Tango Uncorked

Tango Uncorked #14 - Pooja Kumar - A taste of Austin 3/4

Part 3/4 of the Cleveland Series. I sit and chat with Pooja Kumar of Austin Texas. We chat about life in the the blue dot of Texas and reminisce about life in NYC.

Pooja runs, Guardia Vieja productions. She creates tango events in Austin that have already become legendary. 

Tango Uncorked #13 - Rod Relucio - The colonoscopy episode 2/4

Part 2 of the Cleveland Series and I am chatting with Rod Relucio from Chicago. Rod works with Jenny Teeters and together they have had a wonderful impact on the community in Chicago. Today we sit down and talk about everything from the Bulls to the Butts. It's a really fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it.

Tango Uncorked #12 - Catherine Young - "The perfect step." Cleveland Series Part 1/4

I went to Cleveland this past weekend for the 8th Cleveland Tango Bowling Marathon and grabbed a few people to sit and chat with. My first guest was Catherine Young from Madison Wisconsin.We chat about her time in the arts, working in tango in Madison, and also her idea of the perfect step.
It's a fun conversation.

 

• (02:44) Catherine Young introduces herself as a tango teacher from Madison, Wisconsin.She discusses her background in voiceovers and her connection to a character named Kaya.
• (09:04) Catherine highlights how her musical training enhances her tango dancing, allowing her to adapt to different partners' musicality. She reflects on the challenges of dancing with partners who may not be as musically inclined.
• (11:07) The concept of 'one perfect step' is introduced, describing a profound moment in dance where a single step aligns perfectly with the music, creating a deep connection between the dancer and the music.
• (13:20) Catherine shares an experiment from a musicality class that focused on internal musicality rather than movement, emphasizing the importance of feeling the music even when not physically dancing.
• (14:10) The discussion explores the significance of compression and release in music, suggesting that these elements create a more interesting narrative in dance than simply adhering to the beat.
• (16:57) Catherine recounts a teaching method that illustrates the duality of traveling and pausing in tango, reinforcing the idea that dance involves waiting and responding to the music rather than continuous movement.
• (19:30) A class exercise called 'hug and sway' is described, which emphasizes connection and musicality in close embrace, allowing dancers to express themselves without necessarily moving across the floor.
• (20:11) Adam discusses the importance of communication and connection in dance, aiming to give followers more artistic freedom to express musicality, especially when dancing with less musical partners.
• (20:37) The concept of 'choose wisely' is introduced, encouraging dancers to create tension and anticipation in their movements rather than stepping constantly, likened to a teenager managing a limited budget at a mall.
• (25:12) Catherine reflects on the value of imperfections in performance, suggesting that mistakes can enhance relatability and connection with the audience, and emphasizes the shared experience of creating art together.
• (29:32) The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of focusing on the moment rather than a destination in dance, likening it to moving in a circle without a finish line.

Tango Uncorked #11 - Gayle Gibbons Madeira - "You can waken the Entrega in the other person, if they're open to it."

Gayle sat down for an amazing conversation this week. I learned a lot not only about Gayle but what I believe is a very positive and healthy way to look at the dance. We also discuss her early days in New York City as a modern dancer, her work in finance that helped her have time to continue her growth as a dancer, her work as a painter and an artist, and also her philosophy about what tango means to her. I hope you enjoy her journey.

• 09:11) Gayle shares her journey in modern dance, highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills and emotional stability in building a successful career in the arts, especially in a demanding city like New York.
• (10:30) Gayle recounts her creative approach to balancing her dance career with work, including learning skills like typing and VBA coding to secure flexible jobs in corporate environments, which allowed her to continue dancing.
• (12:00) Gayle emphasizes the value of striving for greatness in any situation, drawing parallels between navigating high-stress environments and the art of tango dancing.
• (18:14) Gayle discusses her self-published book 'The Apocalypse Alphabet,' a project on climate change that took three years to complete, reflecting her commitment to meaningful and impactful art.
• (21:04) The conversation explores the connection between working with animals and tango dancing, emphasizing the sensitivity required to understand energy and intention in both contexts.
• (25:39) Gayle reflects on the challenges of making a living as an artist in New York, noting the rising cost of living and the trend of artists moving to smaller cities to sustain their creative pursuits.
• (29:03) The discussion highlights the importance of the follower's skill in tango, particularly their control over their axis, which significantly impacts the leader's ability to navigate the dance floor.
• (38:19) Adam and Gayle discuss the cultural differences in tango communities, noting how Argentine women project a strong sense of power and how leaders in Buenos Aires often seek feedback from their partners.
• (47:18) Gayle emphasizes the importance of learning to confront challenges and difficult interactions, framing them as opportunities for personal growth and resilience.
• (49:49) The concept of 'terroir' in tango is introduced, valuing the unique qualities and experiences that each dancer brings to the floor, which enrich the dance community.
• (01:28:15) Adam and Gayle reflect on the joy of observing dancers and how it reveals new interpretations of music, emphasizing the importance of both dancing and socializing in the tango experience.
• (01:30:15) The conversation touches on the unpredictability of dance nights, encouraging dancers to embrace spontaneity and enjoy the social and musical aspects of tango without rigid expectations.
• (01:32:10) Adam and Gayle discuss their efforts to create a map of tango events in New York, inspired by their experiences in Buenos Aires, to help dancers discover new opportunities and foster community engagement.
• (01:34:00) The interview concludes with reflections on the importance of personal growth, responsibility, and inclusivity in the tango community, encouraging listeners to engage and contribute positively.

