What's New

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.

  • Floorcraft at Milongas (as opposed to Practicas, which are listed below):

    Floorcraft is the leader's responsibility. There are several facets to it:

    • 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.

      • 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.

        • 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.

    • Dance flow is in a direction counter-clockwise around the dancefloor. This is known as "line-of-dance."

      • 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.

      • 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.

    • 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Protect your follower at all times. This is the leader's FIRST priority.

    • Followers:

      • 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.

      • Do not cause a trip hazard by extending your legs as a dramatic embellishment or in anticipation of a lead.

  • Floorcraft at Practicas:

    • 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:

      • Pay attention to other dancers.

      • Protect your partner.

      • Avoid kicking, stepping on, or bumping into anyone.

  • Other Protocols:

    • "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.

      • 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.

      • 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.

    • The custom is to not start dancing immediately when the music starts.

      • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

      • 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.

      • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

      • 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.

    • 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.


Tango Moments ®

Previous 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 the following:
* Airport pick up and drop off in Buenos Aires
* 13 nights, 14 days at a 4 stars 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
* 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
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


From Christy Cote & Chelsea Eng: March 8 - 25, 2007
Un-Tour to CITA
(Int'l Tango Congress)! Buenos Aires, Argentina
It's not too late to book - 12 spaces left!
$1737 per person/double occupancy - book by Dec 31st!
Package includes pre-travel orientation meeting, R/T airfare on Continental via Houston, 15 nights double-occupancy at Hotel Savoy, Exclusive late check-out, daily Continental breakfast and round trip airport transfers.
CITA package options are an additional charge.
Chelsea Eng ceng@ccsf.edu (415) 584-2704
This is our eighth "Un-Tour to CITA (International Tango Congress)." Group travel means substantial discounts on airfare, hotel and CITA registration. Because this is a package and not a guided tour, participants have the freedom to explore as they wish. To the Buenos Aires initiates, we gladly offer tips and resources culled from our many trips to Argentina over the last twelve years. We hope you can join us for CITA 2007.

Vals by Mariela Franganillo and Jorge Torres

Vals "Desde El Alma" performed by Mariela Franganillo and Jorge Torres at the "Milonga De Las Estrellas" in September of 2006 in Los Angeles, California

Trio Garufa performs Libertango


Trio Garufa performs Libertango. The video takes place in San Francisco in 2003 and gives you a sneak peak of the awesome tango scene in SF. It features many San Francisco dancers and visitors such as Luciana Valle, Mariana Dragone, and Alex Krebs.

Bulliten Nov14

Mary is enjoying a brief sojourn in Mexico. Sean & Charity finished their rotation on musicality Saturday. Roman will return this Saturday. His series will keep us dancing until the Christmas holidays.

There are three items of interest this week:
  1. The Leading Ladies of Tango
  2. A new mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva
  3. Weekly Video, a new feature of our Web site.
1. The Leading Ladies of Tango: This may become a key event that brings a new awareness of tango to the Bay Area. There are still a few seats available to meet our 20 seat goal. Please contact Carol if you would like to attend.

We plan to see The Leading Ladies of Tango with its 18-woman cast in San Francisco Friday, Dec. 15, and have a block of 20 tickets at $38 each; Invite someone you know and help our community grow. Plan now and we may get several carloads. Tickets must be purchased and sent to Carol Benak (make the check out to her and mail to her at
: 925 Terrace Pl. Modesto 95350 by Nov. 15). She can be contacted at carolbenak@sbcglobal.net. or leave a message at 524-6106. If we do not sell 20 tickets we must pay $45 each.

Leading Ladies of Tango
World Premiere of a San Francisco Original Production.
The first all-female Tango program
Herbst Theatre: 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Five (5) performances only
Tickets on sale at San Francisco's City Box Office ; 180 Redwood Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94102 T. 415.392.4400 F. 415. 986.0411
Production contact:
An Extreme Tango Production
Ted Viviani, Executive Producer
T. 707.864.8417 or 408.746.3407

The dancers include our Charity Lebron as guest artist. A seven-piece Leading Ladies Orchestra is led by Uruguayan pianist Polly Ferman, who will play Jovino Santos Neto's Yara Luna, written for this show and making a world debut. Jovino has been nominated for a 2007 Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Album. Ferman will also lead her ladies in music arranged and composed especially for this show by tango's foremost bandoneonist, Daniel Binelli, and 2006 Latin Grammy winner Pablo Ziegler, Many pieces are new or have never before been recorded.
Meanwhile click on http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5042880318215869091 for a preview on San Francisco streets.

