We are happy to open a series of interviews about Tango Dancers who have succeeded in another (interesting) occupation apart from their tango life, hope you will enjoy meeting them!

"Airborne Tango Dancer" - Marianella Michaud
© Interview  by Tatiana Balashova

Photography © Subbusclicks, Getty Images, Adrian Roup, Laura Mingo, Comsa Adina, Andrei Dragon.

Q 1:  Hi Marianella, tell us please a little bit about yourself. Where were you born and what kind of family you had?

I was born on a farm in Canada around goats and my closest neighbors were cows ;) 

My dad was a professional cyclist, as well as a coach. So I come from a very active family. I spent the first years of my life watching road cyclist’s trainings and races.

Q 2:  What kind of training did you have? 

I started rhythmic gymnastics at a very early age (3 years old!).

Can you tell us a little bit about what is it like to grow up in the environment of rhythmic gymnastics?  I know that little girls in Russia who are getting training in gymnastics and ballet usually are treated quite harshly, even though it does help to achieve a lot. What were the highlights and struggles of that time for you personally? 

The coaches I had through my life were all from the Soviet Union. I would lie if I were to say the training was easy and painless. A day as a rhythmic gymnast mostly consists of stretching… for long long hours! The fun part was to practice the manipulation of each apparatus (ball, hoop, clubs, ribbon and rope) and create my own choreography. 

The highlights of that time were obviously when I got to win medals or when I was chosen to be part of the Elite team of Quebec.

Q3: What was your most memorable moment of that time? 

I can never forget the first trip I made for a competition. Traveling around North America and missing school was awesome!  

But seriously, I consider myself very lucky that I got to discover the world at an early age. This made me so curious about other cultures and I believe it was the birth of my wanderlust!

Q 4:  When was the first time you heard about circus and went there? Do you remember your impressions? 

The only time I won tickets to assist a show in my life was as a child! I got to see a traditional circus show under a big top. I would say I was about 7 years old. My memories of that moment are very blurred, but I remember that I was intrigued and mesmerized by it. Being a child, it was like if I had an enigma to solve or a treasure to discover in that circus world.

Q 5: When did you make a decision to be a circus artist? 

I believe circus chose me! 

I was determined to become an actress. I studied dramatic arts until the day a friend of mine asked me to attend the audition of the National Circus School of Montreal with her. When I received the news that I was accepted (as well as her) in the most prestigious circus school of the world, I knew that circus had chosen me.

I soon realized that modern circus mixes dancing and acting and is the expression mode that matched me the most.

Q 6:  What companies have you worked for? 

I've been working for Cirque du Soleil for the past 3 years. Now performing in Las Vegas. Before that, I was touring the world with the show Cavalia.

Q 7:  What is your favorite performance /show you worked on? What did you have to do there? Why is it dear to your heart? :) 

Since my graduation from circus school, I have been very blessed to experience all kinds of performances. I don’t have a favorite show, since every single one of them made me grow as an artist. In the equestrian show Cavalia, I got to dance and fly around horses, which made it for sure unforgettable. Afterwards, working with Cirque du Soleil, I got to work with incredibly talented artists and had the chance to understudy the main character in addition to my work as a dancer and aerialist.

Q 8:  Have you ever have a thought of giving it up or maybe faced choosing a different path? 

Never!


Q 9:  If to speak about names of people in circus who are your “teachers/ mentors” and what were/are your inspirations? 

I was lucky to have a big team of coaches and artistic advisers supporting me at the circus school.  

But my inspiration to always move forward was my dad, who was an athlete himself. He always encouraged me to push my limits, especially in harsh times.

Q 10:  Is there anything in that career (sphere) which you would like to try, maybe challenge yourself more or just for fun? 

It’s funny because in every show I have done to this date, I was always asked to challenge myself and learn something completely new! A quality of a circus artist is also to have the guts and will to try new things all the time. No matter how dangerous or painful it can be ;) 

Eventually, I would enjoy flying on an aerial apparatus I have never worked on before. 

I would also love using my acting skills once more and work as a character in a show again.

Q 11:  Would you want your child (children) to belong to the circus life in some way? 

I would be glad and proud if they do anything they want… with passion and with love.

Q 12:  What do you think are the main myths about circus artists (circus)? 

People think we spend our entire day training! We do workout, but doing two shows a day keeps us pretty fit. Basically, trainings are for learning new tricks and prevention of injuries. 

Q 13: Now let’s talk about other sides of your life. 

When did Argentine tango come into your life?  How long have you been dancing tango and what inspired you to try it?

A friend of mine kept talking about tango, at the same time as I was searching for a dance to incorporate into my trapeze act as a student in circus school. I finally went to a trial class at a local tango school in Montreal. This was back in 2004. At the end of the class, the couple danced one tango. I couldn’t believe my eyes. This dance was improvised! I had to find the mysteries about this dance. 

I thought once I finished combining tango with my trapeze act, I would be done with tango! We are never done with tango! 

What fascinated me about this dance is that no matter how many classes I was taking or how often I would dance, I kept learning new skills all the time. To this day, I am captivated by tango and I keep practicing and taking classes, because I always see improvement in my dance! 

Q 14:  How often do you dance tango usually? Is it mostly at bigger events or small milongas as well? What are you favorite places to dance at and why? 

I usually dance very often! Almost every night, depending the city I live in. 

I love to support small milongas. They are my favorite! 

Nowadays, performing circus arts ten times a week, I am not dancing as much. But I travel from time to time to dance at festivals. I was lucky to performed and teach this year in a beautiful tango festival in Cluj, Romania. 

My favorite place to dance would be La Viruta in Buenos Aires. Because it brings dancers of all ages and styles. It’s an after hour for tango dancers :).

Q 15:  What was the most unforgettable tango demo (performance) you’ve seen and where was it? 

I would say the first tango performance I have seen in Argentina. I was new to tango and saw the performance of Chico Frumboli and Juana Sepulveda. I had no idea it was possible to dance tango this way. Back then, I had only been to local milongas in my city. You can imagine the shock!

Q 16:  Anyone in particular who inspires you in tango? 

Geraldine Rojas, Graciela Gonzalez, Alejandra Mantiñan and many other!

Q 17:  What would you say to people who consider taking up circus arts as a career/ vocation? 

It is an incredible career. I got to work with such talented artists and was so inspired by my colleagues. 

But be ready to travel lot’s and to miss your loved ones :P 

Q 18:  And what would you say to people who consider taking Argentine tango as a vocation/ career? :) 

Good question! I could write so much about this subject.

Tango is a big community. There is lot’s of competition out there. To become a professional tango dancer and teacher requires hard work and real devotion. 

Q 19:  Can you tell us about your plans for 2014-2015?  

I have quite a few dreams… But I’m not a big fan of planning. 

Q 20:  If you could work on any project anywhere you want, what would it be? 

I would love to eventually be in a touring show again.

BLITZ QUESTIONS:

- favorite tango music:  Pasional; Pugliese y Moran

- tango DJs: I’ll just name a few! In United States; Shorey Myers, Avik Basu. In Europe; Florin Bilbiie, Mihran Şigaher, La Rubia

- non-tango music: Nina Simone

 - your favourite quotation about tango?  
"Tango que me hiciste mal y que, sin embargo, quiero"

- color? Depends on my mood ;)

- what is your favorite flower? Camellias 
 


- favorite dish / food Peruvian

- which animal would you like to be if you were an animal in your next life?  A bird! No need of passport and planes. I could just go anywhere all the time.

