Thursday, October 21, 2010

Oct 23: Raul, Agape, Jennifer, Orlando, Adriana, Tine!


We have a galaxy of stars for you this week at Lounge!!

Raul Cabral and Agape Pappas will teach the upper level class, title: Milonguero Moments
8.30pm, included with admission!

Jennifer teaches the pre-interm class and Paul the beginners.

Midnight performances!
**Raul and Agape
**Jennifer Wesnousky, Orlando Reyes and Adriana Salgado will give a preview to promote their upcoming show Mientras Tango with Octavio Brunetti (one night only, Nov 13!)

DJ: Tine Herreman

More about our stars:

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Maestro Raúl Cabral is a dedicated teacher, a cultural envoy, and an exquisite dancer of improvisational social tango, Tango Milonguero.
The essence of his art and teaching is to develop the competence of each student through amplified awareness of musical rhythm and natural body movement. Dedicated to a non-choreographic methodology, both leader and follower learn to enrich the quality of their dance by learning to move correctly but freely, while expressing attention and sensitivity toward their partner. He makes the execution of this very complicated dance form seem easy utilizing a simple but detailed breakdown of movement techniques, balance and floor-craft. Known as “The Doctor”, Cabral guides the dancer, at any level, to discover and heighten their awareness of self and to expand their ability and confidence to dance on the social floor.

Agape Pappas's performances and classes have captivated students and onlookers alike across the United States, Canada and Europe. Her style fuses a variety of influences with their own interpretive skills, all emphasized by the type of improvisation that comes from a deep connection between partners. This connection is reflected in a teaching style that emphasizes the importance of walking, balance, focus, musicality, and technique that involves leading with the heart in both close and open embrace. The result, as seen in her performances, is a style imbued with a deep understanding of technique, a willingness to take risks, and a palpable sense of joy.
Agape Pappas studied flamenco dance while living in Madrid but soon became immersed in the beautiful music and lyrics of tango, propelling her on a journey into Argentine Tango. Agape's 10-year background in acrobatics and tap dancing segued seamlessly into a dancing and teaching Argentine Tango. While living for extended periods in Buenos Aires, she studied intensively with master teachers.

Born and raised in California, Jennifer Wesnousky trained in gymnastics, ballet and jazz throughout her childhood, performing as a member of both the San Luis Jazz dancers and the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo. After working and studying in Los Angeles, Spain and Argentina, her pursuit of careers in Latin music and Spanish translation brought her to New York, where, she chanced upon Argentine tango. Enamored, she studied extensively with top tango masters at home and in Buenos Aires, where she traveled annually. Her most influential instructors have included Diego Di Falco, Pablo Pugliese and Mariela Franganillo, with whom she choreographed a children’s tango project for the New York City Center. As a performer, Jennifer has danced at locations and events as diverse as Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, Joan Lunden’s Camp Reveille, the New York Tango Festival, Latina Magazine’s Poet’s Den and in the film, “ParAmor.” She also appeared with the all women’s tango ensemble, “Tango por Ellas,” at the World Financial Center’s Winter Garden and in numerous stage productions such as the renowned Turkish musical, “Hisseli Harikalar Kumpanyasi,” at the Beacon Theatre, Valeria Solomonoff’s “Tango por Ellos,” which won the Latin ACE Award 2010 for Best Choreography, and “Borges and Piazzolla Tango” at the Thalia Spanish Theater. As a teacher at Paul Pellicoro’s Dancesport, Jennifer is passionate about taking her students to the next level. She has also been a guest instructor and performer in several of the United States and in Israel.
Adriana Salgado and Orlando Reyes have been professional dancers and teachers of Argentine Tango for over a decade. With background in classical ballet, they went to study Tango in Buenos Aires under the auspices of such renowned tango masters as Gustavo Naveira, Claudio Gonzales, Melina Brufman and Cristina Cortes, among many others. Other influential coaches have been Guillermina Quiroga and Roberto Reis. Adriana and Orlando have danced in numerous critically acclaimed productions.
Their energetic, precise and passionate dancing, their changing embraces, breathtaking jumps and their wonderful connection makes their performances outstanding. Their enthusiasm and love for Tango is palpable and has won them recognition with awards at home where have been acclaimed as one of the best representative couples of Colombia by "Corporacion Nacional de Danza" and Cultural Industry of Dance "Los Danzantes." They were also semifinalists in the 3rd Tango World Championship in Buenos Aires, 2006 and more recently they came in 3rd place at the "Long Island Dance Championship" held in Long Island and sponsored by the NY Salsa Congress.
Currently they teach, coach and perform for DanceSport studio in New York City.

