There is something about the nature of Tango that fosters a close-knit community.

We develop our regular haunts, and see other tango regulars at these places. Sometimes we see each other two, three, or more times a week. With Tango, there is a lot of waiting, watching, and socializing, more than most other social dances. And in this time we get to know each other. We hug and kiss and our hearts touch while we dance. And in between the songs of a tanda, we talk and catch up on each others lives. And if you travel for Tango, your community get’s larger and larger. When you dance Tango, you find your community almost anywhere you go.

So, when something tragic happens to a member of our community, we are all affected. In this case, as many of you may have heard, Alex Levin, a popular Bay Area dancer was run over by a car while he was crossing the street in Vladivostok, Russia, over two week ago. A fund was set up to accept donations from people who wanted to help out and show their support.

This is the page to the Alex Levin Recovery Fund: http://www.gofundme.com/2f6zq4

With much sadness, it was announced yesterday that Alex was not able to recover from his injuries.

What is most touching, is to see the outpouring of support from not only those who knew Alex, but all of the Tango community. Donations and messages of love continue to flow into the fund’s website. It’s obvious that both Alex and his wife Karina, were loved by many.

About Alex and Karina Levin:

Alex & Karina Levin, one of Marin’s favorite tango couples, are a joy to watch and a dream to dance with. Born in Russia, Alex and Karina emigrated to the U.S. in 1995. In 1999, they read a newspaper article about Argentine Tango and their passion for the dance was ignited. They began taking lessons, first with John Campbell and other leading Bay Area instructors. Then they made two trips to Buenos Aires to study the classic milonguero style as danced in the salons of central Buenos Aires. This style stresses the improvisational nature of tango and the connection between partners. Alex and Karina enjoy social dancing with emphasis on musicality. “We just love it,” says Karina. In addition to frequenting the milongas, the couple has been known to play a D’Sarli CD and dance in their kitchen.

This Friday there will be a Benefit Milonga at Alma del Tango in Marin

The funds will go to Karina to help her bring Alex home. This benefit is also a way for everyone to celebrate Alex’s life.

What: Milonga (tango social dance) and silent auction fundraiser hosted by Alma del Tango

When: Friday, April 5th.

What: Class by Debbie Goodwin & John Campell (levels 2-4) at 7 pm.
Dancing 8-11pm. DJ Ashvin Iyer.

Where: Alma del Tango studio, 167 Tunstead Ave., San Anselmo

Ticket price: $15 minimum donation. All proceeds go to the Alex Levin Fund.

Jessica Lewin, a friend of Levin and his wife Karina, will match all donations during the evening benefit dollar for dollar, up to $1,000.

To show their support, several tango professionals are offering private lessons in a silent auction with proceeds donated to the Alex Levin Memorial Fund in support of Karina.

Auction items include:

Two tickets to El Arrabal for the May 4th Milonga. Includes a 1½ hour workshop with Eduardo Saucedo, entrance to the milonga with music by Seth Asarnow y Su Sexteto Tipico, and a table for two with a bottle of champagne. From Steve & JoAnn Palubinskas and Adolfo Caszarry.
Alexander Technique lesson for tango dancers, from Janet Lott.
Massage session for tango dancers, from Sylvia Goodman.
Private Tango Classes from:

– Christopher Nassopoulos & Caroline Peattie
– Pier Voulkos & Daniel Peters
– Debbie Goodwin
– John Campbell
– Jonathan Yamauchi & Olivia Levitt
– David Caditz & Lulu Hung
– Donna Agoitia
– Homer Ladas
– Ashvin Iyer
– Andrea Fuchilieri

For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page or almadeltango.org