Dedicated to fostering and supporting Argentine in Minnesota Spring 2007 • Volume 9, No. 2 Drawing the dancers By Pauline Oo The countdown has begun. Next May, the Twin Cities community will once again welcome dancers to its Heart- land Tango Festival. The three-day event, held for the first time last year, saw a record 230 people— about a third visiting from out of town, drawn by big-name teach- ers and the chance to land some good dances. But what happens on a regular, non-festival week- end; does the TC tango scene still attract national visitors? Shoes, shoes, shoes Yes. It does. By Gretchen Larson • Photo by Rodi So. Shoes. professionally fitted for a shoe, do Dave Donatiu of Boulder, CO., it! A good shoe person will measure picked Minneapolis over the mini- I love them, they are my favor- both feet and be able to offer sug- festival in Chicago this April be- ite accessory and the right pair is gestions for a variety of foot issues. cause “I knew I would have better heaven. I wear holes in them, get Did you know everyone has one dances [in Minneapolis.]” them resoled two or three times, foot larger than the other? And, of- and panic at the thought of having This was Dave’s second trip to the ten, dancers have calluses, bunions, to replace them. Losing them—an Twin Cities in 2007. “I come to or other special needs to be ad- unmitigated disaster!! Nothing can dance and to take privates,” says dressed. There are a variety of shoe spoil your night faster than a pair Dave, who teaches, DJs, and fre- inserts you can use to correct gait of shoes that hurt your feet, are quents festivals. “And I love the problems, and some stores will even falling off every time you pick up followers here. They don’t hang sell you two different-sized shoes! your foot, or are too sticky or slip- on me.” His typical weekend itin- pery for the floor. For men, a shoe with a sole that erary includes Del Cora- pivots well and fits snugly over the zon at MattyB’s on Thursday, Puro You don’t need a lot of special instep is essential. This could be Tango or Flor de Luna on Friday, equipment for dancing but com- anything from a sneaker to a dress TSoM or Black Dog milongas on fortable footwear is essential. You shoe; I think a lace-up Oxford is the Saturday, and Loring Pasta Bar on can spend hundreds of dollars for most versatile. Loafers are OK if the Sunday. (He’ll be back in June to a pair of custom-made dance shoes heel cup fits snugly. To check this, teach and DJ; see Miscellany p.10.) or under $50 for a pair of street hold down the heel of your shoe shoes that will work just as well. For Alric Rothmayer and his wife, (with your foot in it) and try to lift As any French woman will tell you, Madeleine, Minneapolis means your heel. If the heel slips up and there is no style without perfect fit. “good teachers and good work- down, it’s not good. Also, choose a Therefore, if you have never been shops.” The couple from Ames, Shoes 101, cont. on page 4 Drawing the dancers, cont. on page 2  we want them to think of Min- From the president neapolis as the place to be,” says TSoM president Diane Hillbrant. This year we are focused on growth. To support this effort, Since January, Diane has been forg- we’ve formed a membership ing reciprocal relationships with committee to examine why other tango groups—hitting them members join and what they region by region. “Our community want. A survey is in the works. has a great deal to offer even when The survey results will help us there isn’t a festival,” she says. “It’s plan future growth and reten- TSoM member Janeen Whitchurch with time we let more dancers know.” tion strategies. visiting dancer Dave Donatiu at the Loring Pasta Bar. Visitors are saying: TSoM is in discussions with n Drawing the dancers, cont. from page 1 Have later milongas; some peo- the University of Minnesota’s ple are used to milongas that go Iowa, made their first TC tango trip Northrop Auditorium to co- until 2 a.m. sponsor tango-related events almost four years ago for a week- around “Estampas Porteñas,” end workshop with Tomas How- n Advertise workshops well in a tango show on January 31, lin; their most current visit was advance (about three months). 2008. (Special tickets for TSoM for classes with Argentine legend n Offer outdoor dances. members will be announced “Tete” Pedro Rusconi (April 27–29). If you plan to visit another city: soon.) TSoM is also working “I met [Portland tango teacher] with the U-Tango Club to Alex Krebs in London in 2003,” n “Ask around for people who cohost a joint event—details says Alric, “and he told us to come can put you up,” advises Dave to come! up here for tango because that’s Donatiu. “Tango people love tango people.” Building our national reputa- where the good dancers were.” tion is important—the festival The Twin Cities is now also on an- n For practice, Dave says, “make last year was a big first step. other Iowa dancer’s radar. Elie Po- sure the person hosting you has TSoM is negotiating with oth- cak recently made the five-hour a good dance floor.” er not-for-profit and nonprofit drive from Cedar Rapids for Tete n “Check that you have the right tango groups to develop re- and Silvia Ceriani’s workshops; the directions and make sure they’re ciprocal relationships, which weekend marked her first trip to in big font,” advises Elie Pocak. would evolve into a nation- the Land of 1,000 Lakes. It’s hard enough driving in a city wide association of organiza- “I plan to come up again,” says Elie, you don’t know. n tions that share information who started Argentine tango on and resources. One idea is the East Coast seven years ago. “I a “Tango Exchange,” where was made welcome here, and I felt dancers from other communi- that I belong to this community.” ties are invited to Minnesota Another reason she liked the com- for a fun-filled weekend of munity: “the ladies were asked to dancing—no classes—and our dance.” Usually, adds Elie, “some community volunteers would cities or big festivals have little provide lodging. groups or cliques of dancers and Please e-mail me if you can [when you’re an outsider] it’s not as help with any of the above, as easy to get dances.” well as our 10th anniversary This year, TSoM board members are party in 2009. looking at new ways to raise the —Diane Hillbrant TC tango profile in Minnesota and [email protected] across the nation. “When people Save the dates: June 22–24 think of tango and the Midwest, Workshops with El Pulpo y Luiza

