Thanks to Everyone for two wonderful weeks at Firehouse Tango
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Sue and the gang are back from Buenos Aires
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Message from Sue
Through the miracle of modern electronics, this newsletter continued to be delivered to our Firehouse friends for the two weeks that our group was in Buenos Aires. From New Jersey, Fran, Pat, Steve and Terri contributed their parts and Tibor entered the week's wine and food contributions. Meanwhile, I, in Argentina, wrote my portion, consolidated the collaborative product, and sent
it all out. Pretty impressive! Buenos Aires is our favorite home away from home, and we were just itching to go. Fortunately, we were able to leave our baby (That would be Firehouse Tango) worry free because we have incredible friends who are more than willing and able to keep the Firehouse fires burning brightly - And from what I can see, they did that in
spades. We're thrilled to be back What joy to return and be welcomed so enthusiastically by our dear Firehouse friends! As much as we loved Buenos Aires, we're absolutely thrilled to be back home. We love you all. Thanks, thanks, and more thanks to the Firehouse Tangueros Huge helpings of gratitude go to all of you who brought food and drinks; set up; cleaned
up; and kept the Firehouse fires burning brightly while we were gone. We are very aware that our trip would be impossible without an enormous amount of help from the folks back home. The logistics - The Superhero Team Special thanks to Terri Lopez, Steve Turi, Fran Chesleigh, and Pat Altman for making the whole shebang such a great success. Terri, with Steve's help, planned; ran operations; and coordinated setup and cleanup (and
that's not all.) Fran and Pat executed the milonga lessons to perfection. These folks fielded the problems and glitches that seem to arise every week. The tasks involved in running Firehouse are monumental, and we are incredibly fortunate to have so many fabulous friends willing to step in whenever needed. The newsletter This Firehouse Tango newsletter has been published nearly every week since March, 2002
and thanks to Fran and Pat, the past two weeks were no exception.
Among his countless talents, our remarkable instructor, Fran Chesleigh, is a professional writer. As always when I am out, he and his equally extraordinary assistant, Pat Altman, flawlessly and with a style of their own, take over the task of writing the Firehouse Tango newsletter. I, helped by the aforementioned modern technology, then send out their handiwork directly from our apartment in Buenos
Aires. This awesome duo is usually found at "Fran's Table" in the alcove closest to the DJ table. They are always happy to answer your Tango questions or show you how to do something you might have missed, so make sure to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn from the best. Superman Steve Turi had his own byline as Clean-up Editor. and Terri Lopez had hers as Other Stuff Editor.
The music - DJ Richard
Ariza Aren't we fortunate to have such a wonderful DJ in our Firehouse Family? We heard the music was marvelous. What a pity we couldn't have been there! Once again, Fran's tribute to Richard was over the top. Knowing Fran, I can tell you that he doesn't throw his praise around lightly. Here's some more information about Richard: he hosts the delightful Friday afternoon and Sunday evening milongas at Triangulo
WWW.TANGONYC.COM. He has guest-DJ'd at many New York and New Jersey milongas, and we've had the pleasure of his company - not to mention DJ expertise - quite often at the Firehouse. If you haven't been to Triangulo, you don't know what you're missing. You'll find information below in this newsletter about Rich's Sunday Domingo Club.
Starbucks
Buenos Aires was so good that I didn't have even one Starbucks the entire time. That, my friends, is saying
something.
American Airlines
Hard as they tried, American Airlines could not spoil our fun. As if the the twelve hour delay on the way to Argentina wasn't enough, here is the conversation coming
home:
Day before flight - phone call with American Airlines: Sue - I did not receive an e mail confirming my upgrade to business class that was requested in June
American Agent - You aren't confirmed, but there are seats available for $350 plus 25,000 miles.
Sue - Good, please upgrade me.
AA - I can't do
that. The only way you can upgrade is to do it at the airport.
Next day at airport - at American ticket counter:
Sue - I want to upgrade to business class. AA - If you do that at the airport, it will cost $450 plus 35% tax.
Sue - Any way to avoid that surcharge.
AA - You have to buy it on the
phone.
Sue - But yesterday they said that the only way I could upgrade was at the airport.
AA - I can't do anything. Call American Airlines.
Sue - (Calling and waiting 15 minutes) I need to upgrade to business class.
AA (on phone) - OK, but it will take an hour to go through.
Persistance pays, but why do
they have to make it so hard?