2. Mini-Milonga/Practica at Deva: Laura Paull
has spoken to Lorena, owner of Deva 1202 J. Street Modesto, CA 95354 (209)572-3382, about the possibility of our having a practica/mini-milonga at Deva's on the "Art Walk Nights" which is always the third Thursday of every month. Some dancers will go to Deva this Thursday at 7:30 to meet the folks there and see what happens. Expect to hear more about this next month.

3. Video of the Week: We are adding a new feature to our Web site. Each week we will publish a video that we think is interesting and that you may enjoy. If you have or know of a video that you would like to share with our tango community please send the information to ModestoTango@gmail.com. The inaugural video is of Sean and Charity demonstrating the concepts they presented during their three week session. The video is a little rough but the dancing is great.

You may want to bookmark this link: Video of the Week


OUR CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY Nov. 13. Dinner and dancing at Jacobs Fine Dining, 2501 McHenry. A chance to work on moves learned in class and get needed 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, November 18: Regular classes with Roman at Modesto Fitness and Racquet Club, 200 Norwegian, off McHenry. 11 a.m. Intermediate, 12:30 beginning level. Intermediate students 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: Modesto Tango Mary (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., beginning November 7, 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.,
Levels I, II, & III teach you the fundamentals of Argentine tango. Each
class is progressive, building on material learned the prior week.
classes taught by studio owner Donna Tielsch & 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 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
In November they will be working on Milonga with a focus on the lively Candombe rhythms.This will be a fast paced and fun class so if you feel the need for some milonga for your repertoire come check it out.


WEDNESDAY:
Tango Technique - 7:00-8:00 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. This class is for both leaders and followers and will help you work on your balance , posture, walking and embellishment technique, Technique is the fundamental building block of tango-- With a strong foundation you can build a beautiful tango. Class is taught by Rita Yanson; cost for the series: $50 per person.

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 to get 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!!! This is an excellent way to get the
floor time you need to practice your tango--and with an instructor's help!
Remember, parking is free on the streets after 8 p.m.!!
SUNDAY, November 12, 2006 - Special
Roberto Riobo will teach two workshops on Sunday at Tango by the River, 128 J Street in Old Sacramento, on the second floor .

12-1:30 p.m.- For all levels.
Dancing the Music -- If you know steps and patterns, but you aren't really sure you hear and dance the music, this is for you. It's time to really start dancing tango!

1:30-2:00 p.m. -- Bring a bag lunch and let's talk about Roberto's upcoming
teacher training program. This is free and open to everyone.

2:15-3:45 p.m.
Touching & "Bites" -- Learn the art of touching a foot in stop and motion in five situations. Intermediate and up, or beginners too if taking the previous class.

Cost is $25 for each class for $40 for both. Pre-registration is always
appreciated! E-mail donna@rivertango.com.


MILONGAS - @>---- Modesto's next milonga will be January 20, 2007 at Jacobs.

MILONGAS ELSEWHERE

SACRAMENTO
@>---- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - At Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento - SPECIAL GUEST ROBERTO RIOBO will be DJing!!!
Beginning tango lesson from 8-9 p.m. (doors open at 7:45), then we'll
dance from 9-midnight! Cost is $15 for lesson & dance; $10 for dance
only. Both include hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and performance.
@>---- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - At Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento - SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE BY MIRIAM LARICI AND HUGO PATYN OF "FOREVER TANGO!"
Beginning tango taught by Miriam & Hugo from 8-9 p.m. Dance from 9-midnight! Miriam & Hugo will perform around 10:15 p.m. 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
( 2701 Del Paso Rd in Safeway Shopping Center Town Center -
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.
@>---- "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 at his establishment. 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, TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.

FRESNO - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 8pm Turkey Tango Milonga $10
(pie party, bring your favorite kind)
At Studio 65, 2965 N. Maroa Ave, north of Clinton.
www.fresnodancestudio65.com http://home.earthlink.net/~fresnotango

OAKLAND - LAKE MERRITT MILONGA on Saturday, November 11,
Lake Merritt Dance Center , 200 Grand Ave., Oakland
SEAN and CHARITY will teach and perform ,
Class 8 - 9 p.m - Dance 9 p.m - midnight.
Price $15 class & dance - $12 dance only
Music by DJ - Emilio Flores
Refreshments catered by Roseli Perrone - a delicious array of Italian appetizer

