Luciana Valle returns to Portland! June 22-28, 2016

For at least a decade now, I have organized a bi-annual visit to Portland by the incredible Luciana Valle.  Each time she comes, I am reminded of why I do this: she is an exceptional teacher.

This time, she will come in June.  The details of her visit are being worked out right now, but since so many people like to plan their tango money and time to make the most of her visit, I thought it a good idea to at least get her dates online!

If you want to reach me about it, please email at meganpingree@comcast.net. 

The Very Last Corazón de T ango


Friday Sept 30th
is
a 5th (Philanthropy) Friday of the month
and
a benefit
for the Portland Tango Community Fund!
and
the very last Corazón de Tango!

We (Scott Forbes and I) want it to be
special, yet affordable
fun, yet low-key
with a focus on just dancing, talking, nibbling
-- enjoying the company of friends old & new
while raising money for the Fund.

So!
there will be NO auction, silent or otherwise, no videos, no raffles.
I (Megan) will teach the Lesson for Beginners & Reviewers from 8 - 9:00.
Scott will talk VERY VERY VERY VERY briefly about the Fund.

Most importantly,
MOMO will DJ really wonderful, irresistible tango music
from 9 - 12:30.

The food will be better than ever
and
the cost will be lower than ever!
Just $5 minimum (of course with an option, of course, to give more).

Please join us for
good food! good folks! good fun!
one last time at Corazón de Tango
for the Fund.
(at the Berretin, 6305 SE Foster Rd, Portland)

If you really need more info, contact meganpingree@comcast.net

Ah-HEM!
Happy September, Portland area Argentine Tango Dancers!

This is not a farewell speech. I am not leaving Portland, nor dying of anything (that I know of).
I just seem to be in a phase marked by a sustained urge to let go of what I've been doing for a long time, to make room for whatever might come next!
So ...
my much-loved house of 23 yrs is on the market,
I have retired from ~ 15 yrs of dedicated tango festival organizing,
and
I am retiring Corazon de Tango after enthusiasticly hosting it for ~ 10? yrs).
(I will continue to assist Alex & Bill, teach private lessons,
offer occasional mini-special workshops, and
infrequently bring a "hotshot" to town to teach.
And more frequently, I hope, go out dancing!)

This September is the last month of
Corazón de Tango.
There are 5 Fridays in the month:
the 2nd Friday, on the 9th, to be Dj'd by Rahul (from Portland's fine crop of newer Dj's!)
the 4th Friday, on the 23rd, to be Dj'd by Pamela Roman (a seasoned pro from Eugene!)
and the 5th (PHILANTHROPY) Friday, on the 30th, to be Dj'd by Momo (one of Portland's newest!)

Most of the Philanthropy Fridays have called for highlighting painful realities
-- children with cancer, homeless war vets,
survivors suffering the aftermath of earthquakes in Haiti and Japan,
and so on (and on) --
in order to move attendees to donate their hard-earned money to The Cause.

This time I want to back it up a step,
by
focusing on the relatively healthy ground from which philanthropy springs
-- in this case, the Portland Tango Community.
In the interest of keeping the local tango scene healthy, open and vibrant,
the super-experienced Scott Forbes is administering
The Portland Tango Community Fund
to provide financial assistance to worthy dancers,
encouraging their enthusiasm for the dance,
and supporting their fullest participation in the local tango culture.
Who knows what such a tanguero/a might contribute?
Dancing, for sure!
+
Djing? musical aptitudes? cinematography skills?
teaching and/or performing whiz-bang-ery?
artwork? brilliant event ideas? execution/implementation talents?
??? ??? ??????? ??? ???

On a more personal level,
I want this evening to give back to Portland tango
in thanks for all that Portland tango has given me:
a platform for causes I care about,
a training ground for my fledgling organizational impulses,
an incubator for my energies and passions,
a nest of fellow enthusiasts, playmates and workmates,
and of course, trance dances!

You'll be hearing much more about the Philanthropy Friday to benefit the Portland Tango Fund
as the time grows closer.