- what dance would you dance if not tango? Flamenco
 


- what film would you recommend watching? Since we were talking about circus, I would say “La belle verte”

- what circus shows would you recommend watching? Corteo, La Verità, The Beatles Love, any show from “Les 7 doigts de la main”

- what place would you choose for a romantic trip? Venice  

- what place would you live if you could live anywhere?  Anywhere I could have all my loved ones together.

- who would you like to say “thank you” to?  My dad

- Your  motto: Make of your life a dream, and of a dream, a reality.

Anything else you would like to say to the TangoDancers Blog’s readers?  
 Namaste

Thank you, Marianella! Good luck with everything!

Interview © Tatiana Balashova 

... It's been over a year since I've heard from Oliver Kolker (one of my favorite tango instructors and dancers) that he started working on a feature project with Argentine tango. There was not much detail at that time available yet however my curiosity was already up high and it's exciting to get to know now that the movie "Glorias del Tango" will soon meet its audience.

Filmmakers say that the film is born 3 times: once in the writer's head, then on the movie set, and later on the editing table. I'd add as well that the film's journey starts a new important turn when it's being released. Distribution is a huge part of the pre- and post-production and often filmmakers have to think about the ways to distribute the film way before the film is being shot even.  For an outsider (an average viewer) making movies might look glamorous and fun. Those who are connected with filmmaking or have ever been on the set probably know that it's enormous work of a crew of 10-1000+ people and like a huge spaceship which one has to take care about and monitor every small thing.

We would like to thank you Oliver for taking time during these busy days to answer the questions for the TDBlog! There is one more big step to make the movie a success, please, dear TDBlog readers, enjoy the interview and feel free to read more information on the links in the interview. Let's welcome a new film with Argentine tango into the world.

Q1:  First of all, Oliver, tell us, please, how it all started. Have you been connected to cinema and filmmaking before? How did you get the idea of the film?

Well I studied drama in Argentina for many years, since 1995. I’ve done several commercials, TV and Print (MARTINI/BACCARDI) among them. After that MARTINI commercial I was able to buy my first car! Jajajajajaja. Since then  I’ve done acted in three movies, two in which I’ve played the leading role and the third one I played a cowboy. Great experience. I attended film school for in 2001, but I left because the way they taught didn’t stimulate me.

The idea for “ Glorias del Tango”  came when I was in NYC in 2005. The Tango Nuevo movement was just starting to become a big thing. For me,  having leaved in Argentina for practically my whole life, this new movement was a surprise, since I had never heard the term Tango Nuevo. For me Tango was only one thing. Then I realized by working and living  in NYC and traveling around the US, that a lot of people loved to dance, they movement, the playful possibilities of combining  different elements that Tango had to offer such as, Sacadas, Ganchos, Lapices, Volcadas, Enroques etc… but also many DID NOT connect with the music, in fact I heard a couple of times people saying “I can’t stand Tango Music, but I love the dance."

Many people enjoyed dancing Tango steps to other music; dancing to Janis Joplin, The Beatles, you name it. Was this wrong? Not at all, but in the beginning I have to admit I was a little shocked but I also understood that people weren’t disrespecting the dance at all, they simply did not connect with its music. Their roots where different.  So instead of writing a blog about it, I thought: Tango is such a deep and vast art form, a popular expression that has independently basically developed in four branches; MUSIC, DANCE, SINGING and POETRY, we can even speak in Tango lyrics! and that was it. We have to understand that tango talks about, Love, Friendship, Parents, Jail, Jobs, Romance, Betrayal, Food, Advice etc… life itself.

Q2:  Was it hard to find a crew or you already knew who u want to work with?.. Can you tell us a little bit about the leading actors.

  Yes, and NO. Hernan Findling my co-producer has been in Argentinean movie business the same amount of time I’ve been involved in Tango almost 16 years. I was shooting a movie for the US market in Argentina and he was the director. I approached him and pitch my idea. I said I was writing a script and he told me: "When you finish, you must register your work, the I’ll read it and if I like it I’ll produce it". So that was that.  I offered for him to Co-Direct it with me.  He took care of everything, finding the crew,  getting the permits, doing the paperwork. He also helped with getting financing  for the project from,  INCAA,  the National Institute that finances movie projects in Argentina. To access this grant you must compete and submit your work to be approved by a committee. The funny thing is that at the first submission I was rejected. This was in 2010, so I had to re write and finally I was approved in July 2012 after my friend Lynn helped me re write it.

(note by TDB: see more information about the actors in the teaser video and on the websites in the end of the interview!)

Q3:  Is the script yours? Did have study how to write screenplays or just went with intuition?

100% of the script is mine. The whole thing stems from my imagination. This was so difficult. I had the idea in my mind but I didn’t know how to write a script. The first thing I did was study script writing.  For almost 7 months, I read and read and read everything I could get my hands on.

I had  graduated with a Business Administration degree,  but after having read  all these books on script writing, I thought, “Why had I wasted my university years studying business”.  Everything I was reading concerning movies and script writing was so much fun and easier to understand. All those hours of TV that I watched when I was a kid (my parents used to be mad at me for this) made so much sense.  
So I wrote the first scene and showed to Silvina (Valz) and she said: I LOVE IT, KEEP GOING… So that was it. They key thing also was that I did not pressure myself at all, if I felt like writing I did, and sometimes I spent  three months without writing. I could afford to do this because writing was not my prime source of income. Silvina was a big help in my being able to accomplish my goals. Some of the scenes were actually written by Silvina. When the script was rejected the first time, I went to a script doctor who helped me rewrite some scenes.

Q4:  When the production was started and what kind of funding it was?

We had 3 weeks of Pre Production, 5 weeks of Production (SHOOTING) and we will have between 2 and 3 months of Post Production. Today we are still at the post production stage.  
Funds came from INCAA and from private investors. Oren Dobronsky is one of the investors in this project and his help, vision and trust has been huge.
We are in the middle of a Kickstarter Campaign in order to raise some extra cash  to help with the post production and the Argentine theatrical release  . So far we are doing amazingly well. Our goal is $50,000 and so far we have raised around $45,500 and we still have 5 days to go. The international Tango community has been a TREMENDOUS help . It’s amazing how much love and support they have shown us.

Q5:  Which language will the film, Spanish?

The movie is shot entirely in SPANISH, our plan is to subtitle the movie in as many languages as possible, English, French, German, Russian, Turkish, etc…

Q6:  What is the message of the film? What would you and your colleagues like viewers to take away?

That is great question, I did not write the story to send a message or a statement. Basically I wanted to to take the Tango Art form to another level by telling a story of Drama and Romance within the elements of Tango.   

Q7:  Will tango dancers be surprised somehow when watching the movie? :)

I can’t wait to see Silvina Valz in the film for example. You know, that special feeling when you see someone you know on TV or in the movie :).
We’ ll have to wait and see. You have to understand we’re aiming at NON Tango people to enjoy the film.

Q8: What is your distribution plan in brief, how people will be able to see the movie? Will it be submitted to the festivals first?

Yes. We are in talks with major distributors in Argentina and so far we have been invited to participate in the prestigious Mar del Plata Film Festival, which is the only Class “A” Festival in Latin America. We believe film festivals are  key  to  distributing the movie. Sundance is a big goal in our distribution plan; not easy but not Impossible.  

Q9:  I know that you have an "all or nothing" crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for "Glorias del Tango", which means only in the case the goal is reached or surpassed you can have access to that funding.  Where people can find more information about the film, the campaign and maybe behind the scenes materials? (There are a few days left and I hope more people will contribute to the project to be part of it and enjoy watching the movie soon!)

