MAIL: fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
For more information visit:
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/
Modesto Tango is a non-profit association of tango aficionados dedicated to sharing the artistic, cultural and social aspects of Argentine Tango in Stanislaus County. To discontinue receiving this bulletin go to http://groups.google.com/group/Modesto-Tango/subscribe
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
EMERYVILLE - Classes at Allegro Ballroom. Glenn Corteza fills in for Nora Dinzelbacher in December.
5855 Christie Avenue , Emeryville, California 94608
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
Beginning Argentine Tango (Level I)
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Level III) 8:30-9:30 p.m.,
Levels I & II teach fundamentals of Argentine tango. Level III focuses on dancing at the milongas, line of dance, floor craft, navigation, taking what you already know and making it fit the music AND the other dancers on the floor. Taught by studio owner Donna Williams & Zak Brown; Cost is $35 per person/$60 per couple for each series ($20 for students/$40 for student couples).
Ed Loomis & Rebeca Basave teach an intermediate/advanced level "Continuing Tango" class at Step One, 1920 T Street, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY:
La Práctica for all levels with Mike & Alisa at Step One, 1920 T St. (at train tracks), 8:15 - 10:15 p.m., only $3 for all levels, beginners welcome. Another chance for needed floor time
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flare on Thursday nights from
8:00-10:00 p.m. Cost is only $3! Parking is free on the streets after 8 p.m.!!
MILONGAS - 
Modesto's next milonga will be January 20, 2007 at Jacobs.
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
SACRAMENTO
( 2701 Del Paso Rd in Safeway Shopping Center Town Center -
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Contact: Joanne Miyao (916) 215-1020 cell or Betsy Gordon (916) 601-8824 cell
FAIR OAKS
1st and 3rd Sundays of every month - 6 - 9:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Sundays of every month - 6 - 9:30 p.m.
(at Munroe, diagonally across from Loehmann's Plaza) from 7:30 to 10 p.m, más o menos. Contact Ed Loomis, <mailto:TangoBear@pobox.com> TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.
SAN FRANCISCO:
SAN FRANCISCO:
Mariposa Argentine Tango Club at the Verdi Club <http://www.sfmariposaverdi.org/> www.sfmariposaverdi.org
2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Ave, SF
7:15-8 p.m. - Close Embrace Basics 8-8:45 p.m. - Int/Adv Close Embrace
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté with D.J. Emilo Flores
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté with D.J. Emilo Flores
$15 class & Milonga/$14 Milonga only.
FRESNO:
ALL EVENTS AT Studio 65, 2965 N. Maroa Ave, north of Clinton & the tracks.
UPCOMING TANGO TOURS TO BUENOS AIRES:
Gato & Andrea offer a 14-day tour accompanied package.
For details & registration, please visit: www.bairestangotour.com.ar
(415) 425 0515 Thank you! Andrea & Gato
Sunday
Basic Tap - JenniferBratt
This video illustrates tapping on the '3' or the upbeat (halfway through the beat). Count '1-2-3-4' for each beat. ('1' being the downbeat, '3' being the upbeat or exact middle, and '2' and '4' being the places inbetween or the quarter beats). It is not a synchopated embellishment, as it happens on an even division of the beat.
This tap is demonstrated during back ochos, as well as walking forward and back. Keep in mind that this embellishment can be done during any step with the 'slow' rhythm (stepping just on the downbeat or '1').
Tuesday
Bulletin Dec.4
Roman resumed classes Saturday and will finish out the year. We will meet for classes Dec. 9 & 16, then break for the holidays. Roman is available for private lessons and has openings Saturday, Dec. 9 at 9:30 and Sunday morning (Dec. 10). To reach him: rzapata@comcast.net. or (916) 425-2395.
Tango icon Orlando Paiva died last week of a respiratory illness. He established a standard for excellence in Salon tango. He was recently seen in a cameo in Robert Duvall's "Assassination Tango" movie.
