tango australis february 2017...boots made for working: shoes made for dancing we love a good story...

TANGOAUSTRALISFEBRUARY2017

TANGO AUSTRALIS Journal is published by Southern Cross Tango

50 Kauri Parade, Seacliff, South Australia 5049 Email: sctango@bigpond.com

Website: http://www.southerncrosstango.com.au Editor: P Jarvis – richardandpam@mac.com

LONGWEEKENDOFTANGODELIGHTSINADELAIDE,9–13MarchMostly,responsibilityforthepromotionanddevelopmentoftangocultureinAustralia,islefttothepassionatefew.So,it’saverygoodthingwhentheArtsestablishmentcanbepersuadedthattangoisworthyofinclusioninmajorpublicevents.TwoS.A.tangoschools,SiempreTangoandSouthernCrossTango,havebeenworkingtogethertomakethelongweekendafantasticfeastoftango–andtheyhavethesupportofAustralia’sforemostArtsevent,theAdelaideFestival.Australiantangodancersareinvitedtocomeanddemonstrate,throughtheirsupport,thesignificanceoftangotoculturalandcommunitylife.Thetwotangoschoolsarepartneringtohosttheextraordinaryinternationalteacher,MuratErdemsel(Turkey,USA),whowillpresentaprogramof6tangoworkshopsthatwillfocusonmusicality,mindfuldancing,improvisationskillsandpartnership.

RelatedsocialdancingeventsincludeSiempreTango’s'SuperThursdayPractica'onThursday9MarchandSouthernCrossTango’sbeautiful'TangobytheSeaMilonga'onSunday12March.BookingsfortheMuratTangoSeminarof6workshops,ThursdaySuperPracticaMilongaandTangobytheSeaMilongacanbemadebycontactingAdrienneGill0419309439orsctango@bigpond.com

OnSaturday11March,tangotakesitsrightfulplaceinthepantheonoftheArts,whentheAdelaideFestivalproudlypresents'ArgentineTangoMilonga’attheRiverbankPalais,withlivemusicfromTángalomoderntangoquintet(Sydney),floorshowperformancesbyAdrienne&AndrewGill,MarkStojani&YuliaKomissarova(Adelaide),andsocialtangodancing(foryouall)astheshowevolvesintoanauthenticMilonga.TheRiverbankPalaisisarecreationoftheoriginal1920sfloatingPalaisballroomonthebanksoftheRiverTorrens.Ticketsfor‘ArgentineTangoMilonga’canbemadeviaBASS&www.adelaidefestival.com.auFinally,headtoWomadelaideonMonday13MarchinAdelaide’sBotanicPark,toseeradical12-pieceTangoOrquestaTipicaFernándezFierroaspartoftheMondaynightline-up.TicketsforWomadelaide,goto:https://www.womadelaide.com.au

TANGOSEMINARwithMURATERDEMSELAdelaide9-12March,2017

Anintensiveandinspiringtangoworkshopprogramfocusingonmusicality,mindfuldancing,improvisationskillsandpartnership,withinternationalguesttangoartistMuratErdemsel

(Turkey,USA).Murat’sapproachtotangoandhispresentationisunique.

THURSDAY9MARCH–OpeningNightMusicalityLecture&SuperThursdayPracticaMuratwillpresentaMusicalityLecturefrom7pm–8.30pm(Openlevel),designedfortangostudents,teachersandprofessionals,non-tangodancers,artists,andmusicians.Bringpaperandapencil.Duringthelecture,youcantakenotesordosimpledrawingstohelpyouidentifyaspectsofthemusic,instruments,formandcompositioninthemusicand

howtheymightbedancedexpressively.

Afterthelecture,continuedancingsociallyatSuperThursdayPractica,proudlypresentedbySiempreTangofrom8.30pm–11pm,featuringapresentationofashort,entertaining,inspirationalsessionbyMuratErdemsel.BYOdrinksandsnackstoshare.Venue:North

AdelaideCommunityCentre,176TynteSt,NorthAdelaide

FRIDAY10MARCH-TangoDanceWorkshopsMuratwillteachtwoFridayeveningworkshops,startingwithTresEsquinasfrom6.45pm–8.15pm(Openlevel),exploringananalysisofmusicinanurturinggroupwithexcellentrondaskills.Participantswillneedtobringacolourfulpenormarkertouseinthefun

musicalexerciseduringtheworkshop(sheetswillbeprovided).Thenfrom8.30pm–10pmMuratpresentsMusicalGameswithWaltz(Inter/Advlevel),aworkshopwhereparticipants

willstudythestructureofWaltzandtheblendinginofoursenseswithinthedanceembrace.WorkshopVenue:DonPyattHall,CnrofGeorgeSt&theParade,Norwood.