O.: the links are the following:

KICKSTARTER crowdfunding campaign –
Glorias del Tango 

Information, pictures...

www.gloriasdeltango.com
www.ferminlapelicula.com

Q10:  When you worked hard on the project, did you still have energy for dancing and teaching?

Yes of course I go dancing 3 times a week. I am not teaching right now.

T:  Ok, thank you! Good luck with the project!
I am proud to be among the backers! :) Can't wait to see the movie and hope it will have a great success at the festivals and among tango and non-tango people.

2013 © Tango Dancers Blog
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Note / September 2th, 2013 - Thanks to the support of many contributors including tango dancers, the crowdfunding campaign for the project "Glorias Del Tango" has successfully reached their goal in time!  Which proves the power of filmmakers and those who love them and the movies! :)  THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

Look forward to watching the film! :)

"Mosaic of Impressions"
Interview & translation © Tatiana Balashova

Today I am glad to talk to a talented photographer from Russia - Alexander Zabara.

When I was a child I did not take any pictures, got my first still camera after I came back from the army. It happened by chance and the story (“destiny”) of that camera was kind of complex. It was a cult camera Lomo-CA, it had a long history of being passed from hands to hands and I can only guess what it had seen before it got into my hands. I took a lot of pictures on it and it is still on my desk.

The first subjects of inspiration were the city and nature. Actually, those two themes I’ve been shooting all my life. As far as tango photography goes, I came to that reflecting on the city as a live organism.  Also, it was the tango-project which pushed me towards my new project “Free Forest” which I’ve been working on during last years.

Q 2:  Did you have any training in photography or mostly learned through practice? What helped you to develop your photographic style and how can you define it?

It was way later after I had got my first photo camera when I decided to take up photography more seriously. After finishing art school and working in design area I took a professional course at the Moscow Academy of Photography. That education gave me a strong motivation in creativity. Of course, it’s not just through education but rather through trial-and-error learning that you can develop a vision, find subjects, plots and the way material can be presented. Practice forms you as an artist... As far as my own photography style goes, I find it a bit strange to talk about that, especially keeping in mind that I am shooting so diverse projects. My tango-project was just one of them. I do what I do. If someone is eager to give it a name, I don’t mind.

Q 3:  Who are your favorite photographers? (in general and also the ones who take pictures of  dance and tango?)  Are there any other artists that influenced your vision?

There are three photographers who each at their own time influenced how I see the world:  Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alex Webb and Gueorgui Pinkhassov. Also some particular  paintings, especially by French impressionists and William Turner had a big impact on me. Creative works of those who take pictures with tango did not really influence me.

Q 4:  What are your favorite genres in photography?

I’ve been always fond of and have respected what Magnum Photos photographers are doing, especially their genre and reportage photography. As for me I value much more what you can see and find rather than what you can make-up and design in photography.

 Q 5:   What do you think about contemporary photography? (Reportage, portrait, fashion, commercial…)

Well, what IS contemporary photography?   It’s what all photographers on earth are doing in the present time… Who would dare to comment on and evaluate such a variety?

… Can’t say that I am keeping a close eye on current trends in photography.  Naturally, I follow the news, and come across some pictures from time to time. The place, where photography is now, where we have instagram, social networks, that lightness of taking a “snap”, actually results in depreciation of photography as such. Contemporary means of communication give photography a role of meaningless paillettes which fly down through the garbage chute. And such tendency is seen in many works shown at miscellaneous competitions, presented at exhibitions of contemporary photography.

Photo images of many renowned artists, including those who take prizes, are often very emasculated (“over-refined”) works, which have only consuming everything emptiness behind their effective façade. I don’t think that there are worse photography works or authors, I’ve seen that in many talented photo works that emerging photographers are doing and many renowned masters. However if you ask me about the tendency – it’s like that. That’s why to me personally it does not matter much how exactly the picture was taken, in which genre, whether it’s effective (impressive) in its look or not, how it was edited. What is important to me first of all is what it represents, what stands BEHIND the photo image and photographer.

Q 6:  Do you like working in projects or prefer shoot by shoot (a variety of genres)?

Sometime I take one shot after another and feel that there is something uniting them, then through years of work they get assembled into a common picture like a mosaic.

At other times I have a particular vision on a notion or event, and in that case I am looking for a visual language trying to take pictures in various genres.

- you have some great non-tango reportage pictures, for example the militia people on the Red Square and others… Did you do them spontaneously or was it an assignment / part of some project?

The pictures you mentioned, as well as tango photography, and other projects devoted to hip-hop culture and rock dance – all those series are like pieces of mosaic to me. They gradually help me build the picture of the city, the way I feel it.

Q 7:  Do you ever take part in photo competitions?  What is your attitude towards competitions?

Yes, when I studied photography I took part in competitions a couple of times. That helped me to realize their uselessness and I stopped applying. I am not competing with anyone and I am not a swimmer or runner. Photo competitions is for me as absurd as tango competitions.

Q 8:  Can you tell a bit more about the impressionistic series which you made? (the one you have on the English version of your website).

This project is the most important and most personal to me. I’ve been working on it for 6 years already. It started spontaneously, there were a few shots which kind of appeared as answers to the questions I asked to the world around. I am just taking part in creating those images and  very glad to feel that relation, connection. I bring those images from various parts of the world – Portugal, Carelia, from Altai mountains and Nepal, from Brittany and Crimea, and many many others. The world is much bigger than what we can see. All the world’s harmony is in each of us, in each tree and each stone. I am happy that working on those images helps me not only feel all that but even also share with others.

- There was one other video clip with a psychodelic feel “The Bulgarian Voices Angelite – Wave”, can you tell something about this slide show?

This video clip was part of the monochrome series “Gwenn ha Du”. It differs a lot from other forest images and was mostly shot in Celtic places in Brittany.  The clip is fully painted, it is not photography.

Hundreds of pictures were painted and assembled into a video. This project is personal and not done on request. Not sure if musicians are aware of that video or not, I did spoke to one of the musicians of “Huun-Huur-Tu” and he did not mind me doing it.

That series was a very difficult project for me, the idea had been growing inside me for a long time and later after I created the photo series, I felt something still remained untold. So I added this video to the project. That composition for me is an audio reincarnation of what I felt in those places.

These pictures look the way they were painted actually, no editing in photoshop was involved. I put my daughter at desk and gave her a plane table (she was 8 years old at that time), put some music and suggested that she can paint something. She was dragging the brush around spontaneously and I would change the music and save the result discreetly. We repeated that experience a few times however as soon as spontaneity was gone these images disappeared and ordinary children’s pictures appeared – grass, butterflies, horses. For me personally it was an important confirmation that the way I chose for my personal spontaneous projects was the right direction.

Q 10:  What do you think can help a beginner photographer to develop and find his/her personal style?

Don’t know really, I’ve never tried to develop my style. I think that if a photographer has something to say and if he/she is trying to speak with images honestly without copying others – that can be his/her own unique style.

Q 11:   What equipment are you using (if you don’t mind sharing that information) and what are your favorite lenses? Do you prefer working with natural light or enjoy using studio  / on-location lighting as well?

Depending on the project I use different lighting. I used to use Canon DSLRs for taking pictures with tango (have changed a few cameras throughout years), wide angle lenses, always working with available light. For street dance shoots direct flash light always comes in handy. Free forest project was shot with a variety of lenses including monocle and pinhole ones. During the last years, I have been shooting on mirrorless cameras by Fujifilm gradually letting go of DSLRs when doing urban photography.