Renowned, loved and respected, he. died in Rosario, Argentina. Paiva taught the salon style of Argentine tango in his birthplace, the United States, Chile and Japan for more than 45 years, creating at least 160 exclusive figures. His intensely personal style, his impeccable footwork, the sweetness and sensitivity he brought to his partner and the dance itself are legendary.
2. Mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva, 1202 J St., Modesto, CA 95354 (209)572-3382, on "Art Walk Nights" - the third Thursday of each month. We begin in December - Mark your calendars for Dec. 21, and consider it a "Christmas milonga."
3. Modesto Tangueros went to the Golden Gate Milonga in San Francisco last Saturday. In the Video of the Week Glenn Corteza, tanguero, instructor and host of that milonga, talks about his passion for dancing Argentine Tango in San Francisco.
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
EMERYVILLE - Classes with Nora Dinzelbacher. Allegro Ballroom
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flare on Thursday nights from 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 - at Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. Beginning tango lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 7:45), dance from 9 to midnight! Cost is $15 for lesson &amp;amp;amp; dance; $10 for dance only. Both include hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and performance.
2nd SUNDAY / Time 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - at Giovanni's Pizzeria Milonga
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30! - NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA at Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. Beginning tango lesson from 8 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 7:45), dance from 9 to midnight! Cost is $15 for lesson & dance; $10 for dance only; both include hors d'oeuvres & refreshments. 
"MILONGA MIRABELLE" 7318 Winding Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (just west of San Juan). Hosted by Mirabelle European Pastry Café. Mini Cover Charge: $5 for dancers (includes two tickets for drawings at 8 & 8:30 p.m.) This charge is to support our host, whether or not we eat and drink there. The Mirabelle will remain open for customers which will expose Argentine tango to a new area with the hope of promoting tango. Teachers are encouraged to put out their flyers.
-Every THURSDAY evening at "Café La Boca" at 2600 Fair Oaks Boulevard
(at Munroe, diagonally across from Loehmann's Plaza) from 7:30 to 10 p.m, más o menos. Contact Ed Loomis, <mailto:TangoBear@pobox.com> TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.
SAN FRANCISCO: 
Thursdays
New Year's Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31: 9 p.m. Fresno plans a New Year's Eve Milonga! All are invited (and bring friends) to a dessert party with champagne/sparkling cider at Studio 65 to ring in the new year. Along with loads of great tango music, there will be a swing or two, a line dance and maybe a devoted tangueros will teach the 'chacarera' plus....see what other ideas come to mind.
UPCOMING TANGO TOURS TO BUENOS AIRES:
FROM El Gato & Andrea: Dear Tangueros, If you think of investing in a trip to Buenos Aires , don't miss this great opportunity to travel to the Mecca of Tango with two professional Argentinean dancers and masters, Gato Valdez and Andrea Monti. They will guide you to the best local places during the 14 tour days and will accompany you at all times!
Also in this bulletin.1. Memorial To Orlando Paiva2. A new mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva3. Video of the Week featuring Glenn Corteza, host of the Golden Gate Milonga, talking about his passion for Argentine Tango.
1. Orlando Paiva / Dec. 1, 1935- Nov. 28, 2006
Tango icon Orlando Paiva died last week of a respiratory illness. He established a standard for excellence in Salon tango. He was recently seen in a cameo in Robert Duvall's "Assassination Tango" movie.Renowned, loved and respected, he. died in Rosario, Argentina. Paiva taught the salon style of Argentine tango in his birthplace, the United States, Chile and Japan for more than 45 years, creating at least 160 exclusive figures. His intensely personal style, his impeccable footwork, the sweetness and sensitivity he brought to his partner and the dance itself are legendary.