SATURDAY11MARCH-TangoDanceWorkshops

MuratwillteachtwoSaturdayafternoonworkshops.CreatingBridges(Inter/Advlevel)from12.30pm–2pmwillexploreheavyinternalworkofgroundingourselvesintothefloorwhilegraftingourarmsintheembrace.QualityofMovement(Inter/Advlevel)from2.15pm–3.45pmexploresthesustaininganddampeningeffectsofthemovementinthedance

partnership,andconceptsofeffortlesslyswingingfromsteptostep.Venue:DonPyattHall,CnrofGeorgeStandtheParade,Norwood

SATURDAY11MARCH

ARGENTINETANGOMILONGAwithTÁNGALOProudlypresentedbytheAdelaideFestival2017attheRiverbankPalais

Featuringlivemoderntangoquintet,TÁNGALOandArgentineTangoperformancesbyAndrew&AdrienneGill(SouthernCrossTango)&MarkStojani&YuliaKomissarova

(SiempreTango)andSocialDancingintheRiverbankPalaisballroom.EnteranintriguinglybeautifultangosalonwithAustralia’sbestmoderntangoquintet

Tángalo,whereyoucanwitnessthevirtuosityofprofessionaldancersandthenjointhemonthefloor.ThepowerfullyevocativemusicofArgentineTangocreatesanatmosphereofbarelycontainedpassionasperformersAndrewandAdrienneGilldancewithelegance,

sensualityanddynamicintensitymatchedbytheirjoyfulconnection.AstheeveningevolvesintoatraditionalMilonga,socialdancersimprovisetoasoundtrackfromArgentina’sgolden

age,asdancersdoinauthentictangotraditioninthedancehallsofBuenosAiresandbeyond.Venue:TheRiverbankPalais,AdelaideRiverbank,ElderPark.Show8pm-10pm

http://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/2017/argentinetangomilongaBooksoonasticketssellingfast!Goto:http://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/2017/theriverbankpalais

SUNDAY12MARCH-TangoDanceWorkshop

Murat’sfinaltangoworkshopPendulumEffectwithgive(yang)andreceive(yin)quality(Inter/Advlevel)isheldonSundaymorning11am–12.30pm,inaverypeacefulsession,yet

withcool,creativeandimprovisationalarrangements.Venue:ThebartonCommunityCentre,SouthRd(cnrAshwinParade),Torrensville.

SUNDAY12MARCH-TANGOBYTHESEAMILONGAwithGuestDJMuratErdemsel

ProudlypresentedbySouthernCrossTango,4pm–8pmatthebeautifulHenleySailingClub,1SeaviewRd,WestBeach.Enjoyabeautifulafternoonofsocialtangodancingbythesea,withspecialinternationalguestDJ,MuratErdemsel.Bringaplateofsuppertoshare.Fullylicensedbar(nobyo).Dress:Elegant.Tickets$15pp.BookingsSouthernCrossTangoPh:

0419309439orE:sctango@bigpond.comwww.facebook.com/SouthernCrossTango

MONDAY13MARCH(AdelaideCupDayPublicHoliday)PrivateLessonswithMuratErdemselfrom11ambyappointment,withprioritygiventogroupworkshopparticipants.Couplebookings(priority)orsinglefollowerbookings(nosingleleaders).$110USperhourpercouple+Studiofee($10AUD)Bookingsessential.

Venue:SouthernCrossTangoStudio,50KauriParade,Seacliff.

REGISTRATIONAllTangoWorkshops&MusicalityLecture:$150perperson.

CasualWorkshop:$30perperson.Couplebookingsforworkshopsarehighlyrecommended.

Forfurtherinformationcontact:

SiempreTangoph0400257027ordance@siempretango.net.auhttps://www.facebook.com/siempretango/

SouthernCrossTango-Adrienne&AndrewGillPh0419309439orE:sctango@bigpond.com

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernCrossTango/

‘Opera Tango’ at Mildura Arts Centre

Opera Tango is a new innovative classical concert bringing together Italian soprano Alessandra Cantin and guitarist Massimo Scattolin, violinist Simone Slattery, and tango dancers Adrienne and Andrew Gill. Featuring music from Carlos Gardel, Astor Piazzolla, Anibal Troilo, Cacho Castaña, Homero Manzi and many other composers, with arrangements by Massimo Scattolin. Opera Tango will be performed for one night only on Thursday 9 March 2017, 7.30pm at Mildura Arts Centre, 199 Cureton Ave, Mildura, Victoria. Tickets $30/27. http://milduraartscentre.com.au/Whats-On/SHOWS/Opera-Tango.aspx