Fabulous group
The trip couldn't have been better, and I am thankful for my new lifelong friends. Please be sure to ask every one of them about
our incredible experience. They all want to sign up for next time. For my Facebook friends, check out the beautiful flowers that Roberto sent me.
Pictures
I'm not a photographer, but our wonderful guide, Nelo, took these pictures of our group in Mendoza. I have no idea where all of those empty wine glasses in front of us came from?
Sandor took many more photos in Buenos Aires, so expect them later.
Last Thursday, November 20 - Sue and Joe's anniversary Joe and I have been married for twenty-six years, and I can't think of a better way to mark this event than to share it with our Firehouse
friends. Joe wasn't feeling well, so he and I started the dance, then he sat out while I danced with all of the guys. I loved it.
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
No Firehouse Tango next Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving
Day
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Firehouse Tango will be closed on Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27th. 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 4th for Fran's one day
vals lesson.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Vals lesson (all levels) with Fran Chesleigh Thursday, December 4th 7 - 8:30 pm
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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 8:30 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, December 4th, 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.
December at Firehouse Tango
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December 4
Vals lesson with Fran and Pat. See information
above.
December 11 - Birthdays of Veronica D. and Elena Titova
Veronica Veronica, my Spanish teacher,
is a native of Buenos Aires and loves Argentine Tango. She misses her Thursday nights at Firehouse only when her very busy schedule interferes. Last year, Veronica made sure that I wrote down her birthday because she was so excited about celebrating with us. We are delighted to do so, and we urge all tangueros to join her birthday tango. You definitely should not miss dancing with this
awesome tanguera. Elena Elena joined us about two years ago, and she has quickly become a great Firehouse friend. Check out her smile, which lights up the room. She has become invaluable: cleaning, setting
up, and taking over for Tibor whenever he's not around. We're so happy to be able to celebrate her birthday at Firehouse on December 11.
December 18 - Birthday of Chris Grapa and anniversary of Francis and Marie Gregoire
Francis and Marie
Francis and Marie Gregoire have been coming to Firehouse for many years and have been to Buenos Aires with us twice (including just now), and we are honored to be able to celebrate their anniversary on December 18th.. Francis will start the birthday tango with Marie and then we lucky ladies will begin cutting in. The guys will cut in with Marie. It will be delightful. Oh, and we are looking
forward to the mountain of huge and luscious shrimp and delicious chocolate cake that Francis and Marie bring. They are sure to be fabulous, as always.
Chris
Chris Grapa is a great tanguera, a great dancer, and a great friend. During the milonga, you'll find her at Fran's table or on
the dance floor. Chris is still digging out from her damage from Hurricane Sandy, but she comes to Firehouse as often as she can. Carl will start the celebratory tango, and then you guys can all cut in.
December 25 - Merry Christmas - No Firehouse Tango We welcome readers' contributions about Argentine Tango in general and Firehouse Tango in particular. Send your thoughts to firehousetango@gmail.com We welcome readers' contributions about Argentine Tango in general and Firehouse Tango in particular. Send your thoughts to firehousetango@gmail.comFrom Al and Lilian Ko
Dear Sue and Joe,
Congratulations!! to a lovely couple. Happy 26th Anniversary. It is a rare milestone in today's standard. We still can recall vividly how we met some 15+ yrs ago, when we all started Tango at the same time, and every year we celebrated our Anniversaries with Tango. Unfortunately, we won't be there on the 20th to help you and Joe celebrate. We
will be in Iceland chasing the Northern Lights. We are sure it will be a grand event and please save us a dance when we get back. Our thoughts will be with you. And thank you for doing the Firehouse Tango week in and week out for so many years. The legacy of Firehouse tango, is countless tangueros and tangueras got their start there. It is indeed a big accomplishment that no other place can claim. Best wishes, Al and Lilian PS: Had a long chat with Antonio
Ruiz (Roberto). He said he enjoyed your Firehouse Tango trip to Buenos Aires and Mendoza tremendously. He admired you for setting up such a grand Tango tour. From Francis and Marie GregoireSue Francis and I would have loved to be able to celebrate with you tomorrow. However, we are heading for the Stardust weekend
tomorrow morning. Best Wishes to you and Joe! Again thanks for the exceptional stay in BA. Everything was wonderful! Only you can bring people together for such a fun time. I was particularly pleased with the group lessons set up. And of course you gave both Francis and I the courage to experience the cabezeo. Love Marie From Tom RodgersAt Tom's house in Wayne not to be
missed!!! Intermediate Tango class7:30pm &
DJ Jon
Performance by Amy & Jon
Tariq For additional information contact Tom Rodgers at tomcrodgers@optimum.net
www.tangowithjon.comFrom Chris Grapa
Dearest Sue and Joe,
Happy Anniversary!
and Congratulations on your 26th year accomplishment! ... very impressive but, not surprising for a special couple like you! Have a wonderful evening ahead and, count me in the Firehouse spirit of celebration together with my best wishes for all the love, joy, tango and friends that you can possibly experience and cherish. Looking forward to some big consolation hugs and kisses --- Sorry I couldn't be there.
