sublime, ultimate, perfect: can we have it?

Sometimes I wonder why on earth do I try to organize tango events? I have this idea, I imagine the perfect tango in almost surreal surroundings. But what is a perfect tango? I remember last winter hearing one of the girls discuss after the Hereford Ball as "not having had the sublime tango" which seems to sum up an approximation of what we all may be hoping for. The event we're organizing next weekend at the glorious location of the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, HR8 1DS, a famous Elizabethan coaching inn, is one of my little "projects." Here is a chance to immerse yourself in some undisputed luxury, you can even take refuge in the spa, maybe swim a gentle length or two of the pool, after some very civilized salon tango workshops, before the evening's event. The Salon de Tango at 8pm will be an exclusive affair with exquisite canapes hand made by the Feathers Chefs, including such delicacies as lime & ginger marinated tiger prawns, or quails egg spinach & saffron mayonnaise croustade...But also take the time to dress for your fantasy in romantic and stylish 30's and 40's attire and truly escape to a bygone era of the golden age of Argentine tango. We opted to keep to the theme of this era totally and engaged Andreas Wichter to take charge of the music, so we can be sure of authentic beautiful tango music. So there we are, we've set the scene we hope and now all we need are the dancers with the right frame of mind to create the sublime, ultimate or perfect tango. I have the dress waiting and the champagne is always on ice.

Tango Malvern web site is http://www.tangomalvern.com

we are all in awe, or in love perhaps..

An amazing number of people turned up for the milonga in Cheltenham on Saturday night. Well known faces from Bristol and Birmingham mixed with the locals and also of Hereford, Gloucester, Ross and Malvern tango scenes. Sandra and Lloyd of Birmingham were enthusiastically received for their impressive and stylish performances, a fitting example of salon tango and milonga. We must get over to Birmingham soon! Eduardo, who has been described in the past as the "divine" obviously has lost none of his allure and it was rumoured that dances with him could be expensively procured...whatever the truth, a number of ladies who were lucky enough to be captured in his embrace looked in no doubt of their ecstatic state. Thank you for the kisses though, maybe next time for me! Is it a little sad though, that maybe some beautiful dances are missed by some women turning down "ordinary men" while waiting around for the possible chance of a dance with one of the most adored and revered tangueros? I heard a friend refuse a dance with one man, but within seconds a certain gorgeous creature wafted by and she joked with me, saying that however she'd change her mind for him.... Of course it's wonderful to dance with the best leaders, as we float dreamily in their arms...but there are some incredibly good dancers in the "ordinary" category as well. I was very happy with the dances I experienced, although there are one or two niggles perhaps one could discreetly mention. Milongas are places where we should dance and socialise I believe, they are not the same as a practica, and those dancing should not practice their steps or try and teach the partner they are with new moves while on the dance floor...nor should we really be having a conversation while spinning round the floor. Lets talk before or after please, but not during our dance together. Also please don't compare me with your regular partner, we are all unique and maybe translate your lead in different ways. The object of the dance is to enjoy the tango as a shared experience, to revel in the connection if you're lucky enough to have it, and to live the moment through the music. Please don't apologise if you think you made a mistake, as long as you're being careful about not crashing into other people, and we keep on moving in time with the music, I'll be happy.. I hope you'll be fairly content with me as well. Salon tango should be about dancing together in a compact way that doesn't take up half the dance floor, we shouldn't be worrying about executing all our flash moves in the one evening, but ideally dancing only for and with the one person we are with at the moment, sharing every step, every breath practically, a true and emotional connection. That is bliss, and when it happens its surprising, not necessarily with the "best leader/dancer " in the room but whoever you are, you are wonderful.

So, next time, don't turn him down, he may be the most thrilling experience of your evening.

Although we still adore you, Mr Divine!

Tango Malvern web site is http://www.tangomalvern.com

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busy week for Tango Malvern

It's been a busy week for Tango Malvern! We've had very encouraging feedback from many who came last monday. We have about 150 photos from the opening night, mostly taken by Isolde's boyfriend Jacob, who is obviously a very talented photographer, and next week we hope to put a slide show on a laptop for people to look at during the evening. If everyone is happy we would like to add a number of the pictures to the Tango Malvern website. Now, we need to carry on with the good work...After all the excitement on monday, we then went out to join some of the other local clubs' activities. Gloucester was a fun evening again, with some really creative dancing going on, a real joy! Then on Friday, we went to Cheltenham for Janet and Claus's class and practica,where we picked up some useful tips from Janet, a number of dreamy floats around the dance floor, and some nifty milongas with Matthew from Hereford Tango. We hope Cliff's shoulder is getting better though, it was making dancing for him very delicate! But, practicas are wonderful things, I wish they were compulsory !! I'm off up the hills now to walk the dogs, but one thing will be dominating my mind as usual, tango.....










Tango Malvern web site is http://www.tangomalvern.com