Firehouse Tango next Thursday Nov 21 - Vals Lesson by Fran and Walter & Gay's 4th Anniversary Celebration

Published: Fri, 11/15/13

Firehouse Tango Logo
November 14, 2013 Newsletter

Sue and Joe thank you all for making our twenty-fifth anniversary so memorable.  We loved every minute



Sue and Joe Dallon Anniversary

 

Our twenty-fifth anniversary celebration at Firehouse was amazing.  Thank you all for the good wishes, cards and gifts (too many to list,) the congratulations, and the birthday dance.  We both loved the whole thing.

 

Thanks to my dear friend Terri for introducing us, for saying such beautiful things, for decorating the hall, for orchestrating the whole event, and for working so hard to make sure that our anniversary celebration was perfect.   Terri's dedication and hard work goes a long way toward making our wonderful Firehouse milonga possible. 


It was Terri's idea to ask Carl to sing a special song, and Carl ran all the way with it.  He brought his keyboard to accompany the wonderful anniversary serenade to Sue and Joe.  Aside from making us feel very special, Carl's singing brought the house down.  What amazing talent this man has! 

 

Terri and Tsipoyra provided the luscious half strawberry/half chocolate filled whipped cream covered anniversary cake complete with wedding picture on top.  Tsipoyra brought us the beautiful roses.

 

The anniversary dance was awesome.  I started with Joe and went from one to another Firehouse Tanguero for iterations of tangos that Joe and I picked out especially for the occasion.  I wasn't looking, but I'm certain that Joe enjoyed his dance just as much as I did.

 

Thanks to our Firehouse friends, our anniversaries  get better every year.

Gretchen Janssen, an old Firehouse friend who left us for the west coast, joined us for the celebration, as did many other old friends.  We are so happy.



Next Thursday, November 21,   Vals Lesson with Fran Chesleigh at Firehouse Tango (all levels)

7 - 9 PM

   

We've had many requests for Fran Chesleigh to give a vals lessons.  You asked - we promised - As promised - done! Fran Chesleigh, our incredible Firehouse Tango resident instructor, will be teaching one all-level vals class (from 7 to 9 PM) in place of his usual beginner and intermediate classes.  For the best results, please try to come at 7. 

 

As many of our regulars know, Argentine social dancing includes not only tango, but two other dance forms as well - vals and milonga. Since tango is what we focus on primarily in our weekly classes here at the Firehouse, people are often a bit timid about getting up to dance when a vals or milonga are played. In October, Fran taught milonga every week.

 

 On Thursday, November 21st, Pat and Fran will be teaching a one day special class in vals. Their goal is to bring everyone from beginners to advanced dancers up to speed on this exciting Argentine dance. They will begin with the absolute basics of the dance, and move quickly through as much material as time and your progress will allow. By the end of the night, you'll know what vals is, how it's danced, and how much great fun it is to dance.

 



Next Thursday - Walter and Gay's anniversary

 

November 21st - Anniversary of Walter Monteblanco and and Gay Fallows Monteblanco


Their actual anniversary was September 5, but with the Monteblancos' busy schedule, we're just now getting around to celebrating. 

Can it be four years since we rejoiced at the marriage of our very good friends Walter and Gay?  We will celebrate their anniversary with great joy - the tangueros dancing with Gay and the tangueras with Walter.  I can't wait. 

Walter has been a close friend and supporter since the very beginning at Paramus Firehouse # 4, and Gay came soon after.  When they aren't traveling, they come to Firehouse often.  Walter also teaches private lessons by appointment. 



If heaven is anything like celebrating one's birthday at Firehouse Tango, it has a lot to recommend it. Frankly, I'd rather be at Firehouse. Thank you lovely tangueras, for a birthday memory I shall cherish. Con mucho amore,

Steve Turi

I keep saying I do not want to celebrate any more birthdays, but how many men will line up to dance with me, if not for the traditional tributes on birthdays.....oh well, you know that is not really true because our tanqueros dance with all of the ladies...

