To Ricardo Vidort, his friends, his students: from Oscar Casas (translated by Mary Ann)
I want to thank Ricardo for his confidence in me, and for giving me the opportunity to teach his workshop in Cleveland. Ricardo knows me well, as we have spent years sharing the floor and the table at countless milongas, particularly those that adhere to the codes of the milonguero. He is also a great friend of my wife and dance partner, Mary Ann, and of my son, Osky. Together we have experienced the highs and lows that life has brought us, and this sharing has made us feel like family. Among the milongueros many codes in respect to the milonga. But above all, the milongueros value their tango, their dance. Through this, people realize who they are and how they feel. For them, each tango they dance, no matter where or when, is a delicate moment in time, a product of all the tangos they have danced before. These lines are not meant to promote classes. But they are very important to me, given the circumstances. What I want is to disclose to you one of the most valued codes of the milongueros, that of friendship and love for their fellows. Ricardo did not recommend me only because we have love and respect for each other. He did it because of how I dance. This for me is a great honor, as in the world of tango and milongueros, I have grown to regard him as a father figure. Please accept that I write these lines with complete humility. I only wish to share with you a small part of the milonguero code, and its significance to Ricardo and to me. Ricardo, you know who I am and I know who you are, and in your honor, "Papa Tango", I will teach these classes with all the care that I put into each tango I dance, preserving the purity of the milonguero style, which you have followed all your life. Get better soon, Ricardo, as the music is sweeter when we dance it with you.... To TimmyTango: I thank you for your efforts in promoting the tango culture, and also for publishing this letter (if you choose to), expressing my feelings about Ricardo Vidort and our mutual love and respect for tango and for each other. Timmy, you will not be disappointed. Abrazos, Oscar Casas Timmy here, I want to thank Oscar and Mary Ann for coming to Cleveland, Ohio April 29 - May 2 to teach the secrets of the Milonguero, and his dance. Oscar is not a stage performer, and that is who I want to come to Cleveland and teach tango. I'm met Oscar several times in Buenos Aires, and in Toronto, and I can say he is by far one of the most elegant social dancers I've ever met. Come to Cleveland on April 29 & 30 to take Oscar Casas tango workshops Plus Dance to the Live sounds of "Eternal Tango" at Saturday nights Milonga in Conjunction with the Cleveland Public Theaters International Music Festival. With Extra Special Guest DJ from Ann Arbor, Mich. Avik Basu. for more information contact Tim and Joanne Pogros 440/748-2204 <A HREF="www.tangocleveland.com">tangocleveland</A>
