2260  I (heart) Valentango

Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 11:55:34 -0700
From: Lynne Butler <lynneoaks@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: I (heart) Valentango

It was Tom Stermitz of Denver, in a characteristic show of solidarity, who
recommended Portland's Valentango to his Labor Day crowd so convincingly I
decided to start looking into plane tickets. Thanks Tom! And thanks to
Clay and every DJ and teacher and Alex's orchestra and the venues and
everyone who showed up and especially, to my hosts Steven and Jane, for
creating such a spectacular time for everyone there. For me, along with the
dancing, and the music, and the exhuberant energy all around, there were
some particularly fine moments. Watching Steven Payne dancing with Brigitta
to Rodriguez. Watching his most swollen and radiant wife Jane (is the new
arrival here yet?) dance with anyone. And seeing the couple (I'm sorry I
don't remember their names) dance with their huge-eyed baby between them.
I'm sure I sound like a sentimental sap, but those sights did make your
heart ache with the kind of sore that only comes from seeing a truly
beautiful thing and being glad you're alive to see it. And speaking of
aches, I got my own feet sore enough that I think I can still feel my own
heartbeat in them. Yay! My most vigorous applause and appreciation to
everyone involved.

Lynne, Salt Lake City

https://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200362ave/direct/01/