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"There will never be a step, sequence, or trick in Tango that will come close to matching the power
of the embrace." - Ney Melo
AFTER A VERY PRODUCTIVE AND ENJOYABLE 2006, we are looking forward to another
great year of Tango!
As a fabulous start to 2007, PATIO de TANGO in association with NicNac Theatre Inc. have organised an Australian tour by the wonderful Tango
dance partners Ney Melo and Jennifer Bratt, who will commence their Australian tour in Sydney in the first week of February. They'll be
performing at our February Saturday Milonga and running workshops from 4th to 8th February. They are also visiting Brisbane in the 2nd week of
February (host: TangoNut Events) and Perth in the 3rd week of February (host: Perth Tango Society). More details below.
We are very excited that for the next few months and starting the second week of February, the Spanish Club at 88 Liverpool Street,
Sydney will be our new Tuesday and Thursday night venue (in addition to Bondi Beach on Thursdays). More details below.
Next dates for your Calendar . . .
Saturday, 3rd February - Milonga at Club Rose Bay featuring international Tango
dancers Ney Melo and Jennifer Bratt. Special cover charge $18 or $15 with workshop.
Tuesday, 6th February - Farewell Milonga to Ney and Jennifer at Club Rose Bay. Special cover charge $12 or $9 with workshop
(also temporary farewell to Club Rose Bay).
Sunday, 11th February - Commencement of our February term of six week Tango courses.
Sunday, 18th February - FREE Tango lesson and Milonga at South American Festival, Bondi Beach Pavilion.
Saturday, 3rd March - Milonga at alternate venue. (Club Rose Bay closed for renovations).
Monday, 5th March – Gotan Project performs at Sydney Opera House.
Sunday, 8th April – 3rd Australian National Tango Championship 2007, Sydney Opera House.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS . . .
Boxing Day Milonga
26th
December, Outside Café Hernadez, 1 Burton St, Darlinghurst.
This has to go down as one of our most popular events ever, attracting a huge turnout of over
100 people! The atmosphere was buzzing, and felt like a busy street Milonga in Buenos Aires.
Photos: David Allison
Thanks to our performers the singer Antonio Gomez, dancers Andres Ruiz
(direct from Buenos Aires!) Linda Skrgtic, Nelson and Sabrina, Craig and Jane. And muchas gracias to the owner,
Keno Hernandez and the staff of the charming and Tango friendly Café Hernandez in Darlinghurst.
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Actor Sam Neill and his wife Noriko had an intro Tango lesson with us during their recent visit to Sydney. |
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NEY MELO AND JENNIFER BRATT
Tour and Workshops (Sydney 3 - 8 February)
Ney Melo and Jennifer Bratt dance an elegant style of social Tango which is rooted in the
traditions of the neighbourhood of Villa Urquiza in Buenos Aires. Their dance is defined by a smooth and graceful walk, a powerful sense of
musicality, subtle steps entwined with intricate embellishments, and an intimate embrace. Their passion and respect for Tango, its culture and
its music is clearly evidenced in their emotional dancing, as well as in their teaching.
Jennifer Bratt is regarded by many as the best female Tango dancer in the US. Her sharp
embellishments and articulate feet are often compared to those of the renowned Geraldine Rojas. Ney Melo has studied Tango with Jorge Dispari
y La Turca, Javier Rodriguez, and Julio Balmaceda & Corina de La Rosa, among others.
Ney and Jennifer have recently taught and performed in Romania, Singapore and Malaysia, as
well as extensively all over North America. Together they organize 2 annual tours for dancers to Buenos Aires (where they live for 4 months
of the year). They will be coming to Sydney direct from Buenos Aires, where they have been for the past 2 months.
You can find out more about them on
www.neymelo.com (Ney’s website) and
www.close-embrace.com (Jen’s website)
WORKSHOPS . . .
SATURDAY, 3rd February - ROSE BAY 7pm - 8.30pm
Workshop 1: Musicality: dople, media, and contra tiempo, and pausing. **Rate includes discounted entry to the Welcome Milonga at Club Rose Bay
on the same night which features a performance by Jennifer and Ney.
