Destination Buenos
Aires Dateline: March 4-26,
2006
Singapore March 4-12,
2006
I arrived in
Changi Airport at 3:oo pm from Bangkok, rushing to get into the city as
I have to catch up with a dispatch via Fedex to Manila before 4:00 pm.
And by sheer luck I manage to make it just by a hair strand that I was
able to attend to this very urgent matter.
For weeks, I
have been privy about my pending trip to Buenos Aires. I couldn’t make
up my mind whether to go or not as there are many pressing matters to
tackle to make it happen. For one, since I am always flying around, I
needed to contact the Embassy of Argentina in Manila if it would be
possible that I be granted a visa from overseas. This was answered in
the affirmative by Consul Jorge Stevens and somehow gave the green light
that I was soon Buenos Aires bound. Secondly, I have my schedule to
contend with to see if this trip could really be possible. Thank
goodness, things were falling in place that my Dubai schedule has been
moved much later that it gave me ample time to make the necessary
preparations for this trip.
Nobody knew I
was going to Buenos Aires because I actually wanted to surprise the
Tango Bali and Tango Dubai groups.
Ergo, I sent
all my requirements to Manila while I waited in Singapore. While
waiting, I made the rounds of my usual private lessons in the
lion-state. On my first day, I had a fabulous two hour private lessons
with Ms.Angeline Jansen and Shirley and soon after we headed for dinner
and a night-out at Club 5 over at Beach Rd. It was actually a send-off
get- together for Angeline’s friend Laura who is flying back to Houston
the morning after.
I happen to
drop by and visit a friend, Mr.Ahmad Chan days later at his new place
called Tapestry at Bukit Batok. Ahmad is a musician, a very good pianist
and arranger of songs. And what business do I have with a musician if
one may ask? For the in formation of everyone, singing is a passion
second to tango. I had a tete-a-tete with Ahmad and his boss Jeffrey and
we happen to touch on a very interesting discussion concerning tango.
Because Tapestry has a very nice ambience and a huge place to dance, we
thought of converting the place into a milonga at least twice a month.
If this plan materializes, we shall see another tango venue born in
Singapore.
It was quite a
hectic week of private lessons and one small workshop I had. My Clementi
workshop organized by Rose Dieu was over due. I have a group of five
couples taking tango lesson with me from this group whenever I am in
Singapore. And since I’ve been busy lately, we happen to organize one
during this trip of mine. Sweet Rose, thank you so much for being
patient to herd us all together to come to Clementi one more time. I
shall see you all again in April. I promise I will have much time with
you guys on my next visit.
On March 10 my
passport arrived with my Argentinean visa. Now I am certain everything
is for real. With my passport, visa and air ticket on hand, what else is
there to think about but just letting go.
On my last
night, Bg Pang invited me for dinner and dance at the “uppity” Upper
Club, Singapore’s latest dance club. For people who love to go dancing
and good food this place is a must-go place.
I woke up at
7:45 in the morning of March 11 to catch-up with my flight to K.L en
route to Buenos Aires.. All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go as a
song goes…….
Dateline:
Kuala Lumpur March 11, 2006 (Saturday)
It was 11:oo
am when MH604 touched down KLIA in Kuala Lumpur. I went to the usual
routine of passing through immigration and customs for clearance and
started feeling a sense of déjà vu. If I remember it right, it’s been
more than four months since I was in this marvelous city to do a
performance with Ms. Runa Baagoe for the Miss Malaysia Pageant last
October.
As usual, I am
rushing to catch up with my 1:oo pm appointment. I managed to coordinate
Runa and Cheah to organize classes/workshop for me while I was in
Singapore. Since my flight to Buenos Aires was scheduled to take-off at
1:oo am of March 12 that I decided to use this ten hours while I am
in-transit to see my friends in Kuala Lumpur.
I was
surprised at the turn-out of this brief visit, as I managed to conduct
six hours of private lessons and two hours of group workshop. The very
amiable and gentle septuagenarian Kacee was there ready for his lesson
scheduled at 1:oo pm. Call it old school mentality, this guy has always
been punctual with time. We exchanged pleasantries and talked about
work, health, friends and life which are what tango is all about. And
off we went with his tango lesson.
Chin Tan, whom
I have not seen for more than one year since then, turned out to be a
big surprise. I ‘ve always thought that he has dropped out of tango
considering that this guy has always been busy attending to the many
businesses he runs, But he was there at 2:oo pm ready to take a new
crack at tango.
Another
surprise was Runi, a violinist with the Malaysian Philharmonic who came
with his partner Adelaide. I remember this guy joining workshops at
Little Havana together with other Philharmonic people during the
formative years of tango in Kuala Lumpur. It was good to see him and
partner able to dance the tango as they have been taking lessons with
Ms. Marguerite Brodie. No wonder.
Then came the
group workshop participated in by three couples. All beginners, but have
had baptism of fire with Marguerite at Little Havana, I am happy to see
new faces join the roster of tangueros in Kuala Lumpur. It is certainly
addition to keep the community growing. Keep it up folks. Not only will
you discover passion in tango but you will have fun as well. Keep tango-ing…..
