A letter from my granddaughter in Boston
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The letter below was sent to me by my granddaughter Ariel, a student at Northeastern University in Boston.
Hello everyone!
I'm sure you all heard about the bombings at the Boston Marathon yesterday. I can't believe something so tragic happened so close to my home; I live less than a mile away from the finish line.
Luckily, my friends and I are all safe. Three Northeastern students were injured, but they're all okay now. I had just left the finish line about twenty minutes before the bombs detonated. A number of my friends were just feet away from the explosions. We are so thankful to be safe and sound.
However, many people in Boston were not as lucky as my friends and I were; More than 100 people were injured severely, and three people passed away due to these explosions.
Seven students from Emerson College, a small college not far from mine, were injured by the explosions. Because of this, Emerson students were inspired to sell "Boston Strong" shirts and donate all of the proceeds to the help the 100+ victims who were injured by the bombings.
I purchased my t-shirt, and I want to give you all the opportunity to do so as well. We can all play a part in helping Boston recover from this tragic event.
Click here to purchase a shirt. http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/3731
Love,
Ariel
Next Thursday, April 25 - Francis Gregoire
Francis and Marie Gregoire have been coming to Firehouse for many years and have been to Buenos Aires with us twice, and we are honored to be able to celebrate Francis' birthday on April 25th. He will start the birthday tango with Marie and then we lucky ladies can begin cutting in. Oh, and I always look forward to the mountain of huge and luscious shrimp and delicious chocolate cake that Francis and Marie bring.
Last Thursday, April 18 - Eva Roth and Mona Phillips
Eva Roth - Birthday milonga Our dear milonguera from Buenos Aires, who took Firehouse by storm a few years ago and cooks something different for us almost every Thursday, celebrated her birthday with us last Thursday. Eva loves the milonga, and she glowed while dancing her favorite dance, started by Mike Porro, with her many admirers.
Bonnie and Jack brought a delicious chocolate cake.
Mona Phillips - Birthday tango
What a joy to have Mona back at Firehouse to celebrate! The birthday milonga started with Kevin, was spectacular, and so was the birthday gal. We hope to see much more of this lovely lady.
Mona brought her favorite red velvet cake.
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 tenth anniversary - Thursday, May 23, 2013We're planning some terrific stuff for our tenth anniversary, and we want all of our friends to help us celebrate. Make sure not to make any other plans for this big day.
Tango on the Hudson - Sunday, August 25, 2013
Don't miss our annual Firehouse Tango on the Hudson Outdoor Picnic Milonga Sunday, August 25 from 4 to 8 pm. The event will be held at the Alpine Pavilion; one of the loveliest spots in this area, right on the Hudson River.
Closing of Niño Bien Milonga in Buenos Aires
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For years, Joe and I brought lots of Firehouse folks to Buenos Aires. One of the wonderful milongas that we took our groups to was the legendary Niño Bien. I was saddened by the news below as reported by Shahrukh Marchant:
The almost-mythical milonga Niño Bien closed it doors last week. It used to be one of my favourites, owing to the mix of people it attracted, the courtesy of Luis Calvo, the organizer, and the rest of his staff (and one of very few milongas that actually served real and good food). However, I have to admit that I've been going there infrequently myself in the last several months, largely because of the lack of attendance of a critical mass of dancers, so I guess the writing's been on the wall for some time. I can't really speculate on the reason why--the reasons speculatively stated in the article below are no doubt contributing factors but I think the real reasons are rather more complex, since there are other milongas that are thriving, and even new ones opening up. You can read the article (in Spanish) here (If the link doesn't work, cut and paste the link into your browser:)
http://blogs.lanacion.com.ar/maldito-tango/sin-categoria/cierra-nino-bien-el-fin-de-epoca-dorada/ Shahrukh
Monica Paz to visit New Jersey - May, 2013 - Private Lessons Available
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Great News! Great news! Monica Paz, our dear friend and teacher from Buenos Aires will be in New Jersey from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27. Luckily, (admittedly with a bit of manipulation on our part) she will be able to join us for Firehouse Tango's tenth anniversary celebration that Thursday. About Monica
Monica Paz was born and raised in Buenos Aires, and tango has been her full time profession for almost 20 years. She specializes in Tango Milonguero style (with its strong chest-to-chest connection) which she loves to dance with the best old milongueros in the best milongas of Buenos Aires.