Q 12:  Is photography your main occupation or do you specialize in something else as well?

Apart from working as a professional photographer, I teach at the Moscow Academy of Photography where used to study myself. My course is devoted to digital manipulation (editing) of photo images, and for the last 9 years it has helped photographers learn how to edit photo shoots efficiently, arrange and optimize the workflow.

Q 13:  What are you doing in free time? Any hobbies?

I try to spend time in the nature, I am fond of mountain and forest tracking. I read, listen to the music, go to the lectures on history of culture and art. However, photography is still my main hobby.

Q 14:  - When did Argentine tango came into your life? How long have you been dancing tango and what inspired you to try it?  When was the first time you realized that this dance can be something special for you (started enjoying tango :)?

I discovered tango in 2004 thanks to a friend of mine, also a photographer, who used to dance tango. I once saw a few couples circling around the embankment of Moscow river under the sunset light, and fell in love with that dance at first sight. Tango strongly influenced my life. It turned it around, opened new horizons and allowed to understand a lot about myself, people and the world around. I took a lot of classes, went to milongas and for two years dropped photography completely – tango was absolutely everything for me at that time. Then I tried to render the expressiveness of that dance in pictures, looking for various solutions to reflect what I feel in the dance.

- Are you still dancing tango?

Lately I’ve rarely been to milongas, and if I do go, I prefer taking pictures.

Q 15:  Is (was) it hard to combine taking pictures at tango events and dancing? How do you usually balance work and leisure?

At some point I realized that it’s better to devote yourself to one thing. My inner photographer usually wins over the dancer in me.

Q 16:   What was the most unforgettable tango you experienced and where was it?

It’s too personal to speak about it :).

Q 17:  What would you recommend aspiring photographers? 

Listen to yourself and look at the world around. 

Q 18: Is there any photographer you would like to learn from (intern with)? 

People who I would like to learn from are not photographers. 

Q 19:  What are your favorite pictures of your own work?  

The one that is not taken yet. 

 Q 20:  your plans for 2013?...  If you could work on any project anywhere you want, what would it be? 

As the famous saying reads – “a true way to make God laugh is to tell him about your plans”. 

If I could work on that project now, I would go where I was a month ago – the mountains of Nepal.

Blitz questions: 

- favorite tango music:  valses :) 
- tango DJs:  Felix Picherna 
- non-tango music:  celtic music, word music, mantras 
- color?  255/255/255 
- what is your favorite flower?  My daughter :) 
- favorite dish / food  - seafood 
- which animal would you like to be if you were an animal in your next life?   
I am hoping that in my next life I will stay a human being [Symbol]  
- what dance would you dance if not tango? -  Uprock! 
- what is your favorite film?  - 2001: A Space Odyssey  
- what Russian films would you recommend watching?  “Stalker” by Andrei Tarkovsky 
- book you recommend to read:  Wassily Kandinsky “Concerning the Spiritual in Art” 
- what place would you choose for a romantic trip?  Sintra, Portugal 
- what place would you live if you could live anywhere?  Anywhere 
- favorite non-tango place in Moscow  which you would show your friend (except your home)?  
  Gorky Park 
- if you had a chance to bring time back what would you do differently in your life? 
  If I changed something I would not be who I am. 
- Who would you like to say “thank you” to?   To all human beings 
- Your  motto:  Do what must and come what may 

- Anything else you would like to say to the TangoDancers Blog’s readers? 
Be happy, dear everyone! Thank you!

Hope you enjoyed the first part of the interview with  DJ SuperSabino posted recently. SuperSabino's blog got popular partly due to his great interviews with Tango DJs from around the world. Today we have an exclusive interview :) - DJ Supersabino answering his questions himself. Enjoy! :)

Tango Dancers Blog © May 2013

Hi SuperSabino, thanks for agreeing to answer your own interview. Let's start!

Q1:  Speaking about how you started dj-ing :  I suppose you first started dancing tango and then dj-ing, like many other djs? What inspired you to get to the DJ’s console and start playing music? Was is a conscious decision or it happened because you’ve got this chance?

Yeah, I started dancing tango and after some months i started like TangoDJ.  I've  had other experiences as a DJ but on other genres of music, and even musical experiences like dj in italian radio. I love and live for music. My choice to be a dj tango was certainly not the result of random. how to say ... I felt the call of the tango very strong from the musical point of view.

Q2: What was your early taste of tango? Are there significant differences with the current scene?

I started like a  tangoed in the last century ... has changed so much. A revolution - evolution in musical tastes. even if the public love for the great orchestras remains unchanged.

Q3:  Do you remember what was your first tango dj-ing experience like?

Yes, in a club  that doesn't  exist any more. At that time I had already 'a great collection of music and was a great success.

Q4:  There is a lot of tango music available now for web downloading and one does not have to have trouble looking for actual CDs. Do you think this paradigm shift has changed the way how DJs work?

Yes, It's more easy to find music, but It's more hard to play music. It's difficult to choose the perfect tanda that tangueros want. Now the public has become more and more demanding

Q5:  When do you prepare your playlist? In advance, on the way to milonga, or on the spur of the moment?

Moment by moment. this is the rule. every milonga, every city, every event has a different audience, a different taste in music.

Q6:  Have you ever played on a boring night? Did you have nights when you did not feel motivated by the milonga and you could not wait to finish? Do you accept whatever you get offered or try to choose a particular location and fascinating evening with friends?

In many years has happened only a few times. This is also due to the fact that accept only the events that I like and where I know I 'll fun.

Q7:  How would you define your style? Has it evolved over time? And in which direction? What can influence you in an evening? the audience, the dancers, the acoustics of the location, the duration of your performance ...

Classic and powerful. I try to please the tastes of the public. We must be able to meet the dancer who loves Calo, but also those who love Pugliese, who is crazy about Canaro and those who would like to dance only Biagi. My Style have evolved, like tango has evolved and structured during these years. Innovation in tradition, respecting the extraordinary cultural heritage that is the Argentine tango. Let us remember well: we dance Argentine tango. It's very important study all these factors. It's very different to djing in a sports hall with 1,500 tangueros compared to a small room marathon style with 100 tangueros. Its'very different plays with live music or teachers show. It's different the way to create an emotional wave.

Q8:  Do you prefer playing alone or sharing the night with a colleague? Generally prefer to work alone, or with friends who you feeling? Or, you love the thrill of experimenting with a colleague you’ve never heard until that night?

Except for rare cases I wanna play alone. And I love only friends  I know.  I don't like surprises.

Q9:  If someone asks you the name of a track you say it to him, perhaps suggesting where the CD is included, or invite him to venture into the trouble of searching?

Sure. The tango is a world heritage. No secrets.

Q10:  The public bother you with absurd requests: what do you do? Are you a jukebox?

It happened in the past, but after some answers a bit strong , all is changed

Q11:  Do you like to dance and listen to your colleagues enjoy the selections and styles of others from yours?

Sure , I love listen and dance the wonderful selection of my friends and colleagues...

Q12:  Do you believe that the art of “musicalizador” is different for geographic areas? Argentina, USA, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean ... or is it similar in every countries?

There is some difference,  but the great orchestras, the great songs are the same all over the world. if nobody plays a song there is a reason. I consider rather ridiculous those, that in the era of the internet, think to find nuggets...