At 6:oo p.m
Shung Yuen Wong was ready for his slot. A very dedicated tanguero
despite his busy schedule, he is one of the few students whom I will
always meet up whenever I am in K.L.
The last two
remaining hours after Shung Yuen was allotted to two new students but
not necessarily newcomers in tango. Jane took the 7:oo-8:oo p.m slot
while a Korean lady took the last slot at 8:oo-9:oo p.m. As I was about
to finish my last class suddenly, two familiar faces just breezed in to
Kampung Warisan, and who will they be but Rose Dieu from Singapore and
Bie Hua from K.L. I was so delighted to see both ladies especially Bie
Hua whom I have not seen for ages. I excused myself to take my shower
and change my clothes. As soon as I was finished Bie Hua volunteered to
drive me to KL Sentral together with Rose.
As we arrived
in the terminal we got off the car and said our goodbyes as I braced
myself
for the long
journey to Buenos Aires.
For more
information about tango in Kuala Lumpur visit
www.tangomalaysia.com
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 12, 2006 3:oo p.m. (Sunday)
I can’t
believe it! I just can’t believe it!
I am now in
the tango capital of the world. The feeling is so amazing. Having been
away for more than five years was just like returning home. My plane
landed at 3:oo p.m. Buenos Aires time which carried me from K.L via
Johanessburg and Capetown to a full twenty-seven hours. It was a long
flight and I almost slept throughout the whole journey. In the last leg
of my trip from Capetown somebody came up to me while I was seated
inside the plane. It was Faiz from Dubai who is very much active in the
tango scene in the emirates. We had a good chat about this trip to
Buenos Aires and even thought of planning our agenda the minute we get
in. Aahh! What a nice feeling to meet somebody you know by chance in a
distant place at a certain time. The world is indeed small.
Faiz and I
decided to get into the city in one car. He will stay in Libertad and I
will be in Rivadavia. Good deal as we have to share the cost of
transportation which is not a bad idea at all. As we were passing the
highway leading to the city, I still remember the same old scenery I saw
during my last visit. The almost countryside features that stretches to
eighty kilometers. Cars parked in some designated points of the
thoroughfare as you see people promenading, resting, having picnic and
the favorite past time of most Argentineans during week-ends and
holidays, enjoying barbecue. Nothing seems to have changed except for
the new airport and some fly-over which I saw as I entered Nueve de
Julio. But generally, it was the same old Buenos Aires of five years
ago.
And finally I
saw the Obelisque, or to Argentineans they call it “Obelisko.” This is
one of the few important landmarks of the city. As I saw it, I know I am
in the heart of the city called Buenos Aires. Avenida de Libertad ,
Avenida de Corrientes, Callao, Suipacha, Independencia, Florida,
Rivadavia, San Telmo. All these street names and many more are
indication that one is in the Federal Capital or Metropolitan Buenos
Aires.
I arrived in
my apartment at 5:oo pm feeling very exhausted. Dumped all my things and
dashed off to bed for the much-needed sleep as I’m slowly beginning to
feel my jet-lag. And besides, I have to look fresh for tonight’s opening
of the CITA Congress and as originally planned, I’ll have to surprise
the Tango Bali and Tango Dubai groups.
12:oo m.n. and
I’m ready to go to Palacio San Miguel where the opening night will be
held. It must not come as a surprise if I turned out at this late hour,
because if you are in Buenos Aires, action begins only around this time.
As I opened the door, I saw throngs of people dancing to the beautiful
music of Sans Souci, a very popular tango band and suddenly who would
turn her gaze to my direction but Nancy looking every inch surprised and
in disbelief. It took her a few seconds before she came back to her
senses until she uttered my name and the rest of the people in the table
came looking at me also in disbelief. I came to their table and greeted
everyone while we created a momentary steer in the hall. Everyone was
there. From Galina, Peter, Stefani, Made, Franziska, Ellen, Annie, Paul,
Tina, Mark, Ricky and Helga. Mariano and Patricia, both Argentineans
were there too as both are the dance teacher and house owner
respectively. Patricia owns Casa Monserat where most of the Tango Bali
group is staying
It was a
beautiful feeling of friendship, bonding and camaraderie as things
unfold right here in the tango capital of the world amidst the sea of
tangueros both local and international, dancing, enjoying and savoring
the air of real Buenos Aires tango. .
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 13, 2006 (Monday)
The second day
of the congress and everyone is looking ready for action. As I arrive in
Bauen hotel, one of the designated venues for the CITA workshops, I saw
a long queue at the mezzanine. People are lining up to check on the
day’s schedule. I saw Annie and Mark looking like grade school students
excited over their first day of school. I bumped into Peter and Galina
and also Nancy and Ellen. My first class was with Esteban Moreno and
Claudia Codega. Stefani, Franziska, Paul and Tina were in the same class
as well. The topic was about adornments for men and ladies. They were
very good teachers .I would say. And they carry a very elegant style of
the tango. The class ended with Esteban and Claudia doing a
demonstration of the figures they taught us.
