Chicago's First Argentine Tango Contest

cover Photo by Lorraine Hart www.LHartPhoto.comNOVEMBER – DECEMBER 06Volume 07, Issue 08www.tangonoticas.comT angoNotici as24810Chicago’s FirstArgentine TangoContestby Sarah GraffWHAT’S IN A NAME,BRANGO?By Cindy PamintuanChicago TangoCentral Tango

What’s in a name,BRANGO?by Cindy PamintuanThe 12th annual Brango was heldSunday, October 15th at theChicago Yacht Club, SE cornerof the Belmont Harbor, from noon to4pm. There is convenient parking adjacentto the clubhouse. This brunch andtango event is orchestrated by Chicagocommunity’s tireless ambassadress totango, Charlotte Vickstrum. Here isCharlotte’s take on how the Brangoevolved:By the early to mid 90’s, there hadalready been occasional tango/dining atdifferent places in Chicago. Charlotteherself organized high teas at the grandballroom at the Drake Hotel, MoulinRouge at the Fairmont Hotel, ChicagoApparel Center, and the South ShoreCultural Center, among others. (For aglimpse of the early Chicago tango scene,see Ana Savitzki’s TN article, Dec-Janissue, 2003-04, Editor.)Charlotte and other tango enthusiastswanted to explore yet another tangoevent to be held perhaps once or twice ayear and preferably some place special anddistinct. It so happened one evening, at the720 Club, that Lisa Moroski, a tanguera,was having a casual conversation withCharlotte. It was there in the midst of thisexchange that Lisa, who was a memberof the Chicago Yacht Club, first broachedthe idea of using the club facilities fortango venues. Charlotte quickly seized theopportunity. And so that Tuesday eveningin 1996 the wheels were set in motion.Ms. Moroski came to be the initial sponsorof the Brango for a couple of years, afterwhich time another tango dancer andyacht club member, Robert Sunday, tookover the sponsorship which he has doneup to the present day.The Chicago Yacht Club has clubhousesat both the Belmont and Monroe harbor.The Brango was held once at the MonroeStation, but predominantly at the BelmontStation. Actually, 2006 marks the 10thyear that Charlotte has had dancing at theyacht club. There were a couple of yearsthat the Brango was held twice, once in thespring and again in the fall.Ten years later, fellow tangueros lookforward to this gathering at the ChicagoYacht Club, the kind of happening thatis perfect to bring even non-tango familyand friends to. This year, as in the past fewyears, the weather cooperated and wewere graced with one glorious, sunny day.A sunny day despite the fact that Chicagohad its first snowfall three days previously!The “tango gods” were looking after us!The elegant surroundings of the clubhousemake for one fantastic afternoon. Theapproximately 2500 sq. foot wooden flooris hard to resist dancing on. Dancing inthe middle of the afternoon is somethingspecial - a novelty, even in Chicago withit’s numerous tango activities. Despitebeing indoors, the “open-air feeling” ofthe large glass windows that surroundthe clubhouse help us appreciate one tango noticias • november – december 2006

of Chicago’s treasures: our magnificentharbor. It is quite an effective ambience.Although the buffet opens promptlyat noon, as is mostly the case - peoplebriefly mingle before queuing up. Thebuffet though lavish, is not overwhelming;it has just enough variety to satisfydiffering palates. Empty glasses are quicklyreplenished with free-flowing champagneby the club’s most efficient crew. Towardthe end of the meal, the ever gallant JuanPinto danced with Charlotte to open thedance floor, other dancers dressed in “ohso-elegantly casual,” followed. From thelooks of the crowded dance floor and forartists including local tangueros (teachersmostly) and