 Love your shoes n Use a hair dryer to blow dirt off By Pauline Oo shoes with glitter or sequins. Editor’s note Jim Picard, owner of Fast Eddie’s n Don’t worry about shoes con- This issue we’re paying hom- Shoe Repair near Loring Pasta Bar stricting or expanding (with the age to our dance shoes. On a in Dinkytown (1316– 4th St. S.E., heat or cold) if you keep your recent trip to Buenos Aires, I 612-623-4464), sees a lot of dance shoes in the car; instead worry went a little crazy, buying five shoes, thanks in part to his tap-jazz- about humidity changes, which pairs in three weeks. I can’t and-ballet-dancing wife Marcia and could be bad for your shoes. help it—the longer I dance tango, the more tango shoes her students. Here are some tips “Many people want to protect their I seem to need. But as Ranja— from Jim to keep your dance shoes shoes when they need them but my travel partner and news- in tip-top condition: they forget about them when they letter sidekick—says: think of n Air them after use, and stick don’t need them,” says Jim. “You the shoes as an investment. shoe trees in them to keep their should care for your shoes all the Goodbye, guilt. (She bought form. (Shoes damp from sweat time—when they’re new and every five pairs as well!) can get wrinkly when they dry few weeks.” Enjoy the stories, tips, and without shoe trees.) For plain leather shoes, you can buy poems here. We’re printing n Use cloth bags or a box. Don’t leather cleaner or make your own full color again—thanks to ad keep shoes in a plastic bag or in cleaning solution: revenue and some member- the basement; mold will grow 1) Fill a squirt bottle halfway up ship fees. If you like the news- on them. with water. letter, or if you don’t, please n Rub neutral wax with bare 2) Add a teaspoon of mild deter- tell me. Feedback only makes hands on smooth leather shoes gent (Ivory Snow or Woolite). it better. And we’re always and then buff them with a soft 3) Squirt the suds onto your hand striving for better. cloth for a deep shine (and to and apply on the shoe. Ranja and I, and all the con- get rid of scuff marks). 4 Dab with a rag. tributors (p. 12), volunteer to n Use spray starch and a wash- produce this newsletter. Re- Fast Eddie’s has won the City Pages’ cloth to clean fabric shoes. member, TSoM can use your Best Shoe Repair every year since help too, whatever your ex- n Buy protective spray or finish to 1997. Store hours are Monday to pertise. Volunteer. We do; it’s prevent stains and repel water Friday, 9:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and very satisfying. —Pauline Oo from suede shoes. Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. n

