The TANGO Capital Newsletter
Hola Tango Friends, Hello Tango Partners,
Tango Partners in Buenos Aires introduces this May 2003 edition with a warm
welcome embrace to our Tango Friends all over the world and would like to share
our complete happiness. When we say Tango Friends we mean all our friends who
enjoy getting cultural notices from Buenos Aires and all of Argentina. Not only
of the tango/waltz/milonga and folkloric dance and music, but also of the many
other rhythms you can find here: jazz, swing, rock, salsa, meringue and
flamenco. In one recent milonga we even were introduced to Arabian dances with
odalisques. We mean every cultural _expression such as museums (arts, history,
natural sciences), theater, congresses, seminaries, conventions and meetings.
Even food is a part of cultural events. Many collectivities have their
particular shows, dance floors, restaurants with delicious exquisiteness,
flavors and tastes.
We also want to share with you our feelings of complete joy and satisfaction
that we have in bringing our monthly publication to you. This month we
celebrate More Than Ten Thousand readers! We thank each and every one of you.
We also thank several groups we belong to and their kind moderators and owners
who trust on us and publish our Newsletter every month. We respect their
guidelines and publication restrictions such as message length, for instance
200 lines.
>From the beginning we knew that this kind of information would be interesting
>for many people. We also knew that our most sincere friendship and our love
>for The TANGO, its music, dance, culture, but most of all to its deepest
>essence, would give us such an answering from you. But Tango was just the kick
>off. Your suggestions and our goals expanded our labors from not only Buenos
>Aires and the Tango scene but also to every cultural event in Argentina. Among
>them, local and folkloric music/dance like chacarera, or foreign like swing,
>jazz and ballroom; museums, recitals and concerts; classes, practices and
>other activities, including many points of interest like famous tourist
>centers and voyager s favorite places.
We received a lot of public and private messages with many samples of personal
and positive comments. We also received your suggestions. We thank them all
because each one helps us to improve our Newsletter. We hope you keep on
sending us your well-intentioned emails.
Tango Partners in Buenos Aires especially would like to send a very special
greeting to some of our Tango Friends with who visit Buenos Aires this past
month. Among them are Ilaria from Italy, Magda and Alan from Portland, Ann,
John and Betty from East Bay, California, Elke and Marga from Germany, Julie
Anne from UK, Iris, Shirley and Adriana from San Francisco, Flo and Manley from
Los Angeles, Linda and Kristen from Tampa, Michele from Miami and Lalo an
Argentine from San Francisco.
And of course, we hope to meet all of you, our Tango Friends, enjoying your
Tango Life here.
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May Newsletter contains:
Editorial "El Abrazo" (J. Belsito and Nina: more than 60 years embracing Tango)
Tribute to Julian Plaza ("Nostalgic" and "Melancholic" Remembering)
Sexteto Mayor (30th anniversary) "30 aqos no es nada"
Tango Partner in Buenos Aires April 2003 Events (Highlights of Tango and other
cultural events)
We reserve all rights of the information contained in this Newsletter and the
trade marks Tango Partners in Buenos Aires (TM) and Newsletter The TANGO
Capital (TM).
Editorial "El Abrazo" (J. Belsito and Nina: more than 60 years embracing Tango)
"We thank our Tango Friends Juan Pedro Belsito and Nina, one of the most
creative milongueros from Buenos Aires, for visiting us and for sharing such an
unforgettable afternoon in our redaction."
We are lucky to still have many living icons of tango. They are a kind of
bridge between generations of singers, musicians and dancers. They share a
lifetime of experiences and feelings of tango with those of us from another
era. This was the case when we invited Juan Pedro and Nina Belsito to share an
afternoon with us. We are pleased to present Juan and Nina to you in this month
s Editorial "El Abrazo" (The Embrace).
Juan started dancing in the early forties at the age of 16 in his neighborhood
of Urquiza. Nina entered the world of tango accompanied by her mother and her
older sisters when she was 13 years old, living in Uruguay. They cannot let one
week pass without going to a milonga. They usually go to at least two or three
milongas a week. We think this is what keeps them so young.
We asked Juan to recall his first experiences learning tango. First of all he
learned how to stand and how to walk (posture), how to never hit other couples
(floor etiquette) and "to never step backwards". Although he admits you may
take a step backwards if you are very sure you can do so without hitting
another couple. He recommends practicing by putting chairs in the center of the
salon and dancing around them counterclockwise.
Juan says that each neighborhood had its particular styles of tango. In the
Urquiza style the feet hug the floor in long steps with slow and elegant
movements. When he watches a dancer he can often tell what professor the dancer
has studied with by his style of dance.
Juan and Nina began to dance together in the milongas of Pedro Echag|e, Sin
Rumbo and Sunderland. They loved to dance in Club Almagro (now closed).
