sábado, abril 24, 2010
miércoles, marzo 17, 2010
miércoles, enero 13, 2010
Milonga at Chateau Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA
La Milonga: Chatueau Rouge
Buffet & Sushi Bar
9716 Airline Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Between I-12 and Old Hammond Hwy
Organizador: Tango Lagniappe
DJ: Mario
Dancecard: Alice, Nancy y Carolyn - all from Baton Rouge.
Notes: Alice is a beautiful young redhead. We dance a good open set that I think we both enjoy.
Carolyn is formerly from Texas. After our dance I say that I'd like to come back for another. But she doesn't wait for me. She leaves abruptly. Curious.
I enjoy my dances with Nancy more than I think she does.
I enjoy dancing with these Baton Rouge tangueras. I'd love to dance with them again. I wonder if I ever will. I wonder if my first dance in Baton Rouge is my last.
Delights: Elaine greets me warmly at the door and comps the cover charge 'cause its my first time there. What a nice gesture.
Mario's selections the first hour and a half are really good and the volume is perfect.
The floor is fantastic.
Regrets: Not dancing with Elaine.
No tandas or cortinas. Not our tango. Only three couples on the floor have the skill to dance to the alternative music selections of the last half hour. I'm not one of them.
Buffet & Sushi Bar
9716 Airline Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Between I-12 and Old Hammond Hwy
Organizador: Tango Lagniappe
DJ: Mario
Dancecard: Alice, Nancy y Carolyn - all from Baton Rouge.
Notes: Alice is a beautiful young redhead. We dance a good open set that I think we both enjoy.
Carolyn is formerly from Texas. After our dance I say that I'd like to come back for another. But she doesn't wait for me. She leaves abruptly. Curious.
I enjoy my dances with Nancy more than I think she does.
After our last dance I say to her sincerely, "Your adornements look good."
She counters with, "No they don't."But they did look good. Curious.
I enjoy dancing with these Baton Rouge tangueras. I'd love to dance with them again. I wonder if I ever will. I wonder if my first dance in Baton Rouge is my last.
Delights: Elaine greets me warmly at the door and comps the cover charge 'cause its my first time there. What a nice gesture.
Mario's selections the first hour and a half are really good and the volume is perfect.
The floor is fantastic.
Regrets: Not dancing with Elaine.
No tandas or cortinas. Not our tango. Only three couples on the floor have the skill to dance to the alternative music selections of the last half hour. I'm not one of them.
sábado, enero 09, 2010
Ray's Homage to Tete
Farewell to Pedro "Tete" Rusconi, January 9, 1936-January 7, 2010
Today, January 7, 2010, Pedro "Tete" Rusconi passed away at his home in the neighborhood of Palermo. Today the tango world lost a legend, a great tango master. I lost a good friend and teacher.
I met Tete and his partner, Silvia Ceriani, in Buenos Aires in 2006, at the home of Kathleen Ahearn and Steve Prucher. I got the chance to work with him. He did not care about steps; all he care about was musicality. To I learn to dance to the music; because to him the music was the Tango.
After working with Tete and Silvia, I asked them to come to United States so that people could get to know him. It had been 10 years since they had been to the United States. They finally agreed. I organized a tour for him and brought him to the 2007 Chicago Mini Tango Festival and they spent two months in Chicago doing group lessons.
Here is a writeup that I did for the Festival:
Also a must watch is the documentary " A volar senores, un vals para Tete", which can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCqBW9wv3RE&feature=related
The following is a link to an interview done by Elmira when he visited Woodstock, New York for some workshops: http://www.tangotales.com/archive/TeteSilvia.htm (click Track 1 and Track 2 to hear the interview). Additionally links and materials are attached to the link including the link to the interview done by Sarah Graf at my house while he was in Chicago.
So long my good friend, Pedro "Tete" Rusconi
Ray Barbosa
Today, January 7, 2010, Pedro "Tete" Rusconi passed away at his home in the neighborhood of Palermo. Today the tango world lost a legend, a great tango master. I lost a good friend and teacher.
I met Tete and his partner, Silvia Ceriani, in Buenos Aires in 2006, at the home of Kathleen Ahearn and Steve Prucher. I got the chance to work with him. He did not care about steps; all he care about was musicality. To I learn to dance to the music; because to him the music was the Tango.
After working with Tete and Silvia, I asked them to come to United States so that people could get to know him. It had been 10 years since they had been to the United States. They finally agreed. I organized a tour for him and brought him to the 2007 Chicago Mini Tango Festival and they spent two months in Chicago doing group lessons.
Here is a writeup that I did for the Festival:
Pedro "Tete" Rusconi is the foremost teacher of the close embrace style of Argentine Tango ("milonguero style"). Since 1995, Pedro "Tete" Rusconi and Silvia Ceriani have been dancing and teaching together. They have toured throughout Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden and the United States (Ohio and Arizona), offering group and private classes and exhibitions or performances and being part of Tango Festivals. They prioritize the attention in the musical compasses, the sensibility of the body, and the liberty of the movement. Their tango waltz classes are worldwide highly appreciated. Tete is noted for his individual style of musicality, and the tango of the golden era of the 1940's and 1950's.Tete and Silvia have two tango instructional videos, (www.bridgetothetango.com/bttv/tete.htm), that are used and seen by most close embrace dancers. They are: Fundamentals of Salon Tango with Tete & Silvia; and Advance Salon Tango in Waltz Rhythm with Tete & Silvia. Paul Pellicoro of New York wrote the book "Paul Pellicoro On Tango" (2002), where he discusses the masters of tango and included in the book is Tete and Silvia. The following are links to videos where you can watch Tete and Silvia perform: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJDowJI0-7s – Tete and Silvia dancing tango waltz; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alcBFsaRoPQ – Tete and Silvia dancing tango."
Also a must watch is the documentary " A volar senores, un vals para Tete", which can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCqBW9wv3RE&feature=related
The following is a link to an interview done by Elmira when he visited Woodstock, New York for some workshops: http://www.tangotales.com/archive/TeteSilvia.htm (click Track 1 and Track 2 to hear the interview). Additionally links and materials are attached to the link including the link to the interview done by Sarah Graf at my house while he was in Chicago.
So long my good friend, Pedro "Tete" Rusconi
Ray Barbosa
sábado, diciembre 19, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 19.12
Tango Show: Casa Balear, Colombres 841, Boedo
Notes: Not many folks here. Cherie y Ruben dance anyway.
The Radio Taxi: The trip from San Telmo to Boedo is $30 pesos going and $15 on the return. How do you explain that difference? The traffic? The time of day? It's a mystery.
La Milonga: La Milonga de los Consegrados
Dancecard: Dance Milonga with Barbara from Switzerland, Josalynne from Lyon, France, Maggie from New Jersey, Paula from Paris, France, Sally from England
Danced with Angina from Hell.
Notes: Not many folks at the Milonga. Ruben says that when it rains not so many people come to La Milonga. He says that rain in Buenos Aires is very romantico. Especially when the rain hits on a tin roof like the ones in La Boca. He swears that half the peole who aren't there are making love in the afternoon. Ruben has the extraordinary gift to be able to tell where all the tourists are from just by looking at them. We speculate about where one of the tangueras is from. Ruben and I agree that she is not a Porteña because she is always smiling when she is dancing. A Porteña never smiles dancing Tango or Vals. She only smiles when she dances Milonga. It's a rule.
Sally and I dance Milonga. She is a bit gun shy with Milonga because a Porteño put her down once with the dreaded "gracias." It happens to everybody. It is part of their Tango Initiation Rite.
trEats:
Supper at Musel, EEUU 1000
Lunch at Proa, La Boca.
Notes: I've come back to La Boca to buy an ink drawing called "Seduction" from a street vendor. The Bandoneon made her do it. After lunch at Proa I leave and go out into a very hard rain. The winds are gale force. They distroy my dorky Chinese umbrella. I'm soaking wet. The good news is that this hard rain cleans off all the bird shit residue from my morning incident. I catch the first bus out of La Boca back to San Telmo.
Pety Thieves: Zero - Tourists: One
The Federal Police Department and Lina's Tango Guesthouse offer some basic points for you to consider in order to make your stay in Buenos Aires a safe and pleasant one.
They got me. What the Police didn't say is that the wet substance is bird shit. Imagine being straffed by a flock of diuretic pigeons. The good news is they didn't get anything. Even though I had read Lina's warning, I didn't realize the scam until it was over and they had fled in a Radio Taxi. When you have bird shit all over you, you want all the help you can get to get it off. The petty thieves of Buenos Aires are really good.
Notes: Not many folks here. Cherie y Ruben dance anyway.
The Radio Taxi: The trip from San Telmo to Boedo is $30 pesos going and $15 on the return. How do you explain that difference? The traffic? The time of day? It's a mystery.