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 Shoes 101, cont. from page 1 sole that is not too stiff or thick. Running shoes or lug soles are go- ing to be rough on the knees be- cause you must be able to pivot on the ball of your foot like a basket- ball player. Of course, style counts. I have seen everything from resoled climbing Painting by Rodi slippers to Ferragamo loafers on the floor. Guys, shoes need to com- shoes I attribute a large part of my steps. For the same reasons, you plement your clothing. If you are a technique because they fell off if can pick a more delicate heel; a casual sort and like to wear jeans, I pointed my toe too hard or took stiletto works fine as long as it’s a brown suede Oxford instead of my foot off the floor! Years later, I centered perfectly on the heel. still love Nine West shoes and have black calf is nice. If your footwork For salon style, I like a mid-sized several pairs with leather soles put is really, really good, try a pair of heel (2.5 inches) with a little more on by Bob, my shoe repair guy. (Ask two-toned wing-tip Oxfords! Just surface area on the floor for sta- me for his card, I usually have some make sure your dancing reputation bility. I prefer platforms since they with me). can live up to your shoes! give the illusion of height without A note here about dance sneak- In my experience, the shank of a sacrificing my feet and provide a ers: these usually have a two-piece high-heel shoe shouldn’t flex. (In little extra cushioning, which I need sole with no shank (the part that fact, many ballroom shoes have because I tend to dance for hours connects the toe to the heel). They steel shanks.) Test the shank by once I get going. I also like a strap were made originally for jazz and trying to bend it. The part that that holds my heel firmly in the ballet, where a lot of work is done should flex is right behind the ball heel cup. of your foot. on pointe or releve. Flexibility was For leading, a flat shoe is it for of primary concern. Personally, I Some women prefer thin soles be- me. Sneakers or street shoes with find the lack of support (you can cause it gives them a better connec- good arch support and the proper literally put the toe of the shoe tion with the floor. amount of traction for the surface inside the heel) very tiring. How- is crucial as you need to be abso- Also critical is the heel—available ever, the fit and look is very famil- lutely confident in your balance, I in different shapes and heights. iar to Americans. These shoes also have even used my Dansko clogs!! tend to have a large toe box (the You may want to use your heel area where the toes attach to the height to enhance your embrace As for fashion, far be it for me to foot). If that part of the foot is with the “average” partner; i.e. dictate, but I have made a couple compressed by a shoe that is too you are short and want to look at of mistakes you may benefit from. something besides his shirt but- narrow, you’ll be in pain almost im- n Avoid really long pointy toes— tons or you are tall and don’t want mediately and develop bunions— they curl up and make you trip. very nasty, you don’t want them. your partners breathing down your cleavage. The choices you make will n Avoid slingbacks unless you Ladies I saved you for last be- depend on the style of dancing you really love them. You may cause this exposition could be the do, how much you do, and what make them work by tying them size of a small phone directory! kind of compromises you’re willing around your ankle with a long When I first started dancing, the to make in the name of fashion! ribbon. only shoes I owned were a pair of n Avoid wedges—too stiff. black Nine West pumps with a 2.5- For milongero style, a heel on the inch heel. Hardly ideal for danc- high end, 3 to 4 inches or more, n Avoid open toes unless you ing, but I wasn’t going to spend a works best as it tends to enhance are confident in your ability to lot on shoes until I figured out if I the posture required and you are avoid collisions or trust your was going to keep at it. To these not doing a lot of big or dynamic partners a LOT. n