Bootsmadeforworking:shoesmadefordancingWeloveagoodstoryaboutshoes-itgoeswiththetangoterritory.ATanguero’srelationshipwithhis/herdancingshoesmaybemoreintimatethananyother.Mypartnerhasaspecialrelationshipwiththetangoshoesinhislargecollection.Ifonlyourwornshoescouldspeak,theywouldtellstoriesliketheone(andonly)timewemadethemistakeofbothwearingpatentleathershoes.Whentwofeetcametogether,thingsbecamedangerouslysticky,likeusingsuperglueinsteadofmustardinyourbaguette.Thentherewasthestoryoftearsattheperfectcircularhole,punched,byacarelessfemaledancer,rightthroughtheleatherupperofmyfirstproperpairoftangoshoes(andmyinstep),afewminutesaftertakingtothedanceflooratmyfirstmilonga.Andthentherewasthegloriouslyimpracticalblack-and-white-animalprint,withemeraldgreenleathertrim,thatIan,atangofriendencouragedmetobuy,sayingemphatically,‘Youwillreallyregretit,ifyoudon’tgetthem.’Ofcourse,Iboughtthem.MelissaJaneFultonwroteagoodshoestory,withapunningNancySinatraallusioninthetitle,forTheBigIssue(TheseBootswereMadeforWorking,7–20October2016.It’sthestoryofArthur,acobbler,whohasbeenrepairingshoesat304VictoriaSt,Brunswicksince1968.Melissawrotethatthatwaswhenmilkwasdeliveredtoyourdoorbyhorseandcart,butIquestionwhethershe’sgotthebackgroundquiteright.Horse-drawnmilkcartsandbakers’vansdisappearedfromMelbournesuburbswellbefore1968.Arthur’sshophasnoneedofaname,becauseArthurhasone,hiscraftsmanshipspeakingforitself.Theshopisashrinetogoodwillandindustry,acharmingdivedrowninginthedetritusofalifespentfixing.There’snophone,eftpos,orcomputer,Arthuridentifiesaclient’sshoesbywritingtheirhousenumberinchalkonthesoles.HisBrunswickshop‘isashrinetogoodwillandindustry,acharmingdivedrowninginthedetritusofalifespentfixing’.InGeelong,wehaveashoemanlikethis,whohasalittleshoponLatrobeTerrace,oppositethe‘Cat’s’cradle,KardiniaPark,downtheroadfromourlate-night,after-classhamburgerjoint,KardiniaCafé.Myshoemanhasshoes‘likewoundedsoldierscoveringeverysurface,too,andhisshopisredolentwithmasculineleatherysmells.Myshoemanwillalwayshappilypunchextraholesinthestrapsofmytangoshoes,onthespot,andheneverchargesmeforthisservice.Hehasacoupleofpairsofmy‘CommeilFauts’,andisattemptingtoreplaceanklestrapsthatwereunreinforcedinthemakingandsuccumbedtooearlytosplitting.Disappointinginoneexpensivepairoftangoshoes,letalonetwo,purchasedaroundthesametime.Pairsofthesamelabelboughtyearsearlieraredancinghappilyon.Melissa’ssubject,Arthuris78years-old,andhebecameacobblerinhishomelandofGreece,whenhewas14years-old.Melissaassumedhelovedhiswork,buthesetherstraight,tellingherit’salright,but,ifhehadhistimeover,perhapshe’dbeachef.Andhere’sthekernelofArthur’sstory:‘Forhimit’snotaboutfindingtheonetruethingthatyou’remeanttodoandhavingitdefineyou,it’saboutcommittingtosomethinganddoingitwell.It’stheactofworking,andnottheworkitselfthatmarksalifewelllived.’

Intheshadowofhorribleevents,TangocanbringpeopletogetherMelbourne’sHeraldSunpublishedaPrideofAustraliasupplement,honouringpeoplewhodogood,braveandsensiblethings,andgenerallytrytomaketheworldabetterplace.Weneedmoresuchstories,moreconfirmationthatmankindisnotdoomedandcivilizationwillnot