SUNDAY, 4th February - CITY Workshop 2: 11.30pm - 1pm
Advanced turns, enrosques and ajues (Advanced level)
SUNDAY, 4th February - CITY Workshop 3: CITY 1.30pm - 3pm
Colgadas (Int - Adv)
SUNDAY, 4th February - CITY Workshop 4: CITY 7pm - 8.30pm
Followers technique & embellishmnets with Jennifer,
Leaders technique with Ney (all levels) **Rate includes discounted entry to the "PRACTILONGA"
at same venue from 8.30pm - 11pm (all levels) Tea, coffee and sweets provided. Contribution of sweet or savoury finger food is welcomed.
MONDAY, 5th February - DARLINGHURST 7.30pm - 9pm
Workshop 5 Musicality: dancing to rhythmic, romantic and dramatic music (all levels)
TUESDAY, 6th February - ROSE BAY 6.45pm - 8.15pm
Workshop 6 Popular combinations from the Milongas of Buenos Aires (Int - Adv) **Rate includes discounted entry to the Farewell Milonga at Club
Rose Bay from 8.15pm - 11pm.
WEDNESDAY, 7th February - DARLINGHURST 7pm - 8.30pm
Workshop 7 Vals: "the never ending turn" - timing and turning (Int - Adv)
THURSDAY, 8th February - DARLINGHURST 7pm - 8.30pm
Workshop 8 Milonga traspie (Int - Adv)
VENUES . . .
ROSE BAY: Club Rose Bay (RSL), New South Head Rd (cnr. Vickery Ave), Rose Bay
DARLINGHURST: St Johns Church Hall, 120 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst
CITY: Step Up Dance Studio, Level 1, 160 Castlereagh St, (between Park & Market Sts)
WORKSHOP RATES . . .
Early bird rates have now expired. Normal rate is $50 per workshop, excluding workshops 1, 4 and 6 which include the cover charge of events
on the same night.
Workshop 1: $65 – includes Milonga (discounted from $18 to $15)
Workshop 4: $57 – includes Practilonga (discounted from $10 to $7)
Workshop 6: $59 – includes Milonga (discounted from $12 to $9)
If you purchase in advance 5 or more workshops you receive a 10% discount off workshop total.
Contact here.
CHANGES TO TUESDAY MILONGAS
STARTING 2ND WEEK OF FEBRUARY
Due to renovations to Club Rose Bay (which are expected to last for six
weeks) our last Milonga there will be on Tuesday, 6th February. When the renovations are complete we'll return our Tuesday Milonga to Rose Bay.
In the meantime…
We’re relocating to The Spanish Club
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From Tuesday, 13th February, our
new Tuesday and Thursday venue is The
Spanish Club at 88 Liverpool Street, Sydney. Please note that the Thursday classes at
The Spanish Club are in addition to (not replacing) our
Thursday night classes at Bondi Beach, which are instructed by Edgard Alvarez.
Classes and Tango Social Dancing at
The Spanish Club will be on Level 2
of the club, which has a wooden floor, bar and a great Latino feel!
Tickets are available at the door
for $10. FREE entry if you're attending the
Intermediate-Advanced lesson preceding the Milonga.
Flat rate parking for $8 is available at the Cinema City Car Park in Kent
Street, if your parking ticket is endorsed by The Spanish Club.
BONDI BEACH DANCES TO THE LATINO BEAT !
SOUTH AMERICAN FESTIVAL 2007
Sunday, 18th February, 1.00pm - 7.30pm
Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre
Sydney's original and most famous South American Festival with non-stop entertainment from
the cream of Central and South American performers, musicians and dancers.
There’s something for everyone – dance workshops, concerts of traditional and contemporary
Latin music for dancing and listening, art exhibition, children’s activities, sumptuous foods, South American cuisine, arts, crafts,
clothes and jewellery stalls…
For more info visit
www.waverley.nsw.gov.au
Tickets available at the door $20 / $15 concession. Children under 12 free.
Entry includes FREE Introductory Tango lesson with PATIO de TANGO from 1.15pm – 2pm.
FREE entry to Milonga (social Tango dancing) 2pm – 3.45pm (performances welcome).
Lesson and Milonga in Seagull Room, upper level of Pavilion.