La Milonga: La Milonga de los Consegrados
Dancecard: Dance Milonga with Barbara from Switzerland, Josalynne from Lyon, France, Maggie from New Jersey, Paula from Paris, France, Sally from England
Danced with Angina from Hell.
Notes: Not many folks at the Milonga. Ruben says that when it rains not so many people come to La Milonga. He says that rain in Buenos Aires is very romantico. Especially when the rain hits on a tin roof like the ones in La Boca. He swears that half the peole who aren't there are making love in the afternoon. Ruben has the extraordinary gift to be able to tell where all the tourists are from just by looking at them. We speculate about where one of the tangueras is from. Ruben and I agree that she is not a Porteña because she is always smiling when she is dancing. A Porteña never smiles dancing Tango or Vals. She only smiles when she dances Milonga. It's a rule.
Sally and I dance Milonga. She is a bit gun shy with Milonga because a Porteño put her down once with the dreaded "gracias." It happens to everybody. It is part of their Tango Initiation Rite.
trEats:
Supper at Musel, EEUU 1000
Lunch at Proa, La Boca.
Notes: I've come back to La Boca to buy an ink drawing called "Seduction" from a street vendor. The Bandoneon made her do it. After lunch at Proa I leave and go out into a very hard rain. The winds are gale force. They distroy my dorky Chinese umbrella. I'm soaking wet. The good news is that this hard rain cleans off all the bird shit residue from my morning incident. I catch the first bus out of La Boca back to San Telmo.
Pety Thieves: Zero - Tourists: One
The Federal Police Department and Lina's Tango Guesthouse offer some basic points for you to consider in order to make your stay in Buenos Aires a safe and pleasant one.
Point #3 of eight: If you notice that your clothes are wet or if a stranger calls your attention to this fact, do not listen to the stranger who will try to help you clean your clothes. Leave the place as soon as possible. This trick is performed downtown during the weekends by two or three people working together. They do not use violence.
They got me. What the Police didn't say is that the wet substance is bird shit. Imagine being straffed by a flock of diuretic pigeons. The good news is they didn't get anything. Even though I had read Lina's warning, I didn't realize the scam until it was over and they had fled in a Radio Taxi. When you have bird shit all over you, you want all the help you can get to get it off. The petty thieves of Buenos Aires are really good.
viernes, diciembre 18, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 18.12
No Milonga
I dance half of a Vals with Vera at Lina's before being interupted.
trEats:
Supper at San Telmo Plaza
They seat me upstaris. The ceiling is way too low for my comfort. Lunch at La Pergola, San Telmo
I dance half of a Vals with Vera at Lina's before being interupted.
trEats:
Supper at San Telmo Plaza
They seat me upstaris. The ceiling is way too low for my comfort. Lunch at La Pergola, San Telmo
jueves, diciembre 17, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 17.12
La Milonga: Lina's Asado y House Milonga
The cook: Salvador, milonguero
Dancecard: A tango with Milta, a Porteña, A vals with Ana Marta from Norway, a milonga with Lina from Columbia.
Notes:
I bring my camera to get photos of Lina and Salvador.
I'm fortunate to get a dance with Milta, Salvador's friend. I would not have a chance to dance with her at a real milonga because she is so good.
Ana Marta wants to know all the details about everything Tango. I wonder what details could be so important. She says everything. I try to remember the last time I was so interested in everything Tango. It was a very long time ago. But I understand because Ana Marta has only been danicng Tango a few months.
Ana Marta and her partner Tony dance a very strong Lindy Hop. The Lindy Hop: America's gift to Norway.
Vera from Germany is sick. Even though I want to dance with her, I don't.
I dance a very good Milonga with Lina. The chance to dance Milonga with Lina is why I come to Buenos Aires. But maybe seven trips is enough.
trEats:
Lunch at Cafe Aconcagua, EEUU 502
The cook: Salvador, milonguero
Dancecard: A tango with Milta, a Porteña, A vals with Ana Marta from Norway, a milonga with Lina from Columbia.
Notes:
I bring my camera to get photos of Lina and Salvador.
I'm fortunate to get a dance with Milta, Salvador's friend. I would not have a chance to dance with her at a real milonga because she is so good.
Ana Marta wants to know all the details about everything Tango. I wonder what details could be so important. She says everything. I try to remember the last time I was so interested in everything Tango. It was a very long time ago. But I understand because Ana Marta has only been danicng Tango a few months.
Ana Marta and her partner Tony dance a very strong Lindy Hop. The Lindy Hop: America's gift to Norway.
Vera from Germany is sick. Even though I want to dance with her, I don't.
I say, "This may be my last trip to Buenos Aires."
She asks, "How can you know that it will be your last trip?"I think to myself. It's easy. You know. You know when you've smoked your last Cuban; driven your last Volkswagen; married your last wife. So you will know when you've danced your last tango in Buenos Aires. You just know. But then I'm older than she is. All the doors are open for her. All things are possible for her. If I were her age, I would feel the same as she does.
I dance a very good Milonga with Lina. The chance to dance Milonga with Lina is why I come to Buenos Aires. But maybe seven trips is enough.
trEats:
Lunch at Cafe Aconcagua, EEUU 502
miércoles, diciembre 16, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 16.12
La Milonga: Sueño y Porteño
El Bario: Boedo
Dancecard: Ingrid from Austria and Barbara from Switzerland
Notes: Barbara smiles at me and I melt. Ingrid says, "In the Milonga it's like you're hunting." That's it. That's my problem. I thought the sport was fishing.
Notes:
Spent the day doing multiplication and long division re my final bill at Los Patios en La Boca. What a waste of time.
trEats:
El Palacio de la Papas Frita
El Bario: Boedo
Dancecard: Ingrid from Austria and Barbara from Switzerland
Notes: Barbara smiles at me and I melt. Ingrid says, "In the Milonga it's like you're hunting." That's it. That's my problem. I thought the sport was fishing.
Notes:
Spent the day doing multiplication and long division re my final bill at Los Patios en La Boca. What a waste of time.
trEats:
El Palacio de la Papas Frita
martes, diciembre 15, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 15.12
La Milonga:
Porteño y Bailarin
Dancecard:
Grurun from Sweeden, Marian from Vancover, Wally from Switzerland
Notes:
A very good dance with Grurun. She said that I was lyrical.
trEats:
Supper at La Continental, Corrientes y Callo
Don't finish the pizza. It is excellent but a heart attack waiting to happen.
Lunch at San Telmo Plaza
Move to Lina's Tango Guesthouse. It's like coming home. I'm so glad I survived La Boca.
Porteño y Bailarin
Dancecard:
Grurun from Sweeden, Marian from Vancover, Wally from Switzerland
Notes:
A very good dance with Grurun. She said that I was lyrical.
trEats:
Supper at La Continental, Corrientes y Callo
Don't finish the pizza. It is excellent but a heart attack waiting to happen.
Lunch at San Telmo Plaza
Move to Lina's Tango Guesthouse. It's like coming home. I'm so glad I survived La Boca.
lunes, diciembre 14, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 14.12
La Milonga: Club Gricel
Dancecard:
First dance with Anne from Munich, Germany
Last dance with Alice aka Bimba, Porteña
Notes:
Anne is tall. Los Milongueros are amused that I am dancing with this beautiful blond German woman. Why are they amused? Because we are tall. I am not amused. They laugh at us, not with us. They think we are freaks.
trEats:
Lunch at Ecuador, Diagonal Norte 720
Esq Maipu
Dancecard:
First dance with Anne from Munich, Germany
Last dance with Alice aka Bimba, Porteña
Notes:
Anne is tall. Los Milongueros are amused that I am dancing with this beautiful blond German woman. Why are they amused? Because we are tall. I am not amused. They laugh at us, not with us. They think we are freaks.
trEats:
Lunch at Ecuador, Diagonal Norte 720
Esq Maipu
domingo, diciembre 13, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 13.12
No Milonga.
Notes: Orchesta Tipica El Afronte sounds better on the street. They belong on the street.
Discovered Orchesta Tipica Sans Sousi. Bought their CD.
trEats:
No supper.
Lunch at San Telmo Plaza
Coffee at Bar Britania, Defensa, San Telmo
Notes: Orchesta Tipica El Afronte sounds better on the street. They belong on the street.
Discovered Orchesta Tipica Sans Sousi. Bought their CD.
trEats:
No supper.
Lunch at San Telmo Plaza
Coffee at Bar Britania, Defensa, San Telmo
sábado, diciembre 12, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 12.12
Por Una Cabeza
Carreras: El Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini
Notes: Take a Radio Taxi from La Boca to Recoleta to meet up with Alice aka La Bimba y Cecilia to go to the track. Note that all the dogs in Recoleta are pretty French Poodles on a tight leash. They look just like their owners. I prefer the street mutts of La Boca who are ugly and free. We take Celia's car. We have trouble getting into the club because I'm not wearing elegant sport per Bimba's request. Celia places bets on "Life of Victory" and "Eternal Fire." But Interaction wins. It was close: por una cabeza.
