Tag: san francisco bay area

Ruben and Enriqueta dancing in San Francisco

Enriqueta Kleinman and Ruben Harymbat, May 2009.

Ruben’s passion for the tango was evident as soon as you see him on the dancer floor. His energy belies his age, or perhaps it is indicative of the many years he has expressed himself through the dance. Ruben was the “master of improvisation” and owner of enormous creativy. Ruben was highly sought out dancer in Argentina for performances. His performance partners have included Anna Maria Schapira, Alicia Pons, Susana Miller, Maria Plazaola, Enriqueta Kleinman, and Marisa Galindo among others. Ruben was invited to perform in November 2007 for the Congress of the Nation of Argentina in homage in “Recognition to the Milongueros of the night in Buenos Aires.” Read more.

Enriqueta has danced tango for over 17 years. She had taught group and private classes in Buenos Aires and all over the world. She was an expert in Salon Tango – Milonguero Style, Tango Waltz and Milonga. Enriqueta also specialized in teaching technique for women and has led many courses and seminars. She performed at the Third and Fifth Metropolitan Championships in Buenos Aires. Read more.

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“Garúa” by Pedro Laurenz y su Orquesta Típica with Alberto Podestá in vocals, 1943.

Enrique Cadícamo

Poet, lyricist, composer, writer, and theatre writer.
(July 15, 1900 – December 3, 1999)

It is difficult to find so prolific an author within any songbook in the world; he approached any imaginable subject to be sung and in all rhythms.

“An everlasting boy —wrote León Benarós—, Cadícamo seems to live counterclockwise. He keeps his hair intact, of a pale blond color, that becomes square at the back of his neck and rather long in a juvenile fashion… He wears light-colored ties —once we saw him with one of a subtle yellow color— and his sports coats add him youth. He wants to forget about time because he knows that time —“that dark enemy that sucks our blood”, according to Baudelaire’s lines—, feeds on our illusions, on our life…” Continue reading at www.todotango.com…

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Marcelo Solis dancing Argentine Tango with Mimi on a colorful chrome background

Navigating the Argentine Tango Milonga Scene: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve heard about milongas and are eager to join in on the dance floor.

But what exactly do you need to be able to go to these vibrant gatherings of Argentine Tango enthusiasts?

Let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, having basic social skills is key. Just like attending any other social event, you want to present yourself in a friendly and approachable manner. Make sure you’re clean and well-dressed, and be mindful of how you interact with others – whether it’s formal or informal depends on your relationship with each person.

If you’re new to the milonga scene, it’s a good idea to get an invite from someone who’s a regular attendee. This can serve as your bridge into the community and help you integrate more smoothly.

One way to find connections to milongas is through your tango classes. Fellow students who have been attending milongas can often introduce you to the scene.

And if you’re taking private lessons, your instructor can be your gateway to the milonga world. In fact, preparing students for the milonga experience is a primary goal of many Argentine Tango instructors.

Now, don’t feel pressured to dance right away when you attend your first milongas. It’s perfectly okay to just observe and soak in the atmosphere. Remember, the main purpose of a milonga is to facilitate the dance of Argentine Tango among its participants, but this happens naturally as part of the socialization process.

Dancing at milongas should be a choice made freely, without any sense of obligation. So, be considerate of others and never make anyone feel compelled to dance with you. Keep in mind that the beauty of tango lies in its freedom, and dancing under the weight of obligation simply isn’t authentic.

In conclusion, to thrive in the milonga scene, focus on building your social skills, make connections through classes or acquaintances, and always approach the dance floor with a sense of freedom and respect for others. With these principles in mind, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Argentine Tango milongas.

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Anibal Troilo. Argentine music at Escuela de tango de Buenos Aires.

“Guapeando” by Anibal Troilo y su Orquesta Típica, 1941.

Aníbal Troilo

Bandoneon player, leader and composer.
(11 July 1914 – 19 May 1975)

He was spellbound by the bandoneon when he heard its sound at cafés in his neighborhood. He was ten when he persuaded his mother into buying one for him. They got it at 140 pesos of that time, to be paid in 14 stallments, but after the fourth payment, the shopkeeper died and no one ever claimed for the rest. With that instrument he played almost during his whole lifetime. Continue reading at www.todotango.com…

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“Sin lágrimas” by Osvaldo Pugliese y su Orquesta Típica, 1946.

Charlo

Argentine Tango singer, musician, pianist, actor, and composer.
(July 7, 1906 – October 30, 1990)

In his important work as a composer of rare ability to musically express human drama and romantic rapture, the following tunes stand out: with lyrics by the filmmaker Luis César Amadori, the tangos “Cobardía”, “Rencor” and “Tormento”; with José González Castillo, “El viejo vals”, a piece of rare perfection, unparalleled in Charlo’s rendition; with José María Contursi, “Sin lágrimas”; with Cátulo Castillo, “Sin ella”. “Fueye” and the beautiful waltz “Tu pálida voz” with lyrics by Homero Manzi. And with Cadícamo, besides “Ave de paso”, three tangos of high value but very different from each other stand out: “Rondando tu esquina”, “Viejas alegrías” and “La barranca”. Continue reading at todotango.com…