EXOTIC TANGO VACATIONS give you a perfect way to have a fabulous and unusual
trip, while practicing one of your favorite passions! The next trip is to
FRANCE in September, and MEXICO in October. Please register for these by
e-mailing [email protected] by June 2, 2003. For more information, go to
www.beyondtango.com
Here is a description from Christina Johnson, president, followed by
comments from participants. We hope you join us!
A Profile of an ETV:
People attending the Vacations appreciate the intimacy of small groups, with
friendly, outgoing people, curious about new places, cultures, and
"happenings." These trips are NOT congresos or Tango festivals, (except for
the upcoming October 2003 TANGO FIESTA (the first International Tango
Festival in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico).
I like to offer experiences with the local people, unusual settings, and
lots of friendship time with the teachers. We dance in class about three
hours a day, have practicas and milongas most nights. Teachers and students
all dance together at ETV milongas, so that all levels can mix and learn from
each other. Depending on the location, we tour areas by bus, hike, visit
interesting sites, shop, etc.
Examples: In Italy we stayed in the town of Todi, Umbria and visited Orvieto,
Assisi, and Perugia by bus. We had cooking and wine tasting classes, and a
folkdance class with townsfolk in a municipal museum.
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico we partied in a hacienda that offered a
horse show, danced to a mariachi band; we had a milonga with danzon dancers,
we had Independence Day fiesta in the plaza, and went swimming in the
underground hot springs. In Guatemala we flew to the deep jungle to the
mysterious, ancient temples of Tikal.
In New Orleans, we went to some fine restaurants for the great Cajun cooking,
and heard great jazz at night.
In Hawaii we hiked in Volcanoes National park, into the steaming heights
around the crater where the underground lava, throws its heat into the cool
mountain air. We went with flashlights into a lava tube, and meditated in the
heart of the earth. We connected through waterdance in the pools, firedance
on the cliffs, flowerdance at the luau.
In Victoria, Vancouver Island, we danced at the Fairmont Emrpess Hotel, under
a chrystal ceiling, to Bertram Levy's live tango orchestra! We waltzed into
the marble floored Palm Court, with it's famous dome of stained glass. The
dress was last century, the evening was old world enchantment.
In San Pancho (near Puerto Vallarta) Mexico, we helped newly hatched baby sea
turtles on their walk to the ocean, had bonfires, storytelling, erotic poetry
readings, snorkeling, and a BIG Mexican fiesta night.
YOU may join in on activities, or some spend solitary time, or take off from
the group and enjoy everything on your own.
“" Anywhere from great beaches, to the unique ruins of Egypt, everything is
possible in Christina's idea of what a "great tango experience should be."
And everything happens so smooth and easy, it's amazing!!!
The other important thing is the energy of the trip. Put together by someone
who really understands how energy flows, the group finds the right atmosphere
to relax and learn at the same time. Everything is taken care of. All the
little details are also there, so you don't have to worry about anything.
Just let yourself be drawn into one of the 'great experiences of a
lifetime.' I hope to see you there with us."
FABIAN SALAS, teacher
"The staff at Costa Azul was top notch. They went out of their way to create
a nice ambiance. They were a daily friendly presence, and also created the
special events like the bonfires, barbecue, and fiesta night.
The whales and sea turtles were an added bonus. ..
The instructors, Fabian and Eduardo were great. ..
I want to compliment you on organizing a very nice event. The organizing the
various details of this many people would have driven me to distraction. You
exhibited a lot of grace under pressure dealing with things ...!
-Michael L.
"Tango by the Sea was my best vacation ever. Gorgeous location, great
instruction, plus, new friends who love tango as much as I do. It was the
ultimate in relaxation and fun, with just the right mix of scheduled
activities and free time. When I close my eyes, I can still hear the sounds
of the surf and tango music drifting into my room through the palm trees.
Lovely!
-Morgan
"Thank you again for organizing such a fun workshop. I can honestly say it
is one of the best tango experiences that I have had...
The problem with coming back is that once you taste champagne, it is hard to
go back to beer. I admit it, I was spoiled and I loved every minute of
it.-D. O
My life was filled with incredible dancing (El Indio and Mariana were even
better than I imagined they would be. I knew we were in for some great
dancing but their spirit, enthusiasm, zest for life were more than I had
dreamed it would be)
Beautiful images, delicious smells and tastes, happy times and love. I came
home with a serene sense of having spent time in the most beautiful
setting, with truly remarkable, loving people. Your dedication to providing
dancing experiences in unique and beautiful places.
I thought the mixture of "topics" for the lessons, was perfect.
I wanted you to know right awayhow much I loved and appreciated everything
you did to make it such a wonderful week
for everyone. -B. Laffan
“It was all very relaxed. I felt cared for, and taken care of. To have no
responsibilty other than to dance and wander strange towns. And to be
cooked for...so nice.
It seemed very much like a part of me long asleep began to awaken. I was
often filled with incredible emotion. It was …freeing. I am glad for
that.
El Indio and Mariana were wonderful teachers. I really learned so much.
It was wonderful, grand, magical, virtually unreal. Thank you.”
"Tango continues to be a humbling experience, as well as a heartwrenching,
and heart opening one. The music moves my soul, the close embrace offers me
the touch I want, a well-led tango gives me sweet body- and heart-centered
memories, the parting from a good dancer leaves me wanting more!!
I felt transfixed by the beauty, the light, the color of the countryside in
Todi. Peering out the window, from the dance floor at the Crispolti, and
seeing the light change every 15 minutes...Heaven!
I came with an open heart and open "pores" and with a sense of wonder. I
drank everything in, and got a little drunk in the process! Almost everything
touched me deeply...the country, the Italians, the people in our group,
living my life with joy...and dancing.”
V. Berv