sometimes visiting instructorsto showcase. This year, we got to see ourbeautiful local dancers Romulo Assis andMargo Misiaszek perform. We can easilyrecognize the influence of their mentors,Andrea Misse and Leandro Palou, althoughwe certainly can see that this delightfulcouple have indeed come to their own.It was nice to see so many dancersand even more gratifying to see thosewho rarely go out to milongas attend thisevent. This year, attendance topped a littleover 100. Attendance in the past hoveredbetween 80 - 90 attendees. Charlottethanked her cheerful volunteer, CarmenPinto, without whom, as she succinctlystated, “this event would not have beenpossible, let alone be this successful.”Because this milonga ended at 4pm,there was a lot of buzz overheard atnearby tables. It was early enough to planfor yet another outing for that evening,a wonderful dilemma: hmmmm, whereto go next? Chicago die-hard tangueros,that we are, have a number of venues tochoose from in any given day... lucky us.And we have all the dedicated Chicagotango organizers to thank for that. Thistime we have Charlotte to thank, for adelicious autumn treat.What’s in a name, BRANGO?Charlotte was vacationing in Europe andbrowsing for a place to dance tango whenshe saw a “brango” event advertised in oneof the activities magazines. She liked thecatchy name and the rest as they sayis history.Tango ElixirEmbracing the Magic of Argentine Tangoin Chicago & Milwaukee• Lessons/Workshops • Choreography • Tango Tours• Private/ Corporate Shows & Event Coordination• Group Lesson/Event Schedule at:www.tangoelixir.comthe rest of the afternoon - dancers werequite happy moving to the music of DJ,Tony Constantino.As part of the afternoon’sentertainment, Charlotte asks guestPrivate Lessons with NinaLeaders & Followers:Strengthen your technique to dance musically &create a style uniquely your own!Telephone: 312. 730. 8873Email: ninatanguera@gmail.comnovember – december 2006 • tango noticias

Photo by Lorraine Hart www.LHartPhoto.comSTART OFUPCOMINGCLASSSESSIONSWITH MISHAAND SARAH:08JANUARYFOUNDATION+INTERMEDIATE11JANUARY tango noticias • november – december 2006ADVANCEDwww.tangoproject.comCHICAGOTANGOPROJECTFoundation ClassThis class is designed to give students thefoundations of tango technique. Absolutebeginners are encouraged to start their tangoexperience here but seasoned dancers mayfind this class useful and are welcome as well.Registration is required.Time: Mondays 8:30 – 9:30 pmCost: $80 for a session of six classes.Intermediate ClassThis class is a continuation of the FoundationsClass. It focuses on technique, musicality andconnection with your partner. Prior tangoexperience or completion of Foundation Class isrequired. Registration is recommended.Time: Mondays 7:15 – 8:15 pmCost: $80 for a session of six classes.For private lessons, performances orinformation on class registrationcall: 773.575.6906 or visit us onlineat www.tangoproject.comAdvanced ClassThis class provides students with thetechniques for complex movements in tangoapplying technical skills from the Foundationand Intermediate classes. Registration isrecommended.Time: Thursdays 7:30 – 8:30 pmCost: $80 for a session of six classes.Chicago Tango Project PracticaThe practica is where you can practice whatyou have learned in class and ask questions.This practica is open to tango dancers of anylevel and any style.Time: Thursdays8:30 – 10:00 pmCost: $10 includes practica & refreshments. $5for students registered for classes.Our classes are conveniently located at DanceConnection Studio in Chicago 3117 NorthClybourn, just south of the intersection ofClybourn, Belmont and Western. Ample Parking.