Last year, Monica realized her dream of opening her own studio in Buenos Aires (at 30 Riobamba near the Congresso.) Two of the best of the wonderful milongueros, Nestor La Vitola and Osvaldo Natucci, teach group lessons on Tuesday and Thursday nights with Monica translating when necessary. Monica, La Vitola and Natucci also teach private lessons. If you are in Buenos Aires, I highly recommend checking out these lessons. Monica has taught extensively all over the United States and Europe, as well as in Australia and much of South America. Monica's web site and Interviews of old Milongueros
Monica is passionate about preserving the traditions, codes, and history of tango. To this end, she continues pursuing her project of interviewing the precious few remaining old milongueros of Buenos Aires. Their stories and the videos accompanying them, as well as other wonderful videos of Monica can be found on her web site at www.mptango.com Scroll down for English or Spanish selection. My favorite video of Monica and Nestor dancing to Poema
This is the video that made us fall in love with Monica. it's my favorite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWRBZ-Uku68&list=UU5UKKJeGowH6cGdYatKcKkw&index=10 And now for the best news! Lessons with Monica available in New JerseyMonica will be available for private lessons in Maywood or Ramsey from Thursday, May 23rd through Monday, May 27. You can e mail me at firehousetango@gmail.com or call me at 201-826-6602 for information. I recommend that you take advantage of this terrific opportunity.
40 CD Package from Buenos Aires
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Osvaldo Natucci, one of the finest and most well known DJ's in Buenos Aires, has compiled a magnificent 40 CD package of tango selections. The set contains 1000 of the best tangos of the Golden Age: the ones played in the milongas of Buenos Aires. I brought two sets home with me.
If you are interested in purchasing these CD's, send an e mail to firehousetango@gmail.com or call me at 201-826-6602.
Felix Pacheco and and Jose Pagan - Tango Entertainment - Caldwell, NJ This Saturday, April 20
Milonga Los Pitucos 20 April Saturday, April 20, 2013, 7:00 pm
DanceSport4You, 31 Westville Ave, Caldwell, NJ ' Get Directions >> $15.00
Tango Entertainment brings Argentine Tango to Caldwell, NJ. Experience the finest of Buenos Aires at our new Saturday night Milonga at Dancesport4YOU.
Find yourself feeling the spirit of Buenos Aires, circa 1930. Mingle with flamboyant Tango dancers. Allow the romance of period music to move you. Enjoy some finger foods and Malbec between tandas.
Your evenings hosts "El Tordo" and "El Zurdo" are dedicated to an authentic and enjoyable Tango exepreince. Our DJ and instructor, El Tordo, makes every effort to incorporate authentic Argentine Tango's from period composers.
Tango Entertainment has been bringing the finest Tango event and music to NJ since 2009.
Domingo Tango Club & Triangulo Present; in performance
Carlos and Diana 2006 World Champions Argentine Tango Sunday evening, April 21 Milonga from 6:30 to 10:30 Performance at 8:30 pm
Hosts: Eddie Sanabria & Richard Ariza Triangulo 135 West 20th St. New York, NY 10011 212-633-6445
Lucille Krasne's Esmeralda's East Village Milonga and Supper Club - Wednesdays at 6:00 and Sunday brunch 12 noon to 4 pm.
We went to this terrific milonga last Wednesday night and had a wonderful time. I recommend it to everyone.
"DANCE & DINE-- IT'S DIVINE" (my brilliant poem) ---6 to 11:30 At the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant--140 2nd Ave. between St Marks Pl & 9th. Eating and drinking help make the restaurant love us a lot---Join all the others dining around the dance floor (definitely optional though).
Admission $10
For more information Lucille 212 777 6053
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
Thanks to everyone for the gifts, calls, and e mails for my birthday. Here are a few messages:
From Estelle Stanger Hi Dearest Sue, I want to wish you a belated Happy Healthy Birthday with many more to come. You are the best and should have only the best in life. Love you so much, Estelle
From Cris Grapa Happy Birthday Sue and the best of love, health, happiness and Tango always!!!
Sorry I could not celebrate with you this year. But, I know you are in good hands with all our Firehouse friends and, hope we'll make up for it soon. Miss you. Hugs and kisses. Cris.
From Judy and Jon in Las Vegas
happy birthday Sue. Wish we could be there to help you celebrate. Come to see us in Las Vegas some time - or we'll just have to arrange to come to Jersey love
From Rose Whitehill
Happy Birthday, dear Sue! I'm stuck at rehearsals/classes tonight and next week (dress rehearsal), so I will raise a glass to you in thought. Dance brilliantly - I know you will. Abrazos
From Joseph and Nona
Nona and I are very sorry to have missed your birthday celebration last night. I had to work late in the city and Nonna didn't want to got without me. She finished her work last night at 5am. Missing you both out here. Hope last night's party was nice and special.
