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WHO’S HOT INBUENOS AIRES?Javier and Geraldine:By Natalie PepaThe house had a railing...…painted with sorrow and balladsof love. This is the way Pedacitode Cielo – one of the most beautifulArgentine waltzes – begins. It is alsothe first thing you see as you approachthe home of Javier Rodriguez (28)and Geraldine Rojas (21) in BuenosAires. They, too, are among the mostbeautiful tango dancers in the worldtoday. Though not yet very well knownabroad – except for those fortunate tohave seen them perform in BuenosAires or Europe – they will indubitablywin the hearts of the world with themagic of their dance.They met seven years ago at adance at Sin Rumbo club in VillaUrquiza, a barrio known for its goodmilongueros. Something happenedthat night to bring them together andthey have been partners in tango andlife ever since.Though only fourteen at the time,Geraldine had already been dancingfor years. Her mother and stepfatherare great milonguero dancers, and theybegan to bring her to the milongaswhen she was six years old. Geraldineloved tango from the start and soon wasa regular. She asked older milonguerosto dance with her with an innocent– “Baile conmigo, tio.” And theyadored her and took her under theirwing teaching her the milonguerostyle and all the intricate steps theyknew. Everything came together withGeraldine—natural beauty, innateability, passion, dedication and the rightconditions. All of these elements havemade her indisputably the best femaletango dancer in the world today.Javier’s career began at 19 when heJavier, Natalie, Guillermo Thorp (a journalist for La Cronica newspaper in BA) and Geraldine.decided to study tango, which he hadseen both his father and stepmotherdance for many years. It was shortlyafter this that he met Geraldine andcontinued learning with her. He is anagile and elegant dancer, the perfectfoil for making her shine.To say that Geraldine dances is anunderstatement. She glides with suchspeed and fluidity that she appears to behovering over the dance floor. Whileher legs are executing sensuous longstrides, her feet embellish each stepwith amazing movements. You canwatch Geraldine many times and shewill amaze you with still another newfoot movement. In her nearly five inchheels and amazing foot extension, itseems as if she was dancing on thenails of her toes.On April 10, 2003 I had thepleasure of being with them for aninterview arranged by GuillermoThorp, a journalist of the Buenos Airesnewspaper, La Cronica. We sat in theliving room of their house, which theyare remodeling and spoke about theirpast and future.When I asked Geraldine who wereher most influential tango teachers, shesaid it was her mother and stepfather,all the old milongueros and Gloria andEduardo Arquimbao. The latter helpedGeraldine and Javier turn their danceinto an artistic interpretation for thestage.Javier says that in order to dancetango well “you must love the floorand fall in love for three minutes,” andabout Geraldine’s footwork he says“her adornments are a tiny slice offeeling in the moment.” “Yes,” addsGeraldine, “you must feel the music,become emotional about it, vibrate andimprovise.”A few days after the interviewthey were leaving on a world tour toperform and teach tango. They wouldreturn to Japan and Europe but wereparticularly excited about their firsttour in the U.S.A. They were to be inSan Francisco from June 30 th throughJuly 11 th .In spite of the accolades Geraldineand Javier have remained humble andaccessible. But they know that theyare unique in their dance and they areready to show the world.Tango Noticias • July 20039

