Minnesota Heartland Tango Festival

Praise for our festival offerings

2006-09-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here's what one Chicago dancer wrote after hearing about who will be teaching at our festival:

"I realized a little late that ALL 3 of my favorite women teachers--Brigitta Winkler, Cecilia Gonzalez and Florencia Taccetti--will be in Minneapolis this weekend (Sept. 8-10). It will be amazing. Plus 2 live orchestras--Conjunto Berretin from Portland (whose 3rd CD I have for local purchase) and The Mandrágora Tango Orchestra of Minneapolis (whose CD I recently purchased and was extremely impressed)!!!! The internationally reknowned women will be joined, respectively, by: Tomas Howlin, Jaimes Friedgen (for whom I recently have developed a profound respect as he has matured greatly following his extended stay in BsAs), and Alex Krebs.

"I was focusing so much on my upcoming trip to the Baltimore Tango Festival (Sept. 15-17, featuring Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli and Sebastian Arce with Mariana Montes - www.baltimoretango.com), I overlooked this fabulous event here in the Midwest. I am going to Baltimore, but I now desperately want also to go to Minneapolis. I'm looking for someone to share the drive w/ me-- I have a rental car. I want to leave mid-to-late afternoon on Friday, Sept. 8 and return early morning on Monday, Sept. 11.

--Phoebe J. Grant / WindyCityTango, Inc..

Update-one more day to the festival!

2006-09-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

We've now got more than 225 registered for our festival this weekend -- Sept. 8-10.

Here's more info about it:

SUNDAY MILONGA AT ROSSI'S
Come early to Rossi's for dinner (they'll open for dinner at 6 p.m.). It's a few blocks from the hotel at 9th St. and Marquette Ave., across from Haskell's liquor store. The milonga starts at 8 p.m. with live music by Mandragora (7-piece orchestra). After the orchestra plays, there will be DJ music by Robin Thomas. Cost is $15 to attend the milonga.

PRIVATE LESSONS
If you're interested in booking a private lesson, please approach teachers personally. Not all teachers will give private lessons, and those who do will limit the number of lessons they give. (Privates are only available to students who have signed up for one or more festival classes.)

PRACTICAS
The practicas on Saturday and Sunday are free if you take one or more classes on those days. Otherwise, the practicas cost $5 each. (Note: Saturday practica time has changed to 4-5:30 p.m., a bit earlier than listed on the published schedule.)

SHOES AND CLOTHING FOR SALE
Tango Splash by Yolanda will sell tango shoes by Comme Il Faut, Neo Tango, and Artesanal during the festival. There will also be a selection of clothing (evening formals and dresses), accessories, and more shoes (tango, salsa, ballroom, and designer shoes) from Italy and Argentina.

COME EARLY FOR CLASSES
Make sure you allow enough time to park and get to the classes to warm up. Class doors will be closed 10 minutes after the start of each session.

More info at www.heartlandtango.com.

Festival logistics

2006-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some practical details to make it easier for you to get to the hotel for the festival.

ADDRESS
Millenium Hotel, 1313 Nicollet Mall, 612-359-6000

DIRECTIONS

* From I94 or 35W
Downtown exit: 11th Street (NOT 11th Ave.) Take 11th Street to 2nd Avenue. Take left on 2nd Avenue. Turn Right on Nicollet Mall. Hotel is on Right.

* From 394
Exit 12th Street. Take 12th Street to LaSalle Avenue. Take Right on LaSalle to Grant Street. Take Left on Grant Street to Nicollet Mall. Take Left on Nicollet Mall. Hotel is on Right.

PARKING

* Millenium Hotel: Daily rate is $14/24 hrs (no in and out privileges unless you have a room) or hourly rate is $3.50 first hour and $1.75 additional hours

* Hyatt Hotel (across street from Millenium): Daily rate is $12/24 hrs self-park or $18.50/24 hrs valet (no in and out privileges unless you have a room) or hourly--$3.25 first hour and $1.50 additional hours

* Surface lots: 14th and LaSalle--Imperial Pkg Lot ($3 for 12 hrs--unless there's an event) and Emerson School parking lot (check signs to be sure it's ok).

* Street parking: side streets are the best bet; most are free after 4 or 6 p.m. Fri. and all day Sat. and Sun.; please check signs

* Avoid: main streets like Nicollet Ave, La Salle, and First Ave; no parking or meters that need to be fed until 10 p.m. (exception: free parking south of Hwy 94 on First Ave; can walk from there--6+blocks)

Festival update: Musicians Wanted

2006-09-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

MUSICIANS WANTED FOR MUSIC CLASSES
You don't have to be a dancer to attend the music classes. Bring your instrument, music stand, and pencil. Music and handouts will be provided. Cost is $20 per class for musicians or $50 for all three (price doesn't go up for music classes at the door).

There are now three classes for musicians, two on Friday and one on Saturday. (An extra music class has been added on Friday in place of the DJ class.)