Terri Lopez



Firehouse Tango holiday milongas and Bao Vo's Birthday celebration

 

 

December 5 Christmas/Hanukkah/Thanksgiving

December 26  New Year's

 

Since Hanukkah falls on Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's Days are on Wednesdays, it was difficult for us to decide when to have our traditional Firehouse holiday milongas.  We decided on Thursdays, December 5th (Christmas/ Hanukkah/ Thanksgiving) and December 26th (New Year's.) 

 

 

Each of the holiday milongas will feature:

 

  •  Fabulous door prizes
  • An extra half hour for dancing
  • Special food
  • Festive atmosphere with decorated hall
  • Dress up for the holidays
  • Holiday cortinas
  • Keep your eyes open for our yearly visit from Santa
     

 

As always, our $15 milonga admission charge will include beginner (7 - 8) and intermediate (8 - 9) lessons taught by Fran Chesleigh; a buffet dinner; and dancing and socializing with some of the nicest folks around.

 

 

Bring a dish to one or both Holiday Milongas (December 5th and/or December 26th)

 This is what we have so far for December 5:

  • Sue Dallon    Brisket with potatoes, carrots, and string beans and sweet potato souffle
  • Terri Lopez    Chicken
  • Jan and Carl    something
  • Eva Roth        Something
  • Norma Arias    Roasted Carrots and fennel
  • Lou and Faye    Fresh pineapple
  • Judy Assisi        Dried fruit compote with Grand Marnier


 

If you would like to contribute something for the Christmas/Hanukah/Thanksgiving milonga and/or the New Year's milonga, please let me know.  You can send an e mail to firehousetango@gmail.com  or tell Tibor at the front desk.  It can be an appetizer, main dish, or dessert.  It doesn't even have to be home made.

 

 


 

No Firehouse Tango on Thanksgiving Day



 November 28th - Thanksgiving day - no Firehouse Milonga


Firehouse Tango will be closed on Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28th.  We hope you'll enjoy the day with your family, as we all will - and, of course, we'll look forward to seeing you on the following Thursday evening, December 5th.



 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 


Stardust Dance Weekend - Tango Sunday

Hi Firehouse tangueros!

We're doing it again...!

 


 

SPECIAL STARDUST SUNDAY PACKAGE,

NOV. 24, 2013

2 HOURS OF WORKSHOPS, LUNCH & DANCING, 2 HOUR MILONGUITA!

-$50 includes all (11am-4pm)

 

- 11AM-1PM: Workshops with - VALERIA SOLOMONOFF & EDUARDO GOYTIA

11AM- INTERMEDIATE/ 12 NOON- ADVANCED

 

- 1PM-2PM- ELEGANT SIT DOWN LUNCH, WITH ALL STYLES OF DANCING

- 2:00PM-4:00PM: MILONGUITA - 2 HOUR TANGO SALON

HOST & DJ ILENE MARDER~ LA RUBIA DEL NORTE

 

*** You can also come only to the 2pm Milonguita ~ Complimentary ~ No Charge !

****************************************************************

AND....

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT TANGO PACKAGES, NOV. 22 & NOV. 23

9pm-1pm+: MILONGA ~ 3 HOURS OF DANCING + SUPER DANCE SHOW -

$20 each night...

 

·         9:00-10:00PM: BUENOS AIRES STYLE MILONGA w/ HOST & DJ Ilene Marder -

·         10:15PM - 11PM: SHOWTIME~ PROFESSIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCES! -

·         11PM-1AM+ : BUENOS AIRES STYLE MILONGA w/ HOST & DJ Ilene Marder

~ ADVANCE RESERVATIONS NECESSARY! ~

CONTACT ILENE: imhmedia@gmail.com ~ 845 399-9034

 

PLUS! A WEEKEND FULL OF TERRIFIC STARDUST WORKSHOPS AND SOCIAL DANCING FEATURING

WEST COAST SWING, HUSTLE, LATIN, SALSA, SAMBA, RUMBA, BACHATA,

FOXTROT, WALTZ, BELLY DANCING!

DAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

CONTACT STARDUST:

845-794-4982/845-796-6511 for further information and to make a reservation.

MORE THAN 400 DANCERS





Tango Loco - Saturday, November 30




 

 

MamaJuana Cafe  570 Amsterdam Ave. (Bet. 87th & 88th) 212 362-1514

Monday   !ESMERALDA'S TANGO OESTE! hosted by Lucille Krasne 212 777-6053

                Dancing 5:30-11:30 (or later) Cover opening $5. Reg. $10

                Beginner Lesson included 6:30 to 7:30 

                Opening night class taught by Matthew Liam

Guest Performers Opening Night Adriana & Orlando

Guest DJ Greg Lordi

 


Tango Loco - Saturday, November 30


From Mike Porro - Tango Loco IV November 30th in Midland Park


Sue- It's 3:36PM on Thursday and I've been nursing a cold since Monday. I stayed home yesterday and am dragging today. I don't want tot show up tonight cause I don't want to pass this cold onto anyone. Soooo.... Deb (she has the cold too and missed two days of work) and I will miss your anniversary bash. Rain checks are in order for our anniversary dances with you and Joe AND for your Tibetan prayer scarfs.  I'm hoping to have enough of a recovery for tomorrow in order to promote Tango Loco IV at Starlight.  If not, then I'll rely on Ninah to do so.

 

Would you be so kind as to remind people tonight that we're looking for attendees to donate something:  Here's my suggested pitch:

 

Mike Porro is sick with a cold and didn't want to pass it onto anyone.  So, he isn't here to talk about Tango Loco on Nov 30th. He asked me to remind you that he's looking forward to seeing everyone on the 30th and that one of the highlights of the evening of the evening is the auction.  Last year we had many contributions of items near and dear to the donors and that made them all that more special and unique.  Steve Mache (spelling) made his bread, of example, and Pat made jelly.  Together they donated a picnic basket of homemade goodies.  So, the auction is a great way to give a little of ourselves to the cause and to promote our businesses too.  Firehouse Tango donated admission tickets and Dave Porro, ballroom lessons.  So, don't be shy about stepping up.  Anything great and small is appreciated and they make the evening all the more fun.  Please get a description of your items to Mike via his email at porro@erols.com ASAP.  Many thanks.  FYI- 100% of the money taken in during the evening will go to recipients.  Expenses are picked up by a few angels.  This year we will include the people of The Philippines as well as our two local food banks as recipients.



 

 


Reader's Corner 

We welcome readers' contributions about Argentine Tango in general and Firehouse Tango in particular. Send your thoughts to firehousetango@gmail.comWe welcome readers' contributions about Argentine Tango in general and Firehouse Tango in particular. Send your thoughts to firehousetango@gmail.com



From Rifky

 

Hi Susanne ( and Joe)


Had a great time last night as well.

My best wishes to the two of you on this milestone. And may it be as rosy going forward as well. 



From Heidi
 


I am having such a good time learning the tango. I will not be there this Thursday but next week I will.  Thanks again and have a nice evening.



From Steve (After receiving his sorbet holiday prize)

YUMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You da bestest!
Mucho gracias lindo senorita.
Con mucho amor,

Esteban


From John


Dear Sue and Joe; Congratulations and best wishes on your 25th wedding anniversary; you are now amongst  the Silver Stars.....I wish you many more happy years together.

Cheers,

John



From Angel and Maria


Dear Sue & Joe

 

Unfortunately we will miss it!  but we sure wish you the two of you all the joy in the world and many, many more years together.

 


From Rich Ariza

I wanted to say how very sorry I am  that cannot be at the Firehouse to help celebrate you and Joe's anniversary.  Unfortunately I am taking Marlene for knee surgery on Thursday and I don't want to leave her alone the first day.  We wish you and Joe many more happy years together.

Love,

Richard



From Marie Gregoire

Sue,

 

Francis and I are would love to celebrate with you, however we will be very late.  We have two last minute preparation classes for the Battista (Rogers) showcase scheduled this Thursday.    The showcase is this coming Sunday.   We will be there (we don't want to miss the celebration), but it could be past 10:00 o'clock (our classes end at 10) when we get there.  