LETTER TO THE EDITORSDear Tango Noticias,This is an open letter to all our lovely tango partners.We want you to know that each one of you is special to us and we look forward to dancing with all of you at themilongas. Sometimes after three, four or five hours of dancing in high heels, the pain in our feet tells us to take a break,maybe for a couple of songs or for an entire tanda. If we turn you down for a dance at that time, please don’t be offended,especially if you see us dancing the next tanda with someone else (because you were probably similarly occupied whenit began). And if we are blessed with two invitations to dance at the same moment, and you are not the one we haveaccepted to dance with first, we do hope you will ask us again. Each of you is a challenge and a joy and without you therewould be no reason to spend all the hours practicing, primping and sometimes even suffering pain in our feet!This being a small tango community and, as custom permits, we may sometimes take the initiative to ask you todance. If you refuse us two or three times in a row, we’ll get the message and won’t ask you again. However, if you laterdecide you’d like to dance with us, ask us and we will happily accept. We believe in dancing with everyone – beginners,intermediates and advanced. We remember when we were just learning and when a few kind, experienced dancers gaveus a chance to get much needed experience at the milongas. We also recognize that we still have a lot to learn. After all,tango is like life: some do a better job than others, but there is always room for improvement!See you on the dance floor,Babette Klein, Margaret Zaremba“Red, White, and Blue”Friday, July 4th - 9:00 pm – 1:00 amWear your favorite patriotic colors and enjoy a hotevening of dancing. Our guests are more sparklythan the fireworks!942 W. Lake (at Peoria), Chicago“Ice Cream Social”Friday, July 18th, 9:00 pm – 1:00 amIt’s the heat of summer and everyone loves a coolice cream sundae. We are looking for a few icecream makers, so we can provide the homemadekind of cool dessert. Bring a favorite topping to share.$10 - light refreshments; BYOBCall Jan Carpenter 312.258.6137, Beth Braun 847.846.5611 or check tangoparatodos.com for detailsTango Noticias • July 200310

WindyCityTango, Inc.Coming to Chicago in 2003 to early 2004Cecilia Gonzalez – September 11-15In conjunction with Ray BarbosaNito y Elba Garcia – September 17-24In conjunction with Fred RomeroPaulo Araujo returns in late OctoberAntonio “Junior” CervilaMarcelo Martins e Vanessa GalvaoAnother Brazilian discovery by Julie Koidin“El Pulpo” y LuizaFor those of you who enjoyed (or missed but wished you hadn’t) ...Carolina Zokalski & Diego DiFalco,here are other opportunities to study with them:1. Purchase their new set of instructionalvideos “One Step Further” (4 for $150 + shipping)2. Join them for their Sept. seminar in B.A.3. Join them at another U.S. festivalContact Phoebe for further informationUpcoming WCT Events(sponsored or endorsed)Spring, Summer and Autumn 2003Tango Fireworks (LA – June 27-July 5)www.apurotango.com – with Carolina & Diego!!Nora’s Week/Weekend (San Francisco –July 4-11) www.tangoweek.comBrooke Burdette with Erica Sutton -www.tangoparatodos.comGloria y Eduardo Arquimbau (July 30-Aug. 7)with Elena Robles - www.tangoinchicago.comLas Vegas Tango Party (Las Vegas – Aug. 29-31)www.lasvegastango.comWorld Tango Festival II (BA – Oct. 5-12)www.worldtangofestival.com.ar – with Paulo!!!TangoFest (Portland – Oct. 15-19)www.claysdancestudio.com– with Paulo!!!Fandango de Tango (Austin – Nov. 26-30)www.learn2dance.com – with Carolina & Diego!!and several others we’ll note soon!!!Winner(s) of a FREE future WCT event from attendanceat the Lorena Gasse & Airel Barrionuevo and Paulo Araujoworkshops &/or private lessons are: Louise Kwaan, AlaPeluchiwski, Donita Slaska, Elizabeth Stewart, Patti WardWinner(s) from attendance at the Carolina Zokalski& Diego Di Falco workshops / private lessons will beannounced. Random drawing for 1 certificate per each 50 attendeesContact Phoebe J. GrantWindyCityTango@yahoo.com (312) 342-4335or visit www.tangoparatodos.comThe Editors of Tango NoticiasSenior Regional Editor:Dr. Sean Erwin773.274.9564drtango@hotmail.comChicago Events Editor:Jan Carpenter312.258.6137tangojan@hotmail.comLayout & Design:Connie Orbetatangoconnie@mac.comIllustrator & Cover art:Yanira Colladoyanira_collado@hotmail.comCentral Tango Editor:Phoebe J. Grant312.342.4335WindyCityTango@yahoo.comStaffwriter:Natalie Pepatangonata@aol.comThe editors of Tango Noticias reserve the right to alter anycontribution to reflect considerations of content or style.All correspondence and manuscripts submitted to TangoNoticias are submitted at the risk of the contributor; allbecome property of the publisher. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced in any format without the consent ofthe publishers. Committed to promoting an open forumfor instructional and entertainment purposes, the opinionsand advertising displayed in Tango Noticias are the soleresponsibility of the authors; they do not necessarily reflectthe opinions of the publishers. Tango Noticias is a not-forprofit,independent, monthly newsletter whose objective isto provide timely information about happenings of interest tomembers of Chicagoʼs Tango community.Tango Noticias • July 200311

C E N T R A LT A N G OCHAMPAIGN-URBANA, ILContacts:Leonardo: Tangoleon@aol.com;217.328.1311Joe Grohens: grohens@uiuc.edu;217.328.1008Milongas: Tango Society of CentralIllinois – Monthly milongas firstSaturday of each month at PhillipsRecreation Center, Springfield andMcCullough, Urbana.; 9:00 p-12:00 a; $5 for dance / $7 with premilongabeginner lesson at 7:30 p. Formore information contact Leonardo atabove e-mail/phone.MILWAUKEE, WIContacts:www.milwaukeetango.comMarek Szotkowski:argtango@hotmail.com 414.817.6775Milongas: La Conexión; – Friday, the12 th and Saturday, 26 th– at Gary Allen Dance Studio (611 S.Layton Blvd. = 27th St.); free beginnerclass 8:00-9:00 p; Milonga 9:00 p-1:00 a; Admission $10 ($7 w/ studentID, light buffet provided.; BYOBClasses: For schedules visitwww.milwaukeetango.com or contactMarek at above phone number/e-mail.MADISON, WIContacts:Steven Fosdal: steve@fosdal.net;608.288.8339Anna Snider:asnider@nutrapark.com; 608.836.7716Web Site: http://tango.doit.wisc.eduPracticas: Pasión del Tango atUnion South(227 N. Randall St.; Univ. of Wis.campus at the corner of Randall andJohnson; Tuesdays 7:00-10:30 p; Free.TWIN CITIES, MNContacts:Tango Society of Minnesota -Mntango.orgSteve Lee: 612.729.5306tango@winternet.comwww.geocities.com/twincitiestangoLois Donnay: 612.822.8436donnay@donnay.netFrank Williams: 612.379.4565Frankw@tc.umn.eduMilongas:Tango Society of Minnesota: 2 ndSaturday/monthly at Dancesport DanceStudio in Hopkins; lesson 8:00-9:00 p;dancing 9:00 p-1:00 a; Admission: $5 formembers or $8 for others.Steve Lee’s Tango Plus; Friday after 2 ndSaturday of each month; 9:00 p-1:00 a;lesson 9:00-9:30 p;. Admission: $5.Michael Cordner’s Mini-Milongas at FourSeason’s Dance Studio 1637 HennepinAve., Minneapolis; Sundays 7:00-9:30 p;Admission: $2; 612.342.0902.For a weekly update of Twin Cities tangoactivities, go to http://mntango.org/mailmn/listinfo/ and subscribe to‘TSOM- announce.’AMES, IAContacts:Valerie Williams: www.vjw.biz/docs/amessocdnc.htm; v@vjw.biz;515.232.7374;Milongas: Tuesdays (1 st , 8 th , 15 th , 22 ndand 29 th ) at Café Diem (323 Main St.),lesson 7:00-7:30 p, dance 7:00-10:00 p, $3.FAIRFIELD, IAContacts:Heartland Social Dance AssociationSheryll Ryan sryan@humanfactors.com.DETROIT, MIContacts:Amy & Ray: MotorCityMilongueros.com313.561.3236Lori Burton: Argentinetangodetroit.com;586.726.2370Amy & Ray: MotorCityMilongueros.com;AmyandRay@comcast.netMilongas:Milonga de la Motor City Milongueros:Tuesdays at Father O’Kelly Knights ofColumbus Hall (23663 Park, Dearborn),7:00-10:00 p; contact them at abovee-mail/phone for details.La Practica: Thursdays at the PittsfieldGrange; (1/2 mi. S of I94 on Ann Arbor/Saline Rd., exit 175); 7:00-10:00 p;Admission: $10 ($5 w/ student ID)Milonga at Cafe Zola: Friday, May 3 rdin a cafe that is reminiscent of the cafesin Buenos Aires (without the smoke);11:00 p-2:00 a; (112 W. Washington,Ann Arbor; 734.769.2020); $5.Latin & Argentine Tango Club 10thAnniversary Celebration – October 17that Giovanni Caboto Club (21275 Parent,Windsor, Ontario).Lori Burton: Argentinetangodetroit.comor Lori@Argeintinetangodetroit.com;586.254.0560Milongas:Argentine Tango Detroit/Tango Suave;three times weekly see website fordetails.Brickhouse. Auburn Road, Utica;8:00 p; $7.Sky Club. Tuesdays- on hold Classes:Argentine Tango Detroit: every dayof the week, 7758 Auburn, Utica; seewebsite for details.Workshops/Special events: Gloria andEduardo Araquambo ) August 20-24ANN ARBOR, MIContacts:www.umich.edu/~umtango;umtango@umich.edu 734.327.0642Membership/Fees: All events are freefor members and 1 st timers; membershipis $10 for students,$15 for non-studentsper 4 month semesterMilongas:Tango al Fresco (outdoors) - Saturday,5 th at Regents Plaza (at the Cube),8:00 p-1:00 a.Milonga Picante - Friday, 11 th andSaturday, 26 th - Milonga Picante atPendleton Room, Michigan Union (530S. State St.); Beginners’ lesson 8:00-9:00 p (on 11 th ); dancing 9:00 p-1:00a.continued on page 13Tango Noticias • July 200312