For my second
class I have Adrian Veredice and Alejandra Hobert. The topic was about
combinations with impulses for giros and enrosques. The class was big
and the energy great. They showed another form of the tango which is
now popularly known as tango nuevo. It is exciting to learn this new
stuff if one has a full grasp on traditional tango as it becomes much
easier for one to understand how the figures are woven based on the
basics. As teachers they were superb.
I went back to
my apartment to get ready for the evening’s event. It is the Master’s
show at Teatro Astral in Corrientes. At exactly 8:30 pm. I was at the
venue and saw many people gathered outside. It was the same familiar
faces I bumped into during the day as everyone are participants of the
CITA Congress.
As I was
entering the theatre, I saw the Tango Dubai group headed by Richard
together with Faiz, Nina and four other friends. We said our “holas” and
did our “besos” and
we all got in
to the theatre while I joined the Tango Bali group who were all by then
seated inside. A few minutes and the show started. The line-up of
performers are the participating teachers of the congress as well.
Except for Alejandra Mantinan and Gabriel Misse everyone are teachers of
the CITA. I was happy to see Alejandra Mantinan who together with
Gustavo Russo became my teachers when they went to Hongkong five years
ago. Although they are not working together anymore, Alejandra with her
new partner still possesses the very same qualities of tango that she
used to showcase with flair and flamboyance. Atta a girl!
I was so
impressed with the group called Corporacion Tango. Composed of five
people namely Roberto Leiva-Maricel Gomez, Alejandro Carmenti-Daniel
Juarez-Fabian Peralta, they did a very good rendition of the tango rueda
with so much style and precision without being too theatrical. The grace
and calmness of their movements as they executed the complicated steps
of their choreography were truly magical. They really have the audience
glued to their seats as they swayed and glide to the playful rhythm of
“Mala Junta,” and “Desde el alma.”
Another
highlight and surprise of the evening were brothers Facundo and Martin
Lombard who interpreted a tap dance to the tune of Piazzolla music. They
were so great and fabulous they really brought the house down with their
performance.
Corporacion
Tango and the Lombard brothers are this year’s CITA stars if I may say.
In sum, the
show was great and everyone went home feeling satisfied and energized
ready to take their next round of workshops scheduled for the next day.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 14, 2006 (Tuesday)
The weather is
beginning to get cold here. The sky is partly cloudy. It’s the third day
of the congress. I went straight for my class with Sebastian Arce and
Mariana Montes. The topic was about voleos using circular and linear
energies. This couple is another proponent of tango nuevo with their
distinct style of playing with volcadas and colgadas incredibly. The
class was well attended. I managed to finally understand how all these
voleos are executed with sharpness and agility. Both Sebastian and
Mariana are good teachers and can articulate their syllabus quite
clearly especially Sebastian who can also speak English well.
Since I will
have a long break before my next class, I decided to have a look at the
tango market at the ground floor. There you will find lots of tango
items from shoes, to shirts, souvenir t-shirts, cd’s, suits, dresses and
many more. As I was window- shopping someone called my name and when I
turned back to look who that voice was coming from, I was surprise to
see Nelia Asuncion, a Filipino friend and student from San Francisco,
USA. Like me, she was here for the CITA Congress.
My next lesson
came at 7:oo pm with Cecilia Gonzales. She discussed “enrosques” and
“sacadas” for men. This workshop was rather interesting as I am learning
to do all these stuffs from a woman’s point of view. Cecilia was an
effective teacher considering her limitations as a woman to do men’s
role. The way she tackled and explained her syllabus was amazing as she
conducted her class very calmly and at times giggling at her honest
hooplahs which was so different from the rest of the earlier teachers
because they always come out authoritatively. But I have no qualms about
this. She ended her class by demonstrating all the figures she discussed
with a woman assistant. And man! She was really terrific. She will put
men to shame with the way she led her partner.
I’m beginning
to feel my eye lids falling down. I still have to watch the second
masters show at 9:oo pm. I rushed back home to take a nap only to wake
up the following day. Yes I was tired. I remember, I still am in my
jet-lag period. But who’s to blame? Nobody’s to blame. Our bodies need
rest. …….
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 15, 2006 (Wednesday)
The weather is
cloudy and raining. It’s the first time I saw Buenos Aires wet. I’ve
always been in this city during the month of January and usually this is
summer time. Not bad at all. At least I’m experiencing some rains in
this part of the globe..
I headed off
to Bauen for my class at 3:oo pm with Eduardo Capussi and Mariana Fores.
The topic was about theatre elements. Like I expected, it was all about
performing/acting. It was a respite from the usual lessons I had the
past two days where figures and techniques were more being discussed.