A dancer's dancer, Paiva has been called one of the best of 
his generation by Nito Garcia and by Juan Carlos Copes. He performed with Osvaldo Pugliese's and Miguel Calo's orchestra, and with singers like Edmundo Rivero, Tita Merelo and Julio Sosa.
his generation by Nito Garcia and by Juan Carlos Copes. He performed with Osvaldo Pugliese's and Miguel Calo's orchestra, and with singers like Edmundo Rivero, Tita Merelo and Julio Sosa.Having emigrated to the United States in the early 70s, he was one of the first to teach salon-style Argentine tango in the U.S. Paiva gave the San Francisco and Los Angeles tango community its founding spirit. On November 14th the government of Rosario put a plaque with his name in the corner of the streets Ovidio Lagos & Guemes. Since that moment that corner is named "Orlando Paiva Corner." Later he was declared as "Distinctive Artist" of the city, celebrated by the entire Tango community.
Condolences to his son, Orlando Paiva Jr. who has conducted Modesto workshops and now lives in Los Angeles, He is now charged with carrying on the legacy of elegance and precision.
OUR CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY (tonight) Dec. 4. & 11. Dinner and dancing at Jacobs Fine Dining, 2501 McHenry. A chance to work on moves learned in class and get floor time. No fee, but you are encouraged to order off the menu. We start at about 8 p.m. An informal gathering; some arrive early to dine. We may dance to 10 p.m.
SATURDAY, December 9: Classes with Roman at Modesto Fitness and Racquet Club, 200 Norwegian, off McHenry. 11 a.m. Intermediate, 12:30 beginning level. Intermediates are encouraged to stay for the beginner class at no additional fee to work on technique and assist beginners. $12 a class per person.
Contact: Mary Menz (209) 522-1571
E-MAIL: fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
For more information visit:
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/
Modesto Tango is a non-profit association of tango aficionados dedicated to sharing the artistic, cultural and social aspects of Argentine Tango in Stanislaus County. To discontinue receiving this bulletin go to http://groups.google.com/group/Modesto-Tango/subscribe
OUT OF TOWN: Some have expressed interest in these. To carpool call 522-1571
TUESDAY:
EMERYVILLE - Classes with Nora Dinzelbacher. Allegro Ballroom
5855 Christie Avenue , Emeryville, California 94608
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
Beginning Class - 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. $12
Intermediate/Advanced 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. $12
Practica: 9:30 -10:30 p.m. $5 (free with class; another chance for floor time).
SACRAMENTO -
TUESDAY: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento
Beginning Argentine Tango (Level I)
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Level III) 8:30-9:30 p.m.,
Intermediate Tango (Level II) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.,
Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Level III) 8:30-9:30 p.m.,
Levels I & II teach you the fundamentals of Argentine tango. Level III will focus on dancing at the milongas, line of dance , floor craft, navigation, taking what you already know and making it fit the music AND the other dancers on the floor.
classes taught by studio owner Donna Williams &amp;amp;amp; Zak Brown; Cost is $35 per person/$60 per couple for each series ($20 for students/$40 for student couples).
Ed Loomis & Rebeca Basave teach an intermediate/advanced level "Continuing Tango" class at Step One, 1920 T Street, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY:
Ed Loomis & Rebeca Basave teach an intermediate/advanced level "Continuing Tango" class at Step One, 1920 T Street, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY:
La Práctica for all levels with Mike & Alisa at Step One, 1920 T St. (at train tracks), 8:15 - 10:15 p.m., only $3 for all levels, beginners welcome. Another chance for needed floor time
THURSDAY:
Twenty-Something Tango At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Classes are taught by Chris Peake & Emily Trites. Cost: College student
$25/session (with valid ID) Non college-student $35/session.
Then: Tango Práctica with Zak Brown - 8-10 p.m.
Zak hosts a guided Práctica with a Nuevo tango flare on Thursday nights from
8:00-10:00 p.m. Cost is only $3!!!
Remember, parking is free on the streets after 8 p.m.!!
MILONGAS - 
Modesto's next milonga will be January 20, 2007 at Jacobs.
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
MILONGAS ELSEWHERE
SACRAMENTO
( 2701 Del Paso Rd in Safeway Shopping Center Town Center -
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Del Paso Rd exit from I-5 - East)
Contact: Joanne Miyao (916) 215-1020 cell or Betsy Gordon (916) 601-8824 cell
FAIR OAKS
1st and 3rd Sundays of every month - 6 - 9:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Sundays of every month - 6 - 9:30 p.m.