Meanwhile,
please stop by
one or all of the September
Corazones de Tango!

Tangazos, Megan

$3230 to Mercy Corps from 1000 Cranes Milonga on FRIDAY night alone!

Well, it's taken me a few days to collect all the info
and get enough sleep that I can trust my basic math skills.

But here's the bottom line:
1000 Cranes Milonga on Friday raised
$3374 for Mercy Corps/Japan!
Pacific NW tango people, I adore you! -- I especially appreciate:

Tommy & everyone at The Purest Cafe
for the space, $1 on every drink sold + help with setup & cleanup;

Benita Legarza and Marlana Boyd for offering Tommy's space to Corazon de Tango
& then putting in COUNTLESS hours on a huge range of related projects
to make it all happen;

Johanna Cummings, Michael Fisher and Nancy Reid
for all the auction posters + bid & raffle sheets;

Scott Kelley for sound set-up, and Jerry Wallach and Bill Alsup for the components;

Alex Krebs, Hannah Poston, Chisao Hata, Christine Knight, Marlana, Peter Zisa, Yukiko Vossen, Joe Powers & John Mery for performing,

Caroline Peattie for the lesson, DJing and MCing!;

crews of folks who handled the door, the bid sheets and the raffle;

Polly for flocks of cranes; Larry Dworkin for 1000 cranes;

all the generous folks who offered items for auction and raffle;

Carrie Whipple & Matthew Schwartzberg for telling us about
Mercy Corps' work in Japan;
...
I am surely forgetting some folks without whom it wouldn't have worked!
Well, the obvious folks are all of you who came,
giving your money, time and energy for the cause.
I hope you had a really good time doing it!
It's not too late to contribute if you missed it earlier. Go to the Portland Tango Community's Mercy Corps/Japan web site:
Domo Arigato.

1000 Tangos for Japan/Mercy Corps


When?
Fri, April 29, 7:30pm – Sat, April 30, 1:00am
Where?
New Market Theatre Atrium. Enter thru the Purest Cafe, 115 SW Ash St, Portland
Why?
Japan has suffered a multi-faceted catastrophe that calls for an international response. That's very abstract, but what it comes down to is a lot of INDIVIDUAL responses, channeled effectively. Mercy Corps, along with its partner, Peace Winds, is well-positioned to continue to deliver emergency supplies to families evacuated from homes in four tsunami-stricken cities in northeastern Japan. And to provide micro-financing and other forms of economic stimulus. And they are launching Comfort for Kids, a program to help children recover from the emotional effects of a large-scale disaster.

Description
We will be participating in the Portland Tango Community's "1,000 TANGOS for JAPAN" (Mon 4/25 - Sun 5/1). We aim to have an especially fun tango event, while raising money for Mercy Corps' invaluable work. Note the vintage Portland tango-virgin venue! Other great features:
7:45: 8:45 Lesson for Beginners and Reviewers by Caroline Peattie from San Francisco!!
8:45 PM - 1:00AM Fun, experienced DJ, Caroline again :-)
(Caroline is also doing the Women's Tango Jam on 4/30 http://stumptowntango.blogspot.com/)
Silent auction
Drawings for prizes
Special performance piece by choreographer/dancer Chisao Hata + tango's own Christine Knight, with Yukiko Vossen on the koto!
Tango performance by our beloved Alex and Hannah
Live tango dance music by internationally acclaimed Joe Powers & John Mery
Tasty food, and more!
Stay tuned for more details.
Your host, Megan Pingree -- with huge help from Benita Lagarza.
Minimum donation: $15.
For info call Megan 503 222-4691, or email meganpingree@comcast.net. Check back here for updates.
How to Help?
Well, the quickest, easiest way, I suppose, is simply to go to the Portland Tango Community's Mercy Corps Donation page (http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/portlandtangocommunity0) and enter the info!
A much more fun way is to come to Corazon de Tango on Friday April 29th at the New Market Theatre Building!
BE THE CHANGE

Megan's 2nd Followup on Lu's Follower's Technique Workshop

At Luciana's suggestion:
FOLLOWER'S TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP #2

The intention with these workshops is to work in depth with concepts presented in Luciana's Follower's Technique Workshop on April 23rd.
If you weren't there, it doesn't matter. Here's another chance. :-)
There will be several sessions,
each on a different topic,
at various times, TBD,
over the next couple of months.