Mariana was an effective communicator for this kind of symposium as she
exhibited knowledge and authority over the subject because she is a
professional actress. Eduardo provided able support letting her at all
times do the talking. This workshop is highly recommended for people
wanting to get into stage performance in the future.
At 5:oo pm I
went to Bauen 6 at Corrientes where Adrian Veredice and Alejandra
Hobert will be teaching. As soon as I arrive in the venue, the place was
filled with people. This couple has a very good following in the CITA
Congress. People like them and their style of teaching. Today’s lesson
was all about Vals or tango waltz. The topic is centered on the
coordination of couple in circular motion. Like in the previous workshop
I attended the other day, their figures were based on tango nuevo
elements. It is surprising to see how this couple can attract even the
“young once” into their class as I saw half of the participants were in
this age bracket.
I was walking
down Corrientes on the way to the other venue for my next class when
somebody tried to pull my backpack and asked if I was a tango teacher.
As I turned to look at the person it was Francisco Forquera, whom I’ve
been trying to locate the past few days but because I lost the calling
card he gave me, I couldn’t do so. God works in strange ways. I’m so
happy to see him and agreed to meet up the following day to introduce me
to his teacher.
I rushed off
for Alejandra Arrue and Sergio Natario’s class on “arrastres” or drags.
Immediately as they started, one can already feel the good energy this
couple is transmitting. For one, Alejandra is wacky. She cracks jokes
anytime she’s got the chance. And at times making fun of her and husband
Natario. I am so pleased having met these teachers not only because they
are very good but also funny. It’s fun learning with them.
When I got out
of Bauen the weather wasn’t still good. It was cold outside as I walked
my way through Callao to catch my ride back home.
Tonight, the
milonga will be at the Confiteria Ideal. I’m looking forward to come for
tonight’s event because this is one place I wouldn’t want to miss
whenever I am in Buenos Aires. At 12:oo midnight I arrived and came to
look for my group and found them at the ground floor seated comfortably
having a nice chat. I saw Stefani, Franziska, Annie and Galina. Tango
ladies all in a row. Wondering what happened to the rest. They must be
tired.
But the night
was young and adrenalins had yet to shoot up. Yes it’s show time. And
everyone in the hall positioned themselves to have a glimpse of what was
to transpire
for tonight’s
event. The first dance exhibition was presented by Milena Plebs and
Carlos Rivarola, two big names in the tango world. It was a refreshing
sight to see them dance together as I have always seen them dance only
with their respective partners on video.
Then a couple
other dancers did their turns of showcase and the night was over. At
3:oo pm my eyes were tired. I walked down the stairs and breezed myself
into Suipacha where I took a cab on my way home. Feeling weary, I
recounted the events of the day. It was a heavy day indeed.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 16, 2oo6 (Thursday)
I woke up a
bit late today compared to the previous days because everyone in the
CITA, from the teachers to the participants, is taking time-out for the
much-needed rest we all deserve. It was raining outside and one can feel
the cold breeze enveloping Buenos Aires.
At 1:oo pm I
have to meet Francisco Forquera in Corrientes. Francisco is one of the
principal dancers who came to Bali last February together with Fernanda
Ghi and Guillermo Merlo for the show Tango Dreams. Today he takes me to
his teacher Carlitos Perez. We met at La Opera and from there proceeded
to a suburb west of Buenos Aires. As we arrived, Carlitos met us at the
door as Franisco introduced us to him. He was a nice fellow of
sixty-seven. A typical milonguero, he loves to talk about his life back
in the 50’s when he was starting to dance the tango at age seventeen. He
told us many stories about tango over a cup of café con leche y empanada
jamon y queso. How people then were dancing and simply enjoying life as
milongueros. It was fun listening to him as he recounts his experiences
as a young lad caught in a web or maze called tango.
Then he asked
me and Stefani to dance. Corrections were made as discussion followed.
Oftentimes, he would speak in Spanish while Francisco did the
translation. The lesson just went on until we all realized that time is
up. This lesson with Carlitos is one of the few lessons I enjoyed in
this trip. It gave me another new dimension of understanding tango. No
wonder why most of this tango stars today will always come for lessons
with the older milongueros because they, the milongueros, breathe and
understand tango from the heart.
Francisco has
a 5:oo o’clock appointment. We all went together as we said goodbye to
Carlitos. We promised him to have another lesson the following week. We
boarded the cab and off we went as we traversed the whole stretch of the
avenue feeling more inspired from the just concluded lesson with the old
man.
In the evening
we were all invited to come to Casa Monserat for a barbecue gathering
hosted by Patricia and his father. The whole Tango Bali group was in
attendance savoring the sumptuous dinner the hosts had served us. Who
would say no to Argentinean beef? It’s one of the best in the world.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 17, 2oo6 (Friday)
It was still
pouring when I woke up at 10:oo in the morning. The weather has been
gloomy the last three days. And I’m beginning to feel melancholic. I was
hoping that the weather will improve by mid-afternoon.
