Modern Tango World N° 6 (Montreal, Quebec) | Page 18

Richly decorated with tapestries, chandeliers, wood
paneling, and warmed in winter by a sublime burning fireplace, this place has brought together artists
and intellectuals of the city for over eighteen years.
A weekly milonga is held here every Sunday evening, attracting the faithful tangueros.
Another space that has welcomed tangueros for
years is the bar called Le Drague. A milonga is held
every Tuesday night in the relaxed atmosphere
of the cabaret. It starts right at the end of the
work day. The happy hour drink formula is always
stretched to the end of the evening.

Quebec City’s tango history is marked by a tradition of creativity and innovation, in large part thanks
to Nancy Lavoie and Avenue Tango. The community encourages alternative music and frequent role
changes, setting it apart from many others. The city
may be small in size, but it is big in personality and
innovation.

Quebec City tangueros also dance outdoors, with
a summer milonga held in the gardens of City Hall,
in the heart of Old Quebec.
For several years, several major world cities have
gradually developed alternative communities commonly called Queer Tango. Organizers have created festivals in such cities as Paris, Berlin, New York
and Montreal. At the heart of the Queer Tango
movement is the desire to discard heteronormative tango habits, loosen the rules and open the
roles to anyone who wants to dance them, regardless of gender. Although Québec demonstrates a
strong tendency for the changing of roles, no specific queer subgroup has been formed. However, it
is common to see several dancers switch roles with
ease at milongas throughout the city.

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