GOTAN PROJECT
"Lunatico" performing live
at Sydney Opera House 5th March
Argentinian/ French collaboration taking Tango to new horizons…
"...an intriguing blend of traditional, passionate Tango with cool, contemporary electronica." -
LA Times
Gotan Project came into being in Paris when legendary Argentinean Tango
musicians joined forces with European electro wizards to innovate a seductive blend of classical Tango and chilled-out electronic beats.
Tinged with hip-hop and jazz, their music has developed into a genuine movement around the world. From Tel-Aviv to Tokyo,
Gotan Project has notched up over 200 performances around the world, building a live
reputation that rivals none. They produce an addictive performance that leaves the audience standing, the atmosphere buzzing. This is their
first, long-awaited tour of Australia.
Seven musicians, two DJs and an enigmatic female vocalist seduce audiences with a
thrilling mix of classical tango, chilled-out electronic beats and turntable wizardry whilst stunning original film projections veil the stage. Live,
Gotan Project surpasses any music act you’ve seen before.
This work, which features music from their most recent album Lunatico,
is their most accomplished yet and places a stronger emphasis on the more organic roots of tango. With a unique blend of Parisian production
and Buenos Aires tradition, it brilliantly evokes smoky Thirties bars as well as today’s nightclubs.
"The beats are sparse and liquid, and the transition from Buenos Aires bordello to
European dance floor is seamless." - Rolling Stone
GOTAN PROJECT are: Philippe Cohen Solal & Christoph H. Müller (beats &
electronic), Eduardo Makaroff (acoustic guitar), Veronika Silva (vocals), Lalo Zanelli (piano), Luciano Sciarretta (bandoneon), string
quartet featuring Line Kruse.Video artist: Prisca Lobjoy
More on Gotan Project at
www.gotanproject.com
Web links which will answer any questions you have
about Gotan Project…
-a competition to win tickets to the Sydney show
www.inertia-music.com
-announcing the release of the re-issue album in Australia:
www.inertia-music.com
-announcing sydney opera house show on the 5th March
www.sydneyoperahouse.com
-a link to download a track on the inertia website
www.inertia-music.com
Some inspiration from one of our students…
"When I’m 94…"
"Last night I caught up with a "dancing" friend at South Juniors, my
local club and had an inexpensive Bistro meal. They had a Latin band playing in the lounge, so we went along. My friend introduced me to a
group of seniors who were all diehard dancers. My best dance partner for the evening was a spritely 94 year old called George.
George was an Australian Ballroom champion in 1935 and apparently his home is full of
trophies. We did a lively Waltz and Merengue together and he was doing a very good Viennese Waltz with another lady.
George lives alone after losing his wife about 7 years ago, drives a car and doesn't appear to
have any sight or hearing problems, and is all of about 4 foot nothing. When I was tired and going home, he and friends were all
going "on" for coffee at 11pm-ish!!!" -
Carrie Stalbow
3rd Australian National Tango Championship 2007 . . .
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Gisela & Gaspar |
At the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on Easter Sunday 8th April 2007. This is much bigger than the
Studio where it was held last year, and accommodates 1500+ people!
Selection rounds leading to the Finals will be held at a variety of Sydney Milongas in the month leading up to the Finals. More information
on the guidelines and criteria at
www.tangochampionship.com.au
A one hour, 10 minute DVD of the 2006 Tango Championship, filmed by our own cinematographer, Paul Warren is now available for only $20.
The professionally edited footage includes the finalists in both stage and salon as well as all the performances including those by Gisela Galeassi
and Gaspar Godoy, our judges from Buenos Aires. To obtain your copy of the DVD contact Carol Fallows on (02) 9969 1228 or
info@carolfallows.com.au
”PRACTILONGA” ON SUNDAYS IN THE CITY . . .
Step Up Dance Studio
160 Castlereagh Street, Sydney City (between Park and Market Sts)
At our Practilonga the music is carefully arranged (in tandas and cortinas). The beautifully
restored heritage architecture and spacious sprung dance floor makes it a first rate space for social dancing, and a luxurious way to practice
and develop your Tango! Complimentary cakes, tea and coffee are provided.
"The Sunday Practica at step-up dance studio was fantastic. It was the perfect
opportunity to practice everything I had learned i the classes in a relaxed atmosphere. The social aspect is great, being able to meet dancers
from other classes and dance with them, as well as chat and hang out! The studio is beautiful, and really feels like the perfect place to tango in,
especially when the lights went down at nine! The floor was a dream…I could have danced all night!" -
Asha Zappa
Times . . .
