A 2-part tango feast:
2 weeks apart,
with 2 different sets of chefs
(all joining us from San Fran)
presenting 2 different, complimentary tango flavors.
Friday May 29 thru Monday June 1.
Chefs: Homer and Cristina
Friday June 12 thru Sunday June 14.
Chef: Felipe Martinez
The Rationale
Like good food, Argentine tango is a multi-faceted experience. And the criteria for appreciating it are highly subjective and personal. Sometimes our preferences for one flavor or one style are based partly on preconceived notions, a bad experience inappropriately generalized, and/or an undiscovered sensibility.
A Little History
In the Portland tango scene, we have a very long tradition of exploring a wide range of tango flavors. We started back in 1993 with "open", then welcomed "close", then "nuevo" – and everything in between! And we've amicably debated the characteristics and merits of each flavor as it has arrived in town.
Our Mission
This Project is not an attempt to end the debate or choose one flavor as The Best. The idea is to continue the exploration.
What are the differences and commonalities?
How much cross-over and blending is there?
Do these teachers approach movement, or connection, or musicality in similar ways?
What flavor combos are most pleasing to your palate?
Personnel
Megan Pingree is organizing for Homer and Cristina.
Laurie Ann Greenberg is organizing for Felipe.
We are all working together to create a fun, extended tango feast in which you are invited to participate at the level of your choice.
Guests
You could just sample a little of each weekend.
You could feast on just one cuisine.
You could really stuff yourself by taking in everything, both weekends!
Don't forget that you have a full 2 weeks between weekends to digest and incorporate.The remainder of this post is about Homer and Cristina's portion of the San Francisco-Portland Project. For details about Felipe's portion, see Laurie Ann's blog: stumptowntango.blogspot.com
Pricing noted below is á la carte. For Prix Fixé details, see the blog entry below.
Friday May 29th thru Monday June 1st
Chefs: Homer & Cristina
Homer and Cristina are such a treasured source of tango skills -- and poetry in motion. They are all about connection and organicity in the dance. Their teaching is very clear, fun, and caring. Their dancing is expressive, innovative -- so musical, so interactive. Whether you call yourself "traditional", "nuevo", or (like them) eschew the labels, you will find yourself dancing better, and loving the process of learning from them.
All dishes are served at the Berretín (6305 SE Foster Rd)
except:
the Thursday demo at the Northstar (635 N. Killingsorth Ct.)
the Sunday lesson at the Viscount (724 E. Burnside St)
and some of the private lessons (to be arranged).
HOMER & CRISTINA'S MENU
THURSDAY CAFÉ CON LECHE
Demo performance during the North Star Milonga. 9 – 12:30 Northstar Ballrm, 635 N. Killingsorth Ct. $7
FRIDAY APERITIVOS
12 – 2pm Lunchtime Guided Practica. Homer & Cristina will explore the theme of the "Hard Side", and/or help with whatever you are cooking up. (all levels) $8
6:45 – 8 Follower's Technique. Workshop #1 A yummy tasting experience! Need I say more? Open to both genders. (all levels) $20
8 – 9pm Beginners/Fundamentals Lesson. (Welcome to total beginners & reviewers.) $5
9 – 12:30 Corazón de Tango Milonga. DJ: Homer will be serving up his special blend of music -- mostly Golden Age (at least 80%) and some beyond Golden Age (~20% or less). $7
SATURDAY
MAIN COURSES / PLATOS
1 - 2:15 The Walking Game. Workshop #2 Fundamental yet advanced ways to connect in open or close embrace, while walking backward or forward, (ending with a polished pattern to enhance this feeling). (all levels) $20
2:30 - 3:45 Selective Hearing. Workshop #3 Sorting out and emphasizing 4 categories of musical expression – including rhythm, melody, transitions and lyrics. (all levels) $20
SAVORY SIDE DISH
5 – 7pm Music Jam. Come join Homer and Portland musicians & singers for a fun get together and musical experience. Interested musicians will work through and play several tango songs via lead sheets. Also, interested singers will form a chorus section and sing for several of the jam songs. Free!
SUNDAY
BRUNCH / DESAYUNO
1 – 2pm Fundamental Technique at the Viscount Dance Studio, 724 E. Burnside St. The regular practica, hosted by Bill Alsup from 2 – 5:45, is included in the cost of the lesson. (all levels) $10
AFTERNOON NOSH
3:15 - 4:30 Dynamic Turns in Any Embrace. Workshop #4. Leaders will explore ways of strengthening & centering their turn lead: followers will refine their turning technique & learn how to adapt to various embraces. (intermed, adv levels) $20
4:45 - 6:00 The Art of the Wrap. Workshop #5. This class presents and refines the leg wrap via turns and ochos, including options for the follower's exit. (adv intermed - adv levels) $20
JAM / FIESTA
8 – 10pm Miilonga/Jam! A scrumptious blend of live and DJ'd music for your dancing pleasure. The musicians and singers who play with Homer during Saturdays' Music Jam will offer a semi informal performance jam for tango dancers. Donation
MONDAY
DESSERTS / POSTRES
6:45 – 8pm One Dynamic Alteration Class. This class develops one alteration which can be done in open and close embraces with rhythmic variations. (adv level) $20
OFF THE GRILL / A LA PARILLA
Private Lessons available Friday and Monday. To schedule, contact Megan at 503.222-4691 or meganpingree@comast.net. $90/hr
To enhance the quality of your dining experience
for the 5 Workshops plus the Monday Advanced Class,
"seating" is limited to
only 15 leaders and 15 followers.
Megan (meganpingree@comcast.net) will handle your reservations
for both H&C's and prix fixe packages including Felipe's dishes.
Mail checks to Megan Pingree, xxxxxxx, Portland, OR.
or catch me at the Sunday practica.
Laurie Ann (lova58@hotmail.com) will welcome your reservations
for dishes prepared solo by Felipe.
So if you want any dish by Felipe that is not part of a #1 -5 workshop package,
Laurie Ann's your girl.
Homer and Cristina are well known, much loved members of Portland's extended tango family. Each with over 11 years of tango experience, they win 5-Star ratings for their festival teaching here. They are world class "chefs" whose tango flavors emphasize the union of traditional and next generation Argentine Tango dancing.