La Milonga: Miss my favorite Milonga de Los Consegrados in favor of El Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini.
trEats:
Lunch at Il Matterello, La Boca.
Order a small vino blanco called Alta Vista Premium Torrontes 2008. It is excellent but expensive.
Carreras: El Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini
La carrera mas impotante de America del Sur, que se disputara 12.12 en San Isidro en el hipodromo del Jockey Club.
Notes: Take a Radio Taxi from La Boca to Recoleta to meet up with Alice aka La Bimba y Cecilia to go to the track. Note that all the dogs in Recoleta are pretty French Poodles on a tight leash. They look just like their owners. I prefer the street mutts of La Boca who are ugly and free. We take Celia's car. We have trouble getting into the club because I'm not wearing elegant sport per Bimba's request. Celia places bets on "Life of Victory" and "Eternal Fire." But Interaction wins. It was close: por una cabeza.
La Milonga: Miss my favorite Milonga de Los Consegrados in favor of El Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini.
trEats:
Lunch at Il Matterello, La Boca.
Order a small vino blanco called Alta Vista Premium Torrontes 2008. It is excellent but expensive.
viernes, diciembre 11, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 11.12
Today is El Dia del Tango
Notes:
I celebrate Carlos Gradel's Birthday by going to Plaja de Mayo for the free concert. It inlcudes the singer Juan Carlos Baglietto. Next time I'm at Zivals on Corrientes I buy his CD.
trEats:
No Supper
Lunch at Ecuador,
Maipu y Diagonale Norte
The waiter remembers me and brings me toothpicks. I tip him big.
Notes:
I celebrate Carlos Gradel's Birthday by going to Plaja de Mayo for the free concert. It inlcudes the singer Juan Carlos Baglietto. Next time I'm at Zivals on Corrientes I buy his CD.
trEats:
No Supper
Lunch at Ecuador,
Maipu y Diagonale Norte
The waiter remembers me and brings me toothpicks. I tip him big.
jueves, diciembre 10, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 10.12
La Milonga: Club Gricel
Dancecard: S, Porteña
Notes: Seated on the first row but in the end zone under a leaking air conditioner. Dance with S but not for long. She puts me down with the dreaded "gracias." Leave early feeling really pissed. Some nights are better than others. Even in Buenos Aires. What positive spin could there be on this disaster? Well, I must be dancing with partners who are better than I am. Or who think they are better than I am. I must be dancing UP so to speak. Truth is if you look hard enough you can always find someone better than you or who thinks they are better than you. If she is a Porteña and she thinks she is better than you she will put you down in a heartbeat. It is what they do. She thinks it is an insult to her to be dancing with such a jerk like me. And, of course, I am a jerk because I am from the United States. I will always be an ugly American dancing Hollywood Tango. It doesn't matter how many tango classes I take. It doesn't matter how many times Obama apologizes for me. But I shouldn't feel so bad. It's just part of their silly game. But I don't really care for the competitive sport of dancing with Porteñas. I'd much rather be dancing with a tall Dutch tourist. Porteñas are my sour grapes.
La Milonga: El Beso
Riobama y Corrientes
Dancecard: Zero
Notes: Arrive after nine. Check my shoe back. Return to check my jacket but she wants to charge me an additional $2. No thank you. Leave an hour later.
Regrets: No dances.
trEats:
No Supper. Lunch at Il Matterello, La Boca.
Coffee at El Gato Negro, Corrientes.
An Important Note: Remember Las Madres de la Plaja de Mayo
Dancecard: S, Porteña
Notes: Seated on the first row but in the end zone under a leaking air conditioner. Dance with S but not for long. She puts me down with the dreaded "gracias." Leave early feeling really pissed. Some nights are better than others. Even in Buenos Aires. What positive spin could there be on this disaster? Well, I must be dancing with partners who are better than I am. Or who think they are better than I am. I must be dancing UP so to speak. Truth is if you look hard enough you can always find someone better than you or who thinks they are better than you. If she is a Porteña and she thinks she is better than you she will put you down in a heartbeat. It is what they do. She thinks it is an insult to her to be dancing with such a jerk like me. And, of course, I am a jerk because I am from the United States. I will always be an ugly American dancing Hollywood Tango. It doesn't matter how many tango classes I take. It doesn't matter how many times Obama apologizes for me. But I shouldn't feel so bad. It's just part of their silly game. But I don't really care for the competitive sport of dancing with Porteñas. I'd much rather be dancing with a tall Dutch tourist. Porteñas are my sour grapes.
La Milonga: El Beso
Riobama y Corrientes
Dancecard: Zero
Notes: Arrive after nine. Check my shoe back. Return to check my jacket but she wants to charge me an additional $2. No thank you. Leave an hour later.
Regrets: No dances.
trEats:
No Supper. Lunch at Il Matterello, La Boca.
Coffee at El Gato Negro, Corrientes.
An Important Note: Remember Las Madres de la Plaja de Mayo
miércoles, diciembre 09, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 9.12
La Milonga: Ricardo´s House Milonga
Organizador: Ricardo
Direccion: Las Heras
Dancecard: Alice aka La Bimba
Notes: Some very good dancers are at Ricardo´s. I want to dance with all of the women but I can´t because I´m a guest of La Bimba. None of the other women will touch me. Not here. Not at Las Milongas.
As I watch the men I´m so impressed by how smooth they dance. Every step is smooth, precise and well intended. There is nothing rough or slack about their dance. These dancers more like thoroughbreds. They are the best of Buenos Aires. I am fortunate to be here.
La Milonga: Sueño y Porteño
Nombre: Boedo Tango Club
Organizador: Julia ¨Pugliese¨
Direccion: Av San Juan 3330
Dancecard: Ingrid from Austria and Lora a French Ex Pat
Notes: After lunch I walk Brandsen and discover Los Bomberos de La Boca.
trEats:
Supper at Ricardo´s House Milonga
Lunch at Il Matterello, La Boca.
Organizador: Ricardo
Direccion: Las Heras
Dancecard: Alice aka La Bimba
Notes: Some very good dancers are at Ricardo´s. I want to dance with all of the women but I can´t because I´m a guest of La Bimba. None of the other women will touch me. Not here. Not at Las Milongas.
As I watch the men I´m so impressed by how smooth they dance. Every step is smooth, precise and well intended. There is nothing rough or slack about their dance. These dancers more like thoroughbreds. They are the best of Buenos Aires. I am fortunate to be here.
La Milonga: Sueño y Porteño
Nombre: Boedo Tango Club
Organizador: Julia ¨Pugliese¨
Direccion: Av San Juan 3330
Dancecard: Ingrid from Austria and Lora a French Ex Pat
Notes: After lunch I walk Brandsen and discover Los Bomberos de La Boca.
trEats:
Supper at Ricardo´s House Milonga
Lunch at Il Matterello, La Boca.
martes, diciembre 08, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 8.12
La Milonga: Castel
Nombre: Porteño y Bailarin
Organizador: J Garofalo y C. Stasi
Direccion: Riobamba 345
Dancecard: Anne Marie, Jennifer from San Francisco, Lynne from Minneapolis, Renee, Wally from Switzerland
Lunch Notes:
La tourista comes into Banchero with a bleeding head. He looks French. He looks gay. But it´s just a flesh wound. He will survive his authentic Buenos Aires adventure. Then I ask my waiter what bus to take from La Boca to El Once. The waiter asks another waiter. That waiter asks a Policeman who wants to put me in his squad car and take me out of this neighborhood because it is so dangerous. I decline as politely as I can but I decide not to walk Brandsen afterall. I get the hell out of La Boca.
trEats:
Supper at Niña Bonita, Corrientes 1715
Lunch at Banchero Boca
Coffee at Bar La Roma, La Boca
Nombre: Porteño y Bailarin
Organizador: J Garofalo y C. Stasi
Direccion: Riobamba 345
Dancecard: Anne Marie, Jennifer from San Francisco, Lynne from Minneapolis, Renee, Wally from Switzerland
Lunch Notes:
La tourista comes into Banchero with a bleeding head. He looks French. He looks gay. But it´s just a flesh wound. He will survive his authentic Buenos Aires adventure. Then I ask my waiter what bus to take from La Boca to El Once. The waiter asks another waiter. That waiter asks a Policeman who wants to put me in his squad car and take me out of this neighborhood because it is so dangerous. I decline as politely as I can but I decide not to walk Brandsen afterall. I get the hell out of La Boca.
trEats:
Supper at Niña Bonita, Corrientes 1715
Lunch at Banchero Boca
Coffee at Bar La Roma, La Boca
lunes, diciembre 07, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 7.12
Milonga: Club Gricel
Organizador: V.H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Direccion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Alice aka Bimba - Porteña, Carol from Miami, Ingrid from Austria y Lynne from Minneapolis.
