Tango Argentino ReRun #5

Tango Argentino by Art Hemenway

I assume that most tangueros can recall seeing a dance performance that they consider the greatest of their lifetime. For me, I think it was at the Queen Elizabeth theater in Vancouver, British Columbia, where the legendary revue, Tango Argentino played after skipping my home town, Seattle. of course, the show exceeded the expectations of all of us who drove north to see it. What dazzling displays of dancing, singing and music!

"La Comparsita" por Carlos Gardel

I thought the high point of the evening was the low key dance of Milena Plebs and Miguel Angel Zotto dressed in black evening clothes for "The Continental." The couple appeared at stage right and glided slowly across the stage to the music La Comparsita. They just performed a tango walk, nary a turn, ocho or gancho. But when they reached center stage I was amazed to see the entire audience arise and give them a standing ovation, "just for walking."

"Nostalgias" por Placido Domingo

The audience response was almost as thrilling as the spectacle of the dance. Only the dancers in the audience could appreciate the extraordinary physical control that went into that smooth slinky walk. And I wondered how many professionals in the audience noticed that the couple was not dancing in time to the music. During the stage crossing each foot touched the stage about one half second after the beat. The dramatic suspense and relief as each foot of the couple stretched out and touched the stage slightly after the beat was devastating.  *  *  *

This was exhibition dancing.

Tango is Magic:  A feeling that is danced - A secret danced between two people - It is not in the feet, it is in the heart - It is about your connection with your partner and the expression of feelings rather than the choreography.