“The why is many, many things.”

Juan Cantone nerds out in the best of ways about experiencing the tango renaissance in his native Buenos Aires, the four aspects of tango, and the thing that will make him dance forever.

Producer/Host: Liz Sabatiuk | Music: "A Luis Luchi" by Eduardo Rovira, performed by SONICO | Image Credit: Monteleone Tango

Show Notes

• Here’s more background on the tango renaissance.  

Read a transcript of Juan's episode here.

For Eugenia Park, first came marriage, kids, and immigration from the Soviet Union to raise her family in the United States.

Then came a love affair with tango that has stood the test of time.

Producer/Host: Liz Sabatiuk | Music: "La Puñalada" by Pintín Castellanos, performed by Juan D'Arienzo y su Orquesta Típica | Image Credit: Yulia Kriskovets

Show Notes

• Eugenia started our conversation by sharing this article by Cacho Dante. Recommended reading for a firsthand perspective on the meaning of “milonguero.” And here’s even more history and analysis of “milonguero style” tango!

Read a transcript of Eugenia's episode here.

Through time, space, and changing circumstances, DC native Nick Thompson has made it work with tango - on his own terms. Hear how a hidden obsession, sparked one January evening at Portland State University, transformed into a friendly one over the years.

This episode was produced in partnership with Tango Mercurio.

Producer/Host: Liz Sabatiuk | Music: "Después del Carnaval" by J. A. Amuchastegui Keen, performed by Osvaldo Fresedo y Su Gran Orquesta Argentina with Ricardo Ruiz | Image from C’est la Vie milonga in Xi’an, China (photographer unknown)

Show Notes

• Learn more about the history of Portland tango via The New York Times and/or a founder of its community.

Read a transcript of Nick's episode here.

“If I had to pinpoint what exactly I do, I think it’s... I care. I think I care to connect.”

Italian tanguera Simona Ciampi lays out some truly enchanting reasons to dance tango and sheds light on a question I’ve had for upwards of 15 years. 

Producer/Host: Liz Sabatiuk | Music: "El Carillon de la Merced" by Enrique S. Discepolo, performed by Carlos Molina y Su Orquesta | Image Credit: Dos Orillas Practica de Tango Buenos Aires

Show Notes

• Watch the short film I mentioned about Simona’s tango journey up to 2016.

Read a transcript of Simona's episode here.

Like so many tango stories, it all started in Argentina. But our heroine, Phi Lee Lam, was there to learn about farming and had no interest in donning heels to dance with men in fedoras.

Still, one thing led to another and Phi Lee found herself captivated by the Argentine dance of passion. Back home in New York City, she signed up for a tango class and embarked on an epic journey of exploration, inquiry, and connection.

• A little more about Queer Tango Collective.
  

Read a transcript of Phi Lee's episode here.

In 2019, Queer Tango pioneer Augusto La Marshall came to DC as a guest artist through Tango Mercurio's Queer Tango Program. In addition to teaching classes and workshops, Augusto graciously agreed to sit down at an informal brunch hosted by the DC Queer Tango Collective to answer all of the DC community’s burning questions. There was much coffee, OJ, and laughter, with the conversation meandering from the origins of tango to social codes to the future of queer tango. Here, Queer Tango Program Manager Liz Sabatiuk shares highlights and reflections from that candid, thought-provoking event.

This episode was produced in partnership with Tango Mercurio.

Producer/Host: Liz Sabatiuk | Music: “Alma de Bohemio” by Roberto Firpo, performed by Francisco Canaro y su Orquesta Típica, via the Internet Archive | Image Credit: Carlos Villamayor/Arte

Read a transcript of Augusto's episode here.