Nowadays they dance at the central milongas like El Arranque, Niqo Bien (where
we saw them dance a performance), El Beso, and Porteqo y Bailarmn.
Nina loves tango and the milonga and she says that whatever mood she is in
(sad, melancholic), when she goes to the milonga her spirit raises like the sun
in the morning. Tango is very important in her life and it means everything to
her.
Nina does not like the stage style at social milongas when girls lift their
legs and may kick other couples. Boleos are very nice when the floor is empty
or in a performance, but in the crowded milongas they are dangerous and
bothersome. For her this is not social tango. Nina thinks that the important
thing is to give and receive respect when we share the floor, so that all have
a good time.
Juan pointed out that some young beginners try to demonstrate their newest
steps and that sometimes they dance at the social milonga like they are on the
stage. He says this bothers others couples. Their favorite orchestras are Di
Sarli, and other orchestras of the Guardia Vieja like Canaro and Lomuto, Julio
De Caro.
They created many of their own original steps. Later they were surprised to see
some new dancers on the dance floor using their steps. We told them we think
this is an honor and a demonstration of respect for their dancing. They have
also danced on the stage. They danced in "Locura Tanguera" in the Margarita
Xirgu Theater, "La Milonga" in the Cervantes Theater, in the Galeria de Tango
Argentino, the Swiss Argentine Consulate and in Cafi Tortoni. They were in an
Argentine movie, "Una Noche con Sabrina Love", and danced in "Evita" a movie of
Allan Parker. But in the milonga they make their steps in the taste and the
style of the milonga, not the stage.
We asked them to share an outstanding memorable moment in their tango. Nina
told us that one night they were invited to celebrate and pay homage for a
tango couple, but were not told who this couple was. All the milongueros and
dancers of Buenos Aires were invited. The master of ceremonies said: "Tonight
to recognize their trajectory as tango dancers and to recognize their
unmistakable style we honor Juan and Nina Belsito". They were both very
emotional and have never forgotten this honor.
We asked them what they feel about "The Embrace" in life and in tango. Nina
says that Juan s embrace makes her feel comfortable and safe. Juan said that
the embrace is everything. You have to know how to embrace in order to give and
to receive your partner s body. People enjoy watching their dance. Juan thinks
that perhaps, it is not only because of their dance but also the happy
expression in their faces that transmits to the audience their feelings. We
agree with him.
They told us that they now have decided to dance exclusively with each other.
Tango is very important to them but they say that the most important thing in
the world is the couple and embracing one another, not only in dance but in
life as well.
They would like for all who come here to say that they learned to dance great
tango in Buenos Aires. But in order to do that you must be careful when you
choose your teachers. Watch their style and choose wisely according to whether
you want to dance social tango or stage tango. Stage tango has to be danced in
the right place. Be careful that you don t learn to dance like a clown. Go and
watch, compare, with this one yes, and with that one no. Don t make your tango
a circus.
We asked them if they have any other advice for tango dancers who want to
improve their dance coming to Buenos Aires. They prefer and recommend making a
dance that is temperate and elegant. If you like tango it is worth learning to
dance well because you will enjoy it more. Nina says that the sentiment is most
important because the dance starts in the brain, continues in the heart and
finishes in the feet. Dancers need to involve all their senses.
Nina and Juan invite all who want to know how to dance real social tango to
come to the best place in the world to learn: The milonga of Buenos Aires
Tribute to Julian Plaza ("Nostalgic" and "Melancholic" Remembering)
(July 9, 1928 April 19, 2003).
This month, one of the most famous Bandoneonist, Pianist, Composer, Arranger
and Director of tango passes to immortality through his masterpieces.
Julian Plaza began his professional musical career early in life in the year
1943. Between 1946 and 1956 he was part of the Miguel Cals orchestra. Then he
played with Carlos Di Sarli until 1959 when he joined the Osvaldo Pugliese
orchestra. He was part of Sexteto Tango from 1968 until 1992 when he formed his
own orchestra and recorded CD s as a soloist.
He arranged and wrote for two of the greatest tango directors, Osvaldo Pugliese
and Anmbal Troilo. Other important directors like Atilio Stampone and Enrique
Francini also chose him as arranger.
Among his compositions are "Sensiblero", "Danzarmn", "Melancslico",
"Nostalgico", "Buenos Aires-Tokio" and "Disonante" written between 1956 and
1968. He also wrote beautiful milongas such as "Nocturna" in city rhythm,
"Payadora" in country rhythm and "Morena" with melody and rhythm inspired by
the conventional candombe. Famous Plaza arrangements are "A Fuego Lento" for
Horacio Salgan, "Quejas de Bandonesn" for Troilo, "Danzarmn", "Nochero Soy",
"Mala Junta" and "La Mariposa" for Pugliese and "Milonga del 900" with Osvaldo
Ruggiero.
