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

The beautiful Cheeseman park is a tango landmark, Sunday afternoon at the Denver festival. This is where the sun sets with glory as we dance to the wonderful melodies of the golden orchestras. The Thursday milonga is in a very cool venue as well called the Highland House. Friday brings the afternoon welcome milonga which is a favorite of mine. Friday night at the Mercury features Alex Krebbs and his companions with live music. Saturday is alternative in the afternoon and elegant in the evening then Sunday closes with the all nighter. Vintage Denver.

The teachers are most wonderful starting with her majesty Marika Landry with Avik the cool Basu, senor cadencia Ney Melo with adorno master Jennifer Bratt, then last but not least the great Alex Krebbs de Portland.

The DJ team includes “Avik le Symapthique”, “Traspie Paul”, “Mile High Martin (and Tom)” and definitely worth the wait is “Lampis mi amor” with the little ol’ Yak (Saturday alternative and all nighter Sunday).  Kudos to Tom for being patient until Lampis was ready to DJ again. Avik recently DJ’d a magnificent milonga outdoors in Seattle and will DJ Friday afternoon. Paul is a steady favorite, but he will be Mercurial Friday night. Martin redefined the Friday afternoon milonga in Denver and many of us booked our flights with that one in mind because of him, this time he gets Cheeseman. Lampis, welcome back to the ranks, we all miss your music soooo much, the Saturday night elegant milonga awaits you.

Most importantly, the dancers that go to Denver are to die for. They are hard core tango nomads driven by a desire to go into a dreamy state that moves in a counterclockwise direction. Airline fares are a bargain and the hotel is quite reasonable with a free airport shuttle and many cool restaurants within range. Am getting so excited as this fine weekend approaches. Link: DENVER FESTIVAL LABOR DAY 2010

This one takes place in beautiful San Francisco, city of the magnificent bridges and one of my favorite spots, Union Square. The schedule is jam packed with cool classes, practicas and milongas including live music as well. The teachers are a fine group and they are all well known all over the globe. Their videos on utube are quite impressive. Sebastian and Mariana, Chicho and Juana, Lucila and Rodrigo as well as Diego and Negracha. Quite a line up. You can get full details by clicking the web link below.

The DJ group includes hurricane Shorey, Avik le cool, Mitra la guapa, Lung-Kuei from NY and Mr. Ney Melo with yours truly tagging along. The organizers obviously have made a commitment to have a superior event full of talent as well as variety. The San Francisco dance community has many excellent dancers and am sure this event will draw skilled participants from all over. Great city, great event, soooo excited.

Web Site: ANTIPANICO