november – december 2006 • tango noticias

UNA EMOCIONArgentine tangoLOS BESOS MILONGUITAOnce a month: Second Friday.At “Mariposa”1803 W. Byron St, Chicago, ILGolden Era Classic Tango, vals, milongas.Tandas & cortinas.A little spice of latin and jazz.Starts at 9 PM, BOYB, Entrance $15.Once a month: Second Friday.Los Besos MilonguitaCLASSES:We teach in Northern suburbs of Chicago, IL:Group, semiprivate, private classesare available.Please call for details.Ellen & Oleg1-(847) 409-4513una_emocion@yahoo.comwww.Tangounaemocion.comChicago TangoChicago MilongasTuesdayCLUB 720720 North Wells, Chicago, IL. 9pm-1am; $10cover includes one drink (tip for bartender notincluded) Hosted by Margo and Romulo: 708-717-5072; romuloassis@hotmail.comMilonga Vida at Images Restaurant3908 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois8-12am; $10 cover; Contact: Beth Braun: 847-846-5611; Bethdance11@aol.comwww.mariposachicago.comTango Night Out in BucktownIl Covo Restaurant/lounge2152 N Damen Ave (between Shakespeare andWebster Ave.)9pm-1am;$10 ($8 w/student ID); Contact: BurakOzkosem 312-810-0252buraktango@gmail.com;www.tangoeclectique.com tango noticias • november – december 2006Milonga Entre AmigosRitz Tango Café, 933 N. Ashland Ave.,Chicago,Illinois. 9:00 PM - 12:00 + AM; $10; free classbefore milonga. Contact: Jorge Niedas 312-437-2122; Email: Jorge@21tango.com; Web:www.21tango.com or www. RitzTangoCafe.comTango Chicago Tuesday Night MilongaTango Chicago Dance Centre, 1043 W. Madison,Chicago, Illinois. 8:30 pm – 12 midnight; $12.Host & DJ: Al Gates. Further info: 312.850.1078.www.tangochicago.comAmerican Tango Institute’s Tuesday MilongaPalwaukee Inn (formerly Kabak), 1090 SouthMilwaukee Ave., Wheeling, Illinois. 9:00 pm – 12midnight; $10. Lesson prior to milonga includedin cover. Host & DJ: Netza Roldan. Furtherinformation: 312.287.8406 MyTangonet@yahoo.com www.americantangoinstitute.comwednesdayTango Night Out in West LoopVirgin Lounge Restaurant, 123 N. Halsted,Chicago, Tel. 312-474-0123. Every other Wed,9pm-1am 2006 Schedule: Nov. 1, 15 & 29; Dec.13 & 27, $10 ($8 w/ student ID). Info: BurakOzkosem 312-810-0252; buraktango@gmail.com; www.tangoeclectique.comSomer & Agape’s Tango MotivoBarba Yianni Grecian Taverna. 4761 N. LincolnAve., Chicago. 9:30 pm - 12:30 am; $10. Lessonprior to milonga. Hosts & DJs: Somer Surgit& Agape Pappas. Info: Somer 773-807-5704.somersurgit@yahoo.com; Agape 773-936-1619findagapepappas@yahoo.comFree Milonga con RitmosImages estaurant, 3908 N. Lincoln Ave Chicago.8pm - 12:00am; Free. Daniel Noce 773-510-5710, Ramona Nita 773-220-8918ThursdayMilonga Entre AmigosRitz Tango Café, 933 N. Ashland Ave.,Chicago,Illinois. 9:00 PM - 12:00 + AM; $10; free classbefore milonga. Host & DJ: Jorge Niedas 312-437-2122; Jorge@21tango.com; www.21tango.com, www.RitzTangoCafe.com

