Chicago and other pieces of interest

T and I did the Chicago Mini Festival. The building, the rooms, beautiful twenty plus high dance areas, early 1900 woodwork throughout, and, yes, there are monkeys carved into the banister turn outs. 

Chicago was grueling-that's the story. As vendors we were never told when or where to set up until we were standing in front of the coordinator. We had to move our whole booth once, and we went from 10 in the morning to 2 at night. Needless to say--I was exhausted by the end.

We met some wonderful people, ate the infamous Chicago filled pizza, and danced a bit--but Chicago is a hard town for the Tarts.

Virgin Comme il Faut

Can you believe it?  I've been dancing for three years and have avoided this brand of shoe. Adding another three + inches to my balance issues seemed too much, and those tiny little heels. Arghhhhhhhhh!

But when Diva Boutique came to town, I took the plunge. I almost went for another pair of blacks--(gee only three other pairs in my closet). And after taking a tally of my tango wear (yes.....half of my wardrobe is the color of the night sky...) I decided to venture into shoes that defy the norm. Royal blue, actually one of my favorite toenail polishes. 

So, I got them. And everyday I take them out of their red satin bag, admire them, and put them back in. Just like Eeyore with his broken birthday balloon. The test, of course, is the wearing. Would I be able to balance my body on that square inch underneath the heel. 

I did...I can...Yipeeeeeeeee! 

Okay, I'll keep my sultry tango face while I dance..but rest assured-the Eeyore in me is pleased.

Casa de Tango~Words from Melinda

Melinda is in Buenos Aires.

She's coordinating, ironing out the problems, writing down the rules, and tweaking the house in BA. We are quite excited about it, and people ask about it all the time. She loves the city and wants to share the experience there--with everyone. I don't blame her. BA has a special feel, even though it is huge--I never feel that, it's easy to get into the culture.  

Mel writes, "Virginia and I bought stuff for the Asada tomorrow night. Between my cart and her bicycle, the wine bottles, groceries, charcoal bag etc. we looked like a couple of bag ladies going down the street." 

She referred a person to Dr. Perez (her favorite plastic surgeon), one with very bad varicosed veins. The woman is from Canada and so excited that she found him. Melinda loves to help in her own special way.

Workshop bliss ;o]

Brigitta  & Tomás. How wonderful. They get to the core of the emotions, the reason we do tango. I partnered with many of my favorites and new leads-some quite wonderful.

My feet are killing me and I'm not sure how long I will last today if I want to dance tonight. I'll wait to see but be good to my old toes. Who cares about a painful bunion when I can dance. Just take more Advil, soak my toesies in epsome salts and use the massage machine. It's all worth it for that perfect tanda.

Danced with V. New to the scene but such fabulous connection and musicality--yummmm. And Sir G---known for his fussiness, careful choices. I finally felt brave and asked for a tanda, well, more like begged. He is not only good, but one of my top two in milonguero style. The most creativity and varied library of quiet moves. Took my breath away. Okay.....dear Tango gods...could you see if you could gently push him to ask me again? Please? Pretty please?

One of those weeks---..{{{sigh}}}

Went to Thursday night milonga.

Don't get me wrong, it's been great all week. I went to Tuesday night, had four tandas and each one was more spectacular than the last. It was all I needed. Perfect connection, excellent technique, and interesting musicality.

But Thursday.

Sigh.

Mr. T  was there and quite charming--telling funny stories about his beginnings in tango. He has an excellent sense of humor. And then we danced...his embrace, his connection soooooo real. I melt and am always afraid I'll turn into a puddle on the dance floor.

Sigh.

Tango this week has been remarkable.

Okay, so this is the first post. I'm working on building a blog that fulfills all the needs of the true tango dancer. We want to learn a little Spanish, know the time and weather in Buenos Aires--the mecca of tango--and must have the location of every dance opportunity in the New Mexico area.  So, it's taking some time.

I've had to throw out one weather gadget because it would not retain Buenos Aires as its location. The audacity. So, I'll take a little time each day, spill my guts, give you the 411,  and answer questions. So be it.

Misha