Notes: Tomorrow, Tuesday Dec 8th is a National Holiday that is Immaculate Conception Day. Because everyone gets tomorrow off everyone is staying out late at La Milonga. It is a total zoo at Club Gricel. I´m sure they are way over their fire code limit for occupancy. Everyone is fighting over tables. La Organizadora promotes me from the 4th row to the 2nd. I´m at a table with Milongueros. The 2nd row is like the middle row in coach on a Delta flight. I´m a big guy. There is no room at these friggin´ tables. Especially tonight. And, of course, I want to dance. Los Milongueros want to talk and drink and talk. So when I get up for a couple of dances someone takes my chair. I have to reclaim it as politely as I can. There are three itty-bitty tables side-by-side. Your allocated space is at one of these itty-bitty tables. The man on the front row pushed back to give the dancers a little more room which is a nice gestures. So he is straddling the 1st and 2nd table. That gives me no choice but to straddle the 2nd and 3rd table. That pushes the 3rd table guy into the crowded isle and he is really pissed. Come to find out that the altercations with los guapos is not half as bad as the Cat Fights over the tables that the women have. The Organizadora seats Jennifer from SF at a good table. Then women come later who claim that this table is their regular table that is always reserved for them. What total bullshit. Only en las Milongas de Buenos Aires. You´ve got to see it to believe it.
I´m dancing with Lynne. There´s a suit in front of me and a suit behind me. I tell her that I´m under dressed. She thinks I said that I´m under duress. Well, yes. That too. It´s impossible for a Southern Baptist from Florida to communicate effectively with a Lutheran from Minnesota on the dance floor in Buenos Aires. If I can´t communicate with the Lutherans how in hell can I communicate with Las Porteñas. So then she says, ¨Yeah, they look sexy.¨ That does it: I resolve to buy myself a new suit. But in Florida in the USA the only place we wear a suit is in Church and at funerals. In the USA there is no ¨ëlegrant sport.¨ What the hell is ¨elegante sport¨ anyway? Sounds like an oxymoron. Got it: coat, tie and sandals.
Milonga: Confiteria Ideal
Dancecard: Ana - Porteña, Akiko from Toyko, Japan and Wally - Swiss.
Notes: A very good open style dance with Akiko.
trEats:
Supper at Banchero Centro, Corrientes y Talcahuano
OK. But the food is better at Banchero Boca.
Lunch at Ecuador, Maipu y Diagonale Norte
Coffee at Bar La Roma, La Boca
Organizador: V.H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Direccion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Alice aka Bimba - Porteña, Carol from Miami, Ingrid from Austria y Lynne from Minneapolis.
Notes: Tomorrow, Tuesday Dec 8th is a National Holiday that is Immaculate Conception Day. Because everyone gets tomorrow off everyone is staying out late at La Milonga. It is a total zoo at Club Gricel. I´m sure they are way over their fire code limit for occupancy. Everyone is fighting over tables. La Organizadora promotes me from the 4th row to the 2nd. I´m at a table with Milongueros. The 2nd row is like the middle row in coach on a Delta flight. I´m a big guy. There is no room at these friggin´ tables. Especially tonight. And, of course, I want to dance. Los Milongueros want to talk and drink and talk. So when I get up for a couple of dances someone takes my chair. I have to reclaim it as politely as I can. There are three itty-bitty tables side-by-side. Your allocated space is at one of these itty-bitty tables. The man on the front row pushed back to give the dancers a little more room which is a nice gestures. So he is straddling the 1st and 2nd table. That gives me no choice but to straddle the 2nd and 3rd table. That pushes the 3rd table guy into the crowded isle and he is really pissed. Come to find out that the altercations with los guapos is not half as bad as the Cat Fights over the tables that the women have. The Organizadora seats Jennifer from SF at a good table. Then women come later who claim that this table is their regular table that is always reserved for them. What total bullshit. Only en las Milongas de Buenos Aires. You´ve got to see it to believe it.
I´m dancing with Lynne. There´s a suit in front of me and a suit behind me. I tell her that I´m under dressed. She thinks I said that I´m under duress. Well, yes. That too. It´s impossible for a Southern Baptist from Florida to communicate effectively with a Lutheran from Minnesota on the dance floor in Buenos Aires. If I can´t communicate with the Lutherans how in hell can I communicate with Las Porteñas. So then she says, ¨Yeah, they look sexy.¨ That does it: I resolve to buy myself a new suit. But in Florida in the USA the only place we wear a suit is in Church and at funerals. In the USA there is no ¨ëlegrant sport.¨ What the hell is ¨elegante sport¨ anyway? Sounds like an oxymoron. Got it: coat, tie and sandals.
Milonga: Confiteria Ideal
Dancecard: Ana - Porteña, Akiko from Toyko, Japan and Wally - Swiss.
Notes: A very good open style dance with Akiko.
trEats:
Supper at Banchero Centro, Corrientes y Talcahuano
OK. But the food is better at Banchero Boca.
Lunch at Ecuador, Maipu y Diagonale Norte
Coffee at Bar La Roma, La Boca
domingo, diciembre 06, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 6.12
Milonga del Indio
San Telmo
Dancecard:
Sylvania - porteña y Helena - porteña.
Notes: It´s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. So El Indio hosts his outdoor Milonga.
trEats: Supper at La Pergola, San Telmo. They reserve the 1st row for people who are eating. It´s a great system.
Walked from La Boca to San Telmo and back.
San Telmo
Dancecard:
Sylvania - porteña y Helena - porteña.
Notes: It´s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. So El Indio hosts his outdoor Milonga.
trEats: Supper at La Pergola, San Telmo. They reserve the 1st row for people who are eating. It´s a great system.
Walked from La Boca to San Telmo and back.
sábado, diciembre 05, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 5.12
La Milonga: Milonga de los Consegrados
Dancecard: Angela, Brit expat from Australia, Cherie, A US expat from LA, Christine from France, Deborah, Brit, Lynne from Minneapolis, MN, USA, Nelly from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Sally a Brit expat.
Notes: Caught Angela´s eye way cross the room. Chrisitine remembered me from my last trip. Deborah was in Bs As for Polo, not Tango. We danced anyway. Check out the blog links.
trEats:
Lunch at Banchero Boca
Desde 1932
El creador de la pugazza con queso.
Suarez 396
Esq Almirante Brown y Suarez, Republica de La Boca.
Dancecard: Angela, Brit expat from Australia, Cherie, A US expat from LA, Christine from France, Deborah, Brit, Lynne from Minneapolis, MN, USA, Nelly from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Sally a Brit expat.
Notes: Caught Angela´s eye way cross the room. Chrisitine remembered me from my last trip. Deborah was in Bs As for Polo, not Tango. We danced anyway. Check out the blog links.
trEats:
Lunch at Banchero Boca
Desde 1932
El creador de la pugazza con queso.
Suarez 396
Esq Almirante Brown y Suarez, Republica de La Boca.
Rste sitio se convirtio en un lugar de encuentro de de artistas de la epoca, el pintor Quinquela Martin, Luis Sandrini, Tital Merello, Eva Duarte ¨Evita,¨ Tomas Simari y muchos otros.Wake up at 14:40.
viernes, diciembre 04, 2009
7th Trip ti Bs As - 4.12
La Milonga: El Beso
Nombre: El Beso
Organizador: Hector Pellozo y Norma Zugasti
Direccion: Riobamba 416
Dancecard: Sylvette from Paris, France
Show: El Recoverco
Performers: Atilio Bertagni
Nelly Omar
Carlos Juarez
Guillermo Alio y Naria del Carmen
Direccion: Av Corrientes 1630
Notes on Proa:
Rushed thru the exhibit. Gave 30 seconds to the section called POWER. The headline was art by Leon Ferrari with Jesus Christ riding a United States Air Force jet fighter. That is how they see us. We are the power raining bombs from the sky in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
trEats:
Supper at Niña Bonita on Corrientes. Lunch at PROA in La Boca.
Coffee at Bar La Perla en La Boca.
Nombre: El Beso
Organizador: Hector Pellozo y Norma Zugasti
Direccion: Riobamba 416
Dancecard: Sylvette from Paris, France
Show: El Recoverco
Performers: Atilio Bertagni
Nelly Omar
Carlos Juarez
Guillermo Alio y Naria del Carmen
Direccion: Av Corrientes 1630
Notes on Proa:
Rushed thru the exhibit. Gave 30 seconds to the section called POWER. The headline was art by Leon Ferrari with Jesus Christ riding a United States Air Force jet fighter. That is how they see us. We are the power raining bombs from the sky in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
trEats:
Supper at Niña Bonita on Corrientes. Lunch at PROA in La Boca.