During his nine years with Pugliese he worked in radio, television, theaters,
and made tours of Russia, China and Japan.
According to Juan Trepiana, writing for the "Buenos Aires Cultural", a
publication of Cafi Tortoni, among the talents of Julian Plaza was his humility.
He was active with SADAIC, the Association of Directors and Composers of
Argentina. He also won the prestigious prize for musicians ACE of Gold in 1997.
Sexteto Mayor (30th anniversary) "30 aqos no es nada"
Tuesday April 29th, 2003 was the anniversary of Sexteto Mayor. This Buenos
Aires orchestra has given tango to the world with perfection and with love.
Internationally popular, they are loved all over the world. Jose Libertella and
Luis Stazo formed the group in 1973. All six began playing tango in the 1940 s.
Stazo played with the orchestras of Jorge Fernandez and later with Julio De
Caro and Libertella with Osmar Maderna and Carlos Di Sarli. Mario Abramovich
was first violinist with Osvaldo Fresedo, Arentino Galvan and Hictor Varela.
Eduardo Walczak was violinist with the orchestras of Mario Canaro, Pedro
Laurenz and Atilio Stampone. Oscar Palermo played piano with Ricardo Pedevilla
and Oscar Castagniaro. Osvaldo Aulicino on the bass with the orchestras of
"Melodmas Porteqas and Alfredo.Gobbi. We recommend their 1999 CD, "Tangos para
Bailar" (Tangos for Dancing).
Tango Partner in Buenos Aires April 2003 Events
(Highlights of Tango and other cultural events)
Month of Milonga Anniversaries:
This month four milongas celebrated anniversaries. Niqo Bien with 5 years,
Milonga de Las Morochas in El Beso with 3 years, and Club Gricel with 8 years,
El Abrazo at Confiterma Ideal with 7 years. We thank them for all they do for
us who tango and wish them many more years of successful milongas.
Niqo Bien: Thursday the 10th was the special celebration of the 5th year
anniversary for Niqo Bien. Luis is an excellent organizer because he always
finds space for all visitors for this popular milonga. We were treated with the
performances of several couples. There were Gavito and Plazaola, Geraldine and
Javier who were especially exceptional tonight among them. Everyone was on
their feet and was rewarded with two encores. Our Tango Friends who saw them
perform for the first time were amazed by this couples expertise and style.
Milonga de las Morochas: Saturday the 19th this evening milonga is held in El
Beso. Tonight they celebrated their 3rd year anniversary. Los Hermanos Macana
performance was very original and professional. Two young and creative
brothers, who have a lot of technique and energy, dance switching roles
(male-female) several times in the same song. They danced a tango and a milonga.
Club Gricel: Sunday the 20th was the special 8th year anniversary celebration
of Club Gricel on La Rioja. The celebrating started early at 7:00 p.m. There
was a string of great performances, including Roberto Reis and Lucila, Demian
and Carolina, Gustavo Chidmchimo and Virginia Martorani and others. Barbecue
beef sandwiches, cake and champagne were served to all guests. Club Gricel is
very popular for its wonderful wood floor and always great music.
El Abrazo Tango Club: Friday the 25th, this afternoon milonga of the Confiterma
Ideal celebrated their 7th anniversary today, with a full house. The
festivities were not extravagant but were indeed elegant with special guest
performers Carlos Gavito and Marma Plazaola. The music stopped playing when
they entered the floor as everyone applauded. Argentines as well as visitors
had their cameras out for the event, as everyone was very emotional and pleased
to have them dance for us. The Ideal holds milongas every day of the week, with
one evening milonga on Friday evening. The milonga El Abrazo Tango Club is
organized by Zoraida and Diego. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they lead a class and
practica at noon.
A Night in Buenos Aires with Gavito: Thursday the 17th, Tango Partners in
Buenos Aires decided to join Carlos Gavito and many of his friends tonight for
a charity benefit show and milonga in the Salsn Dinastia. We recommended this
event to all of our Tango Friends. Four of our favorite and very experienced
milonguero couples first shared their own unique milonga styles, individually
and then as a group. Among them were Juan and Nina Belsito (see our interview
with them in this issue). Later Dani Garcma and Elina Roldan, Roberto Herrera
and Natacha Poberaj, and finally Carlos Gavito and Marma Plazaola performed. We
heard the Buenos Aires trio and singers Tito Roca and Mabel Mabel. Also Color
Tango with director Roberto Alvarez played. It was a very special moment when
Carlos Morel sang his own milonga written for Carlos Gavito. Morel sang with
the show "Forever Tango" for which Carlos Gavito also danced. The event
benefited the Foundation for the Investigation and Prevention of Cancer.