 Going out dancing: what’s in my shoe bag? the boxes with shoe trees. We also bring a couple of water bottles.” By Pauline Oo Michael Helffrich—”Normally all I When I go dancing, I’ll either Curious about what other people carry is a disposable camera, Al- carry a shoe bag with a pair of tote with them, I asked a few Twin toids, and my dance shoes.” dance shoes or my dance bag (a Cities tango dancers: nylon duffel from a used-cloth- Ranja Yusuf—“I carry shoes (at least Diane Hillbrant—“I always carry at ing store) that’s filled with: two pairs—different heights, in least three pairs of shoes with me case I get sore or there’s a malfunc- n One or two pair(s) of shoes that are different heights. This way tion, like the heel breaks off); fan; n Shoe brush I can switch off during the night, water; ibuprofen; shoe brush; foam n Hair bands especially if I notice that my feet or inserts; and a small bag with blush, n Travel-size deodorant back are feeling out of sorts.” lip gloss, comb, band aids, tape, n Safety pins Ted and Tatyana Volk—“Our bag and hair bands.” n Peanuts or chocolate has two pairs of shoes. They take Rosemarie Schaefer—“Just my n Sugar-free mint gum a lot of space because they are in shoes.” n n Footies and nylons n Notebook and two pens (to write down new moves or techniques for practice) Stephen Peters n Clear nail polish (a quick fix Editor/ Writing Coach for nylon runs) (612) 872-6288 n [email protected] n Travel-size hand sanitizer n Band-aids

 Playing the eye game, aka el cabeceo By Steve Lee Why play? you want to dance with. Don’t just Why is the “eye game” in Buenos scan the room with your eyes like a Aires such a big deal? It’s because water sprinkler. Move quickly from it’s fun, easy, and a big part of the one person to the next on the list, mystique of Argentine tango. The but when you see the person you eye game is like the secret hand- want, slow down, focus, and take shake, the angle you wear your your time. baseball cap, and the password at You are looking for “a” partner, not a speakeasy. If you know it, you’re just “any” partner. Look intently at in. If you don’t, you’re not. that person for several seconds be- People who have been to Buenos fore moving on to your next choice. Aires say that all you need to do It takes time for the bait to work. If to get a dance is to sit down, catch you move on too fast, the bait can’t somebody’s eye, and look toward do its magic or you could take the version is similar; instead of be- the dance floor or accept an offer bait right out of the fish's mouth. ing bigger to cause a disturbance by smiling and nodding yes. These By giving your gaze time to work in the field of vision, a woman can are probably the same people who and your potential partner time to flick her hand, change her sitting are like the older brother who tells respond before you look away, you position suddenly, or (why this you to lick cold, metal objects. They increase your chance to dance. works I’ll never understand) un- want you to feel the pain and run The Big Ed cross and recross her legs to draw the gauntlet as they have. So un- If the one you want happens to attention. I suppose it’s like letting derstand that if you don’t look like look your way, their gaze can go by a fishing lure lie motionless until a Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, or have like a Jeff Reardon fastball. How do fish comes by—at which point you something else going for you, your you stop a gaze going that fast? Try “twitch” it just a little to catch the times on the dance floor will be a baseball bat. Create a disturbance fish's attention. numbered few and far between. in their field of vision. For example, Unless you have a game plan. The Aggressive Agnes the first milonga I attended was at If you wants to plays da game, El Beso. The host sat me at a table A distant relative of the Big Ed is youse gots to knows da rules in a far corner of the room, where the “Aggressive Agnes.” It is said among visiting instructors that only In the last issue, we discussed how all I could see were the backs of in the Twin Cities do women ask to make yourself a viable candidate. people’s heads and the faces of men to dance. I am here to say that Now, we’ll cash in on the assets those on the other side of the this is not true, because it also hap- you’ve built up. While some inter- room—blocked intermittently by pens in Buenos Aires. They may not est may be generated while wait- dancers on the floor. I thought this ask verbally, but there is no ques- ing on the sidelines, you must strike situation called for the “Big Ed.” As tion about what they want. Agnes while the iron is hot or you’ll be rel- the gaze of a woman I wanted to gets in your face by standing as egated to the realms of “all show dance with started coming my way, close as she can in front of you so and no ochos” or “all talk and no I quickly stood up to my full height you can’t do anything but acknowl- walks.” You WILL drop off peoples’ of 5' 8." Not exactly Big Ed, but it edge she is there. When you do, radar screens if you don’t look in- had to do. she nods an acceptance as though terested in getting on the floor. It did. I created a disturbance in her you’ve just asked her to dance. This Sitting at a milonga and scanning field of vision. By suddenly standing technique works, but use it spar- the room can get you dances if up, I shocked her into seeing me. ingly and only in cases of emer- you’re lucky, but you need more When she focused in on me I nod- gency. Extended use may include than this. Because you’ve cased ded toward the dance floor. That side effects of Wallflowerism and the joint, you have a list of who was my first BA tango. The female Benchwarmeritis. Though I have

