Modern Tango World N° 10 (Athens, Greece) | Page 29

Then, there is the mu- sic. On Mondays, an- other small group of milongueros meet where two big streets cross at Neptuno and Avenida de Italia. This is the location of the Casa del Tango. It is like a scene from an old movie where a young poet, an old singer, a guitar virtuoso, and a bandoneonist meet. Gardel posters and statues are everywhere. It is a clean place, with very simple decorations and an old CD player — not much. But it is enough. It compares to the biggest music halls, provoking the same emotions. In Cuba, tango is sung in such a way that when I arrived there for the first time, I cried like a baby. I had gone there with my tango shoes. After the concert, Enriquo invited me to dance. The older people did not know that I danced. But afterwards, everyone applauded. With tears in my eyes, I was kissing their hands. Cubans are great singers that really feel the music. There is so much musi- cal talent in Cuba that one cannot grasp it all. Sometimes you can buy a CD from a Havana performer with a small donation in a box because the music is from the heart. This feeling will stay with you forever. In Havana, milongas start quite early, at about 9pm, with tiny meetings of good friends. Perhaps, someone passing thru, or a couple tourists who uncover the secret will join in. Dances are on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at a gallery in old Havana, El Ojo del Ciclon, (the Eye of the Cyclone). There is a very small group of friends who are very good dancers. Leo Lazaro, the owner, opens his place to tango groups. It is a nice place where dancers can practice, exchange new steps, and find new music. It is a very small space; with dance between sculptures, paint- ings, the old telephone booth, and, movie posters. The doors are opened wide, and people on the side- walk stop and peer in. Sometimes, the gallery makes some sales. The truth about the milongas is that they are spontaneous. Yailet Suarez, a Cuban tango cham- pion, had just arrived from Italy. She granted us three free lessons.. She and her fiancé, Agustin Garcia, have big plans. Yailet and Agustin are renovating their home slowly, transforming it into a Tango Academy in the El Vedado neighborhood. Nearby are our secret casas particulares, private homes outside the tourist buzz of downtown. It is very convenient to dance there at night. A strange gate opens to a fantastic elegant apartment with 50’s décor. In January, we scheduled two classes and milongas with them. Noelia Hurtado and Carlitos Espinoza were there, dancing and providing lessons. The lessons were full of energy and self-confidence.. We learned a lot, and were told repeatedly: Walk like you mean it. Your walk will differ from everyone else, but put everything into your walk. — Noelia Hurtado Dancing tango in Havana without air condition- ing can be challenging. The days can be very hot. We often dance in places where doors and windows are opened. The only air conditioning might be an old antique fan. — 29 — TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE