I write to this post from bright and sunny Buenos Aires, Argentina, tango capital of the world. (Even the most diehard Pittsburgher has to escape from the snowy or rainy skies some time. ) To prepare for my vacation, I just had to get in one tango lesson. It was really fun and I got a lot of exercise in just one afternoon … so if going to the gym is not an appealing way to get in shape for you, try the tango! (Believe me, it is a lot more than strutting with your partner in a straight line down the dance floor!) I just got this e-mail from my instructor, Martin de san Martin:
“Hola Tangueros!
“Happy New Year to you all!
“How are you? I hope you had a great holiday season and are itching to come back to the dance floor!
“I am writing to you to confirm that we will have our weekly tango class this Sunday, January 8th, in our new home at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church – ELPC which is known as the Cathedral of Hope.
“The Cathedral of Hope (East Liberty Presbyterian Church – ELPC) is located at the corner of Penn and Highland in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The main entrance is on Highland Avenue. Following I’ve attached a link with the directions posted on the ELPC website for your convenience.
http://www.cathedralofhope.org/directions.html
“Please note that we’ve changed the class schedule a bit to accommodate the requests of many of you. Therefore, the classes will be starting one and a half hour earlier!
“Time: 6:00 pm Beginners
7:00 pm Intermediate
“As usual, you’re welcome to suggest steps and techniques you’d like to work on. If you have questions please email at: tangointheburgh at yahoo dot com “
The tango is experiencing a revival around the world, Pittsburgh included: there is a surprisingly robust tango community here and many Argentines call this city home.
But I have to say, being in the middle of humid, hot summer sans air conditioning actually makes me appreciate the Pittsburgh weather I just left. So see? I still heart Pittsburgh! But I must go take a nap now … apparently the party doesn´t get started here until midnight … zzzzz.
I took Tango lessons at the Wilkins School in Regent Square a few years ago. I'm not sure if they are still offered there but the classes were taught by a person who is also faculty at CMU. He was affiliated with the Pittsburgh Tangueros also.
Also at one time there was Tango Night at a bar on Penn Avenue, but for the life of me I can't remember what the place was called. They had a live band and everything.
The Pittsburgh Tangueros are still alive 'n' kickin'! http://www.pittsburghtangueros.com. I highly recommend Fran & Zoey and Steve & Sandy as instructors! They showed me the way to my first "milonga" (Argentine tango social dance session).
I know that there are milongas on Wednesdays from 9:30pm til 12:30am and the 1st Saturdays of the month from 9pm til 1am at Dance Cafe on 6th Street (Downtown). Pitt and CMU also have rehearsals but those I'm not so sure about…