Quebec City, an Alternative Bastion
Yannick Allen-Vuillet
The Quebec City tango community celebrated its twentieth anniversary in September 2015. These two decades were rich with all sorts of events. There were milongas, classes, shows, festivals, dance parties and other types of events organized by the many schools, as well as l’ Association Tango Québec. Because of its population and geographical location, Quebec City has become the breeding ground of a growing tango community that remains a small family. What really distinguishes this goup is its interest in novelty and its research in the dance.
In recent years, a return to tradition and Argentine folklore could be observed, internationally. The style of music and how to dance have been marked by a significant return to the roots, leaving behind the more contemporary avenues. Despite this, the scene in the city It has retained a rather innovative approach to dance. The persistent openess of Quebec is mainly embodied in the person of Nancy Lavoie and ideas that she conveys. She is the founder of Avenue Tango in 1995, first tango school in the city, Nancy is distinguished by an approach that preserves the origins of tango while evolving it into a contemporary practice. She is also a professional massage therapist. Her understanding of the human body and its mechanics guide her vision of dance and pedagogy.
She has also runs the Avenue Tango dance troupe, one of the main channels for renewal and novelty in the Quebec City tango community. The group has been effective in disseminating Nancy’ s vision of tango over the years. It has produced a number of shows over the past two decades, such as: Color Tango( 2001), Showgirl( 2006), Tabac. Alcool. Ectasy( 2011), TER tango( 2015), Rose Chair( 2016) and Ultimo( 2016).
The troupe has given performance opportunities to many dancers, allowing them to perfect their technique and stage presence, and helping to skyrocket the overall dance level of the community. The influence Nancy Lavoie ideas and her tango troupe has gradually infiltrated into all aspects of tango dance in the city. This variety and openness that are felt at many levels, giving the city and its activities a unique and recognizable flavor.
A wide variety of musical genres are played and danced to n the milongas of the city. It is one of the characteristic aspects of the tango in Quebec City. In addition to traditional Argentine composers, several contemporary artists are added to the list. Tom Waits, Patrick Watson, Lhasa, and Arthur H are just a few names that share the musical space with Carlos di Sarli and Juan D’ Arienzo. There is something for any musical tastes, from the most conservative to the most experimental.
Every dancing space has its own personality. For example, The Edgar is a famous central point not only for the dancers of the provincial capital, but also for the cultural sector, in general. It cannot fail to enchant with its hushed and subdued atmosphere.
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