Q13:  Would you like to have a milonga just for you, furnish it to your taste, try to create ambiance and energy flow that satisfies you & allows to play with it, as well as customize the calendar of events to your preference?

Too hard.  I prefer to travel around the world called from friends.

The classic point-blank questions you have to answer, you cannot refuse:

Three orchestras that can not miss in one evening.

Di Sarli, D'Arienzo, Pugliese

Your three favourite orchestras, which may also be different from the previous ones.

Di Sarli, Pugliese, Troilo

Suggest a tanda of tango instrumental, a tanda of tango singer, one of vals and milonga.

Tango Instrumental
Pugliese - La Tupungatina, Arrabal, Pata Ancha, Nonino

Tango Lyrical
Troilo with Marino - Torrente, Sin Palabras, Cristal, Sombras y nada mas

Vals
 Biagi - Viejo porton, Dichas que vivi, El ultimo adios

Milonga
Juan D'Arienzo - Milonga del Corazon, Milonga del Recuerdo, Milonga del 83

What are the three bands or singers you can not stand?

Petruccelli, Tipica Brunswick, Maglio.

What is the band most underrated by the general public and which is the most overrated?

Underrated: Troilo, Calo', Francini/Pontier

Overrated: F.Canaro, Rodriguez, Donato

Your top three nights (in your opinion of course …)

Damn, It's very hard to choose. Ok The best is yet to come!!!

We are less serious: Last night a dj saved my life. The DJ rule is sexy? have you ever had a relationship with some fans and some flirt with your colleagues?

I believe only the tango teachers are sexy…but I know some girls plays music so sexy.

INTERVIEW – SUPERSABINO (Venice, Italy) - PART 1

Tango Dancers Blog © Interview by Tatiana Balashova (April 2013)

Q1:  Ok, let's start. What is your real name and when did you decide to take a nickname? Maybe there is some interesting story behind it? What exactly is super about .. (Sabino)?

My real name is Sabino, all my friends and parents call me Sabino.

It's a long story... An old friend of mine gave me this nickname. It comes from my passion for movies and music of the 70s, b-movie, the blaxploitation, gangster movie. At the end of the 90s there was the character of a video clip, an Italian rapper named "Super ... and then it' s a parody of this ... I'm not Superman, I haven't any powers. Ah Ah, but if you wanna know, my favorite superheroes are Wolverine, Batman & Punisher...

- Wolverine and punisher?!... Hmm, interesting ... So who do you want to punish?
Ah Ah, anybody, they are only my favorite comics.

....
Q2:  Where were you born and what kind family was it?
I was born in the South of Italy, in a classic family: father, mother and brother

Q3:  What are 2 most bright memories of your childhood, can you share them with us?
Italy world soccer champion in 1982, … the days spent with childhood friends

Q4:  Italy is one of those countries which instantly arouse a lot of associations in mind, I wonder how does growing up in Italy is different from other countries, what do you think

Italy is a wonderful country with an extraordinary artistic heritage. I feel that I was really lucky to be born in Italy.

Q5:  When did you first hear about Argentine tango and what inspired you to try that dance?
I met the world of Argentine tango very young, around twenty years. The first time listening to the music of Astor Piazzolla thanks to my brother, and then I discovered that the tango was a dance from an ad on the bulletin board in a university ... and since then I have not stopped. I think the tango will not leave me.

Q6:  How long have you been dancing? Where did you learn tango and who were your main instructors? What dancers and music inspired you?

I started dancing in 1996-1997 in Venice. My first teacher was Alejandro Aquino. And I fell in love with tango when I saw in Bologna, Tangomania festival, the legendary Gustavo Naveira. I was really shocked. As when I saw for the first time Chicho, an icon a and my personal myth. At first I was infatuated with Piazzolla then I discovered all the other great orchestras, D'Arienzo, Di Sarli, Pugliese...

Q7:  Do you remember your first milongas? What was your impression of social tango, music and dancers?.. How has perception of social tango changed with time?

At the end of the 90s the milongas in Italy were evenings with 60 people, and festivals were very few, with very few Argentine masters. Then thanks to some movies like Tango and Tango Lesson of Saura and shows like Tango x2, Forever Tango and Tango Pasion tango is really exploded. A boom that has increased the numbers. I remember the attitude of devotion with which the tangueros went to the milonga.  You had a certain fear to invite a woman. Today it all seems more informal, or at least different.

Q8:  Did you do any other dances, bodywork practices or sports before?
I used to go to discos and clubs, and played soccer and basketball.

Q9:  What keeps you in tango? … would you dance if you were not DJ-ing?
I love the tango, but maybe if I wasn't a musicalizador… I would go to the milonga forever.

Q10:  Tell us please about your BLOG. What exactly is your blog about and when was it started?

I love to write, I'm a journalist, and I think that my blog, since 2008 is the diary of my personal interests. Not only tango, but also music, art & movie reviews.  A deep look in my soul...

Q11:  How popular is your blog? Do you ever get feedback from your readers and any requests? Did they ever ask you to translate posts into English? How well do you know your audience? Or are you writing for yourself mostly?

… I would say that my blog is popular enough. Read it from all over the world thanks to the various translators. Perhaps this is the reason why I did not think to translate the articles in English. On second thought there are some interviews directly in English, such as your . but writing is also a way to release some of my emotions

What are most popular posts on the blog and which ones are your 3 favorite?

…. It's very hard to say what are the post that I love more ... but surely those more read have relationship with the tangoworld. Some interviews with tangodj as Horacio Godoy continue to be read by many people, and even some reports regarding famous tango festival ( Mantova, Porec, Belgrade, Turin…)

Q12:  Now a few questions to you as a DJ. (We will talk more on that in the 2nd part of the interview)

-  What is the most challenging and the most rewarding part of being a popular DJ?

The most rewarding part is definitely participate in the most important events on the international scene, while certainly more difficult make always high-level performance. But I say: the best is yet to come

Q13:  Did DJ-ing influence anyhow the way you dance?
Surely the knowledge of music helps a lot…know the rhythm and melody, especially the pauses.

Q14:  There are DJs who say that they can’t (prefer not to) DJ more than once a week because it would not feel as special otherwise. Can you DJ every day (a few times a week) and stay inspired, enjoy it?

I would say that I can only play in the events in which I truly believe. There are not many, so I'd say once or twice a week, except in big festivals where they often play in two consecutive days. I do not live by the DJ, I have a job, I'm a journalist, so I can afford to choose only the events that I really like.

Q15:   How do you think tango DJs will be dj-ing music in 5-10 years?
R:Using a tautology, the tango is the tango. I believe that the great classics will remain unchanged and as usual there will be some fashion, that as all the phenomena of this type is momentary. Perhaps there will be more competition, but in the end the great DJ, as the great masters and the great orchestras, will remain the same.

Q16:   What is your position about dj-ing at a distance? (by skype or sending a playlist to the organizer, etc - without being present in the room)
R: Bullshit. The physical presence of the DJ is ESSENTIAL.

Q17:  3 things you would you recommend to an emerging DJ?

Listen tango for a long time, try to create a personal style and remember that if anyone plays a tango… that there will be a reason.

3 things you would you recommend to an experienced DJ?

… Continue to study , work on your personal style and remember that if anyone plays a tango… that there will be a reason.
..................................................................................................................

Q18:  A question offtopic.  There were a couple of pictures on FB that caught my attention on your profile.  You were surrounded by some of the most beautiful tango dancers – instructors (Juana, Dana and Noelia) and you looked very serious there. Can you tell a bit about these pictures?