Swing, Jazz and Rock in Buenos Aires:
Swing dance, Jazz and Rock very popular in Buenos Aires. You can dance all of
those rhythms even at the milongas. There are some tandas in which you can
dance them at each milonga and most of all on Saturdays (tanda: group of 4 or 5
songs with the same style). The local people and visitors dance it with great
style and rhythm. Group classes of these rhythm are taught in several locations
as well as before milongas. La Viruta, Salsn Dandi in San Telmo, Association
Argentina of Lovers of Tango and Folklore are a few.
New Buenos Aires Milongas opened in April:
The Confiterma SEU in Flores neighborhood on Tuesdays, the Club Gricel on
Wednesday evenings, El Cencerro on Wednesday and Fridays in the afternoons and
Saturdays in the evening are some opened Milongas in April. Another new choice
on Sunday evenings in the Recoleta takes place in the bar Auditorio of Buenos
Aires in the Buenos Aires Design shopping center. Club Espaqol adds another
milonga on Monday from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. besides its Thursday afternoon
milonga. Club Espaqol is a beautiful salon in front of the Grand Avenue 9 de
Julio. These are several new choices for dancing.
Flamenco and Zarzuela in Buenos Aires:
The famous actress Aida Gsmez is Salomi. The debut of the Carlos Saura s movie
Salomi is just an example of the interest of people in this gender of music and
dance. Spanish collective is very important in Argentina.
Buenos Aires has several Flamenco academies, teachers, events, tablaos and
recitals. There is also a theater specialized in Zarzuela and Flamenco: Teatro
Avenida. We will continue informing you and answering your requests about these
musical veins from Spain.
La Shusheta Milonga: Wednesday the 2nd, Linda our Tango Friend from Tampa,
Florida invited us to celebrate her birthday at Dandi. She treated several of
her friends at the evening milonga. Linda, who is a very good dancer, had many
invitations for her birthday dance. Every man in the milonga shared her
happiness dancing with her. Tango Partners in Buenos Aires cheers with her and
with other Tango Friends. Gloria, the organizer of La Shusheta, presented Linda
with a gift and cake as well. We also enjoyed some rock, folk dance and salsa.
La Nacional: After the birthday celebration we all went over to the milonga La
Nacional, to enjoy more dancing. This is a very popular milonga on Wednesdays
until 5 am. We met some other of our friends from Buenos Aires and Boston.
La Baldosa: Friday the 4th, Tango Partners in Buenos Aires took in the
opportunity to hear Color Tango at the spacious milonga in El Pial. With a
large floor space and very comfortable seating it is a great place to enjoy an
orchestra and dance.
El Arranque: Saturday the 5th, Tango Partners in Buenos Aires introduced our
Tango Friends from Portland, Oregon to their first Buenos Aires milonga this
afternoon. The afternoon milonga was a great first experience for them to
practice the nod, "cabeceo", for the first time. The nod as many of you know is
the traditional way to ask a woman to dance in Buenos Aires with eye contact
and a nod of the head. DJ Mario Orlando, puts on predominantly tango, waltz and
milonga, but also usually has a tanda of Argentine folkdance, and Paso doble, a
Spanish dance.
La Viruta/La Estrella
After a delicious barbecue dinner at one of our favorite typical "parillas" we
enjoyed a beautiful evening tour of Buenos Aires, including Puerto Madero.
Later we went with our Tango Friends to dance at La Viruta. They enjoyed
dancing La Chacarera for the first time. The floor is packed at 4:00 a.m. for
this very popular folkdance.
La Catedral: Saturday the 26th Tango Partners in Buenos Aires was invited as
guests by "El Pulpo" for his special Saturday night milonga. El Pulpo and
Luiza, his partner, gave classes this month on Tuesdays in La Catedral. They
have their own distinctive style as we mentioned in last month s Newsletter and
we enjoyed their performances tonight. As well, the orchestra Fernandez Fierro
with four bandaneons and four violins, bass, cello, piano played for our
dancing. Cardenal Dominguez, a favorite singer with an enthusiastic
personality, joined them. The evening goes until 5 am.
Parakultural Canning: Monday the 14th Monday night is popular for Canning.
Tonight was the Inauguration of Pints Milonga III, the presentation of the
latest collection of tango paintings by local artists. The crowd as on Friday
is a mix of all ages. We enjoyed the singing of Marma Rosa Yorio with guitars.
Juanjo Hermida on piano does exceptional entertainment for the cortinas.
Abrazos y Besos from... Karen Corriea & Julio Corazza
- Your Tango Partners in Buenos Aires -
[email protected]
(5411) 4371-0435 or 4753-3460 or 4752-0213
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