Monday, July 25, 2011

Live the Tango in Buenos Aires

Yes, it does take TWO TO TANGO as we discovered on a recent couples 10 day tango tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Four experienced dance couples from Saskatoon met their match with this precise, intimate, dramatic dance! Baleos, ganchas, flicks and figure eights were the challenge over the 10 days of instruction with Argentine tangueras and tangueros. Repeat, repeat, repeat and finally that euphoric moment of " I think I've got it!" The Argentine Tango is probably one of the most difficult dances to lead with precision and grace. The female partner? All she has to do is be on her toes and patient, waiting for the subtlest indication from her male counterpart as to where to flick and turn. Sound easy?
This fun group from Saskatoon rose to the challenge and by the end of the tour were naturally taking up the tango position in the streets of La Boca and San Telmo! Besides particpating in late night tangos in some of the most famous milonga halls in the world such as El Beso and Salon Canning, this group discovered the European flavour of Buenos Aires through its culture and food! La Boca, San Telmo market, Recoleta, all interesting barrios to visit!

Leaving the tango they flew to spectacular Iguazu Falls and to colourful Salta for a wine tour. With Natascha at the wheel they navigated the bumpy, gravel roads to the highest vineyard in the world, Bodega Colome! A one night stay was not nearly enough at this exquisite resort but somehow they fit in a visit to the James Tyrrell light gallery and a horseback ride through the "colorado" river bed, not to mention the gourmet meals, lovely wines and 5 star accommodation. Really worth the ride!
One thing is for certain, Argentina is worth several visits if not only to master the tango, but to discover its beautiful and diverse landscape! European culture - great buy for Canadians and a great escape to summer in our cold months. Bienvenidos!

1 comment:

Lindsay said...

Tango, of course, remains popular to this day. And Buenos Aires is still the best place in the world to dance the tango or see it performed on the stage.
Tango dance halls are called "milongas." Even the uninitiated are welcome at a "milonga" - which is to say that anyone is free to take a class or to watch from the tables which encircle the dance floor.}Actually, one of the reasones I decided to rent an apartment in buenos aires and travel to Argentina was because of Tango and I do not regret it. I love dancing it!
Lindsay