... Ah Ah It' s a picture taken at Mantova Tango festival in 2012, one of the biggest festivals in Europe. Dana, Juana and Noelia are three of my friends, 3 wonderful ballerinas, and the photographer is really special, Chicho. It's strange that I seem serious. It's a picture is very "macho style". but it is all a joke, we played.

  ....
Q19:  What is your occupation apart from tango and how do you manage to balance tango and other life?

I'm a journalist . It's not easy to reconcile work with tango ... but I try to do everything possible

Q20: … What do we people don’t know about economics? And what they should know?

It's very difficult to find an answer. There are so many fanatics around.

- What countries in your opinion are the most advanced (developed) in terms of economics? And others can learn from them.

I think Russia, China and Brazil are large countries in economic rise, I believe that Europe should deal better with these nations.

Q21:  Have you got any hobbies? … What do you enjoy doing in free time?
Listening music, watchin'movies…and I love soccer ( Juventus is my favorite club)

Q22:  How did you life changed when you started dancing tango?
Perhaps the only thing that really has changed is that I travel every weekend

Q23:  What in your opinion might help people to enjoy tango dancing and get more comfortable in a milonga setting?

Be more relaxed. Dance for the pleasure of dancing, thinking only of yourself and your partner ... perform and show to the public, does not make sense.

Q24:  What would you advise to people whose life partner does not want to do tango and is concerned that his /her beloved is dancing with other men/women?

Surrender. The tango is a feeling too strong to resist. if we talk about betrayal, I think the milonga less dangerous than other places.

Q25:  Did you manage to “convert” some relatives or friends to tango dancers?
Absolutely no

Q26:  You live currently in VENICE. When did you move there? What is really special about living in Venice?

I came to Venice to study at university, I was 20 years. A unique experience, I believe that living in Venice is really very special. The pace of life is temporal absolutely special. People lives on the streets, walking and meeting other people. not everything is' positive, transport for example are not comfortable, and you do not have the help of the car if you have to carry a load … Live in Venice, is very different than being as a tourist

Q27:  When is the best time to visit Venice? What do people who live in Venice know about it yet don’t talk about it to tourists?
I think the best time are spring and september. The late autumn depends from the high water. Venice is so famous in the world…but if you like arts you must come when is the Biennale Exhibition, and if you like movies during Movies exhibition. But venice is very charming during Carnival too.

Q28:  What are your plans for 2013?
About tango many festivals and tango events around the world

Q29:  If you could DJ anywhere you want, where would it be?
Brasil, Love Parade, Ibiza, Goa…

Q30:  if to look at the years spent with tango what was the most special (dear, emotional) moment that comes to your memory?

The best is yet to come.

BLITZ questions  (tell us please what you like most):

- favorite tango music:
D'Arienzo, Di Sarli, Troilo, Pugliese, Caló. But if we're talkin'about voice: Goyeneche, Rivero, Podesta, Duval, Maciel ( Not in order of preference)

- tango DJs:
It's hard hard choice. From Argentina, the No.1 ( For me) Horacio Godoy, Marcelo Rojas, and legendary Felix Picherna. From the world, Florin Bilbiie, Mauro Berardi, Luigi Felisatti, Punto y Branca ( Ok is argentinian but lives in Italy), Fausto Carpino, Sergio Chiaverini, Vladimir Vereschagin, Ariel Yurievic ( argentinian but lives in Spain), Alfredo Petruzzelli, Semeon Kukormin, Konrad Krinsky. Girls? La Rubia, Melenita, Vivi La Falce, Hiba Faisal, Jenney Surelia, Tina Ferrari. but there are so many great DJs around…

- non-tango music:
R: Good music, … Rock, soul, clubbing, new wave, dubstep, hard rock, prog, r'n'b… only if it's good music

- color?
Blue. I graduated with a thesis on the history of colors and in particular on the film Blue Derek Jarman

- what is your favorite flower?
carnation, rose, iris, orchid

- favorite dish / food
Grilled meat

- which animal would you like to be if you were an animal in your next life?
Crocodile

- what dance would you dance if not tango?
no dance, but I really like the disco

- what is your favorite film? (name a few if you want)
2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Apocalypse Now, Andrej Rublev, Wild Bunch, Pulp Fiction, Aguirre der Zorn Gottes, Blade Runner, Taxi Driver, The French Connection, The exorcist, …

- Which Italian films would you recommend watching?
La Dolce Vita, Profondo Rosso, Saló o le 120 giornate di Sodoma, Once upon a time in America, Milano Calibro 9, Il grande racket, La mala ordina, La casa dalle finestre che ridono, La notte, La caduta degli Dei, Il Vangelo secondo Matteo, Indagine su un cittadino al di sopra di ogni sospetto

- Book you recommend to read:
Thomas Pynchon... Gravity's Rainbow

- what place would you choose for a romantic trip?  - Rome

- what place would you live if you could live anywhere?
Rome

- favorite non-tango place in Venice which you would show your friend (except your home)?
.. seems pretty obvious ... St. Mark's Square

- if you had a chance to bring time back what would you do differently in your life?
I do not know ... maybe the gangster!!! Or superhero like Batman and Wolverine

- Who would you like to say “thank you” to?
Myself. No regrets.

- Your DJ-ing motto:
The best is yet to come.

Anything else you would like to say to the TangoDancers Blog’s readers?
A big hug to all
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 T: Thanks, Sabino! It was a pleasure to talk to you. Good luck with everything!  And we will soon publish the 2nd part of the interview where you will answer your own DJ's interview from the SuperSabinoBlog :). (coming soon!)

Photographers and media artists will be frequent guests at our blog and here is an interview with a young charming "dancing photographer" from Budapest, Hungary - Kinga Lakner.

© Interview by Tatiana Balashova
Slide show video by Kinga Lakner

T: Hi Kinga, Let’s start with the tango part of your life.

Q1:  Where did you learn tango and who were you main instructors? What dancers inspired you?

This could be a looong list, as I have photographed quite a few tango couples in Argentina, Europe and home with whom I had a private lesson as well. The inspiration keeps changing, but just to name a few: Fausto and Stephanie, Juana Sepulveda, Anabella and Mario, Mariana Dragone, Andrea and Laszló from home..and many more .

Q2:  Did you do any other dances, “bodywork” practices or sports before?

I danced flamenco for quite a while before tango and tried Aikido, Thai Chi a little bit, and lately I just started up with Lindy Hop.  Other balance sports and Pilates have helped on the way too.

Q3:  How did you life changed when you started dancing tango?

Oooh, a lot! More small travels in Europe, whereas before I would travel to far way places, many new friends whom I see occasionally, the way I view relationships now, opportunities to work with people anywhere in the world.. more diversity in many ways...

Q5:  Is tango an addiction for you?

I would say more like a huge source for creativity and joy and of course a base to grow in many ways of my life …

Q5: When was the first time you tried taking pictures and what inspired you? What was your first camera?

I first started taking photos on a round-the-world trip in the Buddhist parts of South East Asia with a 1.9 megapixel Casio which had a very clever rotating body feature that I loved.
In those times I got inspiration from almost everything around me like cultures, patterns, landscapes, cats, kids… but slowly my attention was more and more focused on people, and especially on the eyes of people, which became a kind of trademark of my current photography.

Q6: Did you have any training in photography or mostly learned through practice? What helped you to develop your photographic style and how you can define it?

