Pasión Por Tango has a new studio! (20-01-2012)
Great news—Pasión Por Tango has a beautiful new studio off Pitt Street, close to K'Road. You can see the results of the many hours of hard work put in by Marion and John on Valentine's Day (Tuesday 14 February), when they will hold their first milonga there. We're also looking forward to the return of the fantastic Argentinian teacher Cecilia Trini. We'll keep you posted on further details...
TangoClub is a non-profit group made up of Argentine tango enthusiasts in Auckland. We love the music, we love the dance, and we want to share that joy with others through our weekly milongas and other events.
For those new to tango, we have compiled a list of teachers in Auckland from whom you can take classes. You can see some great dancers in action in the tango demos, and we have also tried to answer any questions you might have in our FAQ page.
We are going to start small, but we have many more ideas for our club activities. Feel free to contact us with any any suggestions or comments. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
The TangoClub team
- Summer Tango in Nelson: 23 - 25 March 2012 in Nelson. A weekend of social dancing, with DJs from around the country.
- Buenos Aires in the Vales: 20 - 22 April 2012 in McLaren Vale, South Australia. Unique tango events, workshops and performances organised by Adrienne and Andrew Gill of Southern Cross Tango
- New Zealand Tango Festival: 19 - 26 June 2012 in Wellington. Annual highlight of our tango calendar, with inspirational international teachers, milongas and performances. A great way to meet other dancers from around the country and beyond.
Photo credit: Christian Choi
Recent News
Pasión Por Tango Events (03-01-2012)
We've got a slow start to the year, with Carl's milonga and Vikki and Martyn's practica not happening this month. But never fear, Pasión Por Tango is here! In addition to the usual other milongas (thanks Cecile and Maida), the following will both be held at the Devonport Seascout Hall, King Edward Parade (next to Yacht Club on the waterside), Devonport.
- Twilight Practica - Sunday 15 January, 5-8pm, $10
- Milonga - Friday 20 January, 9pm-12:30am, $15
Pasión Por Tango Events (04-12-2011)
Their beautiful downtown studio may no longer be available, but the forces behind it are putting on great tango events for us. The following will both be held at the Devonport Seascout Hall, King Edward Parade (next to Yacht Club on the waterside), Devonport.
- Twilight Tango Practica - Sunday 11 December, 6-9pm, $10
- Tango Christmas Milonga - Friday 23 December, 9pm-12:30am, $15
New book on tango out 28 November (08-11-2011)
Ten years ago, Kapka Kassabova began dancing tango in New Zealand and was hooked. She shares the attraction of this dance, this way of life, in her book Twelve Minutes of Love: a tango story which will be available on 28 November where all good books are sold. RRP $39.99 - Christmas present sorted!
Tango Workshops with Hernan Brizuela (29-09-2011)
Tango in Auckland will be getting a boost of energy very shortly, in the form of visiting teacher Hernan Brizuela. Apart from performing at a milonga, he is offering workshops from 14 to 16 October. Prices: 1-2 workshops: $45 each; 3-5 workshops: $40 each; Workshop Package (includes all workshops and entry to Practilonga): $220. Hernan is also available for private lessons. For bookings, please contact tangoinoz@gmail.com or call Stephan on 021 232 5195.
No more TangoBar Tuesdays for the time being (29-09-2011)
TangoClub's TangoBar Tuesdays are on hold until further notice. We encourage you to dance at Limon and the Friday milongas though!
Free tango class in Birkenhead (19-09-2011)
Cecile and Nigel are teaching a free tango class as part of the Birkenhead Village Argentinian Festival of the Arts. Sunday 9th October, 10.30am - 1.00pm, Nell Fisher Marquee, Birkenhead. The class will be followed by a free milonga, with a tango demo by John and Felicity.
Timetable changes from the RWC (08-09-2011)
Cecile's usual milonga is cancelled this Friday for the Opening Night of the Rugby World Cup, however Martyn and Vikki's practica is still on Sunday. Also, please note that the TangoBar milongas at the Crib are cancelled on 20 and 27 September. On these nights, the bar will be open for viewings of live games.
New tango classes in Mount Eden (02-08-2011)
Craig (Sooty) Love is starting tango up classes in Mount Eden, beginning next week. This is a great option for those looking for something fun and funky.