Happy Anniversary!

 

Marie

**Note from Sue - We tried to get tickets to this Sunday's showcase, but they had standing room only.  Good luck to Francis and Marie and to our dear friend Rose as well.  We will be very happy to have both of them at our celebration, even late.


Tango Tip of the week

Hi everyone, Fran here with your Tango Tip of the Week. Recently, at my Saturday practica in New York City, I met a married couple, Helen and Jack, who used to study Tango with me some years ago. Two years ago, they moved out of the New York area, because Jack's company transferred him to Washington, D.C. As yet, they told me, they hadn't decided on a new teacher. In fact, they were actually pretty much convinced that they didn't really need one. Jack was very pleased to report that they had been frequenting the milongas in the D.C. area, and were now quite comfortable with both their dancing and their new surroundings.

"One small problem we seem to be having," Helen mentioned to me, "is that sometimes my balance is a bit off. Jack says it feels fine to him, but I just wish I could be a little more stable on the dance floor,"

I agreed to take a quick look at what they were doing. "Just dance together a little, and I'll see whether I spot something that might be worth working on."

As they formed the embrace, Helen rose up on the balls of her feet, leaned forward, placing her upper body against Jack's chest, and reached well around his neck with her left arm. At the same time, Jack complemented what Helen was doing by closing his right arm firmly around her back, thereby drawing her even further forward, and lifting her slightly so that she was virtually ready to dance on her toes.

"Before you get into the dance," I offered, holding up my hand to put on the brakes, "could we talk a little about your embrace."

Helen and Jack both rolled their eyes, as if to say, "Here comes the lecture."

"Do you remember how we formed the embrace, when we first started?" I said, feeling a bit like a first-grade teacher.

Jack was the first to pounce. "That was for beginners, right? Nobody in the real world actually dances that way. I need to have Helen close to me -- it's all about the connection."

Now, it was Helen's turn. "All the really good women are up on the balls of their feet," she assured me. "That's the way people dance now. Even the teachers are dancing that way! As Jack said, we're trying to create a more solid connection with our partners these days by going chest to chest with our left arm further around his neck than you taught us."

It was hard to argue with such passionate conviction.

"Well ...," I offered sheepishly, "When you were dancing with your feet flat on the floor, and you weren't leaning forward toward Jack, and when your left arm wasn't wrapped so much around his neck, do you remember whether your balance was any better?"

"Well ...,"said Helen.

"But what about the connection?!" retorted Jack.

"And when the two of you are dancing by continually pushing your chests toward one another," I pressed, "do you think this has an effect on your balance as individuals?"

"It's all about the connection!" blurted Jack.

"Yes, it is," I agreed. "But the connection doesn't consist of two people constantly falling on top of one another -- although there's no question that lots of people today are indeed dancing that way." (Yes, here comes the lecture.) "But that doesn't make it right. It just means that lots of dancers (students by and large) are busy imitating other dancers, hoping to look the same as their friends or their peers."

"Hmmm," said Helen.

"Harumph," coughed Jack.

"With highly skilled dancers," I went on, sensing the optimistic possibility of enlightenment, "the so-called connection consists of a recurring ebb and flow with balance in between. A skilled leader creates a moment of connection by providing his follower with a compelling invitation to do something through his lead. This might be called the flow. Then, he allows her the opportunity to do it. As she executes the movement, he leaves her alone, so that she is unencumbered by him while she's doing her part. "As my friend Carlos Gavito used to say,"I lead -- then I follow." We might refer to this as the ebb. Between one lead and the next, both partners individually arrive at a place of balance.

Helen and Jack nodded with what I took to be a hint of reluctance.

"All I ask," I suggested, "is that you try it. Try dancing without leaning on each other, without continually pushing your chests together. Try to build individual balance into your movements as the goal of every step you take.

"I told you that's what he'd say," said Helen.

Jack shrugged.