The 2nd workshop, Sunday May 23rd, 11:30am - 12:45pm
at the Viscount Dance Studio B,726 E. Burnside St., Portland

Tango Torque:
spirals (from the top down), pivots, ochos, and molinetes

The cost is $10. (cash or check)

We'll do solo and paired exercises to work towards incorporating the concepts.
It's open to anyone (of any gender) wanting to improve their following skills.
Appropriate for beginners - high intermediate level followers.
(Presumably, if you're advanced, this is old news to you.
Still, depending on your background and/or role in the community, you might find it different and interesting. Or you might just like some reminders.)
When the technique is different for open and close embrace,
we'll address it.

What else?
Be ready to work! and to have fun!
Consider bringing flats and heels.

Future workshops will focus on other aspects of following technique --
torsion (spirals from the bottom up), calecitas, styling/embellishing, etc.

Contact me at meganpingree@comcast.net if you'd like more info!

Megan's 1st Followup on Luciana's Follower's Technique Workshop

At Luciana's suggestion:
FOLLOWER'S TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP #1

The intention with these workshops is to work in depth with concepts presented in Luciana's Follower's Technique Workshop on April 23rd.
If you weren't there, it doesn't matter. Here's another chance. :-)
There will be several sessions,
each on a different topic,
at various times, TBD,
over the next couple/few months.

The 1st workshop, Sunday May 2nd, 11:30am - 12:45pm
at the Viscount Dance Studio B,726 E. Burnside St., Portland
Fundamental, Essential Details of Follower's Posture and Walking
(spine/ribs/back, free leg stretch, relaxed collection of the free leg, propelling with the standing leg, transfer of weight, the arms, connection/groundedness, axis management, take-home exercises, ... you get the idea!)

The cost is $10. (cash or check)

We'll do solo and paired exercises to work towards incorporating the concepts.
It's open to anyone (of any gender) wanting to improve their following skills.
Appropriate for total beginners - high intermediate level followers.
(Presumably, if you're advanced, this is old news to you.
Still, depending on your background and/or role in the community, you might find it different and interesting. Or you might just like some reminders.)
When the technique is different for open and close embrace,
we'll address it.

What else?
Be ready to work! and to have fun!
Consider bringing flats and heels.

Future workshops will focus on other aspects of following technique --
torsion (spirals from the top down and the bottom up), molinetes, styling/embellishing, etc.
This future material works a lot better if the foundations of Posture & Walking are solid!

Contact me at meganpingree@comcast.net if you'd like more info!

Inquiring Minds Want to know!

Since folks are asking:
1. Here's the deal on AUDITING LUCIANA'S WORKSHOPS!
IF I have you on the Wait List for a certain workshop, and
IF you are on site for that workshop, and
IF there is still not a slot available so you can take that workshop,
you may pay half the price of that workshop, and audit.
"Audit" means you stay where you can see and hear the workshop. You may take notes, but you may not use any cameras. And if you're not silent, may you suffer bombardment with peanut M&Ms for the duration of Piazzolla's Milonga del Angel (5:26).
The max length of the Wait List is 3 people in each role.

See post below for details re: her workshops, privates, mini-specials, pricing, etc!
January 2010 is
:-) STEVEN PAYNE month :-)
at
CORAZON de TANGO
6305 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR

(Fridays: Jan. 8th, 22nd and 29th)

Drop-in beginners lesson
8:00 - 9:00 (with Megan)

DJ: Steven Payne (9:00 - 12:30)
* good music * good snacks * good folks * good fun *

$7 (or $5 for students)
includes lesson + dance

Contact Megan at meganpingree@comcast.net for more info if you really need more.

PORTLAND – SAN FRANCISCO PROJECT

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.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)