(at Munroe, diagonally across from Loehmann's Plaza) from 7:30 to 10 p.m, más o menos. Contact Ed Loomis, <mailto:TangoBear@pobox.com> TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.
SAN FRANCISCO:
Mariposa Argentine Tango Club at the Verdi Club <http://www.sfmariposaverdi.org/> www.sfmariposaverdi.org
2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Ave, SF
2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero Ave, SF
7:15-8 p.m. - Close Embrace Basics 8-8:45 p.m. - Int/Adv Close Embrace
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté with D.J. Emilo Flores
8:45 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. - Milonga hosted by Victor Meneses & Christy Coté with D.J. Emilo Flores
$15 class & Milonga/$14 Milonga only.
FRESNO:
PLEASE RSVP
1. Attend?
2. They might offer a bedroom for Modesto friends who prefer to stay.
ALL EVENTS AT Studio 65, 2965 N. Maroa Ave, north of Clinton & the RR tracks.
UPCOMING TANGO TOURS TO BUENOS AIRES:
FROM El Gato & Andrea: Dear Tangueros, If you think of investing in a trip to Buenos Aires , don't miss this great opportunity to travel to the Mecca of Tango with two professional Argentinean dancers and masters, Gato Valdez and Andrea Monti. They will guide you to the best local places during the 14 tour days and will accompany you at all times!
The package includes:
* Airport pick up and drop off in Buenos Aires
* Airport pick up and drop off in Buenos Aires
* 13 nights, 14 days at a four-star hotel with breakfast
* Welcome dinner
* Tango City Tour (Historic circuit, La Boca, San Telmo, Retiro, Recoleta Cemetery, Centro Cultural Recoleta, Palermo parks and Palermo neighborhood, Mataderos Fair)
* 8 tango classes with excellent teachers (one and a half hours each)
* Colón Theatre visit
* Café Tortoni visit
* Tango City Tour (Historic circuit, La Boca, San Telmo, Retiro, Recoleta Cemetery, Centro Cultural Recoleta, Palermo parks and Palermo neighborhood, Mataderos Fair)
* 8 tango classes with excellent teachers (one and a half hours each)
* Colón Theatre visit
* Café Tortoni visit
* A day in the country with"asado," " gauchos show," horse riding, music and more!
* 12 milonga nights (entrance tickets included)
* Tango Dinner Show at one of the best dinner theatres in Buenos Aires
*Guided shopping day
* Farewell dinner
* Tango Dinner Show at one of the best dinner theatres in Buenos Aires
*Guided shopping day
* Farewell dinner
For more information, details & registration, please visit our trip website
www.bairestangotour.com.ar
montitango@hotmail.com / andretodotango@yahoo.com.ar
(415) 425 0515 Thank you! Andrea & Gato
Until Later
Mary Menz
(209) 522-1571
fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/
Saturday
San Francisco Tango Life
Glenn Corteza a tango dancer and instructor talks about his passion for dancing Argentine Tango in San Francisco.
Tuesday
Tango Etiquette
What are the expectations and protocols...?
Disclaimer: These things are guidelines, and there are exceptions to most of them. This list is my personal opinion of proper etiquette. Other dancers will assuredly disagree with some of them.
Though we joke a lot about it, there really is no (at least official) "Tango police" that will eject you for (at least minor) violations of these rules. In fact, a visit to even a single event will show you that there is a lot of flexibility in following them. The importance of whether or not you follow a particular rule depends mostly on how crowded the floor is.
That said, the reality is that Tango is a passionate dance, and there are some moves and steps that have the potential of causing physical injury, including cuts and serious bruises, from flying boleos, for example. Floorcraft guidelines have evolved to prevent the worst of those consequences.
The general idea is for you and your partner to enjoy yourselves, and to allow and facilitate everyone else to be able to enjoy themselves too. Avoiding injury to yourself, your partner, and other dancers is key to that enjoyment.
Apologies if this is long and complicated, but Tango is a complicated dance, with a long history and deep cultural context.
