I have absolutley nothing to gain from writing this ... but I must! My wife and I just returned from the "Tango Fireworks 2002" event in Los Angeles, California. (June 28 - July 6) The 8 day festival featured classes every day and dancing every night.
We thought this was the best Tango event we've ever attended: the teachers were terrific, our fellow dancers were courteous, and the venue was superb. The event was held at the exquisite Crowne Plaza, in Redondo Beach, California. The hotel staff was wonderful ... refrigerators in the rooms made it easy to keep light meals, beverages and snacks at hand. The weather was beautiful ... between and after our classes we walked to a variety of fine restaurants, shops, beaches and scenery. Another plus -- Wednesday was a free day ... it was a welcome break that allowed us to sight-see and explore. Organizer & director Linda Valentino's fine attention to detail was evident everywhere. She had a sizeable staff of volunteers who were ready to help anyone at anytime and without hestitation. (These wonderful people were a testimony to Linda's infectious enthusiasm.) Snacks and healthful refreshments, such as fruit, granola bars and juices, were avaiable between classes. The outstanding lineup of teachers read like a "Who's Who" of Tango: -- Milena Plebs & Ezequiel Farfaro, -- Carlos Copello & Alicia Monti, -- Julio Balmaceda & Corina De La Rosa, -- Nestor Ray & Patricia Garcia, -- Diego DiFalco & Carolina Zokalski, -- Aurora Lubiz & Jorge Firpo, -- and Brigitta Winkler. Dee-Jays provided a nice variety of music nightly, and the great orchestra Color Tango played live on stage for the gala dances and dinner the last two nights. (These musicians are amazing.) Participants came from the corners of the globe -- Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, Mexico ... and from across the United States. It was a delight to meet such interesting people and share the experience with them. I highly recommend Linda's event as a "do not miss" experience. Be sure to book your place next year! Linda Valentino can be contacted at [email protected]. Or, visit her website at www.apurotango.com for more information about Tango Fireworks. (I am not affiliated with Tango Fireworks and have nothing to gain from this posting.) Best, Douglas Page __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free http://sbc.yahoo.com