Tango Uncorked #10 - Norma Silver - "I think my first words were thank you."

Norma Silver drove her Silver Toyota into the city last week to sit down and chat about her very interesting life and all the things she has done before finding tango.
Born in Brighton Beach, she traveled the world at a time when the patriarchy was at a very strong place and most women were expected to stay put and to their "duties." Norma never allowed herself to be boxed in and she went off to teach in the Azores and Japan just after World War two. She returned and continued her career in Paramus, NJ. After retiring she started dancing and continued learning and growing as a person.
Let's listen to her story.

 

• (07:22) Norma Silver began dancing tango in her late 70s, inspired by a trip to Buenos Aires and the film 'Scent of a Woman,' proving that it is never too late to start something new and find joy in life.
• (10:00) Norma credits her tango teachers, including Caroline, Diego, Vladimir Estren, and Pablo, for their encouragement and belief in her ability, which motivated her to continue dancing.
• (13:30) Tango has provided Norma with significant physical and emotional benefits, including improved health and a sense of connection, which she values deeply in her retirement.
• (18:05) Norma reflects on her adventurous teaching career overseas in the 1950s, including time in Tokyo, the Azores, and England, where she embraced new cultures and experiences.
• (36:21) Norma discusses the importance of emotional happiness and a balanced approach to life, advocating for joy and self-compassion over strict adherence to health regimens.
• (42:30) Tango is described as a meditative practice that fosters presence and mindfulness, helping dancers escape overthinking and focus on the moment.
• (47:47) The conversation explores the evolving gender roles in tango, with increasing acceptance of women taking on leading roles, which challenges traditional norms and broadens perspectives on leadership.
• (59:54) Norma shares her sensitivity to negative energy and her efforts to surround herself with positivity, including avoiding negative news and seeking uplifting experiences in nature.
• (01:00:59) The episode highlights the unique human connection fostered by tango, which contrasts with the isolation often experienced in a technology-driven world.
• (01:03:10) Norma reflects on her 42-year teaching career and her love for ballroom dancing, which began at age 21, emphasizing the lifelong joy she has found in dance.
• (01:10:31) The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of gratitude, resilience, and staying active to fully experience life, as shared by both Norma and the host.

Tango Uncorked #9 - Juan Pablo Vicente - "I made my own ghetto."

I had the pleasure to sit down and chat with Juan Pablo Vicente, one of the organizers of La Nacional. It was my first time talking with a co-organizer and we shared a lot of experiences in this crazy business of running a Milonga in New York City.

La Nacional is New York City's oldest milonga's and it was interesting to learn how Juan Pablo got involved with organizing it and what motivated him to do so.

You will notice a lot of sirens blaring during a portion of the show. I apologixe for that. We recored this episode in midtown Manhattan and there was a terrible accident a few blocks north. 

Tango Uncorked #8 - Kim Fraczek - "The only way we are going to find answers is by having conversations with each other."

I sit down with my good friend Kim Fraczek in Bushwick and we talk about all of her work with the Sane Energy Project. Her recent success in stopping a pipeline from being built, PLUS, her funny tango stories.
She has some very crazy tango stories.
Show notes will be coming soon.

