Argentine tango in Manila Philippines

When we first met Chita Wilcox, Roni Merk’s cousin at the Merk’s Bar more than a month ago, she was all enthused with her upcoming series of workshops starting September that would bring the authentic Tango Argentina to Manila.

Dance instructor would be a 31-year-old Chilean Enzo Hoces who had his first tango lesson from his dad at the age of seven and has been hooked since then. After attending classes, joining competitions and reaching the finals, Enzo accepted invitations to teach in Brazil, Paris, Madrid, and Russia.

“I am very happy and excited to teach my different styles of tango to the Filipinos as I was told that they are excellent dancers. Having the Latin blood embedded in their veins, I am sure that beginners can easily pick up the dance,” says Enzo.

Enzo will teach the Tango Argentina, milonguero style, tango salon and tango Nuevo as well as the Milonga traspie, and the Waltz to groups divided into beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

Ironically enough, the Tango Argentina, the particular type most serious dancers swear by had its origins in society’s underbelly, the brothels of Buenos Aires, until it was performed at a fashionable salon in Paris, gained popularity, and henceforth came to be synonymous with the glamour and elegance of the upper class.

Admitting that Tango Argentina can be most addictive, Enzo is one of the thousands who have found in it a solution to their ailment be it spiritual, physical, or mental. Chita herself discovered the dance form in Paris and got so involved in it that she took up her instructor Pablo Veron’s advice to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina where the dance form emanated.

And now, Chita who stays half the year in Paris and half in Argentina wants to share her discoveries with the Filipinos by staging this series of workshops.

Montreal communications consultant Keith Elshaw is even more effusive. When asked by research student Rita Alcaire if Tango was a big part of his life, he replied, “Excuse me? Tango IS my life. Tango has shown me how to communicate more effectively; how to be with people and how to approach life. It continues to show me the way to enjoy ‘the moment’ and reap life’s rewards (which involves relationships).”

Today’s youth in Argentina and other big cities all over the world have started to discover themselves through the Tango’s own unique character, and why the dance art form has become more powerful than ever.

Persisting with his verbal homage to the Tango, Elshaw continues, “Certainly Tango asks for expression, sensuality, sensitivity, compassion, humility, honesty and generosity. While we’re dancing, I feel blessed. When all the full panoply of alluring chemistry happens, I am reduced to moving, walking, standing in sway with body contact; ‘figures’ or the need for variety – even Tango itself are a distant abstraction. There is only the emotional intimations and swell of the music, the intoxication of my partner’s embrace and my gratitude to her for the moment; enjoying it… with no thought for it being anything but holding, taking, giving. Here, I know bliss. Tango dancing has receded, but only Tango could have brought me here. So, I love it more than ever.”

There seems to be certainly nothing more one could ask of Tango enthusiasts, tangeras as Chita calls themselves. For inquiries and reservations, call 09155189116. Workshop starts Sept. 1, Monday through Saturday 1-6 p.m., Bodypoint Studio, Makati Cinema Square, Makati.

(The author has been a journalist with the original Manila Times publications, Mirror Magazine, ABC Channel 5, before turning events & celebrity manager, and freelance writer)
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SOURCE:
“Authentic Tango Argentina comes to Manila”
Observer
By BIBSY CARBALLO
August 29, 2010
http://www.mb.com.ph
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/274678/authentic-tango-argentina-comes-manila