The New Zealand Tango Festival

By FEDERICO MONSALVE


Four days of tango performances, workshops, lectures and events will be held throughout Auckland, starting tomorrow evening.

The New Zealand Tango Festival, which is in its third year, will explore both the dance and the musical aspects of tango and include classes for experienced and those unfamiliar with the genre.

"Tango is really an umbrella term for many bits and pieces of an entire culture," says event co-organiser Olivia Sumich, who is also partly responsible for Taupo's annual Jambalaya Festival.

"The dance has been so popular worldwide mainly because it is so energetic and beautiful visually and somehow seems to get people addicted. The nature of the dance is such that it helps one learn about human relationships in a really intense way."

The festival opens with From Brothels to Technotango: A Brief History of Tango, a lecture on the many facets of the genre which will include performances by the visiting dancers.

Tango teacher Metin Yazir, who is said to have been invited by Bill Clinton to perform for the official visit by former Argentine President Carlos Menem, will be giving performances as well as workshops.

"His visit is really one of the highlights," says Sumich, "Metin has performed and taught throughout the world and we've never had anyone of his calibre in New Zealand.

Sunday night's Grand Tango Ball at Hopetoun Alpha will showcase Metin Yazir as well as musical performances by Tango Vivo, a quartet whose members are from the Auckland Philharmonia.

Tango, which is best known for its sensual and visually lush footwork, originated in Buenos Aires during the period of European migration in the early 20s and peaked during the 30s as singer Carlos Gardel took the genre throughout Latin America and France.

The music was later immortalised by Astor Piazzolla as he incorporated classical elements and inspired a range of artists from film-makers Bertolucci and Marin Brest to electronica producers Gotan Project.


*When: From tomorrow to Monday, June 7

*Where: Various venues, Auckland

*Also: Grand Tango Ball, Hopetoun Alpha (19 Beresford Square), $75, part of the New Zealand Tango Festival, Sunday