I have learnt everything through experimenting, trial-and-error and a great amount of curiosity.
I would say my photographic style is romantic with a huge emphasis on intimacy and inner beauty, and it was mainly shaped through my previous works as graphic and interior designer as well as studies in mathematics, psychology and of course my interaction with the everyday or tango people and the world around me.

Q7: Who are your favorite photographers? (In general and the ones who do dance and tango photography?) Are there any other artists that influenced your vision?

I greatly admire the work of Mario Testino, Alexi Lubomirski, Paolo Roversi, Robert Doisneau and many more in fashion and documentary photography, but other visual artists have also influenced me like painters, sculptors or dancers .. but I never really tried to consciously copy anyone, as I what I do is more instinctive I would say ..
In tango I appreciate the work of Ishka Michocka, Mathias Bertrand, Peter Forret.

Q8: What are your favorite genres in photography?

Fashion, portrait, beauty, tango.. or pretty much anything that is connected with creativity, intimacy and passion. There is a similar flow feeling in photography like in dancing, when you experience a great connection and I love that!

Q9: What equipment are you using (if you don’t mind sharing that information) and what are your favorite lenses? Do you prefer working with natural light or enjoy using studio lighting as well?

I like working both with studio lighting and natural light for different results and reasons but maybe my specialty is the use of natural light in a particular way.
Hence my favorite lenses are: a 50mm F1.4 and a 85mm F1.8 , they are from Canon but I have no preference for them, Nikon would also do it for me .
I currently use a very lightweight SLR, the Canon 550D, its compact enough to run around with it but in a studio work for a magazine cover I could just pick any camera I wish, which is a nice way to try out old and new cameras like a Hasselblad for example which I would never afford to buy for myself.

Q10: When did Argentine tango came into your life? How long have you been dancing tango and what inspired you to try it? When was the first time you realized that this dance can be something special for you (started enjoying tango ?

Actually photography had a part in it: After a break-up I discovered a video of Gotan Project with Juana Sepulveda and the lighting really caught my eyes as well as the movements and the subtle details of seduction. I also became intrigued by the beauty and difficulty of the connection between the two dancers and the music.

I actually really enjoyed dancing from the beginning. I loved the playing, the discoveries and the dances.. so I started to have more downs later on when I realized I had not enough technique or training to dance well, or was too impatient with my progress.
In the summer I will dance for about 3 years now and I must say I am very thankful to tango for learning so much about life, people and the relationship between man an woman.. and also for the great friends I got to know along the way!

Q11: Is it hard to combine taking pictures at tango events and dancing? How do you usually balance work and leisure?

No it's not hard at all! I love the combination, I like watching people to dance or enjoy themselves as well as getting lost myself in a dance.

Q12: What was the most unforgettable tango experienced you had and where it was?

I had many for different reasons, the first when I was just barely a beginner and the last I just had on my last tango marathon with a dancer I did not talked before. Great connection with the movement and music and playfulness with a kind of flow-like trance would describe it best.

Q13: What would you recommend aspiring photographers?

I once read an interview about the top fashion photographers that they are trying to achieve every day something new to develop what they did the day before .. and that after your first few thousand photos you start to take the good ones finally..

Q14: … Have you got any hobbies? … What do you enjoy doing in your free time? (apart from tango and photography)

I looove doing crazy and adventurous things like traveling, discovering far away places in tropical jungles and different cultures .. also snowboarding, surfing, or snorkeling and the like.. and to share precious time with some wonderful people.

Q15:  Your plans for 2013? If you could work on any project anywhere you want, what would it be?

Photography will take me along many tango event in the first half of 2013, like Lyon, Budapest, Oslo, New York, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Rome, Hamburg, Berlin and who knows where else in the second part

My dream project is to work with one of my favorite photographer for a fashion shoot in NY and of course alone for some designer label :))
...
(interview continued below - blitz questions)

"Tango Moments" slide show by Kinga Lakner.

Blitz questions:
Tell us please what you like most:

- favorite tango music:
Jacinto Chiclana by Antonio Agri, or Troilo and many more.. basically the romantical ones I guess … Canaro, Di Sarli, Calo, Fresedo, Lomuto, Piazzola..
Singers: Roberto Goyeneche, Raul Beron .. Alberto Podesta, Hector Mauré..
Particular songs: Cicatriz, Pocas Palabras, Calle Corrientes, Viejo Ciego, Cascabelito…

- tango DJs:
Godoy, Florin, Caputo, Sab Fab SuperSabino, La Rubia, Katalin Czidor...

- non-tango music:
lots of jazz, maybe Chiquilin De Bachin by Adrián Iaies, or Fats Waller or Melody Gardot… swing... flamenco, world, soundtracks of films, Zaz, Buika, Ayo, Lura, Aerosmith...Mitsoura ... Soda estereo from argentina & others.

- color? 
Gold with burgundy

- favorite flower?
Lotus

- favorite dish / food
Thai Panang curry and Szilvásgombóc!

- what is your favorite movie / film?
(name a few if you want)

“Sky Burial”, “I shall wear midnight”, “Stranger in a strange land”, “Ender's game”, “The unbearable lightness of being”, “Hesse”, “Márai”, “Böszörményi”, “Ervin Lázár”, “Valley of Flowers”, “Indochine”, “L'amant”, “Night on Earth”, “La vita bella”, “5th element”, “Hamam”, “the legend of 1900”, etc...

- what place would you choose for a romantic trip?
Belize, Bali, Cuba

- what place would you live if you could live anywhere?
Paris, New York, Burma

- which animal would you like to be if you were an animal in your next life? :)
snow-leopard

T: Thank you, Kinga, good luck with your New York trip and all the projects!

 © TangoDancersBlog.com

 ©  Interview by Tatiana Balashova

THOMAS RIESER - Nou Tango Berlin (Germany)

Q1:  Hi Thomas, thank you for agreeing to give this  interview. Tell us please when did you first hear about Argentine tango and what inspired you to try that dance? Share your story.

- In 1998-2000 I did a training in movement education and therapy (Bothmer Gymnastik + Spatial Dynamics), and once a week we had dance lessons from a woman from Brazil, who especially liked Tango, lucky coincidence.

Q2:   Where did you learn tango and who were you main instructors? What dancers inspired you?

- When I moved to Berlin in 2000 I took classes with Udo Hartmann, it was impossible to resist his overwhelmingly positive energy and love for the dance. In 2002-03 I studied a year abroad in California, where I met Homer Ladas. I learned a lot from him about the social aspects and the playfulness of Tango. In the past years I was very lucky to teach regular weekly classes with two outstanding partners: Gaia Pisauro and Sigrid van Tilbeurgh, whose research, knowledge and insights about Tango opened many doors for me. When I watch someone dance I want to be moved, taken away, it doesn’t matter so much to me what I see but much more how I feel when I see it. As an example: one of my favourite couples to watch like this are Mariángeles Caamaño and Bruno Tombari.

Q3:  Do you remember your first milonga? Did anything surprised you about social tango, music and dancers? What stands out in the memory?

- I picked the wrong one, and really did not have the best time but somehow thought i need to get through this... I think I learned something important that first night though: Tango should (also) be fun, and if it isn't, maybe you picked the wrong place ;).