continued from page 12KANSAS CITY, MOContacts:Korey Ireland;korey@kodair.com or816.931.9545;http://www.kodair.com/tangoMilongas: Wednesdays at Fedora on thePlaza; 210 W. 47 th ; Lesson w/ MitchWeiner 7:00-8:00 p; Live music byTango Lorca 8:00-11:00 p; Free.“La Ceremonia”; Sundays at WestportPresbyterian Church (201 WestportRd.); Intermediate “cool move of theweek” class 7:30-8:30 p; Milonga 8:30-10:30 p; live music by Tango Lorca;$5/person including pre-milonga class.Monthly Saturday night hosted by ToiShaw at the Swing Club, 6101 Martway,Mission; dancing 8:00-11:00 p.Practicas/Classes: contact Korey Irelandat above e-mail/phone.MT. VERNON, MOContacts:Karen Whitesell: 417.471.1001;Fax 417.471.1002;www.thelearningdepot.com/murrays-1/ST. LOUIS, MOContacts:Carter Maier: tngomn@hotmail.comEstella & Randy:tangoartists@tangorosa.comLourdes Ylagan:Lylagan@path.wustl.eduMilongas:Club Viva; second Tuesday of everymonth; contact Roxanne.Soulard Coffee Garden; 910 Geyer Ave.;call 314.241.1464Monthly Milonga; at Focal Point;Admission: $10; Call Estella & RandyPracticas/Classes: contact aboveindividuals and/or websites.TULSA, OKContact:Bob & Gretchen Manhart;OKTANGO@prodigy.netMilongas and Classes: Contactfor details.FAYETTEVILLE, ARContact:Elayne Hency at Elayne’s Dance-The Artof Social Dance;elaynesdance@aol.com: 479.521.6683or 479.263.6683Milongas, Practicas and Classes:Contact for more details.DENVER AND BOULDER, COContacts:www.danceoftheheart.com;Deb Sclar:deb@danceoftheheart.comMilongas:Boulder - 2nd and last in Boulderat Bantaba; intro. class 8:30-9:30 p.(check w/ Deb for special topic eachtime);milonga 9:30 p-??; $10 for class andmilonga; $7 for milonga.Denver - every Friday at Marilyn’sMercury Café; www.mercurycafe.comColorado Springs - everyWednesday at Rum Bay (Fat AlleyJazz upstairs room); 7:00 p-????;www.tangosprings.comPracticas and Classes: check websiteor contacts listed above.NOTE: Effective June 2003, CentralTango will list each community’scontact and milonga information only.Tango Noticias intends to feature aMidwest Argentine Tango organizationeach month. To add, change or updateinformation appearing in this sectionplease send your notices tocentral_tango@hotmail.com.continued from page 4without painfully cramping them. Nordid I have the sensation of actually‘dancing on the plates’ of those eatingaround me. On the other hand, Ido believe that appreciably addingmore than this number of coupleswould make dancing something ofa challenge, given the space. Thefood was good – my ‘Turkish-style’baklava was quite fine, and those whohad eaten more substantially assuredme that they had enjoyed what theyhad had.Two negatives: 1) it was strangelyhot in the part of the restaurant wherethe dancing took place. I thought thatwas unusual given how cool it was inthe other main room of the restaurant;I didn’t have a sense that the dancerswere generating that much heat forthe temperature to be as it was, but Icould be mistaken about this. Others,besides myself, seemed to notice thistoo. 2) I think the music could havebeen handled a little more smoothly.I really like an unbroken continuityin the progression of songs whendancing – or even when just sittingand enjoying the music. Someinterruptions were a little longer thanI would have liked. That featuremay have been something caused bythe sound system itself, but duringthose pauses the place began to feel alittle too much like ‘just a restaurant’again. However, I feel that both ofthese features were very likely justa result of this being the milonga’sopening night.Overall I liked my first experienceat Cousin’s and wish it many nightsof floor and tables full of dancingcouples.Sean ErwinTango Noticias • July 200313