This is going to be an amazing month for lovers of Tango. Read on for more details on Tango (and related) treats ahead . . .

The Sydney Film Festival is the premiere film event of the year and takes place from June 10 - 25. This year debuts the New Argentine Cinema strand which has a broad array of styles and themes. Argentina is now recognised as one of the strongest filmmaking nations in Latin America - and indeed the world.

There’s also a hot dance movie not to be missed - "Mad Hot Ballroom", described as a cross between "Spellbound" and "Strictly Ballroom". It documents the story of a public school of underprivileged Hispanic and black children who have Tango, Merengue and Foxtrot as part of the curriculum, leading them into a city-wide dance competition.

For full program and ticketing information, visit www.sydneyfilmfestival.org

World Tango Championship 2005
- Australia to participate for first time -

In June, Tango communities across Australia, with the support of the Consulate General of Argentina, will start the selection process to choose representatives from Australia to participate for the first time in the World Tango Championship held in Buenos Aires from August 12 - 21. The championship comprises two categories – “Stage Tango” and “Salon Tango”, the latter being subject to strict rules limiting the type of steps that may be performed.

The event’s aim is “to promote the practice and enjoyment of Tango in Australia… make a valuable contribution to the increasingly vibrant local Tango scene …give Australia more prominence on the international Tango map… working on a non-profit basis with the sole financial objective being to cover costs.” (Consulate General of Argentina)

From 24 June to 9 July there will be selection rounds at various Sydney Milongas, including PATIO de TANGO’s Milonga on July 2.

The national selection event in Sydney on Sunday, 17 July will include the final selection of one couple to compete in the “Salon Tango” category in Buenos Aires and the single round leading to the selection of one couple to represent Australia in the “Stage Tango” category.                         [top of page]

Visiting TANGO Teachers from Argentina...

PATIO de TANGO is proud to host the workshops of the internationally acclaimed Tango teacher Diego Alvaro of the popular 'El Abrazo Tango Club' in Buenos Aires. Since 1995 Diego and his wife Zoraida Fontclara have been running classes and Milongas at one of the Tango landmarks of Buenos Aires - Confiteria Ideal. He is regularly invited to teach at Tango Festivals and events all over the world.

Diego is particularly skilled in the use of diverse and interesting moves (traditional and “Nuevo Tango”) in his dance whilst maintaining the close embrace and dancing within confined spaces. And he’s a specialist in analysing the structure of the dance and imparting this to his students. His focus is always on musicality, the embrace and connection with your partner, improvisation and floor craft.

Diego’s workshops are on the weekend of 2^nd and 3^rd July. He’s in Sydney from 30 June to 6 July, and will be the special guest at our Saturday 2^nd July and Tuesday 5^th July Milongas. Please contact us for information on the workshops and private lessons, and you can visit his website: www.elabrazotango.com

Direct from Argentina, Pecky Zoghby, accompanied by Anibal Land and Fernando Bolpilar, will be touring Australia and NZ in June and July to promote the World Tango Festival.

Pecky is a Tango dancer, milonguera, teacher and performer with many years of experience and a passion for Argentine Tango. Pecky, Annibal and Fernando will be running workshops on Tango Salon, Tango Milonguero, Vals and Tango Neuvo from 18 - 22 June.

They'll be performing at PATIO de TANGO on Tuesday 21 June. Flyers about the workshops and shows are available at all of our Milongas.

PATIO de TANGO Milongas…

All our Milongas are at the Rose Bay RSL on New South Head Rd (corner Vickary Ave). The venue has an excellent dance floor, acoustics and good Feng Shui for getting a dance!

Parking is easy and there’s a bar and bistro on the premises. For information on how to get there by public transport visit www.131500.info/newJourney.asp

Tuesday Milongas…

Every Tuesday from 7:45pm - 11pm
following an Intermediate/Advanced Tango lesson
at 6:45pm. Entry $10 (excluding special events).
$20 for lesson and Milonga.

The LIBERTANGO TRIO performs at our Tuesday Milonga one Tuesday per month. Their next appearance is on Tuesday, 28^th June. Concerts at 9pm and 10pm.

Cover charge: $15 ($5 for enrolled students and non-dancers.) $20 with lesson (free entry to the Milonga).

Saturday Milongas…

On the 1st Saturday of each month from 8:30pm - 1am, following a complimentary “Intro to Tango” lesson at 7:30pm. Entry is $15 (excluding special events).

Next Saturdays…
Sat 4 June - performance by Pedro and Sophia
Sat 2 July - Special guest: Diego Alvaro. Selection round for Sydney division of the World Tango Championship (more details below). [top of page]

Tango Lessons…

“Really enjoy your classes. Always thought the Tango was very difficult, but you guys make it seem easier. “ Leo Silcock

TANGO COURSES
Our next term of six week courses starts at the end of June. The cost is $90 if paid in full by Saturday 18 June or $100 thereafter. Bookings are essential. Contact us for more details on discounts and special offers available to enrolled students.

JUNE TERM

Fundamentals 1 (Beginners)

Wed 22/6/05 - 27/7/05 CAMPERDOWN Uniting Church Hall, 6:45pm - 8pm Cnr. Salisbury Road and Cardigan Street

Thu 23/6/05 - 28/7/05 BONDI BEACH PAVILION, 7pm - 8:30pm

Sat 25/6/05 - 30/7/05 St George Anglican Church, 245 Glenmore Road, Five Ways, PADDINGTON, 11am - 12:30pm

Fundamentals 2 (Pre-requisite F1 or equiv.)

Thu 23/6/05 - 28/7/05 BONDI BEACH PAVILION, 8pm - 9:30pm

Sat 25/6/05 - 30/7/05 St George Anglican Church, 245 Glenmore Road, Five Ways, PADDINGTON, 12pm - 1:30pm

Intermediate / Advanced

Tue 21/6/05 - 26/7/05 ROSE BAY RSL, New South Head Road,
6:45pm - 7:45pm followed by a social dance until 11pm.

BOOK NOW!

14 - 17 July in Wellington

• Workshops and performances by 6 teachers direct from Buenos Aires - incl. Maria Plazola, Fabrizio Forte and Maria Dragone.
• Workshops and performances by the best of New Zealand teachers.
• Four nights of beautiful dancing, featuring fabulous live music from the Funyi Tango Trio direct from Buenos Aires.