Coffee at Bar La Perla en La Boca.
jueves, diciembre 03, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 3.12
La Milonga: La Cachila
Nombre: Club Gricel
Organizador: V.H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Dirrecion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Alice a Porteña, Anne Marie from France, Ingrid from Vienna, Austria and Lynne from Minneapolis, MN.
Notes: Dance to Carlos di Sarli, Miguel Calo y Enrique Rodriguez with Alice. She knows every Orquesta Tipica and todas la musica. Dance a good Candombe with Lynne.
trEats:
Supper at Pizzeria El Nuevo Milenio, Villafañe, La Boca
A very good lunch at Proa, La Boca.
Start the day with medialuna at Bar La Roma on Av Brown in La Boca. I have my small digital camera out on the table. The waiter warns me that having a nice camera visible is very dangerous in La Boca. It´s like wearing jewelry. You don´t do it. But wait. I have come expecting the Argentine petty thieves to seal my cameras. Not to worry. It is part of my plan. The cameras I´ve selected for Buenos Aires are very good but not so good that I will cry when the Argentine thieves steal them.
Nombre: Club Gricel
Organizador: V.H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Dirrecion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Alice a Porteña, Anne Marie from France, Ingrid from Vienna, Austria and Lynne from Minneapolis, MN.
Notes: Dance to Carlos di Sarli, Miguel Calo y Enrique Rodriguez with Alice. She knows every Orquesta Tipica and todas la musica. Dance a good Candombe with Lynne.
trEats:
Supper at Pizzeria El Nuevo Milenio, Villafañe, La Boca
A very good lunch at Proa, La Boca.
Start the day with medialuna at Bar La Roma on Av Brown in La Boca. I have my small digital camera out on the table. The waiter warns me that having a nice camera visible is very dangerous in La Boca. It´s like wearing jewelry. You don´t do it. But wait. I have come expecting the Argentine petty thieves to seal my cameras. Not to worry. It is part of my plan. The cameras I´ve selected for Buenos Aires are very good but not so good that I will cry when the Argentine thieves steal them.
miércoles, diciembre 02, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 2.12
No Milonga
trEats:
An excellent Italian Supper at Il Matterello, Martin Rodriguez 517 (esquina Villafañe), La Boca
Lunch at La Brioche Doree, Florida 629 in El Ateneo.
trEats:
An excellent Italian Supper at Il Matterello, Martin Rodriguez 517 (esquina Villafañe), La Boca
Lunch at La Brioche Doree, Florida 629 in El Ateneo.
martes, diciembre 01, 2009
En la milonga todos son iquales
En la milonga todas son iquales, lo unico que importa es saber bailar y hacerlo cada vez mejor.
Gabriella Kogan, Buenos Aires baila tango. Guia de Milongas, Debolsillo, 2008
Muy bien. That´s what the guidebook says. Yeah. Right. If you believe that then I´ll sell you El Puente Transbordador.
Those who know how to dance are more equal than those who don´t. Los porteños are more equal than las touristas. The regulars are more equal than the strangers. Those who kiss the organizador are more equal than those who don´t. The beautiful dancers are more equal than the ugly. Those who are well dressed are more equal than those who are not. Those who smell nice are more equal than those who stink. The old men and the young women are more equal than the old women and the young men. The short are more equal than the tall. Those on the front row are more equal than those at the back. The women wearing ¨comme il faut¨ are more equal than all the rest.
En la milonga autentico, nadie son iquales.
AleandroPero...
I´m not here for equality. I´m here for authenticity.
7th Trip to Bs As - 1.12
La Milonga: Sentimental y Coqueta, La Milonga de los Martes
Nombre: Plaza Bohemia
Organizador: Juan Lencina y Atilio Veron
Musicaliza: Carlos Rey
Barrio: San Nicolas
Direccion: Maipu 444
Dancecard: Patricia from Rome, Italy, Juliet from Lyon, France, P from France and Donai from Athens, Greece.
Notes: Start with an exquiste dance with Patricia who dances like a Porteña but she´s from Rome. Followed by another with a beautiful tall Juliet from Lyon, France. Then P, another French woman. What are the chances of dancing back-to-back with two French women in Bs As? I´m having such a wonderful time. Then she pops my bubble with the dreaded ¨merci.¨ Our dance was not half as good as the two before. But what could be the thoughts of a woman who can´t stand to finish the tanda? I think it´s because I tell her that I´m from the US. Why would a French woman who wamts to dance like a Porteña dance with a man who is from the US? More importantly, I´m not giving her my best dance and She can´t stand it anymore. So she gives me the dreaded ¨merci.¨ What is she saying? I think She is signaling to the Argentine men who could be her partners... opps. I really screwed up by accepting this dance with a man from the US. I didn´t know who he was. But he is from the US. I have no choice. I will cut him off with my dreaded ¨merci.¨ She gives me a wake-up call. It reminds me where I am. It reminds me that this is the big league. This is Tues night in Bs As. I´m at La Milonga de los Martes. This is the best Milonga in the City on Tues. The best dancers are here. Some of the best dancers in the world are on this floor. You´re not here to have fun. You´re here to look the best you can anyway you can. One way is by walking over other people. There are no friends in la milonga. Especially in Bs As. How was I supposed to know she was French? She wasn´t wearing a flag. I watch her. She´s good. But not as good as she thinks she is. She could have survived the tanda if she were nice. But she´s not. I understand. I´m not up to her standards. I´ve danced with her before another time. But we´ll never dance again. I think about the times that I´ve cut a tanda short. In over ten years those times are fewer than the fingers on one hand. I vow that I´ll never cut another tanda short. Then I end the night by giving Donai, a tall Greek woman from Athens, the best dance I can. She doesn´t say ¨thank you¨ like the French one before her.
Paginas: El piquetero y la piquetera are protesting for ¨matrimonio gay¨ at Plaza de Mayo. They have screwed up traffic.
Nombre: Plaza Bohemia
Organizador: Juan Lencina y Atilio Veron
Musicaliza: Carlos Rey
Barrio: San Nicolas
Direccion: Maipu 444
Dancecard: Patricia from Rome, Italy, Juliet from Lyon, France, P from France and Donai from Athens, Greece.
Notes: Start with an exquiste dance with Patricia who dances like a Porteña but she´s from Rome. Followed by another with a beautiful tall Juliet from Lyon, France. Then P, another French woman. What are the chances of dancing back-to-back with two French women in Bs As? I´m having such a wonderful time. Then she pops my bubble with the dreaded ¨merci.¨ Our dance was not half as good as the two before. But what could be the thoughts of a woman who can´t stand to finish the tanda? I think it´s because I tell her that I´m from the US. Why would a French woman who wamts to dance like a Porteña dance with a man who is from the US? More importantly, I´m not giving her my best dance and She can´t stand it anymore. So she gives me the dreaded ¨merci.¨ What is she saying? I think She is signaling to the Argentine men who could be her partners... opps. I really screwed up by accepting this dance with a man from the US. I didn´t know who he was. But he is from the US. I have no choice. I will cut him off with my dreaded ¨merci.¨ She gives me a wake-up call. It reminds me where I am. It reminds me that this is the big league. This is Tues night in Bs As. I´m at La Milonga de los Martes. This is the best Milonga in the City on Tues. The best dancers are here. Some of the best dancers in the world are on this floor. You´re not here to have fun. You´re here to look the best you can anyway you can. One way is by walking over other people. There are no friends in la milonga. Especially in Bs As. How was I supposed to know she was French? She wasn´t wearing a flag. I watch her. She´s good. But not as good as she thinks she is. She could have survived the tanda if she were nice. But she´s not. I understand. I´m not up to her standards. I´ve danced with her before another time. But we´ll never dance again. I think about the times that I´ve cut a tanda short. In over ten years those times are fewer than the fingers on one hand. I vow that I´ll never cut another tanda short. Then I end the night by giving Donai, a tall Greek woman from Athens, the best dance I can. She doesn´t say ¨thank you¨ like the French one before her.
Paginas: El piquetero y la piquetera are protesting for ¨matrimonio gay¨ at Plaza de Mayo. They have screwed up traffic.
lunes, noviembre 30, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 30.11
Nombre: Club Gricel
Organizador: V.H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Direccion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Anne Marie, Aix en Provonce near Marsailles, France, Jennifer from San Francisco, California, Lisa from the White Mts of New Hampshire, Alice - a Porteña, Wally from Switzerland.
