Tango Yak

The beautiful city of Portland does this festival twice a year. The local community is a large one and rich with young dancers. It has produced some of the greats in tango like Alex Krebbs and Robert Hauk. This one takes place in different venues and not in one hotel, but there are hotels that are close to most venues and that minimizes the need for transportation. Sadly I will miss this one, but I have been many times and have so many good friends up there, I feel I know it well enough to give you a review.

It is a challenge to write about the teachers as I do not know many of them, so I will comment on the ones I know (if I forget someone, please email me). Alex Krebbs needs no introduction, he is simply great. Jay Abling is one of my favorite teachers, he can teach technique like no other, a true master in my opinion. Carrie Whipple gave lessons in San Diego once upon a time and I remember we all enjoyed them a lot, also she emphasizes technique. Rabert Hauk gives great classes, actually if you have not taken classes with him, you really need to do it. Will also mention that even though I never took classes with Rebecca, she is an incredible dancer and I would definitely attend one of her classes if I were going.

The DJ lineup has some individuals that I know and some I do not know well enough. Let me start with America, queen of San Diego, am so happy she carries our banner up there and her milongas are always a ton of fun - highly recommended. Subashini is my good friend, I remember dancing to her music in Tucson. At the time I said I wanted to hug her after every tanda and I still do. Robert Hauk is a seasoned DJ and I recall a most memorable milonga he did at Cheeseman Park a few years ago, how can you not love this guy. Joe Leonardo, Jerry Wallach and James Friedgen all DJ’d in Seattle and all were great. Alex, Jennifer and Rebecca will DJ alternative music, and if they DJ like they dance then you are in for a great time.

Portland offers generous snacks at every milonga worthy of the standard set by Tucson (Rusty and Joanne) and Seattle (Arturo). Furthermore, you will always find chocolate at the Portland Festival milongas which of course is essential to sustain life. Alaska Airlines flies non stop and if you plan ahead you can get good rates. Check the web site for accommodations. Happy fest to all,

Yakster