As they left the practica, I wondered whether Helen and Jack would really try to get themselves back to what I taught them originally. Ultimately, I decided that they probably wouldn't. There's just too much peer pressure on students today to fight current trends without a good teacher continually encouraging them to do the right thing, even though most people around them are doing anything but.

On the other hand, Pat and I are around you. When we teach, we try our best to give you what we think is the right information, the right way to dance Tango. And we repeat these things again and again so that you won't forget, and so that you'll have a counterpoint to all the noise you're hearing from other sources.

If you think we have what you need, try to listen to what we say, and practice every chance you get. When the time is right, maybe I'll be able to invite my former students from Washington, D.C., to come on up for a visit to the Firehouse -- to see for themselves just how it should be done.

- We think Last Week's Tango tip bears repeating - Here it is:

Most of us are aware that Fran Chesleigh is a very tough critic.  His compliments are difficult to win, but always well deserved.  Knowing this, Joe and I were thrilled, indeed bowled over, to read last week's tango tip.   We are so inspired that we decided to distribute and reprint the tip:  Thank you Fran.  We truly appreciate your words.



Tango Tip of the week. Last night, Pat and I went out Salsa dancing. Yes, that's right -- Salsa! In case you're wondering, we had a terrific time from start to finish. And both of us noticed a very sharp contrast between our experience with Salsa and the people of that community on the one hand, and the Tango community on the other. Today, I'd like to share some of our observations with you.

As some of you may know, Salsa -- or what used to be called "Mambo" -- was the first dance I became deeply involved in as a young adult. (Actually, you could say that Lindy was my first dance, but since I was about 11 years old at the time, I don't really remember much about that very early experience.) During my years of dancing Salsa, I formed a good many friendships in that community, and last night Pat and I must have met at least thirty people whom I remembered fondly from those days, and who remembered me.

What Pat and I were both impressed by is the fact that the Salsa community is so openly friendly and so welcoming -- not just to us, but to everybody! The music was lively; the dancing was great fun. And our overall impression was that people were either smiling, or about to smile all night long.

By contrast, the Tango community in the Tri-State area can often be anything but friendly, as many of us have noticed with confusion and a sense of regret. I'm not talking about the Firehouse, of course, in which people are always very warm and very welcoming, thanks in no small measure to Sue and Joe Dallon's lead. But as I'm sure you're aware, this is unusual in the Tango community at large. Most venues -- I hate to say this -- tend to be cliquish and elitist, and often make newcomers feel they really shouldn't be there. Women won't dance with anyone but their small circle of intimates. Men are constantly teaching (well, no great surprise there, I suppose). And the people who run most Tango events make no attempt whatever to encourage people to interact in a friendly way.

Why is this? Frankly, I don't get it. I know that Tango is difficult to learn. I also know that some people feel that if they themselves have made the intense effort necessary to get somewhere in Tango, everybody else should make the same effort -- and that those who don't are somehow lesser beings. Okay, as a dance teacher, I would love it if my students were all as committed as I am to this unique dance. But if they're not, I'm not going to start being mean to them. I'm not going to shun them as if they were somehow unworthy. This kind of antisocial behavior is, in my opinion, nothing short of reprehensible. And yet, so many people in the Tango community treat their peers this way as a matter of course.

What can any of us do about this depressing situation? I'm not really sure. I think it may start at the top, with people who run Tango events actively discouraging this kind of behavior. In my practica on Saturdays, for example, I tell people that if I catch them mistreating anyone, I'll kick them out of the room. I will, too, and I have. It may start with dance teachers, bringing this behavior to the attention of their students, and admonishing them to monitor their own behavior toward others.

In the long run, though, I think it's up to you. Ultimately, you have to decide what kind of Tango community you want to be a part of, and to insist everywhere you go that you're not willing to put up with anything short of common decency among your peers.This will take courage on your part, and perseverance, and a very strong commitment to human values.

But I know you can do it.



Take Your Tango over the Top!

10 Must-have Tango Moves!

with Fran Chesleigh and Pat Altman

 

Sunday, November 17

12:30 -- 3:30 p.m.