Notes: They seat me on the 4th row. A Porteño next to me is on the 2nd row. As the night moves on he successfully negotiates a promotion to the 1st row. So since he moves up I say to myself why can´t I move up. No. I´m caught. The Organizador actually wags her finger at me.
trEats:
Supper at Banchero, Suarez 396 (esq Alte. Brown, Rep de la Boca)
Lunch at Pizzeria el Nuevo Milenio, Villafañe, La Boca.
Coffee at La Roma Bar in La Boca.
Organizador: V.H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Direccion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Anne Marie, Aix en Provonce near Marsailles, France, Jennifer from San Francisco, California, Lisa from the White Mts of New Hampshire, Alice - a Porteña, Wally from Switzerland.
Notes: They seat me on the 4th row. A Porteño next to me is on the 2nd row. As the night moves on he successfully negotiates a promotion to the 1st row. So since he moves up I say to myself why can´t I move up. No. I´m caught. The Organizador actually wags her finger at me.
trEats:
Supper at Banchero, Suarez 396 (esq Alte. Brown, Rep de la Boca)
Lunch at Pizzeria el Nuevo Milenio, Villafañe, La Boca.
Coffee at La Roma Bar in La Boca.
domingo, noviembre 29, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 29.11
La Milonga: Domingos de el Beso
Nombre: El Beso
Organizador: El Beso
Barrio: San Nicolas
Direccion: Riobamba 416
Dancecard: Elisa, a Porteña, Clara from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - formerly from Poland, Wally (pronounced Valley) from Switzerland.
Notes: Arm wrestled with the Organizador over a good table. I lost. The Argentine system of Reservados lets the Organizador control where everyone sits thereby protecting their vision of the appropriate Tango Aristocracy. There is nothing egalitarian about Reservado. It is totally elitist. It is all about power and control. We find out about power in El tiempo del arte at the PROA, La Boca. From the gallery flyer:
If you are a regular Milonguero you will have your same reserved front row table with peanuts even if you come late and even if you drive a taxicab during the day. Nothing matters but your relationship with the Organizador. If you are a tourist you may be lucky to get a third row table no matter how early you come or worse yet they will seat you BEHIND the women. Good luck with that table.
So I´m launching a movement. Tango tourists of the world unite.
PROTEST RESERVADO! STEAL THEIR SIGNS!
Las Milongas Suspendido: Glorieta y El Indio cancelled because of rain.
trEats:
Supper at Impresso Cafe, Av Santa Fe 1860 in Ateneo Grand Splendid (esq Av Sta Fe y Callao) - indeed a world class bookstore.
Lunch at San Telmo Plaza.
Nombre: El Beso
Organizador: El Beso
Barrio: San Nicolas
Direccion: Riobamba 416
Dancecard: Elisa, a Porteña, Clara from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - formerly from Poland, Wally (pronounced Valley) from Switzerland.
Notes: Arm wrestled with the Organizador over a good table. I lost. The Argentine system of Reservados lets the Organizador control where everyone sits thereby protecting their vision of the appropriate Tango Aristocracy. There is nothing egalitarian about Reservado. It is totally elitist. It is all about power and control. We find out about power in El tiempo del arte at the PROA, La Boca. From the gallery flyer:
Ben Vautier escribe que en el poder Todo es ego (2007) y tambien que El poder ama mirarse en su propio espejo (2004).In La Milonga Everything is ego. La Milonga loves to look at itself in its own mirror. That mirror is Reservado.
If you are a regular Milonguero you will have your same reserved front row table with peanuts even if you come late and even if you drive a taxicab during the day. Nothing matters but your relationship with the Organizador. If you are a tourist you may be lucky to get a third row table no matter how early you come or worse yet they will seat you BEHIND the women. Good luck with that table.
So I´m launching a movement. Tango tourists of the world unite.
PROTEST RESERVADO! STEAL THEIR SIGNS!
Las Milongas Suspendido: Glorieta y El Indio cancelled because of rain.
trEats:
Supper at Impresso Cafe, Av Santa Fe 1860 in Ateneo Grand Splendid (esq Av Sta Fe y Callao) - indeed a world class bookstore.
Lunch at San Telmo Plaza.
sábado, noviembre 28, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 28.11
Nombre: Glorieta B. de Belgrano
Organizador: Marcelo Salas
Barrio: Belgrano
Direccion: Echeverria y 11 de Septiembre
Dancecard: Alice a Porteña y Sylvia a Porteña.
Notes: I finally get dances with las Porteñas. Had a very good vals with Sylvia. She said all the right things like ¨que linda¨ y ¨hermosa.¨ But how can you believe las Porteñas?
trEats:
Supper at Banchero, Suarez 396, esq Alte. Brown, Rep de la Boca.
Lunch at Cafe Proa / Los Petersen on Av Pedro de Mendoza.
Organizador: Marcelo Salas
Barrio: Belgrano
Direccion: Echeverria y 11 de Septiembre
Dancecard: Alice a Porteña y Sylvia a Porteña.
Notes: I finally get dances with las Porteñas. Had a very good vals with Sylvia. She said all the right things like ¨que linda¨ y ¨hermosa.¨ But how can you believe las Porteñas?
trEats:
Supper at Banchero, Suarez 396, esq Alte. Brown, Rep de la Boca.
Lunch at Cafe Proa / Los Petersen on Av Pedro de Mendoza.
viernes, noviembre 27, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 27.11
Lodging: Finished at el bulin de la calle ayacucho and moved on to Los Patios de la Republica de la Boca at Av Pedro de Mendosa y W. Villafañe. But I tell the taxicab drivers Avenida Almirante Brown y Perez Galdos because no one knows Wenceslao Villafañe. Los Patios is less than a block off the main av Brown. I´m moving to La Boca because it costs less and because it´s a different place. No. It´s a different country. They call it La Republica de la Boca because they once tried to succeed from Argentina. Reminds me of my home in the South. I´m staying on the East side of La Boca. The best of the East side is close to being on par with some of the worst parts of San Telmo. La Boca is a rough working class neighborhood. That means you have to be careful. My theory is that the petty thieves of La Boca are not working La Boca. They are not dumb. They´re working where the tourists are. There are Policia on every other corner. They wear bullet-proof vests. We shall see. The East side has none of the tourists of Caminito and some interesting surprises. One is the place I´m staying called Los Patios de la Boca. I´m in Patio 3. Me gusta.
jueves, noviembre 26, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 26.11
Regrets: No Milonga.
trEATS:
For Thanksgiving Dinner picked Kansas on Av del Libertador 4625. Big mistake. No me gusta. The place has the ambiance of a Kansas City Stockyard: crowded, loud and touristy. Every loud ugly Anerican in the City was there for Thanksgiving Dinner. The chefs at Kansas have an excellent rep for grilling steaks but they had trouble with their Thanksgiving Turkey. The turkey was dry. Let the tourists have this place. I won´t be back. Only nice thing I can say about Kansas is they don´t take reservations. Don´t ever go to Kansas on Thanksgiving. It will spoil your Holiday.
Lunch at La Brioche Doree, Florida 629 in El Ateneo.
Postres at Cala Pizza, San Martin 1153.
Coffee at Starbucks, Callao 702 y Augusteo, Viamonte 522.
trEATS:
For Thanksgiving Dinner picked Kansas on Av del Libertador 4625. Big mistake. No me gusta. The place has the ambiance of a Kansas City Stockyard: crowded, loud and touristy. Every loud ugly Anerican in the City was there for Thanksgiving Dinner. The chefs at Kansas have an excellent rep for grilling steaks but they had trouble with their Thanksgiving Turkey. The turkey was dry. Let the tourists have this place. I won´t be back. Only nice thing I can say about Kansas is they don´t take reservations. Don´t ever go to Kansas on Thanksgiving. It will spoil your Holiday.
Lunch at La Brioche Doree, Florida 629 in El Ateneo.
Postres at Cala Pizza, San Martin 1153.
Coffee at Starbucks, Callao 702 y Augusteo, Viamonte 522.
miércoles, noviembre 25, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 25.11
Try Dandi in San Telmo pero suspendido.
Nombre: Buenos Aires Club
Organizador: Orquesta Tipica El Afronte
Barrio: San Telmo
Direccion: Peru 571
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK.
Notes: El Afronte is well named. They think if loud is good, then louder must be better. Clearly if it´s too loud, then you´re too old. Left early. Won´t be back.
trEats: Lunch in La Boca at Nonno Bachicha, Magallanes 869. Get to play in the Tango show for las touristas.
Coffee at Starbucks, Callao 702.
Fotos: Buy a foto for my collection by the photographer Horacio Spalleti from his stand on Caminito.
Nombre: Buenos Aires Club
Organizador: Orquesta Tipica El Afronte
Barrio: San Telmo
Direccion: Peru 571
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK.
Notes: El Afronte is well named. They think if loud is good, then louder must be better. Clearly if it´s too loud, then you´re too old. Left early. Won´t be back.
trEats: Lunch in La Boca at Nonno Bachicha, Magallanes 869. Get to play in the Tango show for las touristas.
