the essential
With two very intertwined associations, Argentine tango practiced in Tarn-et-Garonne holds an important place internationally, from Finland to Istanbul and Buenos Aires.
Whether it is danced in the popular neighborhoods of Buenos Aires where it was born at the end of the 19th century, or in Montauban where this scoundrel dance of thugs and “compadres” thrives, Argentine tango has lost its scandalous side while retaining his sensuality and lasciviousness. Within the “Montauban Couleur Tango” association, enthusiasts even have the luxury of having an internationally recognized DJ in the person of Manuel Lagoa, 80 years old.
“Lo de Manu” (chez Manu) thus flies the colors of the city of Ingres in France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Istanbul and even Buenos Aires. Its “milongas”, the tango balls, attract, every last Sunday of the month, dancers who do not hesitate to travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers to practice their passion.
“It’s music that grabs your guts, like a sad thought that is danced. When you have the virus, there are very addicted people who spend all their weekends traveling the world to practice it,” explains Alain Rouch who, with his wife Martine, let himself be enchanted around fifteen years ago.
“It’s transcendent, it can’t be explained, you have to experience it,” notes Manuel Lagoa who even built a room dedicated to Argentine tango in Saint-Étienne-de-Tulmont*. Beyond the dance that he discovered at the age of 50, the DJ is interested in music, the specific culture of Argentina and even hosts conferences. “Without tango, I would have died a long time ago. It’s a labyrinth where you enter and from which you don’t exit. It’s the social side that interests me, we share something very intense, there is a connection complete”, rejoices the artist, delighted that all social backgrounds are represented with a good number of dancers aged 25 and 30.
See you on January 26
Although qualified as “improvisational dance”, classes are given every Wednesday, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (2), by Argentinian teacher Marina Carranza.
-It’s the dance of a lifetime, we can never complete it, enthusiasts assure. Furthermore, there are many more women than men so everyone is a “guide” and a “follower”. “Ah! Above all, never bring your husband to the Argentine tango! That’s how mine flew away,” quips a dancer.
President of the “Montauban color tango” association, Bernard Pech confirms that it is a dance of proximity and couple par excellence. Even when you come with your partner, you dance with everyone for a “tanda”. That is to say, three or four dances linked together which are separated by the “cortina” which allows you to change partners. Because the goal remains sharing. “No one makes tapestry in a milonga,” smiles the president.
See you on January 26 during the monthly “milonga”.