I went to
Bauen and went straight for my class with Claudia Codega and Esteban
Moreno at 3:oo pm. The topic of discussion was about Musicality-Dancing
Styles for different Orchestras. Claudia and Esteban made a very good
impact when they expounded on the milonguero style using D’Arrienzo and
salon using Pugliese. They presented only one figure but gave different
interpretations based on musicality. It was so clever of them to have
presented this topic with so much ease as they demonstrated the figures
with the right timing to each orchestra mentioned.
Julio
Balmaceda and Corrina de la Rosa took the 5:oo pm slot. I have always
regarded this couple as great teachers. That’s why I was looking forward
to having my next class with them after five years. And true to my
expectation, Julio and Corrina did a wonderful discussion on special
figures for tango salon. Theirs’ is a distinct fluid style only they can
execute with so much grace and fluidity.
At 7:oo pm I
was ready for my last class with Chicho Fruimboli, one of the best
proponents of tango nuevo. Chicho had a very good topic of discussion
which concerns change of roles. This was quite a tricky idea where the
man does the ladies steps while he leads the woman to do the woman’s
steps. Interesting huh? Everyone in the class was grappling as they
switch roles but it was fun. It was more like a mind and body twister as
each one of us tried doing all the basic figures as we change roles.
Exciting!
By the end of
the class, I was dead tired. I went back home and shut myself off as I
gave my body the much needed rest it deserves.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 18, 2oo6 (Saturday)
It was the 8th
day of the CITA. I didn’t realize that it was going to be over soon.
Today is the second to the last day of the congress. I had moved most of
my classes today for tomorrow instead. My only schedule supposedly was
with Julio and Corrina but for some reasons I missed my class because of
a mix-up. I felt so bad losing one class especially this class with
these teachers. Mea culpa! Mea culpa! Mea maxima culpa! Instead, I
content myself with just walking down Corrientes for a little shopping
and bought some nice tango posters which I will frame the minute I get
home to Manila.
Tonight Made
of Made’s Warung fame, had prepared some Indonesian food for dinner at
Casa Monserat. I do not want to miss this occasion as I’m beginning to
miss the Asian flavor because of constant eating of empanadas, tostados,
media luna and other Argentinean stuffs. At 9:oo pm I arrived in Casa
Monserat and dinner was ready. There were quite a few invited guests
aside from the Tango Bali group but everyone managed to co-exist to
savor the gastronomic feast Made had prepared for everyone. You’re
incredible Made! Otra!
There were
five taxi dancers who were invited and of course tango wouldn’t be far
behind. Immediately after dinner everyone went to the dance floor and
dancing started soon. We finished at 1:oo am and after that five ladies
decided to go to a milonga at Cachafas over at Humberto Primo. Galina,
Stefani, Annie, and Franziska all went for a night-out. Helga soon
joined us after a bout of drinks with Mark. By the way, I was there to
accompany these ladies.
It was a
beautiful evening of good food, great fun and exciting dancing. This is
synonymous to saying drink dine and be merry. This is what tango is all
about. This is our life in Buenos Aires.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 19, 2006 (Sunday)
Yes, today is
the last day of the congress. Time flies so fast. Many things have
transpired because of my busy schedule. It seems like I’ve been in
Buenos Aires for over a month. But no I’ve only been here for eight
days. And today is a heavy day as I have lined-up four lessons that will
start at 1:oo pm and end at 8:30 pm.
My first
lesson started with Milena Plebs at 1:oo pm. She has advance techniques
for men and women as topic of discussion. Milena is a big name in the
tango world. Her workshop was intensive as she gave us walking and
adornment exercises that defined posture, balance, symmetry and
fluidity. Her approach was rather unconventional considering that she is
working without a partner of late. But she comes out quite convincingly
as one can see her full grasp of the subject matter she was tackling.
She’s a very good teacher indeed.
At 3:oo pm I
headed off to Julio and Corrina’s workshop. My second lesson with them
for this year’s CITA. Today they have a special theme called “figuras
con saborr.” As the title implies this means figures with taste or
pizzazz if taken literally. Husband and wife did a very good discussion
on some milonguero steps with great emphasis on timing and musicality.
Trust this couple whenever you come across of any of their workshops.
You will never go wrong. Great teachers!
I am surprised
that despite three hours of workshop my adrenalin seems to have not
dropped at all. I saw myself walking down to Callao at Bauen 4 where
Fabian Salas and Carolina del Rivero are to hold their workshop. At
exactly 5:oo pm the class started. Fabian like Gustavo Naveira are the
prime movers of this thing called tango nuevo. And today I am learning
some advanced combinations of this genre from the master. The figures or
steps that the couple discussed were really fantastic. Fabian is
effective as a teacher as he can communicate to his students very well.
They ended the class by doing a demonstration of what they have
discussed and did a whole song entitled “Yesterday” by the Beatles’ in
tango arrangement. I found them generous to have done so, as they showed
other combinations which was not discussed during the class allowing the
participants to film their dance.
