Last 2 Recent Articles

"The Mystique of the Volcada"

"Tango...Place of Gathering "

Maki Itami Zeycan Bobbi

Dear All:

Hard to imagine that three years has passed since we first open the doors to Tango Magdalena. As we celebrate the New Year, I want to take time to pause and thank those who have brought into the space, and continue to do so, their invaluable contributions. That is - you, the patrons of Tango Magdalena.

We make a commitment to – and we compliment - Tango Magdalena for being a place to gather socially and a space to dance in passionately. To that commitment, I always bring attention to its “composition”; it is all of your inner gentleness that conveys the unique aura that is Tango Magdalena. The walls alone do not achieve this quality. You have brought in here your inner Light to add to and share with others; and the enchantment has ensued. In the Tango milieu, it’s not an ordinary thing to come to a milonga, knowing in advance that you will indeed dance, and hoping that no one will put you down because you are a beginner or because you are not part of a certain clique. At Tango Magdalena, we view gentleness as the essential energy in making the visit pleasant and enjoyable. I quote someone I heard over the radio who has adopted an idea from a friend of his: “It is nice to be nice”.

I want to take this opportunity to mention my former partner Bianca Blesching with whom I started the Tango Magdalena space. She brought in here her inner Light and allowed ours to shine. We thank her for her participation.

We have been blessed to enjoy the friendship of people like Facundo Posadas and Pampa Cortes who enjoyed teaching in our space. Many other instructors have followed this prestigious line. As you know, we also have Salsa instructions in the space with Alvaro Batista and Mela Saunders. In addition, we have enjoyed having Pilates instructions in the studio with Judith Hutchenson, a great sustained and growing activity.

Several artists have also joined in, from the very first artist to exhibit his work here - Bill Weprin - to the current artist, Jody Frost. Thank you to all: Mariela de la Paz, Margaretta Mitchell, Natasha and Vladimir Dikareva, Theresa Moore, David and Sarah Levin.

Thank you also to two DJs who have been fantastic in helping the music flow here: Zeycan and Bobbi.

Thank you to the very generous people who have always managed to bring something to share: Marshall, Grace, Farhad, Hediye, Terrie, Nicki, Christina, Susan Watson and Lance (we’ve also enjoyed the artful presence of their daughter, Lauren), Celina, and Suzanne. We’ve also had spontaneous helpers who have stepped in to help set up or even run the whole milonga when vacation time was needed; I think of Kate Henke, Suzan Zaninovich, Chitten Baarste, Andrea Eccard. I also want to acknowledge my editor, Ellen Mulholland, who has been available to polish my writing.

I salute the new people who have joined: Vivian Bui and Lindsey Newdold. They are alternating to teach Tango with me. I also salute Robyn Donaldson and Maki Itami, our new yoga instructors.

So, as we let 2011 settle upon us, I wish you all a great year full of solid health, positive and elevating emotions. Above all, may Love be with you all!!

Thank you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Jean-Pierre Sighé