A new guest post By Sasha Cagen “You’re not getting the lead,” he tells me. Gruff, mid-fifties, beady eyes, a ponytail dwindling halfway down his back, Ponytail Man chose me as his partner for this advanced tango class at Floreal, a traditional milonga in Buenos Aires. It’s nice to be chosen, but now I’m not sure. Two famous teachers, los Totis, are teaching an unusual … [Read more...]
Celebrating 20 years of Tuesday Night Tango
The El V Story by Andrea Bindereif “Where did the time go?” asks Julian Ramil, and as they both shake their heads his wife Claudia repeats: “Yes, where did the time go?” We were talking about El V, one of the best-known milongas in San Francisco and beyond, and which was about to celebrate its 20th anniversary on May 30th at the very same venue where it started in … [Read more...]
Tango Inspiration and Creativity
When I was in college studying art we were asked to answer the question, “What is art?” Many of us gave the same answer, that art is meant to communicate. Although now, I think this is oversimplified. Art communicates but is also so much more. Art is a feeling, an expression, it's new, unique and inspiring. Dance is also art. And with any art form, one needs to become … [Read more...]
United We Tango
The other night at the milonga, a friend said to me, “dancing tango is what's keeping me sane”. I think we are all feeling that way... in desperate need to keep our sanity. Tango allows us to just to focus on the moment, connect with others and find joy. Tango does not care what language you speak, what god or gods you pray to your political beliefs. What matters is your … [Read more...]
Finding Balance in Tango
As the year comes to a close and the holiday season nears, our lives become busier than ever with obligations to work, family and friends. It becomes harder to balance our needs with those of everyone around us, yet this is the time when balance in our lives is more important that ever. This is the time to relax, spend time joyfully with good friends (Tango!), and allow … [Read more...]