Eduardo
Saucedo and Cecilia Gonzales, but she’s the other Cecilia. Mind you,
there are two Cecila Gonzaleses in this year’s CITA. Tonight they
discuss the most popular form of the tango called tango fantasia. As
everyone knows, this is all about stage figures which every tango
enthusiasts always long for. Eduardo and Cecilia presented many
possibilities from “saltos,” to sacadas with voleos, to an octopus
“pulpo” style and a few other figures. The class was very lively as both
Eduardo and Cecila are able to relate to the participants with so much
ease allowing a more relaxed ambience inside the classroom. As the class
ended we were all treated to a big surprise by the couple as Eduardo and
Cecilia offered roses to the participants and even asking everyone to
join hands to form a big circle as he played one Spanish song sung by a
local artist. He orchestrated this with a choreography in mind making
the participants move closer to the center of the circle and out again
during the entire song. As it ended, every one gave them a thunderous
applause as they reminded us that this is the last class of the CITA.
Yes it’s over. And they found themselves endeared to us all.
As I got out
of the room, I was thinking of the last milonga scheduled tonight at
Palacio San Miguel. I have to get some rest to allow myself to recharge
my batteries because it will be an all-out party of non-stop dancing. I
will be seeing the Tango Bali and Tango Dubai groups and definitely
we’ll all dance the night away.
At 11:30 pm I
arrived in Palacio San Miguel. Our table has been reserved and I saw
Franziska, Made, Nancy, Annie, Ellen and some friends. A few moments
later, Mark and Ricky stepped in then followed by Stefani and Helga who
were always together every time I saw them like inseparable twins.
Upstairs were the Tango Dubai group were Paul, Richard, Nina, Faiz and
three other more were seated having fun enjoying the evening.
Moments later,
Fabian Salas soon announced that the show will begin. And off it went as
Fabian Salas and Carolina del Rivero did the first number followed by
Sebastian Arce and Mariana Montes. Both couples did a very tame
performance I would say and maybe because like all of us CITA
participants, they too were exhausted by the end of the congress. Crowd
favorite Alejandra Arrue and Sergio Natario did their thing too. But the
best number that evening was performed by Chicho Fruimboli and Eugenia
Parilla who did a very magnificent interpretation of their style to the
music of “Adios Nonino.” The crowd gave them an almost deafening
applause signifying their approval of the couples beautiful
presentation.
We partied
till 3:oo in the morning and I was beginning to get worried because it’s
getting late as my next round of workshop this time with Gustavo Naveira
and Giselle Anne begins tomorrow at 10:45 am. I have to be ready for
tomorrow’s session with the masters. I did my round of “besos” and
“ciaos” to the Tango Bali and Tango Dubai people telling them that I
have to sign-off for tonight’s party.
I went home
reminiscing the week that past, feeling a sense of joy and fulfillment,
taking into consideration the time and effort I have spent to achieve
all these in so short a time. But I don’t rest on my laurels. There are
more mountains to climb. I’ll just keep going for as long as I can.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 20, 2006 (Monday)
The sky was
blue and the sun was shining brightly when I woke up today at 9:oo am.
It’s a beautiful Monday. I’ve always loved the sun as it lightens my day
giving me some kind of vigor to move on with the day’s activities. Today
is my first day of lesson with Gustavo Naveira and Giselle Anne. Like
what they required from the email they sent me, we have to be at Centro
Region Leonesa in Humberto St. everyday for one week.
When I arrived
at 10:30 am I saw quite a few people waiting inside the hall. These are
the same people who will be participating for this week’s workshop. As I
counted, the number of participants reached fifty. Whew! quite a huge
class. These teachers have great following from all parts of the globe.
At exactly 10:45 am Gustavo and Giselle arrived ready to begin today’s
activity. We started with a few round of stretching and little exercise
to tone the muscles before we buckle down to work and soon after the
session began.
Gustavo did
most of the talking as he can speak English very well. But of course
Giselle provided a very good support as she too can speak English like
Gustavo. The things I wanted to learn about tango nuevo four years ago
are now a reality. And I’m learning it from the people who gave birth to
this genre.
The class went
on from 11:oo am to 1:oo pm and then again from 3:oo pm to 5:oo pm. The
first day was dedicated to the basic ideas of this style from walking to
the turns emphasizing on the possibility to work on both sides at all
times. Because we have been so accustomed to only working always with
our right, I had difficulty adjusting to this discipline in the
beginning. But as we went on, things became easier and I managed to cope
with the discussion. Stefani and I enrolled for this class together. So
somehow the learning curve is much easier because I have a regular
dancing partner in her to do this class.
Many new
things were discussed by Gustavo and Giselle and before anyone knew it,
the first day was over. It was quite tiring as it entailed a lot of
understanding and focus. But it was worth it. I’m looking forward for
tomorrow’s lesson.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 21, 2006 (Tuesday)
Like
yesterday, I was at Centro Region Leonesa at 10:30 am. I saw Stefani
already inside the hall along with other participants. The session
started at 10:45 am with the usual stretching and exercise and the
discussion proceeded immediately after.
