Two of the bay area's favorite teachers are in town this month, and some very special events are planned.
Nito and Elba's granddaughter, Milagro, is 3 1/2 years old an confined to a wheelchair. She does not have the use of her legs due to complications at birth. Although she has had physical therapy, improvement has not been significant. Nito and Elba are hoping that a specialist in Cuba will be able to help her. They need some financial assistance. As usual, bay area milongueros are stepping up to be counted. Following is a chronological listing of events for Milagro. 7/15: Nito and Elba will teach the advanced class at The Danceasy at 8 pm. The class proceeds will be donated to them for Milagro. $12 includes the class and milonga from 9 pm to 1 am. Emilio Flores will be your DJ. 9951 San Pablo Ave. (upstairs), El Cerrito, CA. 510/524-9100; www.danceasy.com is the website; [email protected] is the email address. 7/21: Ruddy Zelaya and Judith Farkas are donating the proceeds of their milonga at the American Legion Hall, 347 First St. (off San Antonio Road), Los Altos. Admission is $15. You can contact them at 510/889-1672, or email Ruddy at [email protected]. Their website is www.milongas.com. Nito and Elba will be available for private lessons before the milonga, and as of this writing 6 pm is still available. They will teach a basic class at 7 pm, an intermediate class at 8, and the milonga will run from 9 to midnight. 7/28: Barbara and Al Garvey have pledged the proceeds of their milonga, Lo de Barbarita, to help Milagro. The milonga will be held at the Fairfax Women's Club, 46 Park, Fairfax. $10 includes refreshments. There will be a class with Al and Barbara from 8 to 9. They can be reached at 415/453-5275; email [email protected]. 7/29: The Danceasy will sponsor a raffle, "Miracle for Milagro," at the milonga. Prize donations will be gratefully accepted. We've already received what can only be described as a GRAND prize from Irene Athanasopoulos; she will donate her BsAs apartment for a week to some lucky winner! We could use donations of lessons, milongas, T-shirts, chachkes, handmade goods (many bay area dancers are artistically inclined) - we're open to all kinds of suggestions. If any TANGO-L subscribers wish to donate via internet (shoe dealers, CD dealers, etc.), we wouldn't turn you down. We might even have Chef Robin whip up special goodies for a bake sale. Raffle tickets will be $2 each or 3 for $5. Winners must be present. Class 8-9 taught by Gale Robinson, milonga to 1 am deejayed by Ruddy Zelaya. $12 class and dance, $10 dancing only. Bring all your disposable income! Location and contact information above. Kate Schonmeyer, The Danceasy