disintegrateintodust.LukeVoogt,ajournalistattheGeelongIndyweeklynewspaper,makesithisbusinesstosourcegoodnewsstoriesaboutpeoplewhocontributetothecommunity.Hekeepsintouchwiththepulse,followsupleads,doesinterviews–asksthoughtfulquestionsandlistenstotheanswers.Hetakeshisownphotographs,ifacommercialphotographerisnotavailable.Professionaljournalistsusedtogooutlikethisanddigforfacts,makecontacts,doresearch,anddevelopandwritemulti-facetedstories.InJanuary,LukewroteastoryaboutPamandRichardJarvis’slongtangorelationship,andtheirmissiontosharetheirtangopassionwithpeopleintheircommunity.Bigcolorphotosaccompaniedthearticle,oneonthefrontpage.ButLuke’sarticledidmore,itgaveinsightintoanenduringpersonalanddancerelationship.WeencouragemorepeopleintangocommunitiesacrossAustraliatogetoutandtalkpublicallyaboutwhattangodoesforthem–howtangocanhealandameliorateunhappiness,buildself-esteem,developrespectforothers,andemptythemindandbodyofstressandtension.Thesethingsimpactuponpersonalrelationships,andourabilitytosocializeandbepartofacommunity.Ifwe,asasociety,areseriousabouttacklingissueslikeyouthcrime,domesticviolence,drugs,andtheterrorismthattakesrootindarkrecessesofalienatedminds,weshouldthinkaboutworkingtomakethebenefitsofbelongingtoacommunitymorewidelyavailable.AterrifyingrampageofevilintentleftatrailofdeathandinjuryalongMelbourne’sBourkeStreetmallandthroughtheCBD.Itwassickeningandtragic.WhowillnotrememberthiswhentheytaketheirkidstoseeMyer’sChristmaswindowsnextyear,orwhentheyplanadayofshopping,orsightseeing?Streetgangs,car-hijackers,beggars,drug-usersswellingtheranksofthehomeless,streetpeople,offendersfreeonbail,arejustthetipofanicebergofproblems.Theprisonsystemneitherrehabilitatesnorbreaksthecycleofcrime.Policedotheirwork,withthelimitedresourcessuccessivegovernmentshaveimposed,butthejudicialsystemisoverloadedanddecisionsoftendonotmeetcommunityexpectations.Ourwelfarestatehasinducedasenseofentitlement.WhyshouldIwork,whenIcangetbenefitstodonothing?WhyshouldInottakewhatsomebodyelsehas,ifIwantit?WhyshouldIstudy,iftherearenojobsintheforeseeablefuture?

Notionsofselfandpersonalresponsibilityhavechanged.Socialmediaconnectionsandmobilephoneshavereplacedmembershipofyouthgroups,sportingteams,fund-raisingcommittees,scouts,RedCross,churchgroups.It’snotjustaboutcrime.Yearsago,governmentdepartmentsclosedinstitutions.Adequatepolicieswerenotputintoplacetoprovidecareandmanagementforformerinmates,andpeopleinneedofongoing,psychiatriccare,medication,andsupervision.Asystemofpushingpeoplefromoneagencytoanothercameintobeing.Peoplefoundthemselvesonthestreet,orridingoninterstatebusesonfreetickets(toshiftresponsibilityelsewhere).Familiesstruggletocareforrelativeswithschizophrenia,bi-polarandothermentaldisorders,andviolentbehaviorpatterns.Lookatthesephotos,takenatarecentsocialevent.Itwasn’tatangonight.Abandwasplaying,nobodywasdancing.Littleeyecontact:lotsofcheckingmobilephonescreens.Notmuchevidentjoy.

Comparetheimagesabovewiththethosebelow,takenthefollowingnightinthesamecity,atatangoevent.Wehavesomethingwecancontributetomakeourworldabitbetter.

