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Turn Up the Heat

Argentine tango is seducing OSU

By Caitlin Coyle

Cheek to cheek, eyes locked, chests touching, the legs invading each other’s space; an exchange of sultry glances as the music flares. The tango, a dance of passion and storytelling, which originated in smoky bars and brothels of Buenos Aires, has become one of the most exciting new programs at Ohio State. Tango OSU gives adults and students alike the opportunity to learn a unique form of expression, but also the chance to impress and romance that someone special, after all, it does take two to tango.

Unlike the limiting rules of ballroom tango, the Argentine tango is very different. According to the organizer of the Tango OSU program, “the two dances are very different in terms of the posture of the dancers, the importance of improvisation in Tango Argentino, the music it is danced to, and in their general feel emphasizes improvisation.” The importance of reciprocity in this dance is very important. According to the Tango OSU program coordinator Yuval, “in Argentine Tango it is four legs with one heart.”

The originator of the program, who is also a professor in the college of Mathematical and Physical Science, began the program at OSU in the autumn of 2004. According to him (he doesn’t want his name used, very mysterious, no?), Tango is prevalent in many major American and European cities. “If it is successful at any self respecting city, and at the University of Michigan, there is no reason why won’t it flourish here as well,” he said.

The lead instructor for the program is Francesco Guerra, he has been teaching tango for over ten years, the other instructors, Alice and Lucia have been teaching as long, and specialize in different levels and areas of the tango. Jon Devlin, the first tanguero in Columbus has agreed to teach four Wednesdays 4/26-5/17. He is a professional dancer with impressive credentials including Broadway.

The classes draw adults, graduate students as well as undergraduate students; according to Yuval, there is always room for energetic beginners. Yuval said, “people come because they heard the music, saw a film; they stay if they are willing to put the effort.”

Yuval gave some advice for beginners to remember, “It is important to be aware of your partner, to be attentive, considerate.”

Tango OSU serves as a great dating resource or more importantly an outlet for artistic expression. ”Argentine Tango is alluring and soothing. It draws the best out in every person and it stimulates one’s creativity.” Yuval said. To him, it is the dance of the future.

According to Yuval, “The most important (advice) is perhaps to keep trying, as everyone can do it.”

The next La MILONGABUCKEYE—or dance party—is at Emack & Boleo, 945 N. High St., Friday April 21.

Currently there are lessons four days a week, of several levels, instructors, locations:

Sundays: Royer North Room, Francesco teaches at:

5pm- Beginners class, $5;

6pm-Beginners class

7pm- Intermediate class, $7 and $5 for students.

Wednesdays: Royer North Room, Francesco teaches at:

7pm -Intermediate class,

8pm -Beginners class.

Fridays: Alice teaches at the Memorial Room at the Ohio Union:

8pm –Beginners class, $5.

Saturdays: Lucia and Yuval teach at the Memorial Room at the Ohio Union:

8pm-Beginners class for students/youth, $3 for students, $5 others.

For more information, visit tango.osu.edu.

Originally Published: April 19, 2006

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