 El cabeceo is the preferred me thod of asking for a dan ce in Buenos Aires.

ference between male and female tactics is that the guy needs to con- grudgingly danced these dances, centrate on “asking” one woman I can’t see how they could’ve been at a time; the woman does “mul- becomes the “in” group. These are very satisfying. tiple choice.” Going for a smoke, to the guys with the nicknames, the Trolling the bar, or to the buffet table are a moves, and the attention of all the Sometimes the floor is really big few more ways to the same end. women. Because all female eyes are on these tables, placing yourself or long and narrow so that your Chumming “hunting ground” is limited to a nearby will increase the number of One doesn’t have to go to the fish small area of the dance hall. A way looks you’ll get. if the fish comes to you. Chumming to increase your domain is troll- (tossing food in the water) is used A dance-by shooting ing. Women who have used a trip to draw fish to you. Likewise, a This is a modification of trolling. to the restroom to dump a guy can woman will draw more “looks” sit- While I was at my seat studying now use the tactic to attract a guy. ting with a group of women than the dancers on the floor, a woman She can use a circuitous route that sitting alone. In this scenario, she gave me the look as she danced by takes her by men she is interested must be ready and focused when with her partner. I thought it was in or straight paths through areas the guy she wants looks her way just my wishful imagination, until with high concentrations of men. because she can miss the invitation two other women did the same. I As she passes, she will engage a few or worse, have it stolen by a more watched in amazement as the last chosen ones with “the look” and attentive tablemate. But that also one sat down, turned around, and continue on. The more ground she means she has access to their invita- made eye contact. covers, the more choices she’ll have. tions, if they are not alert. Stealing After returning to her table, she’ll School of Hard Knocks, U of BA invites happens all the time and is look back on those she favored to a very productive way of getting I suppose it can be a little frustrat- see if anything develops. dances. This is especially true dur- ing in the beginning, but my guess For a man, it’s slightly different. ing a feeding frenzy because no is that if you keep it in perspective The most productive trolling hap- one wants to be left sitting alone and don’t take it too personally, pens as he walks through the tables when the frenzy is over and every- you will come out just fine. Don’t filled with women while coming off one else is dancing. let the “turkeys” get you down. the dance floor and/or as he walks Keep a positive attitude and just Men, on the other hand, tend not from the entrance of the dance keep plugging away. With time, to go to milongas in groups like hall to his seat. Because he’s the you’ll get there. Just remember women often do. At certain milon- one asking, he must “ask” with the that everyone goes through this ini- gas, the host or hostess will seat look while trolling and be ready to tiation process and that we all put well-known single men together at take her onto the dance floor the our underwear on the same way in the best tables. This congregation moment she accepts. When troll- the morning—one leg at a time. n ing, the slower the better. The dif-