Coffee at Starbucks, Callao 702.
Fotos: Buy a foto for my collection by the photographer Horacio Spalleti from his stand on Caminito.
martes, noviembre 24, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 24.11
Nombre: Plaza Bohemia
Organizazdor; Juan Lencina y Atilio Veron
Direcion: Maipu 444
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK y Marjorie from Sedona, NM.
trEats:
Supper at Cafe Tortoni, Av de Mayo 829 - The best place but not the best place for supper.
Lunch at El Palacio de la Papa Frita, Corrientes 1612.
Coffee at Toma 2, Lavalle 2001.
Organizazdor; Juan Lencina y Atilio Veron
Direcion: Maipu 444
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK y Marjorie from Sedona, NM.
trEats:
Supper at Cafe Tortoni, Av de Mayo 829 - The best place but not the best place for supper.
Lunch at El Palacio de la Papa Frita, Corrientes 1612.
Coffee at Toma 2, Lavalle 2001.
lunes, noviembre 23, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 23.11
Nombre: Club Gricel
Organizador: V. H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Dirrecion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK.
Notes: Said hello to my friends and students from Pensacola, FL who had a table in the corner at Gricel.
Delights: I found my glasses with a little help from my friends. And I got my ATM back from the bank. Miracles do happen.
trEATS:
Lunch at Bar El Federal en San Telmo
Freddo, Estados Unidos 402, San Telmo
Coffee at Starbucks, Callao 702.
Organizador: V. H. Patricio y Adriana Febbroni
Dirrecion: La Rioja 1180
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK.
Notes: Said hello to my friends and students from Pensacola, FL who had a table in the corner at Gricel.
Delights: I found my glasses with a little help from my friends. And I got my ATM back from the bank. Miracles do happen.
trEATS:
Lunch at Bar El Federal en San Telmo
Freddo, Estados Unidos 402, San Telmo
Coffee at Starbucks, Callao 702.
domingo, noviembre 22, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 22.11
El Indio´s Milonga is rained out.
Nombre: Glorieta B de Belgrano
Organizador: Marcelo Salas
Barrio: Belgrano
Direccion: Echeveria y 11 de Septiembre
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK.
Nombre: Glorieta B de Belgrano
Organizador: Marcelo Salas
Barrio: Belgrano
Direccion: Echeveria y 11 de Septiembre
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK.
sábado, noviembre 21, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 21.11
Performance: Sexteto Mayor y Quinteto Real
Nombre: Torquato Tasso
Barrio: San Telmo
Direccion: Defensa 1575
Notes: La viejo masetro guitarista Ubaldo De Lio is incredible! Ubaldo was the guitarista who played with Horacio Salgán who played piano. Thanks to Lina for recommending this performance. I found and bought the CD Salgán / De Lio, Ultimo Concierto, 2008 Discos Melopea at Zivals. Also bought Reliquias Sexteto Major, Tango para exigentes, 2000 EMI Odeon SAIC at Torcuato Tasso.
Milonga: Los Consegrados
Nombre: Centro Region Leonesa
Organizador: Daniel Rosich y M Rosich
Direccion: Humberto Primo 1462
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa y Cherie an expat living in Bs As from LA
Notes: We get the treat of sitting at Cherie and Ruben´s table.
trEATS: Supper - Torcuato Tasso
Lunch - Cafe San Telmo Plaza
Regrets: The ATM Machine eats my card.
Nombre: Torquato Tasso
Barrio: San Telmo
Direccion: Defensa 1575
Notes: La viejo masetro guitarista Ubaldo De Lio is incredible! Ubaldo was the guitarista who played with Horacio Salgán who played piano. Thanks to Lina for recommending this performance. I found and bought the CD Salgán / De Lio, Ultimo Concierto, 2008 Discos Melopea at Zivals. Also bought Reliquias Sexteto Major, Tango para exigentes, 2000 EMI Odeon SAIC at Torcuato Tasso.
Milonga: Los Consegrados
Nombre: Centro Region Leonesa
Organizador: Daniel Rosich y M Rosich
Direccion: Humberto Primo 1462
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa y Cherie an expat living in Bs As from LA
Notes: We get the treat of sitting at Cherie and Ruben´s table.
trEATS: Supper - Torcuato Tasso
Lunch - Cafe San Telmo Plaza
Regrets: The ATM Machine eats my card.
viernes, noviembre 20, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 20.11
La Milonga: Cachirulo
Nombre: El Beso
Organizador: Norma Zugasti y Hector Pellozo
Barrio: San Nicolas
Direccion: Riobamba 416
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK
Notes: The cover charge is $18 pesos + $2 pesos for checking stuff + $6 pesos for aqua sin gas + $1 peso for tip.
trEATS: For Supper - Befe de Lomo at Niña Bonita on Corrientes.
For Lunch - Pizza at La Continental, Callao near Corrientes.
Nombre: El Beso
Organizador: Norma Zugasti y Hector Pellozo
Barrio: San Nicolas
Direccion: Riobamba 416
Dancecard: Maurine from Tulsa, OK
Notes: The cover charge is $18 pesos + $2 pesos for checking stuff + $6 pesos for aqua sin gas + $1 peso for tip.
trEATS: For Supper - Befe de Lomo at Niña Bonita on Corrientes.
For Lunch - Pizza at La Continental, Callao near Corrientes.
jueves, noviembre 19, 2009
7th Trip to Bs As - 19.11
La Milonga: Milonga La Cachila
Nombre: Club Gricel
Organizador: Juan Lencina y Daniel Rezk
Barrio: San Cristobal
Direccion: La Rioja 1180
Orquesta: Unitango
Dancecard: Flo from LA y Vera from Boulder.
Notes: My first night in Bs As was Flo´s last. We have a very good dance. The music is very good. Then the live Orquesta Tipica Unitango performs. It´s OK. But I preferred the recorded music before the live performance.
Delights: Dancing with Flo.
Regrets: I lose my glasses. I won´t be able to see to ever get another dance.
trEATS: Befe de Lomo at Niña Bonita on Corrientes.
Lodging: I settle into El Bulin de La Calle Ayacucho at Ayacucoh 505. This is the Apartment of the World Famous musicaliza / DJ - Horacio Arcidiancono. Ayacucoh is on the line between San Nicolas y El Once. Horacio claims it is San Nicolas.
Nombre: Club Gricel
Organizador: Juan Lencina y Daniel Rezk
Barrio: San Cristobal
Direccion: La Rioja 1180
Orquesta: Unitango
Dancecard: Flo from LA y Vera from Boulder.
Notes: My first night in Bs As was Flo´s last. We have a very good dance. The music is very good. Then the live Orquesta Tipica Unitango performs. It´s OK. But I preferred the recorded music before the live performance.
Delights: Dancing with Flo.
Regrets: I lose my glasses. I won´t be able to see to ever get another dance.
trEATS: Befe de Lomo at Niña Bonita on Corrientes.
Lodging: I settle into El Bulin de La Calle Ayacucho at Ayacucoh 505. This is the Apartment of the World Famous musicaliza / DJ - Horacio Arcidiancono. Ayacucoh is on the line between San Nicolas y El Once. Horacio claims it is San Nicolas.
martes, octubre 13, 2009
domingo, octubre 11, 2009
First Tango at Lucy's in NOLA
On the Road: At the MS/LA line I pick up a fine bag of cajun boiled peanuts for my lunch.
Lodging: Won a priceline bid for the Marriott Courtyard at Canal and St Charles for $47. Only problem is they charge $30 to park.
Venue: Upstairs in the attic at Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar. 701 Tchoupitoulas, corner of Girod in the Warehouse District of New Orleans, LA.
DJ and Hostess: Myra Menville.
Cover: $10.
Time: 5 to 9 pm, 3rd Sunday of the Month (Check Calendar to Confirm)
Dancecard: Christina, Graciela from Uruguay, Linda, Myra and Phyllis.
Notes: I take the Canal St Streetcar from St Charles and walk the few remaining blocks in the drizzle to Lucy's. I arrive at 7 pm on Argentine time. Bob from Fairhope, AL greets me. I fumble around with my stuff noticing that I've lost my murse (aka man's purse.) I settle into the corner, change shoes and check my stuff to confirm my loss. Myra plays a Milonga but I don't want to dance Milonga my first dance. I'm sitting in the corner in the dark. I look up and una rubia is crossing the long floor toward me. She introduces herself as Christina. She said that Bob recommended me to her as a good dancer but he said that I was shy so she should fetch me. I love The Big Easy. We dance a good set. I dance with others. Then I find Linda and dance a very good tango with her making my travel well worth the trip. I hope to dance a Milonga with her but Myra doesn't play another one. Last dance with Christina.
Delights: Tango with Linda
Regrets: Arriving late, a sticky floor, missed dancing Milonga
Announcements: Myra announces Ector's Forever Tango After Party Oct 15, 2009.
trEats: Very fine salmon supper at Hoshun Restaurant - Neo-Asian, 1601 St Charles Ave
Monday morning Brunch at the Blue Plate Cafe
Lodging: Won a priceline bid for the Marriott Courtyard at Canal and St Charles for $47. Only problem is they charge $30 to park.
Venue: Upstairs in the attic at Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar. 701 Tchoupitoulas, corner of Girod in the Warehouse District of New Orleans, LA.
DJ and Hostess: Myra Menville.
Cover: $10.
Time: 5 to 9 pm, 3rd Sunday of the Month (Check Calendar to Confirm)
Dancecard: Christina, Graciela from Uruguay, Linda, Myra and Phyllis.
Notes: I take the Canal St Streetcar from St Charles and walk the few remaining blocks in the drizzle to Lucy's. I arrive at 7 pm on Argentine time. Bob from Fairhope, AL greets me. I fumble around with my stuff noticing that I've lost my murse (aka man's purse.) I settle into the corner, change shoes and check my stuff to confirm my loss. Myra plays a Milonga but I don't want to dance Milonga my first dance. I'm sitting in the corner in the dark. I look up and una rubia is crossing the long floor toward me. She introduces herself as Christina. She said that Bob recommended me to her as a good dancer but he said that I was shy so she should fetch me. I love The Big Easy. We dance a good set. I dance with others. Then I find Linda and dance a very good tango with her making my travel well worth the trip. I hope to dance a Milonga with her but Myra doesn't play another one. Last dance with Christina.
Delights: Tango with Linda
Regrets: Arriving late, a sticky floor, missed dancing Milonga
Announcements: Myra announces Ector's Forever Tango After Party Oct 15, 2009.
trEats: Very fine salmon supper at Hoshun Restaurant - Neo-Asian, 1601 St Charles Ave
Monday morning Brunch at the Blue Plate Cafe
jueves, julio 16, 2009
miércoles, junio 24, 2009
jueves, junio 04, 2009
domingo, abril 19, 2009
Where's Neil?
2009
4 - Tulsa, OK, 4 - Memphis, TN,
3 - Atlanta, GA, 3 - Las Vegas, NV, 3 - Tucson, AZ,
1 - Houston, TX
2008
12 - Birmingham, AL,
11 - Austin, TX,
9 - Mt Vernon, MO, 9 - Albuquerque, NM,
8 - Chicago, IL,
2 - Portland, OR,
1 - Houston, TX
2007
12 - Bs As,
11 - Jackson Hole, WY, 11 - Austin, TX,
9 - Lawrenceville, GA,
8 - Mt Vernon, MO, 8 - Chicago, IL,
7 - Woodstock, GA,
5 - Asheville, NC, 5 - Denver, CO,
1 - Durham, NC
2006
12 - Ballground, GA, 12 - St Louis, MO,
9 - Denver, CO,
8 - Mt Vernon, MO,
7 , 6 - San Francisco, CA, 6 - Charleston, SC,
5 - Asheville, NC, 5 - Athens, GA,
4 - Atlanta, GA, 4, 3 - Bs As,
2 - Memphis, TN
2005
12 - Charlotte, NC,
11- Split Tree, GA, 11 - Charleston, SC,
5 - Denver, CO
2004
12 - Bs As,
10 - Portland, OR,
5 - Denver, CO
2003
11 - Austin, TX
2002
11 - Memphis, TN
2001
11 - Bs As
2000
11 - Bs As
1999
Orphans:Ann Arbor, MI, Augusta, GA, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Decatur, GA, Greenville, SC, Las Vegas, NV, New Orleans, LA, Phoenix, AZ, Princeton, NJ, Tampa, FL, Washington, DC
Link to the month. Then scroll down with the PgDn Key.
miércoles, marzo 25, 2009
La abandoné y no sabía
Amasado entre oro y plata
de serenatas y de fandango;
acunado entre los sones de bandoneones
nació este tango.
Nació por verme sufrir en este horrible vivir
donde agoniza mi suerte.
Cuando lo escucho al sonar,
cuando lo salgo a bailar
siento más cerca la muerte.
Y es por eso que esta noche siento el reproche del corazón.
La abandoné y no sabía
de que la estaba queriendo
y desde que ella se fue siento
truncada mi fe
que va muriendo, muriendo...
La abandoné y no sabía
que el corazón me engañaba
y hoy que la vengo a buscar ya no la puedo encontrar...
¡A dónde iré sin su amor!
Al gemir de los violines los bailarines van suspirando.
Cada cual con su pareja las penas viejas van recordando.
Y yo también que en mi mal sufro la angustia fatal de no tenerla en mis brazos,
hoy la quisiera encontrar para poderla besar y darle el alma a pedazos...
Pero inútil... Ya no puedo...
Y en sombra quedo con mi ilusión.
Stuck between gold and silver
of serenades and of fandangos;
rocked between songs of bandoneons
this tango was born
It was born to see me suffer
to live this horrible life
where I'm down on my luck
I listen when it fails,
I leave to dance
I feel death closer.
And it's why tonight
I feel the scorn of heartbrake I left her and she didn't know it
I was loving her and since she went away
I feel my faith cut off
It's dying, dying...
I left her and she didn't know it
My heart deceived me
And today I come to look for her
I can no longer find her...
Where will I go without her love!
When the violins are moaning the dancers are sighing
Everyone with their partner
the old pains and sufferings
they remind me
And I also in my misery
I suffer the fatal anguish
of not having her in my arms
I would want to find her today
to be able to kiss her
and to give my soul in pieces...
But it's useless...
I can't any longer
And I stay in the shadows with my illusion.
lunes, marzo 23, 2009
sábado, enero 24, 2009
Ask Aleandro - Not enough room for me
Aleandro,
I went to a House Milonga but there wasn't enough room for me to perform my steps. What should I do?
A Braty Puma Wearing Leg Flailer (BPWLF)
Dear BPWLF,
Adapt your dance to the available space.
Gracias,
Aleandro
I went to a House Milonga but there wasn't enough room for me to perform my steps. What should I do?
A Braty Puma Wearing Leg Flailer (BPWLF)
Dear BPWLF,
Adapt your dance to the available space.
Gracias,
Aleandro
viernes, enero 23, 2009
Houston Argentine Tango Festival - Milonga at the Firehouse
Venue: The Firehouse
DJ: Jason Laughlin
Dancecard: Barette from St Louis, Catrine from Houston, Dana from Ft Worth, Donna from New Orleans, Karen from Houston, Lisa from Boulder, Mercedes from Virginia Beach, Nanette from Houston, Sarah from Houston, Sheema from Houston formerly from Pakistan
Sobering News: Mercedes shared that she had heard that Danny Waggoner aka El Once would be having by-pass heart surgery. I hope and pray and trust that he will have a speedy recovery.
BTW I am not Danny.
Delights: My dance with Lisa was a special delight. We danced to the tango called "La abandone y no sabia" by Castillo or Tanturi. Roughly translated this Tango is "I left her but she didn't know it." One of the most delightful Tango experiences is dancing with a partner who whispers the words in your ear. So sweet.
The Photo Op: The challenge for Tango photographers is shooting fast moving people in the dark. One of the rules of this Festival that I like is that they allow no flash photography at the Milongas. The Firehouse dancefloor was dark but in one corner of the room light from an outside streetlamp shone on the floor. How fortunate to have such a spotlight.
DJ: Jason Laughlin
Dancecard: Barette from St Louis, Catrine from Houston, Dana from Ft Worth, Donna from New Orleans, Karen from Houston, Lisa from Boulder, Mercedes from Virginia Beach, Nanette from Houston, Sarah from Houston, Sheema from Houston formerly from Pakistan
Sobering News: Mercedes shared that she had heard that Danny Waggoner aka El Once would be having by-pass heart surgery. I hope and pray and trust that he will have a speedy recovery.
BTW I am not Danny.
Delights: My dance with Lisa was a special delight. We danced to the tango called "La abandone y no sabia" by Castillo or Tanturi. Roughly translated this Tango is "I left her but she didn't know it." One of the most delightful Tango experiences is dancing with a partner who whispers the words in your ear. So sweet.
The Photo Op: The challenge for Tango photographers is shooting fast moving people in the dark. One of the rules of this Festival that I like is that they allow no flash photography at the Milongas. The Firehouse dancefloor was dark but in one corner of the room light from an outside streetlamp shone on the floor. How fortunate to have such a spotlight.
miércoles, diciembre 31, 2008
Where's 2008?
Amazing Grace,
how sweet the sound.
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
John Newton
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)
Entradas