Until and including Sunday 28 January: 8pm – 11pm
Sunday, 4th February (following Ney Melo and Jennifer Bratt Workshop) 8.30pm – 11pm
Sunday, 11th February onwards - reverts to normal timetable (following Intermediate class) 9pm – 11pm
Tickets available at the door $10, or $5 if attending lesson preceding Milonga.
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TANGO SOCIAL DANCING . . .
At Patio de Tango we host Milongas every Tuesday and monthly on the first Saturday of the Month.
Until and including 6th February Tuesday Milongas are at Club Rose Bay, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay.
From 13th February onwards Tuesday Milongas relocate to the Spanish Club, Liverpool St, City.
Duration: 8pm – 11pm. Cover: $10 or free with Int- Adv lesson preceding Milonga.
Our next Saturday Milongas are on...
3rd February: Club Rose Bay, features display by Ney Melo and Jennifer Melo. Cover charge $18 or $15 with workshop.
3rd March – Venue to be advised.
MUSING ON TANGO . . .
For some interesting Tango musings collected by our friends in Adelaide SIEMPRE TANGO visit
www.siempretango.net.au
Includes a piece by Ney Melo on the consequence of rejecting a dance invitation…!
TANGO LESSONS . . .
"Firstly can I just say how outstanding the course is! I have done various styles of dance
in the past, but Tango is something else! What a beautiful, graceful, intimate, sensual and respectful dance it is. I am amazed that by the
second lesson I AM actually dancing Tango!!" - Rhiannah Venetsanos
NEXT COURSES . . .
We offer six week structured and sequential courses continuously through the year in 4
distinct levels:
Beginners 1
Beginners 2
Intermediate
Intermediate – Advanced
Each six week module (any level) is $110 or $100 if paid in full one week prior to commencement. Early bird rate for this term ends on 5th
February.
Special offer for Beginners: if you pay in advance for both modules (Beginners 1 & 2)
it’s only $190 - a saving of up to $30 per person!
Beginners 6 week courses
Our next Beginners courses start in the 2nd week of February. Our Beginners course now
comprises two 6 week modules: Beginners 1 and Beginners 2. (Beginners 1 is the pre-requisite for Beginners 2).
Beginners courses are held at the following venues from 7pm - 8.15pm. The last 15 minutes of the lesson is a Practica for Beginner and
Intermediate students (*excluding Sundays). Unless otherwise stated instructors for all venues are Pedro and Sophia Alvarez.
SUNDAYS: *7pm - 8pm
Step Up Dance Studio
Level 1, 160 Castlereagh St. (between Market & Park Sts) SYDNEY CITY
Beginners 1: 11 Feb - 18 Mar
Beginners 2: 25 Mar - 6 May
MONDAYS: 7pm - 8.15pm
Alliance Française, 257 Clarence Street (near Druitt Street) SYDNEY
Beginners 1: 12 Feb - 19 Mar
Beginners 2: 26 Mar - 7 May
WEDNESDAYS: 7pm - 8.15pm
St John’s Church Hall, 120 Darlinghurst Road, DARLINGHURST
Beginners 1: 14 Feb - 21 Mar
Beginners 2: 28 Mar - 9 May
THURSDAYS: 7pm - 8.15pm
Spanish Club, Liverpool Street (between Kent & George Sts)
Beginners 1: 15 Feb - 22 Mar
Beginners 2: 29 Mar - 10 May
THURSDAYS: 7pm - 8.15pm
Seagull Room, Bondi Beach Pavilion,
Queen Elizabeth Drive, BONDI BEACH Instructor: Edgard Alvarez
Beginners 1: 15 Feb - 22 Mar
Beginners 2: 29 Mar - 10 May
Intermediate 6 week courses
Prerequisite (Beginners 2 or equivalent) Essential prerequisite is an understanding of how to
lead / follow ochos and giros.
Intermediate courses are held at the following venues from 8pm - 9.15pm. The first 15 minutes of the lesson is a Practica for Intermediate and
Beginner students (*excluding Sundays). Unless otherwise stated instructors for all venues are Pedro and Sophia Alvarez.