“Itisintheshelterofeachotherthatpeoplelive’,

AnIrishproverb,quotedintheBeacon,Spring2016

TheroleofmusicandpoeticlyricsMusictapsintoandfeedstheemotions,butmusicwithwordshasthepowertoengagetheintellectalso.Asawriter,I’velongbeenfascinatedbythewordsofsongs.ThelegacyofpoeticandprotestinglyricsmightbewhyIfellashardfortango,asIhaddoneforagenerationofAmericanandCanadianprotestsingersandsong-writers.BobDylangavevoicetomygeneration’sconcerns.IwasthrilledtohearofhisNobelLaureateforLiterature.TangosongsexpressthehistoryandthesoulofthepeopleofBuenosAires.Yettango’sthemesofnostalgiaforavanishedpast,distanthomeland,absentloverandmother,areuniversal.Songsandmusicthatreflecthumanlongingandregrettranscendculturalbarriers.Whenwedancetotangosongs,wedomorethanmoverhythmicallytoabeat,displayingourskill.Atangodancerimbueseverymovementwithsoulandeverymomentofthecreateddancewithemotionalpower.Itisalife-changingexperiencetowatchonecoupledancingamongstmanyothers,allbreathingandmovingtogetherseamlessly,respondinglikeonelivingorganismtoaspiritatlarge.ThiswasourfirstmilongaexperienceatClubAlmagro,andwewillneverforgetit.Tangoisareceptacleformemory.Dancerswalkintheshoesofthosewhohavedancedbeforethem.Whatisexpressedinthelyricsoftangosongs,andwhatisexperiencedinatangoembrace,canremindusofpastrelationships,goodandbad.Recordingsoforchestrasofthepastevokedifferenteras,oldstoriesconnectedtonewonescurrentlybeingwritten.Ourtangogroupincludessingles,whocametolearntodance,andfoundfriendshipandcomfortthroughtango,andanewpathwaytothefuture.AtaperformanceatTangoEncuentroinHobart,twoprofessionaltangocouples,ofdifferentgenerations,showedacapacityaudiencetheemotionalpower,beauty,andromanceoftango.Sydney-basedFabianandKarinaConcaareArgentine-born;theyoungercouple,AdrienneandAndrewGill,areofmulti-generationalAussie-Europeanlineage,livinginAdelaide.FabianandKarina’sperformancewasserious,sweet,andintense;AdrienneandAndrew’swasexciting,complexandgloriouslyjoyous.Eachwasdifferent;eachwasromanticandbeautifultobehold.Thedancersengagedandconnectedwiththeirpartnersandtheaudience,creatingtangothatinvitedpeopletocomeinandsharearelationship.

SocialdancersattheHobartTangoEncuentro2016

Timetolearn(orreturnto)tango?‘Don’tdiewonderingifyoucoulddosomething.Jumpinandhaveago.Don’tworryaboutfailure’

Areyoufeelingoutofconditionafteraholidaybreak?Ifyouwanttogetbackintogoodshape,likethesedancers(SarahandKylie),fromSCT’screativetangoperformancegroup,wehaveafewtips…

• Goregularlytotangoclasses.Traininasupportiveenvironmentwithlike-mindedenthusiasts.Rebuildyourskillsetandenjoyfeelingtheimprovementsinyourphysicalfitness.

• Setsmallrealisticgoalsandcelebratemilestones.Wenevermastertango–butwecanallgetbetteratit.

• Takeawalkafterameal.A10-minutestrollaftereachmealcouldhelpsufferersofType-2diabetescontrolthecondition,NewZealandUniversityresearchhasindicated.Regardlessofwhetheryousufferfromdiabetesornot,exercisingthreetimesaday,afterbreakfast,lunchanddinner,seemstolowerbloodsugarlevelsmoreeffectivelythangoingforasingle30-minutewalkeachday.Probablymeansweshouldeatbeforegoingontodancetango.

• Moveitorloseit.Doingatleast45minutesofmoderateintensityexercise(likedancingtango)makesit80%morelikelythatsufferersofarthritiswillmaintainorimprovetheirfunctionalhealth,comparedwiththosewhodolessphysicalactivity.

• Doloadbearingexercisetostrengthenyourbones,andeatdairy,leafygreens,almonds(goodcalcium)andbonyfish

• Drinkgreentea.Itreducesbloating,energizes,andkeepsyourbreathfresh.• Nibbleonbrazilnuts.Theyareasourceofmagnesiumtoincreaseenergylevelsand

helpcalmnerves• Eatcrunchyapples.Theyhelpkeepteethfreeofplaqueandhelpsalivaproduction

Returningtotangoafterinjuryorillness

‘Thephysicalbodyisamagnificentvehicleforustoexperiencelife,howeveritdoesn’tdefinewhoweare.Abeautifulmindandawarenessofouruniqueessencearejustasimportanttobeabletoliverichlivesandcontributetohumanity’