* Music Class with Cunjunto Berretin Musicians
Friday, Sept. 8 -- two sessions; offering different perspectives
4:30-6 p.m. (Alex Krebs--bandoneon player, master dance teacher)
6-7:30 p.m. (Evan Griffiths--piano player, also plays other instruments and is an accomplished dancer)

These music classes will cover the basic accompaniment rhythms (marcato in 4, marcato in 2, syncopa) and exercises for varying the accompaniment. There will also be discussions about different ways to interpret the melody (legato, staccato, swinging, and rubato). All of these are basic, practical ways to get capable musicians not only sounding like Argentine Tango musicians, but getting them to a level where what they play will be very danceable.

Says Evan: "I hope the music classes go well. Alex and I have planned some fun things, and I hope people show up for them. I was talking about the classes to some random people in Portland, and after hearing about them they said more or less 'Oh man! Maybe I should go to Minneapolis just to take those classes.'"

* Advanced: Musicians with Dancers with Cunjunto Berretin Musicians and Florencia Taccetti & Alex Krebs
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2-3:30 p.m.

This music class is for both musicians and dancers. It will be taught by Conjunto Berretin players (musicians) and Florencia/Alex (master dance teachers). Dancers and musicians may be separated in the first half hour, then brought together for the remainder of the class. Musicians and dancers will learn how to work with each other, how to predict breaks, syncopas, dance to the marcato in 4 versus 2, and listen to the different layers of music.

(Note: You don't have to register ahead of time, but Rebecca would appreciate knowing how many are likely to come for the music classes. Drop her an e-mail at rebeccatrost@yahoo.com.)

Saturday Night Special Event

2006-09-05T17:17:00.001-07:00

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT IS A BARGAIN AT $68
Open to the public (ask your non-tango friends to join you), this dress-up event includes dinner, wine, dance and music performances, and an all-night milonga. Don't miss this!

Dinner, dessert, and free-flowing wine
Steak and fish entree, rice pilaf, seasonal vegetables, chocolate mousse for dessert, and free-flowing Argentine red and white wine for every table. (This meal alone is worth $68.)

Dance performances
The master teachers will present 12 tango, vals, and milonga dance numbers in both traditional and nuevo styles. (The Ordway would charge you $40 per ticket to see that!)

Music performances
Two tango orchestras will perform for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Special guest artist
Local opera singer Jennifer Baldwin Penn will perform a piece from the tango opera "Maria de Buenos Aires."

All-night milonga
Dance until 5 a.m. to music by New York City's hottest tango DJ Robin Thomas and alternative tango guru Ramu Preddy.

** Register before 5 p.m. on Sept. 6 at www.heartlandtango.com.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

2006-08-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

The numbers are growing! As of Sunday (8/27/06), we have 183 signed up for the festival.

For those of you who can't make it for the whole festival (Sept. 8-10), here are some parts to consider:

DANCE AND MUSIC CLASSES
There are three skill levels for each time slot, and there are seven time slots--that makes 21 different classes to choose from. Most classes are $30 at the door.

MILONGAS
*Fri. at Millenium Hotel, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
($15; absolute beginners class 9-10 p.m.; master teacher demos; DJ Dan Boccia from Alaska)

*Sat. at Millenium Hotel, after dinner show, until 11 p.m.
(Included in $68 special event)

*Sat. at Millenium Hotel, 11 p.m.-5 a.m.
($10; DJ Ramu Pyreddy of Ann Arbor)

*Sun. at Rossi's, 8 p.m.-midnight
($15; Mandragora 7-piece orchestra and band jam with Conjunto Berretin musicians; come early for dinner)

*Sun. at Four Seasons, midnight-4 a.m.
($10; DJ music)

PRACTICAS
There are two practicas ($5 each)
*Sat. 4:30-6 p.m., Four Seasons Dance Studio
*Sun. 5:30-7 p.m., Millenium Hotel

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT
Open to the public (ask your non-tango friends to join you), this dress-up event includes dinner, wine, dance and music performances, and an all-night milonga. ($68; reserve your ticket by Sept. 5)

YOU CAN STILL REGISTER ONLINE
You can still register online for a full festival pass or for individual items. The pass now costs $175 ($100 for students). You can pay for classes and milongas at the door, but reservations are required for the Saturday Night Special Event; sign up by Sept. 5.

Register at www.heartlandtango.com.

**HEARTLAND FESTIVAL UPDATE

** FRIDAY EVENING MILONGA
Robin Thomas from New York will teach the absolute beginners class from 9-10 p.m. on Friday; milonga follows from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The master teachers will pair up and dance at the same time to two to three songs during the milonga, around 11 p.m.

** MUSIC CLASS
The music class, 4:30-6 p.m. on Friday will be taught by 3-4 members of the Conjunto Berretin Orchestra. Bring your instruments if you wish (except bass and piano). It will be similar to the Master Music class at the Ordway in April.

** HOST OUT-OF-TOWNERS
Contact Andrea DuCane if you're willing to host visitors from out of town (612-802-3687 or
Aducane@aol.com).

We look forward to seeing you at the festival!