 

• (02:29) Kim Fraczek shares her experiences in environmental activism, including a recent victory in stopping a pipeline, and highlights the systemic issues of greed and competition rooted in capitalism and patriarchy.
• (06:00) Kim contrasts her observations of community-oriented living in Cuba with the systemic greed and power dynamics in the U.S., emphasizing the historical context of slavery and genocide as contributors to current societal issues.
• (12:07) The conversation delves into the challenges of breaking bad laws and creating good ones, particularly in the context of fossil fuel regulation and the biased role of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
• (18:20) Kim recounts a successful two-and-a-half-year campaign to stop a fracked gas pipeline, emphasizing the collaborative efforts and the profit-driven nature of the fossil fuel industry.
• (22:59) Kim discusses the guaranteed 14% return for pipeline companies under the Natural Gas Act, highlighting the lack of actual need for the gas and the industry's focus on exporting to higher-paying markets.
• (32:10) Kim reflects on the importance of listening to and following the leadership of women of color in Congress, who are challenging systemic issues and inspiring societal change.
• (37:22) The conversation explores the parallels between tango and activism, noting how the dance fosters equality and community while also supporting advocacy efforts.
• (45:24) Kim shares her frustrations with unsolicited feedback during tango lessons, contrasting the attitudes of male and female partners, and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaborative language in dance.
• (01:18:04) Kim and Adam discuss the environmental and social implications of cannabis legalization, advocating for its potential to replace harmful industries and benefit marginalized communities.
• (01:21:04) Kim critiques the reliance on outdated energy systems and advocates for renewable alternatives, emphasizing the need for community dialogue and collaboration to address systemic oppression.
• (01:24:43) The conversation highlights the impact of gentrification and the importance of transitioning to a regenerative economy, focusing on community empowerment and consent.
• (01:31:08) Kim reflects on the privileges of being white in America and the systemic oppression faced by marginalized groups, emphasizing the importance of action over good intentions in addressing these issues.
• (01:37:13) The episode concludes with reflections on the complexities of working within harmful industries, the importance of community, and upcoming tango workshops and events.

Tango Uncorked #7 - Batt Johnson - "It's SIMPLE, I LOVE people."

Batt Johnson sit's down with us to chat and tell us about what he's been up to all these years and what led him to dance. His upbeat, optimistic energy was a joy to be around, is always a joy to be around. Batt is the type of person who when he walks into a room the energy of the room improves. 
He is someone who has lived through a lot and still maintains a deep fascination for people and for life.

0:00 - Intro
18:30 - Early days of radio / San Diego. //
20:30 - Moving to NYC in the late 70's. //
28:00 - What makes Batt so smiley? //
31:30 - Music transformation. //
34:30 - How did Batt become who he is? Early life in San Diego. //
40:00 - How Batt interprets music. //
43:30 - How Batt got into the radio business. //
51:30 - First steps in tango. //
1:12:00 - The Draft, Vietnam. //
1:26:00 - Tango Intoxication. //
1:34:30 - Batt's Tango quotes. //

Tango Uncorked #6 - Kening Zhu - Learning about yourself by sharing yourself

Kening Zhu stopped by to chat and we learned a lot about her writing, art, and inspiration. She shares her thoughts on why sharing her writing helps her learn about herself and we also discuss the potential power dynamic between dancers. I learned about what it is like to be an introvert and how she uses a daily formula to establish a grounded well being.

4:18 - Kening Zhu. //
5:20 - Working Marathons. //
8:20 - Kening's blog / website. //
10:30 - Childhood. //
11:30 - Glimpses of her work. //
13:30 - Camp Kening. //
18:20 - First time sharing her work. //
25:00 - Mongolia. //
30:20 - Current projects. //
33:00 - Getting started in Tango. //
39:45 - How to be an introvert. //
44.30 - Amatuers vs Professionals. //
50:20 - Introverted dancers vs extroverted dancers. //
54:20 - Tango equilibrium. //
62:20 - Power dynamic. //

Tango Uncorked #5 - Carlos Andrés Dueñas - "I'm in the car industry."

Carlos Andrés Dueñas came to the States from Colombia. His journey is interesting and relatable to a lot of immigrants who have come here. To make a better life. To leave a place where they weren't feeling inspired, or fulfilled, and to try life in a new place.

0:00 - Beginning. //
1:15 - 1st job in the US and arriving. //
7:30 - School in Colombia. //
9:00 - What makes a tango person. //
15:30 - Tango network. //
17:00 - When Carlos got hooked. //
19:00 - First impression of dancing at a milonga. //
24:30 - Phrasing. //
27:00 - Tango from childhood in Colombia. //
29:00 - Traveling for tango. //
34:00 - What are tango styles? //
45:00 - Orchestra's of choice. //
53:45 - Impressions of New Orchestra's. //
62:30 - The embrace
66:00 - Barrilito practica