- JaiInder,abreastcancersurvivor,writingforTheBeacon,Summer2016IllnessandInjuriesimpactonbodyimageandself-esteem.Notbeingabletodosomethingwehavepreviouslyenjoyed,aswellasweoncedid,somethingthathasbeenanimportantpartofourlife,canbehardtocometotermswith.Andlearningtodosomethingagain,withlimitationsimposedbyillnessorinjury,isarealchallenge.Dancerssufferlotsofinjuriesoveralifetime.Bonesbreak,musclestear,sprainsandstrainsandligamentdamageoccur.RehabilitationfrominjuriesliketornAchillestendonsbecomesmoredifficultasthebodyages.Backinjuriesarecommoninmenastheyage–fluidbetweenthevertebraedriesout,anddiscscanrupture,withintensepainandnervedamagetheresult.Womendancersoftenhaveproblemswithbunions,plantarfasciitis,neuromasandotherpainfulfootconditions.Manydancerssufferfromarthritis.Cancerandheartattackscancomeoutoftheblueandbeashocktoyoursystem.Australiaisaworldleaderincancerandcardiacresearchandtreatment,andexerciseplaysanimportantroleinpost-operativerehabilitation.OnecardiologistinBuenosAiresusestangoaseffectivetherapyforpatientsrecoveringfromcardiacsurgeryandheartattacks.Restisasimportantasactivityinahealthyexerciseprogram.Restisevenmoreimportantforrecoverywhenthebodyisinjuredandinflammationispresent.Letyourdoctororphysiotherapistadviseyouwhenitisappropriatetoresumedanceactivityandgeneralexercise.Treatmentscanhaveallkindsofunanticipatedeffectsthatinfluencehowyoudancetango,whenyoureturntoit.Thebodyisdifferentaftersurgery.Swelling,nervedamageandlymphedemacanmakeyoufeelself-conscious,off-balance,andcreatedifficultiesinfeelingleadsinthetangoembrace.Thebody’stemperaturecontrolsystemsdonotworkastheyoncedid.Butthesethingsareminorimpediments.Youcangetover,oraroundthem,ifyouwanttodanceagain.Andyoushoulddanceagain–becausedancingtangoisgoodforeverybody.Doctorstellusthatregularexerciseisbeneficial–before,duringandaftertreatment.Exercisehelpsreducetheimpactofsideeffects,likejointpainandfatigue,andimprovesmood.Agrowingbodyofevidencesuggeststhatregularexercisecanreducetheriskofcancercomingback,andofdevelopingillnesseslikeheartdiseaseanddiabetes.

Theadviceistostartatamanageablelevelandgraduallyincreaseyouractivity.Askyourtangoteacherifyoucandopartofagrouplesson,watchingwhenyoufeeltired.Watchinganactivityyouenjoyhasbeneficialeffectstoo.Learningtodanceinyourheadisagoodskillfortango–andbeingpartofagroupofpeoplewhohaveasharedpassionisgreat.Weshouldallaimtobuildupto150minutesofmoderateintensityaerobicexerciseliketangodancing(30minutesaday,fivedaysaweek),plustworesistanceexercisesessionsusingmajormusclegroups(upperandlowerbody).(Therabandsaregoodfordancers).Youwillfind,intime,thatyoubecomemorepositiveinyourownskin,moreacceptingofwhoyouare.Seriousillnessandinjurycanmakeyoubraverandmorecompassionate–andtheseareverygoodqualitiesforatangodancertohave.Inpraiseof(being)theolderwomanApparently,wehaveanewlabel:‘freemales’.It’satermthatreferstowegirlsinourprime,female‘babyboomers’,whocontinuetobreakdownbarriersasweage.Itstandstoreasonthatwe‘girls’werenotgoingtosinkquietlyintogeriatricanonymity,norevenourdotage,attheonsetofgreyhairs,wrinkles,andchangingbodyshapes.GirlswhogrewupreadingGloriaSteinhamandGermaineGreer,hadaccesstothecontraceptivepill,worehotpantsandbodystockingstoconservativeclubs,tookpartinsit-ins,challengedtheEstablishment,tooktothestreetstodemonstrateagainsttheVietnamwar,burnedbras,campaignedforequality,embraced‘flowerpower’,andflirtedwithhippielifestyle,werenotgoingtobebanishedtositquietlyonsidelines,feelingleftontheshelf.Moreofthesewomenarehappilylivingalone.Somenevermarried,somearewidowed,somedivorced.Mostneverwanttohavetoshareahouseholdwithanotherman.ManohlaDargisinRightonSong,NewYorkTimeswritesthatemancipatedwomennolongerneedmentohavetheirhappilyeverafter.Apopularnightspotsinourcityis‘Lamby’s’.Youngmale‘tradies’,whofrequentitonaFridayandSaturdaynight,haveanothernamefortheplace.Theycallit‘PickupaGranny’.It’sareferencetoolderwomenwhogothereandshoutdrinksfortheyoungguys,whoreckonthismakesforagoodfreenightonthetown,withfringebenefits.Wearewomeninourprime,sailingintoourgoldenyears.We’vebeenaround,travelledoverseas,hadtimetoworkoutourplaceintheworld.Weknowwhatwewantandwhatwedonotlike.Weenjoyhavingconversationswithpeoplewholistentowhatwehavetosay.Weenjoygoingouttodinnertogether,havingafewdrinkssomewhere.Weliketodressupforaspecialoccasion,andweliketohavefun,andwewatchAbsolutelyFabulousandlaughourheadsoffathowappallingwewereonce.