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Floorcraft at Milongas (as opposed to Practicas, which are listed below):
Floorcraft is the leader's responsibility. There are several facets to it:
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General Rule: Neither leader nor follower shall kick, nor step on, nor even bump into another dancer. All of the floorcraft rules are designed to fulfill this General Rule.
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What do you do if you DO bump into anyone? Of if your partner makes contact with anyone? Of if you or your partner are contacted by another dancer when you were not paying attention or were not following the guidelines yourself? You Apologize! You make eye contact at least, to acknowledge the transgression.
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On my first trip to BsAs, prior to which I had been graciously coached by Steven Harding of Seattle, a most respectful dancer, to be sure, I had an incident of bumping into an old milonguero. There was no immediate eye-contact, but I knew I needed to apologize, so I literally followed him around the dancefloor until I managed to make eye contact and nodded deferentially to signal my apology. The point is that sometimes you have to go out of your way to fulfill your obligation of paying respect. This is not groveling, it is showing respect and common courtesy.
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Dance flow is in a direction counter-clockwise around the dancefloor. This is known as "line-of-dance."
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Never dance clockwise, that is, backwards, or against the line-of-dance. However, a single visit to any but the most crowded milongas will have people violating this rule. Just remember the General Rule, and if you can dance against the line-of-dance without causing collision or traffic jams, then some would say it must be OK. Use common sense. If there's a traffic jam in front of you, and a big space behind you (in line-of-dance), then you can probably get away with going backwards. Just be aware that you're violating protocol, and use the maneuver sparingly.
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A corollary of this rule has to do with the DBS - the "dreaded back step." Leaders who make back steps while facing line-of-dance are actually stepping backwards, against the line-of-dance. This is a real problem when you don't have eyes in the back of your head. My mother did, and most of my childhood friends' mothers did too, but I've never known a guy who did. So if you haven't just finished executing a turn that gave you visibility to what was behind you, and there is another couple that could take some double-time steps and move up behind you in the path of your back-stepping foot, then either don't step back, or make it a tiny step, and feel for someone else's foot under yours before you fully transfer your weight and break someone's toe.
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Keep the line-of-dance moving. Don't be doing a lot of steps in place without progressing down the line-of-dance, unless of course you are blocked by dancers ahead of you. If a space has opened up in front of you in line-of-dance, move into it. Dance at the same speed as other dancers
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Stay as far to the outside as you can. This is actually the most strategic place to dance, since no one can get into your "blind spot," which is on your right side where your vision is blocked by your partners head (assuming you're in close embrace.) Stay in single file if you can. At a crowded venue, it will naturally happen that couples will migrate into several "rings" or "lanes" of singe-file dancers. Try not to switch lanes to pass slower couples, unless they appear to be clueless and a traffic jam of dancers is accumulating behind you.
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When you enter the dancefloor, or if you do pass or change lanes, do it responsibly, like when driving a car and entering a street or freeway - you wait for an opening, and equalize your speed with other drivers/dancers before moving into traffic.
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Pay attention to other dancers. Note their step patterns and skill level. If a given leader tends to make back steps without looking, keep your distance. If a leader is doing a lot of wild spins and turns, keep your distance. If a leader is leading his follower to make wide leg swings or high boleos, keep your distance. Learn to use tight turns and rock steps to allow checking out traffic behind you.
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Protect your follower at all times. This is the leader's FIRST priority.
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Followers:
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If your leader leads a boleo on a crowded floor, do not assume he knows what he's doing. Keep your feet close to the floor.
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Do not cause a trip hazard by extending your legs as a dramatic embellishment or in anticipation of a lead.
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Floorcraft at Practicas:
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Many of the floorcraft rules for a milonga are suspended at a practica. You can stop and chat in the middle of the flow, you can totally block traffic, and line-of-dance generally does not exist. However some rules still apply:
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Pay attention to other dancers.
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Protect your partner.
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Avoid kicking, stepping on, or bumping into anyone.