From Nancy Senzon - an old friend hola Sue --
I had you listed on my birthday calendar, and then oops -- forgot to send out my message. ( I just read about your wonderful celebration last night and realized my mistake.) I'm so happy you had a beautiful night surrounded by Firehouse family -- many more to come! FELIZ CUMPLEANOS (atrasado)!! besos...Nancita
Wishes from Gretchen Janssen
No e mail, but a lovely birthday call and conversation from our old friend, Gretchen. She says that she might visit New Jersey in November.
Hi everybody, Fran here with your Tango Tip of the Week. As beginning students, when we take forward, backward and side movements, most of us can't wait to get to the end of our steps. Our balance is usually a bit shaky, and we really don't feel at all comfortable, moving through space. However, after dancing Tango for a while we start to feel somewhat more confident with traveling through space. At this point it's time to add a sense of openness and continuity to each of these movements. And that's what this Tango Tip is about. Whether we're moving forward, backward or to the side, there are three fundamental elements contained in each step we take:
· First, there's the initiation of the movement. That's where you go from a standing, balanced position to the onset of motion. Your body begins to move in the direction of the step, and your leg starts to extend itself in the appropriate direction. · Second, you actually travel through space, taking a step, which more or less matches that of your partner. As you do this, you maintain slight contact with the floor (rather than picking your foot up off the ground, and then replacing it back on the floor at the end of the movement). ·
Third, you reach the end of the movement, place full weight on the traveling leg, and bring yourself into balance. With a skilled dancer, these elements occur as an unfolding sequence of events. If you watch carefully, you can actually see as the step begins, then appears to move effortlessly through space, and culminates in the final balance - where everything comes gently to a stop, or where a new step begins. On the other hand, unskilled students will often lurch through the movement in an effort to get to the end as quickly as possible. They tend to go from the beginning to the end of the step without allowing the center of the movement - the traveling part - to take place. Certainly, these students are moving through space, but they're doing so in a kind of panic mode, hurrying to get to the end so that they can get their feet - sometimes both feet
- safely on the ground. This problem is compounded in the lead/follow collaboration. If I'm leading a woman who is rushing to the end of her movements, it will pull me off balance with every step we take together. If a skilled follower is dancing with a leader who is rushing to reach the end of his steps, she, too, will find her balance severely compromised. So, what can we do about this very common problem? As a leader, I can begin to recognize that once I initiate a movement, this is only the beginning of the step
. I then have to travel some distance through space, allowing this part of the step to unfold, and finally bring myself to the end in which I'll find balance. I have to notice each part of the total movement, and not rush to the end. Furthermore, I have to notice whether my partner is doing the same thing - or whether she's rushing her own movement and therefore pulling me off balance. If she is, there really isn't anything I can do about it (this is her dance teacher's job!), but at least I'll have the awareness that my balance is being compromised by someone other than me. As a follower, my step begins when the leader initiates the movement. I can't get panicky at this point and immediately allow myself to race to the end of the step. I have to recognize that the movement is just beginning
at this moment. I take up his invitation to move, and gently travel through space in the direction indicated, allowing my step to unfold and expand as I go. As I reach the point at which the traveling part is complete, I bring myself consciously into balance with my legs and feet together, and wait for the next invitation. As I do all this, I try to notice whether my balance is being compromised by a leader, who may be rushing his step, and therefore not giving me the opportunity to execute my own movement in the way I know it should be done. If this is indeed happening, there isn't a thing I can do about it. But I can feel confident that it isn't my fault. And the proof will be that when I dance with a skilled leader, none of this will happen. If I had to put all this information into a concise thought, it would be: Don't rush; let your movements breathe; balance.
Hmmmmm. I can't wait to try that myself.
Saturdays with Fran and Pat at Dance Manhattan |
For Firehouse dancers who might enjoy a day in the Big Apple on Saturdays, Fran teaches from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. every week. 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 figures you're working on. If you want to take Fran's classes, call Dance Manhattan at 212-807-0802 to register. For the practice, all you have to do is arrive with $10 and your dance shoes in hand.
See you every Saturday for a full day of Tango!
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. 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. 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
- Tony Mele
- Tsipoyra Sartan
- steve turi
- Debbie Glaser - We thank her for taking over sweeping and cleaning the bar area in Jesse's absence
- Mike Porro
- Elena Syrett
- Tom Rodgers
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 -
- Eva Roth - Pastichio
- Ingrid & Karl Jacob - Cheese & Grapes We welcome these two Tango under the Tent friends
- Rafael & Hilda - Flan
And these people brought wine - Mary Pagano
- Eduard Simpson
- Dan & Georgina
- George Ngo
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Ingrid & Karl Jacob
- Rafael & Hilda
- Jack Messing
- Bob Brillo
- Horatio Piccioni
- Tom Rodgers
- Terri Lopez
Tango in New Jersey - Milongas |
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