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 Toe to toe A column by John MacFarlane Shoes; nothing so lowly says as much. Scuffed, spit-polished, resoled, restitched, run down, and relaced— guents and creams, you coax and Magic shoes we wear ‘em. Strappy, snappy, heels you coddle. You pair ‘em and pare By Gretchen Larson galore, we love ‘em. We try ‘em, we ‘em, a little here and a piddle there. At the milonga buy ‘em and take to the floor. By You really like ‘em, but your feet I sit in the row of girls the bag, by the crate, they fill our have a fit. Then, like old friends, and compare notes space. Street shoes, snowshoes, tan- you compromise. They give a lot on homemade remedies go shoes, sneakers and saddle shoes, and you give a bit. Like people and and orthopedic options right and left, high and low, old pets, you’re kind of alike. In more for various ailments of the foot. and new, it’s never enough. They ways than one, your shoes become We watch shoes go by, bind, pinch, and blister, sister. Too you, I think. Late at night, just suede ruffles, metallic polka dots, big, too small, too tall, too short, there, in the shadows, shoes off, silver glitter and slinky straps. too wide, and too narrow, we yearn you wiggle your toes. But before Cinderella had her glass slippers, for the latest model. you call it quits, these lowly things Dorothy her red shoes. of leather and lace beckon for one Oh brother, how can something so My magic shoes are black last . And now, it can be told: small and so humble cause us to and have been resoled twice. in slipping them on and joining the stumble and bumble, turn our feline No Comme Il Faut stilettos , a wondrous change you be- grace into a waddle? You block and for me. hold, for step by you stretch, you tighten, you loosen, I need shoes I can walk miles in, step by step, you have both been you pad, polish and buff. With un- miles backwards and with my resoled/resouled. n eyes closed. n

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 Miscellany Folias Trio at Milonga del Corazon Share news; e-mail [email protected]. (Matty B’s) June 28; Avik Basu, An- drew Bergeron, and Carmen Ma- Learn Argentine On May 4, more than 30 TC tango ret of Michigan will perform two dancers traveled to Rochester’s first tango with tango sets; DJ Avik follows. Avik milonga. Kudos to TSoM members and Carmen will also teach before Nick Aguilar (e-mail promotions Lois Donnay the milonga. $18 class and milonga; and carpool), Christopher Everett $14 milonga only. Info, call Andrea (DJ), and Dan Larson (teacher). • Lessons from at 612-802-3687. n beginner to advanced Javier Rochwarger at 4 Seasons: Wednesdays (May 23, 30) interme- • Private lessons diate and Thursdays (May 24, 31) PFP Financial Advisors, Inc. beyond beginners—open to all lev- • Workshops including Michael Helffrich, CFP, Owner musicality, floorcraft els. Javier & Florencia at 4 Seasons: and embellishments June 6 intermediate, June 7 beyond beginners. Info, contact Flor at 612- • Tango demonstrations 871-9651 or [email protected]. • Trips to Buenos Aires Alt tango and classes and with Dave Donatiu from Colorado, 612-789-9671 June 10 and 11. Details to follow. More information 1933 NE Arthur St “El Pulpo” Esbrez & Luiza Paez Minneapolis MN 55418 www.mndance.com workshops at 4 Seasons, June 22– 612-822-8436 24. Details to follow. Info, contact Rebecca at 612-342-0902 or rebec- Fee-only Advisors Since 1983 [email protected].

