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Die Laaste Tango- Musings

7/14/2013

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Friends have started to ask me what I thought of the newly released South African film, "Die Laaste Tango" (The Last Tango). So I went off to see it last night.

The film is adapted  from crime writer Deon Meyer's novel and was directed by Meyer. I enjoyed the film for a few reasons. The lead, Louw Venter, was excellent. I identified with his personality and his challenges as he learned to dance. I loved the filmogephy of the Karoo, depicting a dry desert landscape with people leading simple unaffected lives.
 
I am not a movie critic so I will stop there and go on to talk about the tango. The tango danced in the movie  is ballroom tango which is different to Argentine tango, the tango that I teach. Ballroom tango also has its roots in Argentina but was transported to Europe and North America in the early part of the last century and was incorporated into the ballroom suite of dances. Meanwhile, Argentine tango continued to developed in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. There were thus separately developing threads, both called "tango".

I have not studied ballroom tango, only Argentine tango so I am not able to comment on the authenticity of the ballroom tango danced in the movie. But  I do have a little critique. Antoinette Louw, the protagonist who is dying from cancer and is teaching Venter to dance her last tango speaks about tango as a form of communication, a language, an emotion. I do not really think  that these elements were conveyed in their acting or dancing which was obviously choreographed. The sentiment seemed forced, "pasted on", lacking depth In addition, the personal point of transformation from which Venter becomes a reluctant student to a willing participant in the tango was not revealed sufficiently in the script or the emotion of the dance.  I do believe that partner dancing is transformative. It changes how we see ourselves and our power to connect with another. It takes a reckoning at a very deep level. This wasn't revealed in the movie.

Today, ballroom and Argentine tango are two totally separate dances that have different codes, steps and are danced to different music. Most people who have not travelled to South America associate tango with the ballroom version. Argentine tango is a relatively quiet, "internal" lead and follow social improvised dance that is danced to classical orchestras from the Golden Age of tango in the 1930s - 40s. For more information, take a look at these videos.

By the way, it is a great movie. It certainly satisfied the adrenaline junkie inside of me. I recommend it!

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Women Only! Beginners Tango Course

7/3/2013

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Ladies! Be captivated by the ultimate dance!

I am excited to host Libertango's second beginners programme for women who want to learn Argentine tango together.

In the course you will learn about what makes Argentine tango the most beautiful and sensual couple dance. The course will cover the basic steps and culture of the dance. By the end you will be feeling positively Latina!

Dates and Times
Wednesdays starting 31 July - 4 September (6 lessons)
6:15 - 7:45 pm (1.5 hours)

Venue
Observatory Community Centre, corner Collingwood and Rawson Roads. Free Secure parking

Cost
R550

Join today!! Write to info.libertango@gmail.com or contact Rachael on 082 255 7829


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Taste the Magic of Argentine Tango - Beginners Programme

7/2/2013

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It takes YOU to tango!

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Libertango is offering an intensive three week programme in Argentine tango, a gentle and sensual couple dance that has the world mesmerised.

The programme is for people who have never danced Argentine tango, you will learn the basic steps and the culture of the dance . There are 6 lessons over 3 weeks.

Dates and Times:

The course runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Tuesdays: 16, 23, 30 July - 8:00- 9:20 pm
Saturdays: 20, 27 July, 3 August  5:00 - 6:30 pm

Venue: Observatory Community Centre, Corner Collingwood and Rawson Roads, Observatory - FREE SECURE PARKING.

Cost: R550 per person
Tango performance at a festival in Istanbul

    Book you place!!

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Tango Performance by Kara Wenham and Javier Antar

7/1/2013

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I love this cheeky tango by Kara Wenham and Javier Antar at the TangotoIstanbul Festival in March!
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    Author

    Rachael Glaser: tango junkie, teacher, diva, sourceress

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