Daniel Raphael has been working as a professional dancer and instructor for more than twelve years, training individuals, teaching groups, and conducting workshops in Rio de Janeiro , São Paulo , and in New York City at DanceSport. He has performed many different dance styles for television and stage that include Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary Dance, Flamenco, Latin rhythms, Brazilian dances and Tango, his specialty. He has spent the last few years meticulously researching a process regarding the teaching of Tango and the preparation of new dance professionals, developing a personal teaching method based on strong body awareness and concepts and techniques from the fields of psychology and holistic therapies. His teaching method is committed to the development of self-confidence and focuses on integral health regardless of age. This commitment is based on his own successful training in Ballet (Classic, Modern and Contemporary), Alexander Technique, Yoga, Bioenergetics Therapy and Ayurvedic Massage. In 2007, Daniel began working in New York City where his expertise in Tango and his progressive technique have had great impact. Daniel’s vast experience allows him to embrace Tango's many aspects, from the old Canyengue style to the contemporary Tango Nuevo.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday Oct 15: Metin Yazir



Friends,

Join Metin tonight for his milonga class, 8.30pm, upper level, and included with admission to Tango Lounge!

Metin moved back to New York and will make his home at DanceSport. Come welcome him, and check out what cool stuff he has to share on the dance floor!

DJ Tine

More about our star:
Metin Yazir is the founder of the Baila Tango school which he started in Munich, Germany in 1993. Baila Tango has become synonymous with great dancing. Many instructors have gravitated to the simple yet sophisticated methodology of Baila Tango. Gustavo Naveira had big influence in the way Metin developed his teaching style. Metin Yazir’s career has taken him to 91 cities in 26 countries as teacher and performer. His unique, fun and straightforward approach to teaching tango made him one of the most sought after instructors in the world. His careful analysis of the movement and interaction between partners, combined with his motivating presentation has earned him the admiration of tango dancers worldwide.
Baila Tango opened the gates for tango in Istanbul, Turkey, Metin’s homeland. In a matter of a few years, Baila Tango grew in Ankara, Izmir, Eskisehir and Bursa. In fact, the influence of his school has made Turkey the fastest growing tango community in the world.
Baila Tango considers tango as a dialogue (as opposed to monologues by the dominant men) between two independent and actively participating individuals, connecting them at a higher level. Lead and follow concepts transcend to invitations and acceptances. This heightened respect for women is the foundation of this vision.The vision is inclusive: everyone can dance tango regardless of age, background, or body type. While the stage dancers bring their art to audiences, tango still belongs to the people from which it came.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Fri Oct 8: Sara Grdan & Ivan Terrazas


This week we have the popular Sara and Ivan teaching and performing at the Tango Lounge!
Tine will DJ.

Upper Level class by Sara and Ivan at 8.30.
Included with admission

There are simultaneous classes for pre-intermediate and beginners. Bring your non-tango friends so they will become tango friends!

More about our stars:

Ivan Terrazas and Sara Grdan are among the most recognized of young couples on the East Coast, both socially and as teachers and performers. Ivan is originally from Mendoza, Argentina, and began training in tango and folkloric dances at age 12. Sara is from Croatia and has studied folkloric dances, ballet and modern dance before taking up Argentine Tango. Together, Ivan and Sara have performed at major festivals, shows on the national stage, and on television. As teachers, they are known for their focus on flawless technique and precision, and they have a loyal following among serious tango students.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Oct 1: Claudio Villagra and Roina Levin


Friends, study with Claudio Villagra and Romina Levin at Lounge tonight,
Upper Level Class
8.30
Included with Admission

Midnight performance by Romina and Claudio!!

DJ Tine

More about our stars...