Andinthatspirit,herearetwoofMargieDaniel’spoems…GRANDMA’STANGOMygrandma’slearningtangoShe’swearingfancyclothesSheevenhassomefancyshoesthattipheronhertoesShetalksaboutthemusicAndhowitgetshergoingIjustcan’tkeepupwithallherto-ingandherfro-ingGrandmasmadesomespecialfriendsTheyalllovetangotooIthinkI’llkeepaneyeonherToseejustwhattheydo!!IwillgoalongandwatchherShewilllovemebeingthereItisgoingtobewonderfulTowatchherdancewithoutacare.....

TANGOTARTSWecalledourselvestheTangoTartsWewerefrivolous,notshyWewerelearningallthetangostepsandhowtogivethe‘eye’OffwewentwithsparklyshoesHopingforthechancetoshowhowverygoodwewereatmasteringthisdanceWegavethe‘eye’andgotthenodWesteppedintohisarmsWethoughtitwouldbeeasytotempthimwithourcharmsItreallydidn’tlasttoolongItwasalmostfromthestartFeetwereflyingeverywherethewholedancefellapartThemusicendedjustintimeQuickfarewellsweremadeMaybetango’snotforusSoendsourescapade!

EXCITINGTANGOEVENTSACROSSAUSTRALIA Sunday 19 February, 2017, 4 – 8pm G & T Tango Soiree at ‘Rathlea’ in Geelong An elegant summer cocktail party, exploring the world of gins and aromatics, with food pairings, and an installation and parade of botanical printed silk garments, each one an individual work of art, created by Lucyna Opala (Igora) THIS EVENT IS BOOKED OUT!

TangoinAustralia

Tango Links & information at www.southerncrosstango.com.au

DARWIN northerntango@gmail.com http://sites.google.com/site/northerntango QUEENSLAND General l istings of tango schools & milongas throughout Queensland http://www.tangonut.com/news.html CANBERRA Tango Social Club of Canberra – includes a l isting of tango teachers in Canberra http://www.tangocanberra.asn.au SYDNEY General l istings of tango schools & milongas throughout Sydney Tango Australia http://www.tangoaustralia.com.au/p/finding-tango-school.html Sydney Tango Calendar http://www.sydneytango.com.au/WebModules/Calendar/Calendar.aspx Port Macquarie http://www.argentinetango.com.au/argentinetangoportmacquarie.html Bowral http://www.tangoencanto.com Newcastle https://tangonewcastle.wordpress.com HOBART Tango Milongueros tangomtas@gmail.com www.tangomilonguerotasmania.com & Facebook Tasmanian Club de Tango: tasmaniantangoclub@hotmail.com & www.tastangoclub.com PERTH Champagne Tango www.champagnetangoperth.com info@champagnetangoperth.com Port Macquarie Tango – tango.wendy@gmail.com Perth Tango Club - http://perthtangoclub.com Mi Serenata http://miserenatatango.com MELBOURNE Tango events calendar at Melbourne Tango Events at www.sidewalktango.com.au or www.melbournepractica.org Café Dominguez Tango Club - Marce & Hernan cafedominguezaustralia@gmail.com Rina Joy & Nadim Sawaya – www.rinajoy.j imdo.com rinakoseki@yahoo.com.au Robles Dance Academy http://www.roblesdance.com Sidewalk Tango, www.sidewalktango.com.au - david@sidewalktango.com.au Solo Tango – albertocortez@bigpond.com https://sites.google.com/site/solotangoaustralia Tango Bajo tangobajo@gmail.com www.australl iantango.com.au www.facebook.com/TangoBajo Tango Butterfly www.tangobutterfly.com.au dana@tangobutterfly.com.au Tango Tambien www.tangotambien.com leighis@fastmail.fm www.facebook.com/Tangotambien Viva www.vivadance.com.au info@vivadance.com.au Chris Corby Chris_corby@hotmail.com Melbourne Tango hosts Milonga at Czech House, 497 Queensberry St, Nth Melbourne, 2nd Sunday of month http://www.melbournetango.com Melbourne Practica Group Inc www.melbournepractica.org - Tango Melbourne- reneefleck84@gmail.com tangomelbourne.com.au Project NFT (Neo Fusion Tango) rjh@keypoint.com.au Victoria Tango Australia www.victoriatango.com.au leonelcolque@hotmail.com GEELONG Community Tango in Geelong richardandpam@mac.com www.facebook.com/CommunityTangoInGeelong

