I can't believe it's been a week since the end of the NYC Tango Festival... As I danced at various milongas this week following the festival, I began to realize what a beneficial effect it had on my dancing and am just beginning to appreciate what an impact it had on many of us who attended. I want to thank organizer Gayatri Martin and everyone involved.
I know there are extraordinary places to dance and learn tango all over the world...but New York is New York - this city does indeed attract the best and brightest in all fields and tango is no exception. The wealth of tango talent living in and around New York and featured at the Festival, is unmatched outside of Buenos Aires. We experienced that in the superb classes taught by dancers whose expertise and love of tango was evident by the up close & personal attention given to each participant; we experienced it at the crowded milongas with excellent floor craft and some of the most beautiful social dancing in North America.... and we especially experienced it at the Friday Night Black and White Ball, which featured truly spectacular, creative performances. I must say the overwhelming consensus was that highlight of the weekend was the incredible performance of Omar Vega. Dancing with the lovely Karina Romero, Omar proved again that he is the undisputed maestro of musicality and interpretation, classic technique and improvisation. His performance was breathtaking and joyful. Even the most jaded tangueros were on their feet joining the standing ovations after each dance- one tango, one milonga. Many people caught all of the performances on video so do yourself a favor and catch it if you can for a really special treat (and check out Omar's white tux and tails!). So congratulations to Omar & Karina and all the great performers and teachers, to Gayatri, and to the dancers who came to NYC from all over the world, making this year's festival one of the best in the US. I feel so fortunate to be part of this community. Don't miss it next year... it is truly a must on your tango calendar. Dance tango for peace, Ilene Woodstock Tango