SUNDAYS: *7pm - 8pm
Step Up Dance Studio
Level 1, 160 Castlereagh St. (between Market & Park Sts) SYDNEY CITY
11 Feb - 18 Mar
25 Mar - 6 May
MONDAYS:
Alliance Française, 257 Clarence Street (near Druitt Street) SYDNEY
12 Feb - 19 Mar
26 Mar - 7 May
WEDNESDAYS:
St John’s Church Hall, 120 Darlinghurst Road, DARLINGHURST
14 Feb - 21 Mar
28 Mar - 9 May
THURSDAYS:
Spanish Club, Liverpool Street (between Kent & George Sts)
15 Feb - 22 Mar
29 Mar - 10 May
THURSDAYS:
Seagull Room, Bondi Beach Pavilion,
Queen Elizabeth Drive, BONDI BEACH Instructor: Edgard Alvarez
15 Feb - 22 Mar
29 Mar - 10 May
INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
Prerequisite: completion of at least 4 Intermediate courses or equivalent.
TUESDAYS: 7pm - 8pm
Spanish Club, Liverpool Street (between Kent & George Sts)
Includes free entry to Milonga from 8pm – 11pm
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FOR SALE . . .
Beautiful,
brand new (size 11) Neo Tango shoes.
Contact Sophia for details.
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A ROMANTIC GIFT FOR YOUR VALENTINE !
We have attractive gift certificates available for the following:
- Six week beginners Tango course for one - $100
- Six week beginners Tango course for two - $200
- Private Tango lesson – one person $70
- Private Tango lesson – two people $80
Tango CDs traditional and Nuevo direct from Buenos Aires
1 Tango CD $29; 2 Tango CDs $50
Contact us
to arrange your purchase.
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BETTER TIMES IN BUENOS AIRES
by Robyn Ash-Rose
"I read Miranda France’s “Bad Times
in Buenos Aires” on my third flight from Sydney to Buenos Aires… as I
read I became more and more uneasy: she was not a dancer and had
completely misunderstood tango. That misunderstanding went a lot
deeper: in my view she had missed the soul of Buenos Aires. If that
was true, what was the soul of Buenos Aires? The answer lies in the
music: the city is drenched in it, hearts throb to it, men sing it to
themselves, eyes light up when they talk of it, and tango dancers play
that music with their feet. But they don’t play it alone.
In 2002 I spent a year exploring how this passion took over dancer’s
lives. I wrote a story told in music & song, dance & mime, then
produced it with the help of a wonderful band of tango lovers. I even
danced in it too. All of this in Perth, the most isolated capital city
in the world. Two years later I made the pilgrimage to Bs.As. For all
those dancers who have also made it, only to wonder how they ever got
to this not quite sane city, in fact, how they got this hooked, I hope
this story will throw some light on why their lives have changed for
ever. And for me at least, also for the better. For newcomers, I hope
those insights that come from living here and communicating in
Spanish, will help them have better times too!”
"This is travel writing at its best, straight from the heart and
sparkling with interest. Very engrossing and enjoyable. Brilliant!"
John Ellis, arts loving engineer, tanguero and DJ.
"WOW!! Captivating and most delightful to read! And some great tips! The stories capture the
essence of this remarkable place, the realness & the ‘surrealness’. Full of delightful surprises! Thank you for wonderful paintings,
imprinted now on my imagination."
Tanja Probst, tanguera and visitor to Buenos Aires
"A breath of fresh air in the world of tango! Well-written and funny."
Carlos Medrano, author of 'Planeta Tango'
'Better Times in Buenos Aires' is on sale at PATIO de TANGO Milongas and Classes for $20
(or by mail order).
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BEAUTIFUL TANGO CALENDAR . . .
Sydney Tanguero and talented photographer David Allison has put together a beautiful desk top
calendar with exquisite photos from Sydney Milongas. To obtain your copy for only $10 contact David on
davidstorm1@yahoo.com.au.
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Jennifer's on her way...! |
As always and until we dance,
un abrazo tanguero from . . .
P.S. For more Tango information visit
our website;
and to check out what we've been up to recently, have a look through some of our past Newsletters...
May
June
July/August
September/October
November
December
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