SAN FRANCISCO:
Thursday
Mariposa Argentine Tango Club at the Verdi Club 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 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:
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 the following:
* Airport pick up and drop off in Buenos Aires
* 13 nights, 14 days at a 4 stars 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
* 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
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

From Patricia Thaxter"
patricia@infusionstravel.com
Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls in February
Greetings Tangueros and Tangueras,
Come to Buenos Aires for our Third Annual trek to the FESTIVAL BUENOS AIRES TANGO---
this is the FREE festival the city organizes with free classes, concerts by the best tango orchestras & singers, open-air street milongas and much more!
This is a "non-tour". You can take advantage of low group pricing,
having all travel details taken care of for you and receiving tons of insider information about the milongas, privates and tango scene! Several group activities will also be available.
And this time, the trip includes a 2-night, 3-day excursion to Iguazu Falls...
one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world!!
Departure: February 20, 2007 from San Francisco
Package price per person based on double occupancy:

14-nights with Iguazu Falls: $2,345 / 12-nights without Iguazu: $1,895
Includes hotel & airfare, welcome dinner & tango show,

airport transfers and special discounts at tango stores.
Let me show you how to experience Buenos Aires like a local and how to

discover YOUR OWN Buenos Aires!!
Contact me at patricia@infusionstravel.com or 916-442-7191.
Don't delay as spaces are limited. More details at www.infusionstravel.com
Patricia Thaxter ; Registered Travel Consultant
www.infusionstravel.com


And finally, for those of you who missed our milonga, Gato & Andrea performance videos are on our website: http://modestotango.blogspot.com/search/label/Video



Until later:


Mary Menz


(209) 522-1571

fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/

Saturday

Sean Dockery and Charity Lebrón Dance to Piensalo Bien


Sean and Charity demonstrate the use of the concepts presented in the day's lesson, the use of half and double time steps to enhance the musicality of the dance.

Monday

Bulletin, Nov. 6

Sean & Charity will finish their rotation on musicalitySaturday. They worked the intermediates pretty hard on molinetes and promised some fun on their last week.
We plan to see The Leading Ladies of Tango with its 18-woman cast in San Francisco Friday, Dec. 15, and have a block of 20 tickets at $38 each; Invite someone you know and help our community grow. Plan now and we may get several carloads. Tickets must be purchased and sent to Carol Benak (make the check out to her and mail to her at: 925 Terrace Pl. Modesto 95350 by Nov. 15). She can be contacted at carolbenak@sbcglobal.net. or leave a message at 524-6106. If we do not sell 20 tickets we must pay $45 each.

Leading Ladies of Tango
World Premiere of a San Francisco Original Production.
The first all-female Tango program
Herbst Theatre: 401 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Five (5) performances only
Tickets on sale at San Francisco's City Box Office ; 180 Redwood Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94102 T. 415.392.4400 F. 415. 986.0411
Production contact:
An Extreme Tango Production
Ted Viviani, Executive Producer
T. 707.864.8417 or 408.746.3407

The dancers include our Charity Lebron as guest artist. A seven-piece Leading Ladies Orchestra is led by Uruguayan pianist Polly Ferman, who will play Jovino Santos Neto's Yara Luna, written for this show and making a world debut. Jovino has been nominated for a 2007 Latin Grammy for Best Jazz Album. Ferman will also lead her ladies in music arranged and composed especially for this show by tango's foremost bandoneonist, Daniel Binelli, and 2006 Latin Grammy winner Pablo Ziegler, Many pieces are new or have never before been recorded.
Meanwhile click on http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5042880318215869091 for a preview on San Francisco streets.

OUR CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY (tonight) Nov. 6 & 13. Dinner and dancing at Jacobs Fine Dining, 2501 McHenry. A chance to work on moves learned in class and get needed 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, November 11: Regular classes with Sean & Charity at Modesto Fitness and Racquet Club, 200 Norwegian, off McHenry. 11 a.m. Intermediate, 12:30 beginning level. Intermediate students 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: Modesto Tango Mary (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., beginning November 7, 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.,
Levels I, II, & III teach you the fundamentals of Argentine tango. Each
class is progressive, building on material learned the prior week.
classes taught by studio owner Donna Tielsch & 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 8:00 to 9:30 p.m.
In November they will be working on Milonga with a focus on the lively Candombe rhythms.This will be a fast paced and fun class so if you feel the need for some milonga for your repertoire come check it out.


WEDNESDAY:
Tango Technique - 7:00-8:00 p.m., At Tango by the river, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento. This class is for both leaders and followers and will help you work on your balance , posture, walking and embellishment technique, Technique is the fundamental building block of tango-- With a strong foundation you can build a beautiful tango. Class is taught by Rita Yanson; cost for the series: $50 per person.