Cris G.
From Brian and Jennie Nash - Nash Dancenter - Randolph NJ
Hello Susanne,
Here is all of the information about Argentine Tango at Nash.
Nash Dancenter 10-12 Emery Ave, Randolph, NJ 07869 - 973-328-7979
Sunday, November 23rd Argentine Tango with guest teacher from NYC Dragan Ranitovic Tango Workshop (intermediate/advanced) 3:30-5pm $25 cash per person/$45 per couple (includes
pre-party class 5:15-6pm & Milonga from 6-9pm)
Milonga 6-9pm $15 cash per person/$25 per couple (includes open level complimentary pre-party class 5:15-6pm) Private lessons also available*
Starting in December we will also be holding this same workshop/Milonga the first and third Sunday of each month. For example December, 7th & 21st will be the dates for next month.
Lastly we have an 8 week workshop Monday nights from 7-8:30pm. It started November 3rd but we will let you know when the next class will begin.
Thank you again, Brian & Jennie Hi everybody, Fran here with your Tango Tip of the Week. Many of the students I've come to know over my years of teaching Tango have, at one time or another, confided in me with the following -- virtually always disconsolate -- lament:
"Tango," they sigh wistfully with lowered, slowly shaking head, " is the hardest dance I've ever tried to learn." Does this sound familiar? Is it possible that you may have from time to time formulated this same thought yourself? I generally respond to such tortured ululations with soothing murmurs of gentle encouragement. "I know, I know," I offer. "Just give it time. You'll get it sooner or
later." Well, of course, that's what I'm supposed to say, right? After all, I'm a teacher. I teach; I encourage; I soothe. The problem is ... take a breath ... the problem is that notwithstanding my efforts -- or anybody else's for that matter -- I mean, let's face it! -- you may, in fact, not get it after all. "What???? Me, not be able to
learn Tango? I got all A's in school, all right maybe one or two B's. I was an honor student. I ... I ... " Okay, okay, calm down. Let me explain. Learning Tango is kind of like climbing a hill, while carrying a very heavy backpack that's loaded with stones. The heavier the load you're carrying, the harder it is to get to the top. Here are a few of the stones you may or may not be carrying in your bag: · Were you born in Argentina, and do you come from a family of Tango dancers? Good, remove one stone. · Do you have an innate talent for dancing? Take out another stone. · Do you keep yourself in good physical shape? You know, less time
at the fridge, more time on the dance floor? (Add a stone for fridge; chuck one for dance floor.) · Are you willing to work your butt off to learn, or do you maybe want it all right now -- without having to break a serious sweat? Come on, don't lie to
me; for working your tush off, relieve yourself of several stones; if long hours and hard work aren't your thing, add a big pile of really heavy boulders. · Are you committed to inhaling as many stage Tango steps or hot-shot adornments as you
can, because you think this is the road to riches? Let me hand you another backpack, twice as heavy as the one you're toting right now. · Do you think that lead/follow is the crucial link between you and being a skilled Tango dancer? This is a loaded
question: A "yes" answer means you can take off the backpack and scamper right up that hill. "No" means you should consider bowling. Get the idea? Learning to dance Tango isn't a deep mystery. The mechanics are very straightforward. It starts with learning how to lead and how to follow. This is the really hard part -- which is why so many people decide not to do it -- and you need to know this cold before
you can go for the glitzy stuff. If you're having trouble right now, I can virtually guarantee that it's because you decided you'd worry about lead/follow later -- and never quite got to it. It's not too late, of course. Yes, Tango is tough to learn -- especially if you begin in the wrong way, and let things get worse everyday -- because you've gotten yourself lost in the glittery world of "hey, ma, look at me." Stone after
stone stuffed into your back pack, and the hill just seems to keep getting steeper. On the other hand, you can change everything tomorrow, if you want. No kidding. Start by finding a good teacher. (It'll probably help, if performing is not their main focus.) Put yourself in their capable hands, and listen carefully to what they have to say. The rest will pretty much take care of itself. Let's dump that bag of stones once and for all.
