The second annual Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentino began on Sunday in Buenos Aires with the opening dance at Club Espanol. Classes began on Monday in four locations.
Last night I attended the milonga at Centro Region Leonesa called Noche de los Milongueros. I estimate an attendance of more than 350 including participants and teachers of the Congreso and many local dancers as well. Gustavo Naveira and Fabian Salas, organizers of the CITA, introduced the milongueros who performed. El Tano Guillermo learned to dance in the milongas of Buenos Aires as a teenager more than 50 years ago. Chiche and Marta teach at Torquato Tasso. Geraldo Portelea and Susana have danced many years at Sin Rumbo. Tete and Sylvia are well-known as teachers. The evening had not only recorded music provided by Mario Orlando, but two orchestras. First, we enjoyed the style of Juan D'Arienzo from Los Reyes del Tango. It was hard to stay seated while they played. Then later in the evening, Gente de Tango played the style of Carlos Di Sarli. When you thought you couldn't dance another tango, you did. Their music was wonderful. My partner danced to the orchestra of Di Sarli many years ago in the milongas of Buenos Aires. This orchestra made the evening memorable for him. We left at 4am but I understand the milonga didn't end until 5am. And classes begin at 12:30pm.
