Tango is not so much a dance as a passion and members of Los Tangueros del Lago (LTL) are determined to share theirs by encouraging others to celebrate this art form, practiced in almost every city around the world.
Beginning March 17, the week’s program includes two classical ciné-tango films, three dance workshops and seminars, and a traditional milonga evening.
Many of us have preconceived ideas about tango, the flamboyant dance with the exotic history. Members of LTL have studied Argentine tango for the last four years, and according to member Carole Stern, salon tango bears little relationship to the stage/show tango – with which most of us are familiar.
LTL’s program offers a fascinating chance to learn all about the evocative art form and history, through the practice and etiquette of “real” tango, from noted expert and tango exponent José Fernando Villada Alzate.
Villada, 47, grew up in Manizales, Colombia of indigenous descent. Now a commercial lawyer, he coaches youth football and promotes cultural events. His passion is the Argentinian tango. Five years ago he opened his own club, Tiempo de Tango, in Manizales. He also hosts a radio show, “Caldas 96.3” featuring tango music.His love of tango was influenced by his uncle Ivan, who remembered the time of the colonists. Then, the “King of Tango” Carlos Gardel, and others, came to the city carrying their music albums in their mule’s packs and playing when the day’s hard labor was done. In the cradle of the Colombian coffee lands, this music remains vivid today, particularly after Gardel died in a plane crash in Medellin in 1935.
Maestro Villada will introduce the events of the week’s program. It opens on Monday March 17 with two examples of ciné tango at El Piano Rojo at 7:30 p.m. “La Puta y la Ballena” (2004) by well-known Argentinian director Luis Puenzo is followed on Tuesday by the Oscar nominated “Tango” (1998), written and directed by Spain’s acclaimed Carlos Saura. Tickets: 100 pesos plus two drinks minimum. Reservations: El Piano Rojo (376) 766-2876.
The Argentine tango workshops and seminars follow from March 20-22 at Villa Montecarlo, Hidalgo 296, Chapala, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a buffet brunch in the garden, included each day.
The surroundings are idyllic. Large windows in the dance salon offer beautiful views of the lake, as Villada takes you through the moves of the sultry Argentine tango. Stern says, “It’s not about learning a rigid series of steps. It’s about learning to move, to interpret the subtleties and the music, while learning about the discipline and etiquette.”
The cost is 1,995 pesos for the three days or 690 pesos for one day. For reservations and more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A “milonga,” an Argentine tango social dance, will close the program. People come alone or with a partner. Music is usually played in “tandas” – sets of three or four songs. In between “tandas” there’s a “cortina,” a short non-tango musical interlude of some 30 seconds or so. This is the customary time to change partners or take a break.
The “cabeceo” is interesting. The man looks at the woman indicating with a movement of his head that he would like to dance. If she accepts the “cabaceo,” she will meet his gaze, move towards him and they will tango.
The milonga will be held at El Jardin de Ninette on Saturday March 22, 7:30 p.m. Why not go for dinner to watch, or practice your new dance steps? Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.