Irina Kapeli and John Quach — an interview
Irina (pictured with Julius Wendt) and John are newcomers to the world of Argentine tango, but dancing is certainly nothing new for them, having had previous experience in performing salsa, and in the case of Irina, training in dance forms such as ballet, jazz, modern dance and Russian folk.
What got you into tango?
Irina and John: Performing with a dance group called DX Dance. The dance group objective then and today is to promote dancing and make it accessible to all groups of people from all ages. Dance Xtreme also put on a number of shows in 2007 and 2008 which included a number of tango routines. In 2009 DX Dance plan to take their show Café Pasión even further with new and more spectacular choreographies.
What do you love about tango, or what does tango mean to you?
John: I love it because when you watch it it's like watching drama unfold on the dance floor and when you dance it feels like you and your partner are creating drama.
Irina: I love the freedom of movement and ability for the follower to interpret the music with variations of styling.
How long have you been teaching tango for?
Irina: Over a year.
Which tango dancers have you learnt from, or who inspire you?
John: My main instructors are Julius Wendt and Irina Kapeli. I have also taken classes from other Auckland instructors. What also inspired me was watching a show called Tango Fire performed by some of Argentina's best dancers.
Irina: I learnt from Julius Wendt as well as some international DVDs.
Which style(s) of tango would you say you dance and/or teach?
Irina and John: Show Tango.
What are your classes like?
Irina and John: Each class focuses on some footwork and lead technique, at least one figure with variations and practice time with music. At the end of the class we play a song for students to practice everything they know including moves they may have learnt in other classes or from other instructors. We are patient, fun and encouraging. Currently we only teach open classes for beginners, but we urge more capable dancers to challenge themselves, asking them to focus on the music, building on more layers of skill and complexity and finding their own style.
Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring tango dancers?
Irina and John: Dance more socially and be patient. The Tango Basic is easy to learn but the dance itself takes a lifetime to master.
Irina Kapeli and John Quach
January 2009