Ask Arlene…Travelling in Argentina

Dear Arlene,

I am planning a trip to Buenos Aires to dance Argentine Tango.  However, as I am travelling all that way, I thought it would be a good idea to see what else Argentina has to offer.  I am going for 1 month and I would like to have 2 weeks in Buenos Aires and 2 weeks elsewhere.  Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks,

Frank

Dear Frank,

You are a lucky person!  I haven’t even been to Buenos Aires, yet!  I am still reading The Rough Guide to Argentina!

Since I have started the blog, I have come across two tour companies that might be able to help you and they are linked on the right hand side of the blog.  The first company is Tango Tours.   They are based in the UK and only deal with travel to Argentina.

The next company is North West Nomad.  They offer tours off of the beaten track if you are looking for something different.  Though I am sure they can help you with whatever you are interested in.  They also have a blog with amazing photos describing some of their adventures.

I cannot make any recommendations personally as I haven’t been to Argentina yet, but both companies have a lot of information at your disposal.  I hope you have a great holiday.

If anyone else can add to this, please feel free to comment.

Fire & Flame Ball – 30th January 2010

Dear friends,

Here is the information you have all been waiting for to start next year with fun and style.

Next year’s Fire & Flame Ball will be on Saturday 30th January 2010 at the Carisbrooke Hall, London W2 (Marble Arch).

Please see attached flyer for all the details or log on to www.paris-tango.co.uk.

Amanda & Adrian Costa are very popular so to avoid disappointment book as early as possible. Places for the workshops will be strictly limited.  Package discounts available.  To reserve places, please contact Brigitte.
By email brigitte@paris-tango.co.uk – web site www.paris-tango.co.uk
By telephone 0207 3280400, 0203 3396846 or 07818 808 711 (mobile)

Workshops and class programme and theme:

• Saturday at Carisbrooke Hall

5.30 to 7pm Vals: Turns in Vals, intermediate level
7.30 to 8.30 tango de Salon: manage the dance floor, general level

• Sunday at 33 Portland Place

2 to 3.30pm Tango: Figures for the dance floor, intermediate level
4 to 5.30pm Milonga con Traspié: basic steps of Villa Urquiza, intermediate level

I look forward to seeing you at my Ball.

Brigitte

Ask Arlene…Where to go for a Tango Competition?

I wonder if you can help I would like to take my wife on a holiday abroad to some ware that we would also be able to watch Tango Competition as part of our holiday. Can you help please Many thanks Michael

Dear Michael,

I am not a big fan of Tango Competitions.  I find it a bit strange that an improvised social dance should be judged.  As I have said before, a lot of the feeling of the dance cannot be seen.  So who can really judge that?

I am sure there are some taking place somewhere in the world next year.  We had a few in the UK over the last couple of years which were pretty farcical.  I suppose if you really wanted to see an authentic Argentine Tango Competition, the best place to go would be the home of Argentine Tango, Buenos Aires.  I think they had one not long ago in August, Mundial de Tango 2009 .  It seems as if they offer more than just a competition as it is also a festival which incorporates a Tango Championship.

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.