Saturdays with Fran and Pat at Pearl Studios
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Since 2002, Fran and Pat have been holding a Tango practica at Dance Manhattan every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This Saturday will be our last event at Dance Manhattan, because, as many of you know, Dance Manhattan
is closing its doors. Starting November 29th, our Practica will be at Pearl Studios, 500 8th Avenue (between 35th and 36th Streets. It will still be from 2-4pm and the cost for will remain $10 per person. (Bringing a partner isn't necessary.) Fran and Pat will be on hand as always to answer any questions you may have about your dancing, and to help you with material you're working on. 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.
Here is a response to Fran’s Tango Tip of last week from Daniel Singer, one of our friends and fellow tangueros:
Fran:
Much gratitude
for yet another superb Tango Tip of the Week. I second your “OY.” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It’s painful to behold. The object of a good social tango leader would be to make the follower happy, safe, secure and connected in the lead, at all times. The elements are secondary matters, actually. And if we fail to do so, we have to own up to that. I have failed and still do. But I know it’s my own fault. I could have adjusted to the situation differently, but I didn’t choose
to. Basics are the thing to be continuously focused on and to improve upon, forever, as they are the only thing that makes the dancing happy and eventually creative. Well, perhaps not the ONLY thing, but far more so than a Triple Lutz!. “How" you lead is much more important than “what” you lead. I think you would agree. Unless you’re a leader into wearing "The Emperors New Clothes". Very happy to see you continuing to fight the good fight!
Best wishes, Daniel Singer
View Monica Paz' terrific tango Facebook posts - my
pick from this week is below |
Every day, our dear friend and teacher in Buenos Aires posts a historical tango fact of the day. These interesting and informative tidbits always include
English, Spanish and Italian information and a relevant recording. You can see all of them and listen to the recording by simply joining Monica Paz PractiMilonguero Facebook page. Below is a link to the Facebook page, where you can hear the music: Calendario Milonguero November 18th, 1880 JUAN
MAGLIO is born. Nicknamed Pacho. Bandoneonist, conductor and composer. He was a typical character of the Guardia Vieja. He was the first one to obtain a commercial success with the recordings. In 1912 he was the most sold with his quartet (bandoneon, violin, flute and guitar). When people wanted to buy a tango record they would say: give me a Pacho. Here goes a Pacho by him. ♫ ROYAL PIGALL. Carlos Di Sarli (1944) ⊙ CD Nº15 Colección
Natucci (40 CDs) +info
Here is the Facebook link to see Monica's tango
calendar: https://www.facebook.com/MPTango And the following one for her latest interview (She regularly posts interviews that she does with surviving old milongueros) : MP Tango Interview MPTango Presents Eduardo "El Nene" Masci at PractiMilonguero Click on cc underneath the screen for English
subtitles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBECqsZMnl0&feature=youtu.be
New Years Eve Milonga with Mike Porro
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Ring in 2015 with Argentine Tango TANGO LOCO VI New Years Milonga To Simply Enjoy Dance & Friendship at Grand Ballroom Authentic Argentine Tango Music provided by DJ Al Ko 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM December 31, 2014 Light Nibbles BYOW Champagne at Midnight $30 before 12/15 $35 12/16 – 12/30 $40 at the door (if space is available) Mail checks payable
to “Tango Loco” to: Michael Porro 180 Old Tappan Rd. Bldg 5, Old Tappan, NJ 07675 Grand Ballroom Dance Studio Midland Park Shopping Center (around the back) 85 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432 For additional information call 201-768-0218 or email: porro@erols.com TANGO LOCO MILONGA is a spontaneous event that arises when the spirit
moves us and we have the opportunity to host extraordinary teachers of dance for our tango community. On this night, our extraordinary teachers are you!
Our cancellation policy - We STILL rarely cancel |
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 seven or eight times in all these years - including, unfortunately, the first scheduled milonga of 2014), 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.
The following folks helped set up, break down and clean up before and after the milonga. Without them, there would be no Firehouse Tango.
- Tsipoyra Sartan
- Elena Titova
- Debbie Glaser
- Steve Maisch
- steve turi
And of course, without Terri Lopez, we would have to close up shop.
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 - Sydney St.James -
Cheese
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Judy Saul -
Cake
And these people brought wine- Mary
Pagano
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Bob
Brillo
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Fred
Ritz
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Edna
Negron
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Enrique
Zuniga
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George
Ngo
Tango in New Jersey and New York
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