Chicago TangoMilonga LocaCafé Duvall, 2257 West 23rd Place Chicago. 8:30PM - 12:00 AM; $15 includes lesson prior tomilonga. Contact: William Duvall 773-376-8760;williamduvall@sbcglobal.net or Nina Tatarowicz312-730-8873. ninatanguera@gmail.com; www.tangoelixir.comFridayMilonga Vida1st and 3rd Friday (and 4th, when there are5 in a month) at Mariposa. 1803 W. Byron, Suite214, Chicago, Illinois. 9:00 pm - 2:00 am; $15($12 for students). DJ: George DrivakosHosts: Beth Braun & Mari Liz Foley. Further info:847-846-5611, Bethdance11@aol.comwww.mariposachicago.comLos Besos Milonguita2nd Friday of the month at Mariposa 1803 W.Byron, Suite 214, Chicago. 9:00 pm - 2:00 am;$15 ($12 for students) Hosts: Ellen & OlegMashkovich; DJ: Ellen Info: 847-409-4513una_emocion@yahoo.com or Beth Braun847-846-5611, Bethdance11@aol.com. www.mariposachicago.comMilonga de mis amoresEvery Friday except last Friday of the monthNorthwestern University Athletic Club. 850Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 6061Netza Roldan/Babette Klein, 312-287-8406/312-771-1226, www.northwestern.edu/lakeshoreathletics;babette@americantangoinstitute.comNuestro TangoLast Friday of every month. Latvian CommunityCenter. 4146 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, Illinois.9:00 pm – 1:00 am; $12 “Free” class prior tomilonga (8:00-8:15 pm) with prior reservationto one of the hostesses: Valentina Cisar, CarmenPinto and Phoebe J. Grant. DJ: Tony Cosentinoor Fred Romero. Further information: Valentina262.942.4587; Carmen 773.279.9414; Phoebe312.342.4335 773.260.2595. WindyCityTango@yahoo.comSaturdayRecuerdo Tango Club6137 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, Illinois9:00 pm – 3:00+ am; $15. Hosts: Carlos &Melisa Favre; DJ: Carlos Favre. Further info:773-617-6311, tango@recuerdoclub.com. www.recuerdoclub.comDe Corazón a CorazónAmerican Tango Institute 325 N. Hoyne C-404,Chicago, Illinois9:00 pm – 2:00 am; $15. Host& DJ: Netza Roldan. Further information: NetzaRoldan 312-287-8406, MyTangoNet@Yahoo.com. www.americantangoinstitute.comChicago’s All-NighterEvery 2nd Saturday. American Tango Institute325 N. Hoyne C-404, Chicago, Illinois. $10;12:30am - 6am. Contact: Burak Ozkosem; tel.312-810-0252. e-mail: burakozkosem@yahoo.com, web: tangoshusheta.comSundayTango Matinee at the RitzRitz Tango Café, 933 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago,Illinois; 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM; $10; class beforemilonga. Contact: Jorge Niedas 312-437-2122;Email: Jorge@21tango.com; Web: www.21tango.com or www.RitzTangoCafe.comSomer & Agape’s Tango MotivoBarba Yianni Grecian Taverna. 4761 N. LincolnAve., Chicago, IL. 9:30 pm - 12:30 am; $10Lesson prior to milonga. Hosts & DJs: SomerSurgit & Agape Pappas. For information: Somer773-807-5704. somersurgit@yahoo.com; Agape773-936-1619 findagapepappas@yahoo.comChicago PracticasMONDAYBurak’s “Tango Laboratory”Casa de Tango, 1104 N. AshlandChicago, Illinois, Every Monday; $5 covers thelesson and practi-longa. 8:30pm - 10pm. Lessonprior to Practi-longa. “Tango Laboratory”supervised by Burak. Contact info: Burak312-810-0252; buraktango@gmail.com ;www.tangoeclectique.comRitz Tango Cafe Guided PracticaRitz Tango Café, 933 N. Ashland Ave.,Chicago,Illinois. 9:00 PM - 12:00 + AM; $10; free classbefore milonga. Contact: Jorge Niedas 312-437-2122; Email: Jorge@21tango.com; Web:www.21tango.com or www. RitzTangoCafe.comtuesdaySweet Elixir PracticaAmerican Tango Institute 325 N. Hoyne, C-404, Chicago. 8:30pm to 10:30pm; $10 ($5 forstudents with ID). Free class prior to milonga.Host & DJ: Nina Tatarowicz. Further info:312.730.8873, ninatanguera@gmail.com www.tangoelixir.comU of C Practica Sept. 27-Dec. 6U of C, Ida Noyes Building, 1212 E. 59thSt.,Chicago. Tango lesson prior to guidedpractica. 