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Other Protocols:
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"La mirada" and "el cabeceo" are the traditional method of inviting and accepting a dance in Argentina. La mirada is "the look," or "the stare," and can be done by either partner. Once eye contact is made, el cabeceo, "the nod" signals the request and is returned as the acceptance. In the US, of course, we're a lot less formal with protocols in general, and it's perfectly OK for either partner to just walk up and ask someone to dance.
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I've heard that the mirada/cabeceo custom developed in Argentina to allow for "invisible" rejections. This allows the hapless man to avoid being ridiculed by his mates at being publicly turned down for a dance.
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If you want to dance, however, a key thing to make it work is that you must be scanning the room and making eye contact with people you might like to dance with. A lot of people in Western cultures are not comfortable making eye contact with strangers, but, well, you just have to get over that, especially if you want to dance much when you visit Argentina.
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The custom is to not start dancing immediately when the music starts.
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I've heard that this practice developed in the early days of tango in Argentina. In those relatively Puritan times, those few moments when a young couple was alone on the dancefloor, before they started dancing, was the only time they could talk without being overheard by the young woman's mother or chaperone.
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After you start dancing, don't talk. Chatting, or teaching, or discussing a step or where someone bought those cute shoes, is frowned upon. Mostly it prevents you from entering that special zone of the Tango Moment, when your entire being is focused on enjoying the music and the embrace of your partner, and it distracts other dancers from doing the same.
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While you can start dancing anywhere in a song, the protocol is to stop dancing on the last beat of the music. This is one protocol that RARELY gets violated. Of course, it takes some practice and familiarity with the music to stop on the very last beat, so one beat over is OK, but do not go two beats over, even if it means stopping in some awkward position, lest the dreaded Tango Police haul you off.
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Music is generally played in "tandas" or sets of 2 - 4 songs, then a "cortina" (curtain) is played, a 20-30 second piece of music that is generally not dancable, to signal the end of the tanda.
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It is customary to dance an entire tanda or two with the same partner (however, see below), then find a new partner during the cortina.
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Note that not all DJ's at all venues play cortinas. Even in Argentina, some DJ's just play continuous music. Most DJ's, however, both in the US and in Argentina, do use cortinas.
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When you're done dancing with a given partner, for any reason, say, "Thank you." This is the signal that you're done and ready to sit out or find another partner. Regardless how much you might enjoy dancing with someone, avoid thanking them until you're ready to move on, or else you send a mixed message.
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You don't have to dance with everyone who asks you. And you don't have to continue to the end of a tanda, or even to the end of a song, if you are uncomfortable for any reason. Maybe they're throwing you around, maybe they smell bad, or maybe you're just getting a blister on your foot. Whatever the reason, just stop, explain whatever you want, thank them, and leave the dancefloor.
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If you've stopped dancing with someone for any reason that might be embarrassing to them if proclaimed publicly, it is sensitive to make up some excuse, like your feet hurt, perhaps feigning fiddling with your shoes to lend credence. The fact is that Argentine culture is very prideful, and, with some truth it is said that "Everyone sees everything on the dancefloor," so if you don't INTEND to embarrass someone for stopping before the end of a song or a tanda, make up a good excuse and make it look genuine.
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Most of the above is for newer dancers. This item, however, is for experienced dancers. The recommendation is for experienced dancers to spend some time dancing with beginners. My favorite dance partner, Jodi Syverson, was ready to quit when she was very new to tango, intimidated by the difficulty of the dance. A fortuitous encouragement from Daniel Trenner when he was here in Portland convinced her to stick with it, and anyone who has danced with her knows the debt they owe Daniel. But the point is that everyone in the dance community benefits from an influx of new dancers. Everyone brings their own specialness to the dance, and the pollination from "new blood" helps the dance grow and evolve. Yet all experienced dancers know the hard work it takes to become proficient, and it's easy to become discouraged and go over to the "dark side" of easier dances like salsa. But sometimes all it takes is a single dance with an experienced leader or follower to encourage a beginner to do that hard work, and well, again, everyone benefits.
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