Claudio Villagra belongs to a new generation of professional dancers in Argentina. He studied dance at the School of Art of the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, with teachers ranging from his grandfather Hector Contrera to Aurelio Juan, J.C.Copes, Virulazo, Antonio Todaro, Pepito Avellaneda, Gloria y Eduardo, Dinzel, and N. Guichanduc. After beginning his career with major tango shows in Buenos Aires, he has appeared on major stages of the world, including Broadway theaters, the Olympia in Paris, Luna Park, Astral and Cervantes in Buenso Aires, and the Auditorio Nacional and the Teatro Bellas Artes in Mexico. He has worked with renowned orchestras like that of Osvaldo Pugliese, Mariano Mores, Sexteto Sur, El Arranque, Sexteto Mayor, and others. His most distinguished partners have been Siliva Toscano, Mora Godoy, Leticia Falliacara, Karina Piazza, Natalia Hills, and Guillermina Quiroga.

Claudio was a member of the National Ballet of Argentina and a representative of diverse dance institutions promoting tango throughout world. He has represented the government of Argentina in diverse events both nationally and internationally. He has been the featured dancer in such shows as Tango Seduccion, and Tanguera and directed and choreographed his own show, Latin Tango. Claudio is currently performing in the show Forever Tango.


Born in Argentina, ROMINA LEVIN has devoted her life to the dance, graduating in ballet and modern dance.She has studied Argentine Tango with Osvaldo Zotto, Lorena Ermocida, Mingo Pugliese and Gachi Fernandez. She formed part of the cast of the important Buenos Aires “Casas de Tango”: La Ventana, Señor Tango, La Esquina Carlos Gardel, El Viejo Almacén and Taconeando.

She was part of the National Folkloric Ballet performing in several Buenos Aires theatres and touring Argentina. She performed in the show “Solo Tango” directed by Dolores de Amo and Juan Fabri in the Buenos Aires Lola Membrives Theatre. In 2003, she joined Tango Por Dos Company, performing in “Tangos Una Leyenda” in Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Verona, Bolonia, Rome, Milan and London.

She has given master classes in the International Festival of Tango in the Buenos San Martín Theatre.

In 2005, she toured Turkey, Israel, Estonia, Poland, France and Holand with the company Tango Seduction. Romina is currently touring with Claudio Villagra in Forever Tango.• She was partnered for more than two years with Miguel Angel Zotto in his Tango Por Dos Company.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Sept 24: Maxi Gluzman & AnnSophie Persson


This week, a class with Maxi Gluzman! Included with admission. Upper level. 8.30pm
topic: A Fun Easy Move You Can't Live Without!
Performance by Maxi and Ann Sophie Persson.

DJ Tine

More about our stars:

Maximiliano Gluzman is a porteno dancer who proudly continues the tradition of his home town's social dance.

He learned his first tangos when he was a child, bought his first tango record when he was fourteen, and began to pursue the dance when he was twenty one.

His tango, one of personal identity, inherits the inventiveness of the Buenos Aires tradition and was acquired through years of working with world known instructors, as well as through researching the social tango of the old masters. His subtle firm lead is the result of both practice and countless nights of dancing in Buenos Aires. And through his unique, flowing musicality he has found an endless vehicle for creativity and expression.

Maxi's professional life in tango is divided into two main areas: researching the dance of the old generation milongueros and teaching. Precisely, his teaching is about sharing the magic of the porteno dance with the rest of the world: its technique, its culture, and its mystery. A magic that, as difficult as it is to conceptualize, he has been able to transmit to his students from many countries.

Ann-Sophie Persson’s bio
Ann-Sophie Persson discovered her love for tango music in her childhood and started her search for the dance in her early teenage years in Sweden. She has been dancing tango regularly in New York City and Buenos Aires since 2000 and has studied with among others Julio Balmaceda and Corina De La Rosa, Milva Bernardi, Carlos Gavito, Graciela Gonzalez, Raul Poli, Elina Roldan and Omar Vega. Ann-Sophie considers tango the ultimate dance and a perfect milonga the ultimate moment.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fri Sept 17: Julio Bassan and Luiza Paes


Julio and Luiza will teach the 8.30 upper level class (included with admission)!
Topic: Tango Drags

Midnight performance

DJ Tine


More about our stars:


LUIZA PAES:
Luiza Paes, Brazilian-born, music student since age six, worked in musical education and vocal technique for many years. Her very first tango experience was in 1997 in Portland, Oregon where she took a group class with Clay Nelson and was immediately struck by the music and fascinated by the idea of the connection in the couple. Back in Brazil, Luiza met Norberto "Pulpo" Esbrez who became her teacher and then partner for nearly 10 years. Luiza and "Pulpo" traveled the world teaching and performing: Russia, Japan, Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Greece, Spain, Denmark, United States, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, and Brazil. They taught at numerous tango festivals including CITA in Buenos Aires, Portland, Las Vegas, Boston, Amsterdam, Tango del Norte in Denmark
Luiza is a fun, caring and articulate instructor and teaches technique emphasizing the leader's and follower's roles, improvisation and the ability of adapting. She is very successful in generating a relaxed and humorous environment for the students to enjoy and take the most out of their learning process. Since February 2008 she started teaching and traveling on her own and with different partners (Tango Masquerade, Tango de los Muertos, Portland TangoFest, Houston Tango Festival).Her focus has been teaching musicality along with a technique that opens up possibilities for creativity in the dance.
JULIO BASSAN:
Julio is of the new breed of tanguero from Buenos Aires. An extraordinary, in-demand stage performer, known for his elegant, sultry moves and smoldering theatricality, he is an excellent and caring teacher of creative, social dancing, emphasizing connection, musicality, embrace and rhythmic improvisation. He adapts guardia vieja (old guard) moves to 21st Century dance floors with originality, sensitivity and humor. Julio is also a trained actor, having obtained a degree in theater from the University National Institute of Arts.

As a tango dancer he has studied with such notable teachers as Ricardo Barrios, Carlos Rivarola, Claudia Bozzo, and Mingo Pugliese, among others. He teaches regularly and hosts his own milonga "Gardel of Medellín" in the famous tango neighborhood of Parque Patricios, which has become one of the most popular milongas in Buenos Aires. His elegance, musicality, and dramatic sensibility has propelled him to become a sought-after performer in the major tango shows in BsAs. He was also featured in the Tango Ballet of the University of Moron (2004 -2007), along with many theatrical shows in Argentina and the U.S. Julio has appeared in films, and coordinates popular tango events and festivals in Buenos Aires.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fri Sept 3: Gustavo Benzacry Saba & Maria Olivera


This week we welcome the delightful dancers Gustavo Benzacry Saba & Maria Olivera from Buenos Aires. They are respected and entertaining teachers, and their performance is a real crowd pleaser.

8.30 pm Upper level class with Gustavo and Maria.
Included with admission
Topic TBA


More about our stars:

Gustavo was born and raised in Buenos Aires, and has been dancing since the 1990s. He started out as an assistant teacher for various Masters. He developed his career as a teacher by studying techniques and by analyzing Tango as a social and psychological phenomenon. His experience as a teacher in other fields allowed him to trespass the limits of showing “movements” to place himself as a reference of Tango dance not only as a physical activity but moreover as a philosophy. Being a journalist and a researcher gave him the curiosity that led him to give expression to his studies.
He teaches regular classes at Salón Canning and Workshops in several milongas of Buenos Aires, as well as Workshops and lectures in the US and Europe, where he takes part of international tango meetings and Festivals.
As a dancer, he stands out for his agility and most of all for his endless creativity, which he bases in the ability of dominating the techniques and exploring the possibilities he’s being offered through the embrace and the release of the emotions.

Maria was born in Buenos Aires and raised in San Telmo, within a family of “tangueros”. When she was in her twenties she felt inspired by her deep love for the music and the poetry of her childhood and decided to start dancing it. She first studied with Gustavo Benzecry Sabá, and soon after she became his assistant in class and later on his partner. She studied follower’s techniques with several prestigious dancers and learned even more from milonguero Masters that taught her about the emotion of the dance.
She regularly teaches at Salón Canning and leads Workshops in other milongas and dance studios of the city. She also tours the world being part of Seminars, Festivals and performances.
Speaking English as a second language she teaches many students from all over the World, and in 2006 she translated Gustavo’s “Embracing Tango - Techniques and metaphors between tango and life” for what she got the recognition of many English speaking tango communities.

Together Gustavo and Maria teach regular classes at Salón Canning, and they tour the world participating in Festivals and International Tango events.
When they dance, they show their love for each other, the happiness of sharing the warmth of a cozy embrace and the fantasy of a movie where the audience is nothing but an active member of the story.