PHOTOS from TANGO BY THE SEA MILONGA – February 2017

ADELAIDE TANGO TANGO ADELAIDE CLUB Milongas & Special events. 10th Birthday Milonga, Saturday 4 February, 8pm -12 at Estonian Hall, Nth Adelaide. $15. Club Milonga – 1st Saturday of the month, Saturday 4 March, 8pm – 12 at Chandelier Room, Druids Hall, 2 Cassie St Collingswood. $10. www.tangoadelaide.org TANGO SALON Classes, Milongas & Special events. Comme Il Faut Milonga – Sunday 19 February, 4-8pm at Mt Osmond Golf Club, Mt Osmond. $10. www.tangosalonadelaide.blogspot.com SIEMPRE TANGO Classes, Milongas, Practicas & Special events. Weekly Practica every Thursday 8-9.30pm at North Adelaide Community Centre, 176 Tynte St, North Adelaide. $5. Monthly Milonga – Friday 24 February, 8.30pm at Dom Polski Centre, 232 Angas St, Adelaide. www.siempretango.net.au

SOUTHERN CROSS TANGO Classes, Milongas, Practicas & Special events. Practica Milonga – 1st Thursday of the month, 7-9pm at Thebarton Community Centre, South Rd & Ashwin Pde, Torrensville. $10. La Calesita Milonga – Saturday 25 February, 8-11pm at Quick Steps Studio, 255 Gouger St, Adelaide. $15. Tango by the Sea Milonga with guest DJ Murat Erdemsel – Sunday 12 March 4-8pm at Henley Sailing Club, 1 Seaview Rd, West Beach. $15. www.southerncrosstango.com.au

SOUTHERNCROSSTANGO

MONDAYS-UnleyCurrentCourse:Monday16January–6March2017

Nxt4WkCourse:Monday20March–10April2017(NoclassesEasterMonday17April)Beginner7pm+PRACTICA8pm,Intermediate8.30pm@UnleyRSL,29ArthurSt,UNLEY

TUESDAYS–SeacliffCurrentCourse:Tuesday7–28February2017

Nxt4WkCourse:Tuesday21March–11April2017Beginner/Openlevel7-8pm(Couplebookingspreferred)

Bookingsessential-Ph0419309439orsctango@bigpond.com@SouthernCrossTangoStudio,50KauriParade,SEACLIFF

WEDNESDAYS-TorrensvilleCurrentCourse:Wednesday1February–22March2017

Nxt8WkCourse:Wednesday29March–24May2017(noclassesWed19April)Intermediate7pm–8pm+PRACTICA(Openlevel)8pm–8.30pm;Advanced8.30-9.30pm

@ThebartonCommunityCentre,SouthRd(cnrAshwinPde),TORRENSVILLE

PRACTICAMILONGA-1stThursdayofthemonth7pm–9pm@ThebartonCommunityCentre,SouthRd,TORRENSVILLE

PRIVATETUITION&SpecialCourses

PrivateLessonswithAndrew&AdrienneGill(byappointment)Ph0419309439TangoTechniqueTrainingforWomen:

CurrentCourse:Saturday4–25February,9-10am(bookingsessential)Nxt3WkCourse:Saturday25March-8April,9-10am(bookingsopennow)

@SouthernCrossTangoStudio,50KauriParade,SEACLIFF------------------------------------------------------------

COMMUNITYTANGOINGEELONG(Victoria)

Venue:ChristChurchhall,cornerofMoorabool&McKillopStreets,GeelongGroupandprivatelessons,socialnights,events,dancetraining&bodyconditioning(women)

February6(everyFirstMondayofthemonth):Class,Supper&Social,7.30pm.Wed15,Monday20&27February–Groupclasses,level1&2-7.30&8.30pmSpecialevent:SundayFebruary19,4–8pm–G&TTangoSoireeatRathlea

Monday6March:Supper&SocialNightwithMargie&TerryThursday9–Monday13March–LongtangoweekendinAdelaidewithMurat,SCT&SiempreTango

Wed15&Monday20March–OpenlevelgroupclasswithMargie&Terry,7.30pmMonday27March–Level1&Level2groupclasseswithPam&Richard

Victorianteachers:Pamela&RichardJarvis–0417531619.Erichardandpam@mac.comhttps://www.facebook.com/CommunityTangoInGeelong

SouthernCrossTangoAndrew&AdrienneGill

Ph:0419309439E:sctango@bigpond.comhttps://www.facebook.com/SouthernCrossTango

www.southerncrosstango.com.au