Today Gustavo
and Giselle discussed about the changes in direction using the front
cross, side step and back cross. These three steps I just mentioned are
popularly known as the two “ochos” and the “apertura.” But in their
syllabus, they refused to call it “ochos” for reasons I may discuss in
my teachings in the coming months. They did a very comprehensive
analysis and discussion on this subject matter and they came out quite
convincingly.
Another topic
they discussed was about “tomas” y “pasadas” which was about stops
similar to the sandwich. Two figures of this concept was introduced and
everyone was just feeling very excited over the progress of the workshop
Yes the lesson
ended at 5:oo pm with all of us participants looking exhausted from the
just concluded workshop.
Stefani then
advised me that we are having dinner with Nancy, Made, Mariano, Helga
and Annie at Casa Monserat this evening. Tonight is Annie’s last night
as she flies back to Bali tomorrow evening. When I got to Casa Monserat,
I saw everyone having a chat and we all adjourned to this very good
restaurant which is just five blocks away from where we are. We enjoyed
good Argentinean beef with salads and wines as we ended the evening
giving our send-off greetings to Annie.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 22, 2006 (Wednesday)
We are now on
the third day of the workshop. Today our class will only be a half-day
meaning we’re done by 1:oo pm. We started the day with the rounds of
stretching and exercise as we carried on with today’s discussion.
Gustavo and
Giselle made a very good introduction of the “colgada,” and “volcada.”
These are two very popular terms now widely used in the tango world
especially so if one is very much into tango nuevo. The couple first
gave us the basic “colgada” or counter-balance in English and then
proceeded to add this element in the forward cross and the side step.
Soon after we saw them taking us to another element called “volcada” or
the lean and everyone is just enjoying and having fun trying to
understand this two new concepts which has just been taught. At 1:oo pm
the class was over. And I decided to take this opportunity to move
around the city and see some interesting places.
I first went
to Congresso Nacional where I took photos of me with the Congress
building as background. Then I went to Florida to buy some cds and
managed to find this album called Tango Loco which is a collection of
Beatle’s song in tango arrangement. I was so happy to have bought this
album as I can always listen to my most favorite cut which is
“Yesterday.” As I was walking down the street of Florida, I saw some
tango street dancers and stayed on to watch the show. It’s so nice
watching these people do their act for one can see the spontaneity in
the way they conduct themselves in public. They are real and natural
performers. They are the true ambassadors of tango in their homeland.
At 5:oo pm I
saw myself headed to Recoletas thinking that I would be seeing the
statue of Carlos Gardel but ended seeing the tomb of Eva Duarte Peron
instead. It’s alright. Eva Peron otherwise known as “Evita” is a
charismatic figure anyway. And besides who can simply ignore this woman
who was once a powerful figure in her country and whose life has been
portrayed in a Broadway musical.
It was getting
dark and I decided to go home. I reached my place at 7:oo pm and decided
to take a nap. At 9:oo am I received a call from Helga asking me to join
them for a milonga tonight at La Nacional. I obliged and met them at
11;oo pm. I was so tired from today’s activities that I decided to go
home early and get ready for tomorrow’s lesson with Gustavo and Giselle
again.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 23, 2oo6 (Thursday)
Gustavo and
Giselle started a bit late today. As they arrived, almost all the
participants were inside the hall already. They came rushing in and
immediately started the lesson. When they did the usual stretches and
exercise that they do at the beginning of every class, today’s exercises
was rather much more difficult than the past three days and I can sense
that these will have something to do with the lesson that they are to
discuss today. True enough, they started introducing “sacadas” or
displacement with turns using changes in directions as what has been
discussed on the second day. They then went on to discuss another
“colgada” this time incorporating it with “barridas” which has a more
complicated look than the first one. My God! The other three figures
that followed were equally difficult as the first two mentioned. And by
the end of the class everyone was in a daze.
I managed to
understand the things that have been discussed but I would need some
time to let the movement sink in to my body. For as long as I have a
video of the sequences they taught us would be no point to worry.
We finished at
5:oo pm. And tonight I still have another class with Roberto Herrera at
his studio in Sarandi. I was already feeling exhausted from today’s
lesson with Gustavo and Giselle but I have to meet Roberto just the
same.
I met Stefani
at Corrientes and together we went to his studio. He came down to open
the door and was so delighted to see us. And we were delighted to see
him as well. His studio was impressive. He has several posters of his
past and present works hanging around the place. The studio is well-kept
and we saw some students and teacher at the other room.
He invited us
to come over to the next room and there we started our lesson. He gave
me new things to work on. As usual, these are new figures or sequences
which are very much his style using tango nuevo. By the end of the one
hour lesson I was kaput. Stefani can see how tired my mind was from
today’s activity especially the lesson we had this afternoon with
Gustavo and Giselle. Roberto brought us to the door and bade us goodbye.