10 Feet first: moving from the ground up foot to step, you can correct ten- By Becky Parkin dencies that favor the medial or lateral aspects of your feet. In do- In a subculture that pays so much purchased independently at shoe ing this, what you will find is your notice to the feet, it is crucial to stores or you can have insoles made axis. As dancers, both followers and handle them with care. Whether from molds of your feet. Custom leaders, it is important to realize we are on the dance floor or walk- insoles are available through chiro- that intention is translated through ing down the street, awareness to practors or podiatrists. Feel free to the feet. If your feet are rotating, how we move is of utmost impor- contact me for a recommendation. no doubt your dance partner will tance—and it starts with the feet. Keeping the muscles of your feet reciprocate. Correcting tendencies The bottoms of well-worn shoes and legs flexible will also help to of medial and lateral rotation is are an excellent place to begin support your arches. This is not so obviously easier said than done, so to gain a perspective on gait and surprising when you consider that move slowly and take the time to stride because the eroded tread the foot is controlled mostly by the feel where your body is, starting at provides a map of how your feet muscles that extend into the ante- your feet. rotate. For example, if the tread on rior (front), posterior (back), and Contact Becky at 612-423-9272. n the outside lateral edge is dispro- lateral aspects of the low leg. Often portionately worn down, you are pronation and supination correlate relying more heavily on the lateral to tension in these muscles. Stretch- aspect of your foot (supination) as ing is fundamental to maintaining you move. Likewise, if the tread is and attaining agility. 651-227-0331 excessively worn down on the me- As a massage therapist, I can attest www.grandjete.com dial or inside aspect, you are either to massage as a very effective tool favoring the medial edge or your for assisting circulation, pliability, “arches are falling” (pronation). and healthy range of motion. A long-term imbalance of supi- Last, but certainly not least, is nation and pronation can branch strengthening. Dancing tango is in into the low leg, knee, thigh, hip, itself a great practice of strength- low/mid/upper back, and neck. In ening if done properly and with other words, what happens to your 10% OFF! intention. By paying attention to feet initiates a cascade that affects one pair of ballroom shoes how you transfer your weight and with this coupon nearly the entire structural/skeletal being mindful of using your whole 975 Grand Ave, St. Paul, 2 blks east of Lexington system. If you find that your tread Open M–Sa 10am–5:30pm, Tu ’til 8pm is patterned in any of the above or combinations of them, there are things you can do. Social Dance Studio James M. Dunn Presents When I began sharing an office ATTORNEY & with a chiropractor, I learned that d DANCER-AT-LAW Foun ations in support to all of the arches of the g n foot (medial, lateral, and trans- Tan o and Beyo d verse) is one of the most impor- Wills, Trusts, Every Friday, Anew Fitness n 7–8 p.m., foundations 1 tant considerations to maintaining Personal Injury etc. n 8–9 p.m., foundations 2 healthy feet. Although it’s nice to and beyond have padded insoles, if your arches Free consult for Sabine Ibes and Niko Salgado are supported the extra padding TSoM members 612-501-7956, 612-600-1288 isn’t necessary. Unfortunately, there www.socialdancestudio.com are few shoe manufacturers who develop shoes with all three arch 952-285-6858 Every Fourth Saturday: supports. Quality insoles can be Social Dance Milonga

11 Tango Moments staff Editor: Pauline Oo Designer: Ranja Yusuf Ad manager: Sandra Uri Contributors: Gretchen Larson, Steve Lee, John MacFarlane, Becky Parkin, and Rodi The editor reserves the right to alter P.O. Box 24044 any contribution to reflect consider- Edina, MN 55424 ations of content or style. To comment or contribute, e-mail Pauline at [email protected] or call 612-669-7995. For ads, e-mail [email protected]. Tango moments is published quarterly by the Tango Society of Minnesota to help keep members informed about Argentine tango.

2007 TSoM board Diane Hillbrant, President Robert Haselow, Vice president Dan Griggs, Treasurer Kim Kotila, Secretary Lina Dajani, Member at large Sylvia Horwitz, Member at large John MacFarlane, Member at large Pauline Oo, Member at large Lindsay Orr, Student representative Lisa Thurstin, Member at large

Member spotlight listen to almost daily, while visualizing the dance. Name: Jason Saari Profession: Software engineer Describe an a-ha moment. When I saw Marcela and Carlos, How did you get into tango? the primeval language of dance I started in 1997 at the Basilica and musicality opened my eyes. of Saint Mary’s. The singles group The conversation they created had two events that night— needed no interpretation—it was cooking and dance lessons. Hav- interpretation. Music provided ing burned Jell-O, I went with the setting to emotional rapture. Jason Saari, a charter member of TSoM, dancing. discovered Argentine tango 10 years ago Biggest challenge? A year later, Steve Lee contacted at a church in downtown Minneapolis. Art is the exploration and expres- students from the event to let sion of self. Tango continually of- them know Carlos Gavito and fers new opportunities for both. Marcela Duran were coming for TSoM hotline workshops. I had to go. Upon What does tango mean to you? For current information on entering the studio, I looked to Zen. Art. Catharsis. Expression. milongas and other tango my left. Seeing Marcela’s eyes, Sexy. Fun. Community. events in the Twin Cities. I knew this was for me. Tango mantra? 763-576-3349 How often do you dance? OK, Caddyshack fans: “Be the About twice a week, though I ball…be the ball…na na na na…”

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