9:30pm-10:30pm. Contact: MarcoMambeli: marco@hep.uchicago.eduPractica MilongueroMariposa, 1803 W. Byron, Suite 214Chicago. Lesson prior to practica $8 walk-ins;Free to registered students. Contact: CarlosFavre, tel. 773-617-6311, tango@recuerdoclub.com, www.recuerdoclub.comThursdayChicago Tango Project PracticaDance Connection Studio. 3117 N. Clybourn,Chicago. 8:30 - 10:30 pm; $10, studentsregistered for any tango classes in Chicago$5. Lesson prior to practica. Refreshmentsprovided. Contact: Sarah & Misha: 773.575.6906,www.tangoproject.comU of C Practica Sept. 27-Dec. 6U of C, Ida Noyes Building, 1212 E. 59thSt.,Chicago. Tango lesson prior to guidedpractica. 9:30pm-10:30pm. Contact: MarcoMambeli: marco@hep.uchicago.edufridayTango Chicago Dance Centre1043 W. Madison, Chicago, Illinois. 7:30-11:00pm, open to all levels; $12. Contact: Al Gates312.850.1078. www.tangochicago.comsaturdayTango Practica at the RitzSaturdays, 11am-1:30pmRitz Tango Cafe933 N Ashland Ave; Chicago, Illinois$8 ($5 w/ student ID)Contact: Burak Ozkosem 312-810-0252buraktango@gmail.comSundayPractica with Instructions atMercury CafeMercury Cafe. 1505 W. Chicago, Chicago, Illinois;4:00-6:00 pm; $10; Contact: Daniel Noce (773-510-5726) Ramona Nita (773-220-8918)Tango Sentido Productions PracticaDrucker Center; 1535 N. Dayton St.Chicago, Illinois; 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM; $10.Contact: Dany Novakovich 312-296-1955, 773-550-2646; http://TangoinChicago.comOn-going ClassesCheck the Chicago Teachers link on our websitewww.tangonoticias.com/teachersnovember – december 2006 • tango noticias

Central TangoFayetteville, ARAnn Arbor, MILas Vegas, NVContacts: Elayne’s Dance - The Art of SocialDancing, www.elaynesdance.com, info@elaynesdance.com, 479.521.6683Denver and Boulder, COContacts: Gabriela Carone, carone@buffmail.colorado.edu, 303-546-5520, www.ragtime.org/dance/; www.danceoftheheart.com; Boulder- Deb Sclar: deb@danceoftheheart.com;Denver - www.mercurycafe.com; Chas Gale at(303) 320-4020, hotchango@msn.com, www.thetangohouse.com; Colorado Springs www.tangosprings.comAtlanta, GAContacts: www.atlantatangofestival.com. Champaign-Urbana, ILContacts: www.centraltango.com; Joe Grohens:joe@joegrohens.com; www.tango.joegrohens.com 217.378.4751, Ron Weigel: TangoSociety@aol.com; 217.328.1311Valerie Williams: www.vjw.biz/docs/amessocdnc.htm; v@vjw.biz; 515.232.7374;Ames / Des Moines, IAContacts: Valerie Williams: www.vjw.biz/docs/amessocdnc.htm; v@vjw.biz; 515.232.7374;Fairfield / Iowa City, IAContacts: Greg Kovaciny, Iowa City Tango Clubkovaciny@inav.net. New website: http://soli.inav.net/~dance/tango.html. It is the official home ofIowa City Tango Club, and includes extensiveinformation on things going on in the Iowa area,including our events in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids,Fairfield, Des Moines, Ames.Indianapolis, INContacts: www.tangoindy.org; info@tangoindy.org, David Crosley: dcrosley@challenge-inc.com; 317.407.8181, Barb Bill: 513-321-3546;bbillcinci@yahoo.comWest Lafayette, INContacts: http://web.ics.purdue,edu/~tangoMichelle Murphy: mcmurphy@psych.purdue.eduGrand