All levels welcome

 

For this one-of-a-kind, 3-hour intensive Tango workshop, Pat and I have picked out a special selection of some of our very favorite Tango moves. Once you grab these unique figures from the classic Tango repertoire, your friends will all be asking "How did you do that?' ... that is, when they stop saying "Wow!"

Here are a few highlights:

·      Unlock the secrets of the back sacada

·      Pull out a showstopper from the Virulazo legacy

·      Capture the moment with Pat's favorite adornment combos

·      Make magic with surprise variations on la cruzada

·      Burn the floor with hot traspie sequences

And lots more!

Fran Chesleigh and Pat Altman's "10 Must-have Tango Moves" offers you a unique opportunity to transform your Tango, Vals and Milonga into the polished, seriously authentic dances you've been working so hard to achieve.

Don't miss it!

Standard pricing: $35 per person

Purchased by Friday, November 15: $30 per person

No refunds no exchanges

Dance Manhattan

Fran and Pat's Milonga DVD series now available
If you haven't gotten your copies of Fran and Pat's Milonga DVDs, make sure you pick them up soon. This is a series of four DVDs, which cover everything we've done during our four weeks of Milonga at the Firehouse, along with lots of steps we didn't have time to work on. The series of 4 DVDs costs $100, and is packed with information about Milonga right from the basics all the way to some very challenging advanced material. People who already have these DVDs think they're great (thank you very much!), and we think you will, too. Be sure to add them to your collection.
Saturdays with Fran and Pat at Dance Manhattan
Fran teaches at Dance Manhattan from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. every Saturday. He offers a beginner class in Milonga & Argentine Waltz at 11:00 a.m. as well as an intermediate class in Tango at noon. From 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Fran and Pat host a special beginner/intermediate practice for bringing your skills up to speed. The cost for the practice is $10 per person. (Bringing a partner isn't necessary.) Fran and Pat are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about your dancing, and to help you with material you're working on. If you want to take Fran's classes, call Dance Manhattan at 212-807-0802 to register. If you'd like a private lesson, call Fran directly at 212-662-7692 or email him at franchesleigh@mac.com. For the practice, all you have to do is arrive with $10 and your dance shoes in hand.
Firehouse Tango hot line - We rarely cancel
We want to remind everyone that if the weather looks really bad, we will leave messages on our web site www.firehousetango.com and phone 201-825-1570. You can also reach us on our cell phone 201-826-6602 (Sue) and 201-913-8504 (Joe). Feel free to leave a message on any of these lines. We cancel only when absolutely necessary (only about six seven times in all these years), but please check whenever you're not sure. If there isn't any message, we're on.

During Hurricane Sandy, when we had only cell phone service, I was able to leave a message on my cell, so I guess that the best number to call is 201-826-6602. 
Lost and Found
 If you lost something, we probably have it. We have a few ladies' scarves and some shoes. There are also various items of clothing and jewelry in the closet. Ask Tibor at the front desk.
A final thank you

The following folks helped set up, break down and clean up before and after the milonga. Without them, there would be no Firehouse Tango.

  • Terri Lopez - 
  • Terri's son Tony
  • steve turi 
  • Steve Maisch
  • Tsipoyra Sartan
  • Jesse Barton
  • Debbie Glaser
A reminder that Firehouse Tango does not supply wine - Your fellow tangueros bring it. Therefore, if you drink it, please make sure to bring a bottle every so often.

The folks below brought food and wine this week - and last
  • Barbara Lombardi - Chips & Cheetos
  • Heidi Fedor - Kielbasi & Sauerkraut
  • Herb Goodfried - Peanut Butter Pretzels
  • Faye & Lou - Italian Cookies
  • Ricardo y Rosita - Delicious apple cake
  • Carl and Jan - Carrot cake
And these people brought wine
  • George Ngo
  • Bill Krukovsky
  • Bob Brillo
  • Jean Shedlock
  • Enrique Zuniga
  • Edna Negron
  • Hilda & Rafael
  • Terri Lopez
  • Francis & Marie
    Tango in New Jersey - Milongas