I don’t know if I can still see him till before I leave on Sunday, but
nevertheless, I am so happy that at least I have this one great lesson
during this trip from someone, whose style, I admire most.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 24, 2oo6 (Friday)
I’m beginning
to feel some pressure brought about by the almost two consecutive weeks
of workshop since I arrived here last March 12. Call it information
over-load. Learning is one tedious process as it requires focus and
understanding as well as body movements to make the muscle memorize the
figures and steps that are being discussed. But I have no regrets. I
have to make the most in two weeks that I will be in Buenos Aires. No
pain, no glory. No retreat, no surrender.
As usual I
went to Centro Region Leonesa at 10:45 am. When I arrived everyone is
getting ready for today’s lesson. The masters were no where to be seen.
Stefani and I decided to go over the sequences of yesterday’s lesson. We
decided to film it as this is the only way we can remember everything
that we have learned. In a few minutes, Gustavo and Giselle arrived and
immediately started with our stretches and exercises.
Today
sequences on “colgadas” have been added. In the same way that “ganchos”
for the men have been introduced. Towards the end of the class several
sequences were added from the “volcadas” to “tomas” and “pasadas.” I
found this workshop really mind and body twisting and back breaking as
well. No wonder they really require us all to take the fifteen minute
stretch and exercise at the beginning of each class.
I was feeling
very exhausted by the time the class finished. I rushed back home and
disengaged myself from all these pressure and exhaustion to allow my
mind to chill and relax. I slept like a baby for four hours. I woke up
at 11:oo pm to have my dinner. At 12:30 pm I went back to sleep again.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 25, 2oo6 (Saturday)
What a
beautiful Saturday morning. I’ve always liked Buenos Aires during
week-ends. Today is an important day as this is the culmination of our
week-long workshop with Gustavo Naveira and Giselle Anne.
We started the
class at 10:30 am as we did the round of stretches and some exercises as
in previous days. Gustavo and Giselle made their first discussion on
back voleos for men. Then they went to discuss rhythm and musicality
with emphasis on syncopations but putting on added rhythm between beats.
It may sound difficult but indeed it is. It’s so nice to explore another
level of understanding this subject matter for it enables one to broaden
his or her perspective on the complexities of tango music.
Two new things
were discussed until everyone felt the end is nearing. Gustavo said that
he has discussed everything that needs to be discussed during this one
week workshop. And then he and Giselle started out handing our
certificates and a questionnaire that they ask us to fill-up and then
return to them. It was all about the quality of their workshop and the
topics that were discussed. And what ever needs to be improved on their
future workshops. While filling up this form, Stefani managed to
introduce me to a lady who happens to be a Filipina from Sydney. Her
name is Lilian. She is the organizer of the Sydney Tango Festival. She
said she’s been looking for me from everywhere and was happy to have
found me at the last day of the workshop where we have been together for
the last six days. We exchanged contact information as she wants us to
work on a project she has in mind. Anything for tango let’s all go for
it.
Soon after,
Gustavo and Giselle prepared some cakes and champagne for everyone and
then invited us all for a group photo session.
Finally it’s
over. Two weeks of non-stop workshops and my feet are hurting my legs
are shaking my mind convoluted with all the information I received
during this time. But everything was worth it. I am glad I made this
trip to Buenos Aires after a long while. I can feel it has made me a
better tanguero.
Dateline:
Buenos Aires March 26, 2006
Today is my
last day in Buenos Aires. Last night we had a fabulous time at Cachafaz
for our final get-together with the Masters Gustavo Naveira and Giselle
Anne. All the workshop participants were in attendance. Also I happen to
have invited my Bali friends Franziska, Galina, Peter and Helga to join
us. We ended at 3:oo am feeling exhausted but satisfied.
This afternoon
I went to the flea market in Plaza Dorego. There you could see a lot of
antique stuffs and other paraphernalias that your eyes could lay on. I
between window-shopping, I would encounter some interesting people who
do some special acts to earn a living. For one, I saw this guy with a
lady puppet clinging on to him as though they were dancing the tango.
Yes that was his act is all about. But he went on to do with a lot of
funny things with his lady puppet that always elicited laughter in the
crowd. And these funny things oftentimes have sexual undertones. Tango
street dancers will always be present in any street events. And so are
elderly musicians. This is one of the great tourist attractions Buenos
Aires can offer.
I’m getting
ready for my flight this evening when suddenly I remembered I have to
write a letter to the Philippine ambassador to Argentina. He is
Ambassador Reyes and before he got his posting here, he was my student
in tango back in the Philippines. I prepared the letter and left some
calling cards to be sent to him by mail.
My two-week
sojourn in Buenos Aires is indeed very fruitful .Not only will I have
new materials to use for my teachings in Asia but it opened me again to
many opportunities to advance my career. There is nothing I can ask for.
This trip has been good to me.
I am ready to
go. I will have to be back in Asia after twenty-seven hours when I leave
at 10:oo this evening for my next destination.
For
more information about Cosmotango visit www.cosmotango.com
TANGO