New TangoClub milongas; practicas on hold (01-08-2011)
With the Pasion Por Tango studio no longer in action, TangoClub has decided to fill one of the gaps in our social calendar by hosting milongas on the third Fridays of the month for the time being. As a result, we are putting our Práctica in the Park temporarily on hold. If you've been thinking of organising tango events yourself, now is the time to step up and give it a go!
Fire and Ice: Grand Finale Ball at Pasion Por Tango (12-07-2011)
It's the end of an era. After inspiring hundreds of students for almost exactly 4 years to the day, Pasion Por Tango will cease to have use of their downtown studio at the end of this month. As a fitting farewell, they will be holding a grand finale ball on Saturday 23 July, 9pm - 1am, $20. Dress up for the theme of "Fire and Ice" as much as you like, and make it an evening to remember!
Argentinian Festival at Birkenhead Village (11-07-2011)
In September/October, the Birkenhead Town Centre Association is hosting an Argentinian Festival, with Argentinian films, tango classes, music and more. Further details will be available on their website in August.
New drinks menu for Tango Tuesdays (10-06-2011)
Our TangoBar milongas on Tuesday nights now offer a greater variety of drinks, with a new non-alcoholic menu specially created for our dancers. Join us for an early night of dancing to a mix of traditional, nuevo and alternative tango music.
Argentinian folk dance workshop (02-06-2011)
Nayeli and Pablo will be giving another fun workshop this Sunday on Argentinian folk dancing. $10, 2:30 - 3:30pm Sunday 5 June, at the Pasión Por Tango studio. Contact Marion on 027 202 0501 for further info.
Entertainment Books 2011/2012 (01-06-2011)
The Entertainment Books we sold last year as a fundraiser have just expired. The new book is now available, and contains hundreds of vouchers with discounts of 25-50% off and 2-for-1 offers from many of the best restaurants, hotels and attractions in Auckland, usable until June 2012. Contact Sarah to order your copy today!
Free beginners tango classes (05-05-2011)
We want to encourage more people to share our love of tango, so we are organising some free beginners tango classes. The next one is on Sunday 29 May. Let all your friends know, and find out what Argentine tango is about!
TangoBar Tuesdays kick off in May (30-04-2011)
We are excited to announce that we have a new venue for our TangoBar milonga. Every Tuesday night from 7:30 - 10:30pm, you can now dance to our DJ Stephan's music. There is a good selection of food and drink, as well as plenty of seating available, so feel free to bring your friends along too.
Argentinian folk dance workshop (27-04-2011)
Nayeli and Pablo will be giving a fun workshop this Saturday on Argentinian folk dancing. $15, 2 - 3:30pm Saturday 30 April, at the Pasión Por Tango studio. Contact Marion on 027 202 0501 for further info.
Happy Easter, and dance with you later! (20-04-2011)
We are cancelling our April Práctica in the Park so that we can all enjoy a long holiday, but straight afterwards on Tuesday 26 April, you are invited to join us for a trial TangoBar milonga at The Crib, 151 Ponsonby Road, from 7:30-10:30pm. As usual, fantastic music from our DJ Stephan is on offer, and pizza will be available for purchase for those who turn up hungry ($10 before 7pm). Please support our venue and have some food and/or drink!
Workshops with Shastro and Maria (10-02-2011)
Shastro and Maria, a couple from Maui, Hawaii, will be in Auckland from 4 - 8 and 28 - 30 March. Hosted by the Pasión Por Tango studio, they will be giving a number of workshops, and are also available for private lessons. Contact Marion 09 445 9544/027 202 0501 for further information.
New tango book: A Pickpocket's History of Argentine Tango (08-02-2011)
We haven't had a chance to review A Pickpocket's History of Argentine Tango yet, but this new book sounds intriguing! Explore "the rise of Tango in Argentina: its social and political climate, its characters, music, dance, song and poetry", and let us know how you get on.
Upcoming tango documentary: Tango Your Life (16-01-2011)
Chan Park of TangoZen is working on a tango documentary named Tango Your Life, due to be released early this year. The trailer available online includes part of an interview with blind dancer Gyles from Auckland, who is now living and dancing in Buenos Aires. You are welcome to support this project by making a financial contribution.
