Modern Tango World N° 6 (Montreal, Quebec) | Page 17

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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