Rapids, MIContact: Carmen Maret; foliasmusic@yahoo.comWebsite: http://www.grtango.org/10 tango noticias • november – december 2006Contacts: www.umich.edu/~umtango; umtango@umich.edu; 734.327.0642 or 734.564.0811Detroit, MIContacts: Amy & Ray: MotorCityMilongueros.com, 313-655-4680, AmyandRay@wowway.comMetro-Detroit area: Argentine Tango DetroitLori Burton: Lori@argentinetangodetroit.com;http://www.argentinetangodetroit.com586.254.0560Twin Cities, MNContacts: www.mntango.org www.geocities.com/twincitiestango Steve Lee: 612.729.5306,Lois Donnay: donnay@donnay.net, 612.822.8436;Frank Williams: Frankw@tc.umn.edu,612.379.4565. For a weekly update of Twin Citiestango activities http://mntango.org/mailmn/listinfo/and subscribe to‘TSOM- announce.Minneapolis, MNContact: Tango Society of Minnesota: DianeHillbrant President, diane_hillbrant@yahoo.comKansas City, MOContacts: Korey Ireland; at http://www.koarts.com/tango.html;korey@ko-arts.com; or816.931.9545Mt. Vernon, MOContacts: Karen Whitesell: www.thelearningdepot.com/murrays-1/; 417.471.1001St. Louis, MOContacts: St. Louis Argentine Tango Yahoo Group:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/St_Louis_Tango/ and http://cec.wustl.edu/~hs3/ Tango St. Louis: http://www.tangostlouis.com/ Roxanne McKenny:www.tangoteacher.com, 314.324.0887.Carter Maier: tngomn@hotmail.com.Estella & Randy: tangoartists@tangorosa.com,www.tangorosa.com, 314.849.3007;Rick Barbarash: 314-993-3698, rbarbarash@yahoo.com, Milonga Sin Nombre- MonthlyAlternative Milonga: http://home.earthlink.net/~rbarbarash/analternativemilongaShaun Sellers: sellers@me.wustl.eduGateway Tango: http://www.gatewaytango.orgAlbuquerque/Santa Fe, NMContacts: The Tango Club of Albuquerqueat www.geocities.com/tango_abq/special.htmlPaul Akmajian tango_abq@yahoo.com AasCont: Allison, Gabriel; www.tangosilhouette.comContacts: Vittorio, and Will Maricondiapodex1123@cox.net, www.Zapatosrojos.infoTulsa, OKContacts: Fred and Jessica Stowell; fjstowell@aol.com. Contact: Karenna, KarennaLa@cox.netAddress: Casa Tango 4176 S. Birmingham PlaceTulsa, OK 74105Cincinnati, OHContacts: Fred and Jessica Stowell; fjstowell@aol.com; or Virginina Malton at vmalton@yahoo.comBarbara Bill @ bbillcinci@yahoo.com andPatricia Paz @ pato_paz@hotmail.comwww.CincinnatiTangoZone.comCleveland, OHContacts: www.neotango.net for morecurrent Northern Ohio info Greg Messina,neotango2000@yahoo.com, 330-554-8900Pittsburg, PAContacts: PATangoS – Pittsburgh Argentine TangoSociety at www.pitt.edu/~mchp/PATTangoWeb.htm, Trini or Sean patangos@yahoo.com or412.521.1478Madison, WIMadison Tango Society, info@madisontango.orghttp://www.madisontango.org/ 608-236-0198Nicole Stevens: 608-213-8301,milongamadison@yahoo.comMilwaukee, WIContacts: www.wisconsintango.com orwww.milwaukeetango.comMarek Szotkowski: tangomarek@yahoo.comMontreal, Quebec, CanadaContacts: www.festivaldetangodemontreal.qc.caToronto, Ontario CanadaContacts: www.tangoacademy.org; MusharrafFarooqi at info@tangoacademy.org or416.536.8446.Please send any information regarding contactinformation for Argentine tango events in theMidwest to central_tango@yahoo.com andwe will be sure to update each community’scontact listing. Also, let us know if you’d like yourcommunity featured in an upcoming issue.