Musicality and technique workshop with María Mognaschi (26-01-2011)
Actress, singer and tango teacher María Mognaschi is returning to Auckland for one workshop on musicality and technique. Tuesday 1 February, 8 - 10pm, $25 at the Pasión Por Tango studio.
Final Workshop with Cecilia Trini and María Mognaschi (14-11-2010)
Cecilia is sadly going to be returning to Argentina, leaving behind many students who will miss her knowledgeable and inspiring tuition, but before she departs, she will be teaching a workshop with her mother (dancer, actress and singer María Mognaschi) on musicality with different sequences for beginners and intermediates. Saturday 27 November, 2 - 3.30pm, $25 at the Pasión Por Tango studio. Learn from these talented ladies while you still have the chance! This will be followed by a practica and farewell tango for Cecilia from 3:45 - 6pm. You are welcome to bring a plate to this goodbye celebration.
Summer Tango in Nelson (13-11-2010)
You are invited to Summer Tango in Nelson, 4 - 6 March 2011, a weekend of social dancing with DJs from around the country, including our very own DJ Stephan. No teaching, no performances, just good old-fashioned dancing. $60 for the weekend. Register now!
Grand Chateau Tango Ball open for registration (1-11-2010)
Help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first tango festival in New Zealand, at the magificient Chateau Tongariro on 5 November 2011. Only 100 rooms are available, so book your place at the Grand Chateau Tango Ball now!
TangoGlam—dinner and milonga this Labour Weekend (14-10-2010)
Dress up in your tango best and dine and dance with us this Saturday at one of Auckland region's most beautiful wineries! Saturday 23 October, 5 - 11pm, Heron's Flight Vineyard Restaurant, 49 Sharp Rd, Matakana (50-60min drive north from downtown Auckland). Simply pay for your a la carte dinner and drinks; no extra charge for the milonga. We need at least 20 committed dining tangueros for this to go ahead. Please email us if you are interested.
Contemporary tango show and workshop by Lado Ciego (19-09-2010)
Argentine tango will be given a contemporary spin as the dancers of Lado Ciego ("The Blind Side") from Buenos Aires present Peso Medio ("Middleweight Wrestler") as part of the Tempo dance festival. Tango workshop with the company on Sun 17 October, 2 - 3:30pm at Pasión Por Tango, $25. Book at info@pasionportango.com or phone 09 528 5591.
Preview of tango documentary by Christian Choi available online (29-08-2010)
Talented tanguero Christian Choi, whose beautiful photography we have already been admiring, has turned his hand to creating a documentary about tango. He is still busy interviewing teachers and dancers in Auckland, but his preview so far is looking great!
Visiting teacher Sebastián Arrúa (16-08-2010)
Sebastián Arrúa, the energetic young dancer we first saw at the NZ Tango Festival, will be available for classes at the Pasión Por Tango studio from 17 - 31 August. Weekend workshops are:
- Saturday 21 August: Balance in tango. Part I 1 - 2:30pm, Part II 3 - 4:30pm. $25 for one, $40 for both
- Sunday 22 August: Colgadas and combinations. 2 - 3:30pm. $25
Sebastián is also available for private lessons for $95. Contact Marion on +64 27 202 0501 if interested.
Tango influences from outside Auckland (24-07-2010)
Those tango addicts looking for fresh dancing experiences will be glad to hear that there will be an all night milonga on 14 August in Melbourne. Also, rumour has it that the gorgeous young dancer we first saw at the NZ Tango Festival, Sebastián Arrúa, will be up in Auckland very soon! Woop!
TangoClub weekend milonga (20-07-2010)
TangoClub will be hosting a milonga from 9pm - 12:30am on Friday 23 July following our next free beginners tango class. Join us for a great night of dancing at the beautiful Pasión Por Tango studio. There will be a special game that we will explain on the night—but don't worry, it won't disrupt your dancing and beginners are very welcome to join in. $15 entry, light refreshments provided.
Guest performance by Alicia Pons (01-07-2010)
Argentinian guest teacher Alicia Pons, particularly admired for her beautiful footwork and presence in the dance, will be performing at the milonga at the Pasión Por Tango studio this Friday. For a private lesson with this inspirational dancer, contact Vikki (vikki@tocatango.co.nz).