INTERVIEW – SUPERSABINO (Venice, Italy) - PART 1
Tango Dancers Blog © Interview by Tatiana Balashova (April 2013)
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.
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)
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.
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.
Photo: Giorgio Eldoctòr Gaggiotti
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.
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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.
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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.
... 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)
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)
Photo: Onur Mehmed
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.
Photo by Chicho Frumboli
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!)
