437  Festival Buenos Aires Tango continues

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 23:52:43 -0300
From: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
Subject: Festival Buenos Aires Tango continues

Tickets were necessary for the second night of the festival--those without
them were turned away. The warmer weather attracted twice as many people as
last week. I arrived without a ticket and was told I could watch from
outside a gate around the perimeter of the park. I was grateful when a
woman offered me her extra ticket. Otherwise I would have missed the night.

It didn't matter that there wasn't seating for everyone. Hundreds stood
during the entire night to hear this concert with Horacio Salgan (who is 85
years young) and De Lio. They performed at least three encores with
standing ovations. Orquesta Escuela de Tango with Emilio Balcarce (who
celebrated his 84th birthday) and Orquesta Beba Pugliese were on the
program. It was four and a half hours of continuous tango, all being
recorded for broadcast on Solo Tango.

The second round of finals for the tango competition were held. There were
40 couples from the West Zone who competed. The judges were Aurora Lubiz,
Jorge Firpo, Celia Blanco, Carlos and Maria Rivarola. The couples danced
two tangos of Di Sarli and Pugliese. The winners were announced at the end
of the evening. Again the judges selected three couples from different age
ranges.

Most of the audience came to hear the music and singers of tango. They
don't know who is dancing well in the competition. Frankly, I am surprised
and disappointed with some of the couples who were selected for the finals.
There are couples who simply don't dance to the music. How did they qualify
when the judging criteria is to consider compas, etc. Isn't dancing on the
beat somewhat basic to good dancing? Judging isn't easy, but I would
eliminate anyone who doesn't dance on the beat. There were many elegant
couples who have been dancing more than 40 years. None of them were
winners.

As my partner said to me, tango is a feeling. That can't be judged.
Milongueros
who have been dancing all their lives shouldn't compete with those who have
danced a few years. There is no comparison.

The final round of competition is March 1. Los Reyes del Tango are on the
program. Be sure to get your ticket during the day at Centro Cultural del
Sur.

Pichi de Buenos Aires