Q4:  What music did you like most when you started?
- Canaro

Q5:  Were you trying to master a particular “style” of dancing and how did that perception of social tango change with time?
- I was always taught a “social style”, it never changed

Q6:  Did you do any other dances, “bodywork” practices or sports before? Ballroom? Flamenco? Martial arts?  Figure skating?  …

- when I was younger I did a lot of free climbing, but stopped after I had an accident in 1992

Q7:  When did you start teaching and why? How did Nou Tango appeared and why did you choose that name for the school? …

- When I came back from California I had the strong urge to do something, not just talk and fantasize, but to actually go for it and take a risk. Together with a close friend of mine, a greek fellow, I opened Nou in 2004, as a space for art exhibitions, educational get-togethers and movement. The name comes from greek: “nous”, it is a philosophical term for the faculty of the human mind which is described in classical philosophy as necessary for understanding what is true or real, similar in meaning to intuition. In September 2004 I started the first regular weekly Tango class and Milonga at Nou. Out of everything we had envisioned for the space Tango was the one thing that really worked well –and that I liked most– so I kept doing it.

Q8: Tell us about your team and what events you are doing.

- the team grew organically throughout the years … after a year we added another day to the program, and after four years we opened a second venue, which we moved to a different location two years later, where we finally felt like “home”. 1,5 years ago I closed the venue where I had started in 2004 and now we are running “Nou Mitte” as our one and only location. Currently we are 18 teachers, some of them are part of Nou since 2005, others joined last year. What is important for me is that everyone involved has a unique motive and character, and that Nou is, so to say, a “mosaic” of different ideas and perspectives, all valid and all open-minded. 

Nou hosts regular classes and workshops, we invite guest teachers for seminars, and have a weekly Friday-Milonga and a Monday-Lounge, since 2007 I organize a summer tango festival called “Berlin Tango High”, and since 2012 co-organize the “International Tangofestival Berlin”, I also organize a Tango-vacation-retreat together with Gaia Pisauro since 2008: the “Summer Tango Treat” outside of Berlin, and I am part of the Team of the beautiful “Tango Alchemie” Festival in Prague.

Q9:  I noticed that you collaborate a lot with the photographer Ishka Michocka. Can you tell us a bit about that and maybe there is some fun story connected with that? :)

- I often think that meeting Ishka feels like encountering a "new interesting galaxy"! Knowing and working with her is a special treat that I am very thankful for. There is no idea odd enough to not find her interest. I learned to be careful what to wish for when I am around her :).

Q10:  What is the most challenging and the most rewarding part of being and organizer?

People's needs, wants and wishes are quite broadly spread, it is not always easy to take as many perspectives into account as possible without loosing the warm core that keeps it meaningful, not arbitrary.
There is something like a "social flow" that I compare to the dance flow: when everything goes well, the music is great, the people are happy, and the time is just right, the atmosphere at a Milonga can be amazing. Just watching this, seeing everyone smile, dance beautifully, laugh, talk and meet each other, and to breath this in deeply, is a very special and giving moment.

Q11:  3 things you would you recommend to an emerging (beginner) organizer?
1 - it helps to love what you do
2 - talk to people, not just professionals but to all dancers, get to know them, if it is not interesting for you it may not be the right field
3 - don't copy

Q12:  Is tango your main occupation? … Have you got any hobbies? … What do you enjoy doing in free time?
- When I started Nou in 2004 I was a dedicated university student, but –running the business and continuing the studies in an appropriate way– it took until February 2009 to pass my masters in history of art and philosophy. It was a hard decision to leave the academic world behind, but it felt freeing to be able to focus on one thing only. For three years tango was my main occupation. Last year I was very happy to be able to re-connect to university and, actually, to be able to combine it with tango: In 2012 I started a PhD project at Charité Berlin,  where we are researching to what extent dance can be applied as a therapeutic approach for children and adolescents with malignant disease, in order to influence long-term effects and subsequently to improve the quality of life.

I am very lucky that my work is also my “hobby”  ;)

My free time is dedicated to my wife and two daughters, if I can read a paper once in a while and drink a good coffee life is perfect. 

Q13:  How did you life changed when you started dancing tango?

- I don’t feel that I can say that my life really changed because of Tango, besides the obvious consequence of staying up very late  ;)  Being surrounded by the flowing and positive energy of this dance all the time, and all the interesting people who are practicing it, … it may be that this had and has an invisible touch upon my life that I profit from more than I notice.

Q14: Is tango an addiction for you? J  How did your relationship with tango changed through years?

- The dancing part is not an addiction, as -due to the climbing accident- my ankle hurts when I dance too much; it reminds me to enjoy every Tanda, which is a beautiful thing. Tango and I definitely became closer and closer throughout the years. I appreciate and respect this dance a lot, and I learn more about it almost every day.

Q15:  What would you advice people who started dancing tango but are going through a rough patch and think about quitting/ switching to another dance?

- I would try to understand their situation and offer a solution with respect to their individual needs. In my experience everyone goes through a ditch, some bigger some smaller, and the “real” tango usually starts right behind it, so it may be worth to give it a try. 

Q16:  What in your opinion might help people to enjoy tango dancing and get more comfortable in a milonga setting?

- a social atmosphere and basic tango skills, knowledge of the concept of the “ronda”

Q17:  What would you advise to people whose life partner does not want to do tango and maybe is not thrilled that his/her beloved is dancing with other men/women?

- I would try to get the partner to join at least once to see and experience what it is all about, I would be clear and honest to both of them and name the possible difficulties. If the relationship is healthy it won’t be a problem, but if not … good luck. 

Q18:  Did you manage to “convert” some relatives or friends to tango dancers?

- almost, but not quite

Q19:  Now let’s talk about Berlin.  Were you born there or moved? What is really special about living in Berlin?  (both for dancers and non-dancers)

I moved to Berlin in 2000 and I love it. Berlin is big but not disturbing, relaxed, rather clean and green, mostly friendly, with a good sense of neighborhood, it is affordable, interesting, has great food, and is children friendly. Berlin Tango has a long history, which makes it feel strong and healthy. We don’t need “local stars” and we all respect each other. More and more young people start to dance and come to the Milongas. Berlin is very open-minded and makes offers to all kinds of interests, both in tango and non-tango.

Q20:  Are you traveling for tango?  Have you ever been to BA and what impression did it leave compared to the tango scene in Europe?

- I don’t travel for tango and I haven’t been to BA, not because of lack of interest, but because of lack of time. 

Q21:  What are your plans for 2013? If you could work on any project anywhere you want, what would it be?

- I am very happy with what I have and would not choose anything else

Q22:  if to look at those years spend with tango what was the most special (dear, emotional) moment that comes to your memory?
not just one moment, it is how close I became with some people.
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Blitz questions:

Tell us please what you like most:

- favorite tango music:
it changes from mood to mood

- tango DJs:
  every week I hear great DJs, and once in a while there are outstanding nights, but a DJ who has an amazing night one night can have an mediocre one next time, I can only refer to very, very special personal memories: Tommaso Fiorilli, Analía La Rubia

- non-tango music:
  lots...

- color?
  red

- what is your favorite flower?
mountain wildflowers, poppies, violets, blooming (fruit-)trees

- favorite dish / food
  Peach Passion Smoothie, Californian Food

- which animal would you like to be if you were an animal in your next life?
 panther

- what is your favorite film?  (name a few if you want)

Woody Allen: Whatever Works, Olivier Nakache & Éric Toledano: Intouchables, among others …

- what place would you choose for a romantic trip?
a remote valley in Transsylvania

- what place would you live if you could live anywhere?
on earth

- favorite non-tango place in Berlin?
my home

- Who would you like to say “thank you” to?  Someone helped to initiate Nou, I am very thankful for that .

T: Anything special you would like to add?

Th: Good luck with your Tango Dancers Blog  :)

T:  Thank you for the interview, Thomas! :) Good luck with your projects!

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