Festival committee

Tango Festival Update

2006-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

The first Minnesota Heartland Tango Festival is almost here!

So far, more than 75 people have registered for this fun-filled and inspiring weekend (Sept. 8-10). We've got dancers coming from all over, including Chicago, Denver, Portland, Texas, Wyoming, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, as well as Canada and Mexico.

If you've already signed up, great; you're in for an amazing time!

If you're planning to come but have not signed up, NOW is the time to register: http://www.heartlandtango.com.

If you're hesitating because of the prices, don't. The $150 Heartland Tango Festival pass (until August 25) is A STEAL compared to the recent $350 full Chicago festival pass and the upcoming $330 New Jersey festival pass. AND you don't have to pay for airfare or lodging!

Heartland agenda update:**
The special event on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Millennium Hotel will feature performances by all six master teachers and music by two tango orchestras. An all-nighter will follow at Four Seasons Dance Studio.

** The milonga on Sunday, Sept. 10, from 7 p.m. to midnight will take place at Rossi's in downtown Minneapolis. There'll be a large wood floor, food and drinks on tap, the seven-piece Mandragora Orchestra, and a band jam!

**If you know someone from out of town interested in the festival or if you want to treat yourself: Millennium Hotel has a special $99 room rate if you mention "Heartland Tango."

Early registration ends this Friday, August 25. See http://www.heartlandtango.com.

Support the festival, and it could become an annual affair!

Festival committee

TANGO IS HOT!!!!!!

2006-07-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE

WHAT: Minnesota Heartland Tango Festival 2006

WHEN:Sept. 8-10,2006

WHERE: Millenium Hotel, 1313 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn.

CONTACT: Rebecca Abas (612) 342-0902; rebeccatrst@yahoo.com

TANGO IS HOT; FIRST ARGENTINE TANGO FESTIVAL IN MINNEAPOLIS,MN

Richard Gere did it with Jennifer Lopez in "Shall We Dance?" Antonio Banderas sizzled to it in "Take The Lead."From Sept. 8-10, tango dancing will be at an all time high in the Twin Cities. Tango dancers, musicians, and teachers from across the globe will gather for the first ever Minnesota Heartland Tango Festival at Millennium Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

In addition to nightly dances with live music, the festival offers more than 30 hours of dance classes for absolute beginners to super advanced, teachers training and music classes. The international line-up of tango instructors and performers includes Florencia Taccetti, Cecilia Gonzalez, and Tomas Howlin of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Brigitta Winkler of Berlin; Alex Krebs from Portland, Ore; Jaimes Friedgen from Seattle; Dan Boccia from Anchorage, Alaska; and Ramu Pyreddy from Ann Arbor, Mich. Additionally, Twin Cities tango orchestra, Mandragora, and a tango band from Portland, Cunjunto Berretin, are scheduled to play at the festival.

"One of the goals of this event is to make tango accessible to more people," says Rebecca Abas, festival organizer and owner of Four Seasons Dance Studio in Minneapolis. "Tango is in, and it's hot. You see it on TV, in the movie theatre, at local cultural events, and when you travel, especially in Argentina and across Europe. Those of us who dance tango are drawn to it for many reasons-for example, the embrace, the music, and that 'tango moment' when you, your partner, and the music become one.

"The festival is open to dancers, musicians, and those who have always dreamed of learning how to tango. (You don't need to bring a partner; you can find one there.) The Tango Society of Minnesota, Federated Insurance, and Wells Fargo are cosponsors

.A Heartland Tango festival pass is $150 ($75 for full-time students). Single class or one-time dance tickets are also available from $10-$25. Tickets for the special dinner show with live music and dancing is $68 each. Early registration deadline is August 25.To register or for more details, visit www.heartlandtango.com or call Rebecca Abas at (612) 342-0902.

Welcome To The Minnesota Heartland Tango Blog

2006-06-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Tango teachers from all over the world, local teachers and musicians, national DJs, and two orchestras will gather at the Millennium Hotel in downtown Minneapolis for three days of Tango music and dance.
EXPERIENCE THE HEARTBEAT OF TANGO IN THE NATION'S HEARTLAND!!!
This festival is designed to reach a broad spectrum of people. It will provide vital inspiration and cutting edge information for new to advanced levels of tango dancers and musicians.
•
If you are new to tango and have wondered about tango, join us for a tango immersion with master teachers. You will have a structured experience designed specifically to introduce you to tango.

•
If you have some experience with Argentine Tango and are interested in advancing your skills, really pushing yourself, you will find specific sessions designed to work with your advanced skill levels.

•
If you have a specific interest in musicality or if you are a teacher, you will also find the festival has been designed with specific sessions to meet your interests.

FESTIVAL CONTACT: REBECCA ABAS, PRODUCERMinnesota Heartland Tango Festival1637 Hennepin Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55403Phone: 612-342-0902 E-mail: rebeccatrost@yahoo.com

Use this blog, to find out news, and express your opinions, about the greatest tango event, in Minnesota's history.