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 to get 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!!! This is an excellent way to get the
floor time you need to practice your tango--and with an instructor's help!
Remember, parking is free on the streets after 8 p.m.!!
SUNDAY, November 12, 2006 - Special
Roberto Riobo will teach two workshops on Sunday at Tango by the River, 128 J Street in Old Sacramento, on the second floor .

12-1:30 p.m.- For all levels.
Dancing the Music -- If you know steps and patterns, but you aren't really sure you hear and dance the music, this is for you. It's time to really start dancing tango!

1:30-2:00 p.m. -- Bring a bag lunch and let's talk about Roberto's upcoming
teacher training program. This is free and open to everyone.

2:15-3:45 p.m.
Touching & "Bites" -- Learn the art of touching a foot in stop and motion in five situations. Intermediate and up, or beginners too if taking the previous class.

Cost is $25 for each class for $40 for both. Pre-registration is always
appreciated! E-mail donna@rivertango.com.


MILONGAS - @>---- Modesto's next milonga will be January 20, 2007 at Jacobs.

MILONGAS ELSEWHERE

SACRAMENTO
@>---- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 - At Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento - SPECIAL GUEST ROBERTO RIOBO will be DJing!!!
Beginning tango lesson from 8-9 p.m. (doors open at 7:45), then we'll
dance from 9-midnight! Cost is $15 for lesson & dance; $10 for dance
only. Both include hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and performance.
@>---- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - At Tango by the River, 128 J Street, Old Sacramento - SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE BY MIRIAM LARICI AND HUGO PATYN OF "FOREVER TANGO!"
Beginning tango taught by Miriam & Hugo from 8-9 p.m. Dance from 9-midnight! Miriam & Hugo will perform around 10:15 p.m. 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
( 2701 Del Paso Rd in Safeway Shopping Center Town Center -
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.
@>---- "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 at his establishment. 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, TangoBear@pobox.com or 916-368-9451, for info.

FRESNO - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 8pm Turkey Tango Milonga $10
(pie party, bring your favorite kind)
At Studio 65, 2965 N. Maroa Ave, north of Clinton.
www.fresnodancestudio65.com http://home.earthlink.net/~fresnotango

OAKLAND - LAKE MERRITT MILONGA on Saturday, November 11,
Lake Merritt Dance Center , 200 Grand Ave., Oakland
SEAN and CHARITY will teach and perform ,
Class 8 - 9 p.m - Dance 9 p.m - midnight.
Price $15 class & dance - $12 dance only
Music by DJ - Emilio Flores
Refreshments catered by Roseli Perrone - a delicious array of Italian appetizer

SAN FRANCISCO:
Thursday
Mariposa Argentine Tango Club at the Verdi Club 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 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:
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 the following:
* Airport pick up and drop off in Buenos Aires
* 13 nights, 14 days at a 4 stars 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
* 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
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

From Patricia Thaxter"
patricia@infusionstravel.com
Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls in February
Greetings Tangueros and Tangueras,
Come to Buenos Aires for our Third Annual trek to the FESTIVAL BUENOS AIRES TANGO---
this is the FREE festival the city organizes with free classes, concerts by the best tango orchestras & singers, open-air street milongas and much more!
This is a "non-tour". You can take advantage of low group pricing,
having all travel details taken care of for you and receiving tons of insider information about the milongas, privates and tango scene! Several group activities will also be available.
And this time, the trip includes a 2-night, 3-day excursion to Iguazu Falls...
one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world!!
Departure: February 20, 2007 from San Francisco
Package price per person based on double occupancy:

14-nights with Iguazu Falls: $2,345 / 12-nights without Iguazu: $1,895
Includes hotel & airfare, welcome dinner & tango show,

airport transfers and special discounts at tango stores.
Let me show you how to experience Buenos Aires like a local and how to

discover YOUR OWN Buenos Aires!!
Contact me at patricia@infusionstravel.com or 916-442-7191.
Don't delay as spaces are limited. More details at www.infusionstravel.com
Patricia Thaxter ; Registered Travel Consultant
www.infusionstravel.com


And finally, for those of you who missed our milonga, Gato & Andrea performance videos are on our website: http://modestotango.blogspot.com/search/label/Video



Until later:


Mary Menz


(209) 522-1571

fred.herman@sbcglobal.net
http://tangosoul.com/modesto/
http://modestotango.googlepages.com/

Friday