Friday, April 5 at Alma del Tango Studio, San Anselmo

            (San Anselmo, CA, April 1) The Marin tango community comes together in support of one of its own at a fundraiser to benefit the Alex Levin Recovery Fund. Levin, a San Rafael resident, was struck by a car while traveling in Vladivostok and remains in critical condition in a Russian hospital.

Alex & Karina dancing at La Milonga de San Anselmo July 2012

What:  Milonga (tango social dance) and silent auction fundraiser hosted by Alma del Tango
When:  Friday, April 5. Class by Debbie Goodwin & John Campell (levels 2-4) at 7 pm.
Dancing  8-11 pm. DJ Ashvin Iyer.
Where: Alma del Tango studio, 167 Tunstead Ave., San Anselmo
Ticket price: $15 minimum donation.  All proceeds go to the Alex Levin Fund.

Jessica Lewin, a friend of Levin and his wife Karina, will match all donations during the evening benefit dollar for dollar, up to $1,000.

Silent Auction features private lessons from Bay Area professionals

To show their support, several tango professionals are offering private lessons in a silent auction with proceeds donated to the Alex Levin Recovery Fund. Exciting auction items include:

•    Two tickets to El Arrabal for the May 4 milonga. Includes a 1 ½ hour workshop with Eduardo Saucedo, the milonga with music by Seth Asarnow y Su Sexteto Tipico, and a table for two with a bottle of champagne. From Steve & JoAnn Palubinskas & Adolfo Caszarry.
•    Alexander Technique lesson for tango dancers, from Janet Lott.
•    Private Tango Classes from:
-  Christopher Nassopoulos & Caroline Peattie
-  Pier Voulkos  & Daniel Peters
-  Debbie Goodwin
-  John Campbell
-  Jonathan Yamauchi  & Olivia Levitt
-  David Caditz & Lulu Hung
-  Donna Agoitia
- Homer Ladas

 About Alex & Karina Levin

Alex & Karina dancing in Tango Tales Feb 2012

Alex & Karina Levin, one of Marin’s favorite tango couples, are a joy to watch and a dream to dance with. Born in Russia, Alex and Karina emigrated to the U.S. in 1995. In 1999, they read a newspaper article about Argentine Tango and their passion for the dance was ignited. They began taking lessons, first with John Campbell and other leading Bay Area instructors. Then they made two trips to Buenos Aires to study the classic milonguero style as danced in the salons of central Buenos Aires. This style stresses the improvisational nature of tango and the connection between partners. Alex and Karina enjoy social dancing with emphasis on musicality. “We just love it,” says Karina. In addition to frequenting the milongas, the couple has been known to play a diSarli CD and dance in their kitchen.

Here,  Alex & Karina dance in a featured piece in Tango Tales 2012 produced by Alma del Tango.

 To make an online donation to the Alex Levin Recovery Fund visit www.gofundme.com/2f6zq4
For event information visit our Facebook page

A Tango Love Story in Marin

While most of us are in the midst of shopping for the Holidays, Alma del Tango is in the middle of preparing for their next Tango production: “Close Embrace, A Tango Love Story”.

The production follows the story of a romance fiction writer who is working on a novel about a woman’s journey through love, heartbreak and healing. Her character travels to Buenos Aires to immerse herself in tango and leave the drama of her break up behind.”  (Doesn’t this sounds familiar?)  The story is written by Lanny Udell & Jonathan Cutler and directed and choreographed by Debbie Goodwin.

Tanya Rohklin and Jose Orellana, regular students at Alma del Tango, play the lead roles. Guest artists include a few of our favorite local dancers and teachers:  Daniel Peters, David Caditz and Rose Vierling.  Debbie Goodwin and John Campbell will also make an appearance. This is sure to be a treat.

You may be asking yourself what is Alma del Tango, well…

Alma del Tango is a non-profit organization started by Debbie Goodwin and John Campbell in 1996. The organization is dedicated to encouraging artistic expression and the development of community through Argentine Tango.  Quite fittingly, “Alma del Tango” translates to heart or soul of Tango.  Debbie and John, along with putting on an annual student dance production, teach beginner to advanced classes plus host a weekly practica and a monthly milonga, all in Marin County, California.

Alma del Tango is also the umbrella organization for several note worthy Tango projects such as “TangoCalifia” that hosts milongas in public locations around San Francisco, the all-women Tango group, “Tango Con*Fusión” and most recently “Seth Asarnow y Su Sexteto Tipico“, one of the Bay Area’s most popular Tango orchestras. I highly recommend visiting their website for more information on all of Alma del Tango’s activities.  Plus, on the site they post video clips from their advanced classes demonstrating very fun patterns.

Seth Asarnow y Su Sexteto Tipico.
Photo by Peter Ivory

One of the things I like most about Alma del Tango, is that through their annual student dance productions they offer dancers the opportunity to perform, greatly increasing their confidence and skills.  One cannot help but improve with regular practice and a focused goal.  Performing on a stage can be quite frightening,  but for those who attempt it, it’s a life changing experience.  These tango productions are also a great way to educate the larger community about Argentine Tango and perhaps even inspire a few people to try it themselves.

If you have not seen one of their productions yet,  or cant’ wait to see another one, take advantage of the special pre-Sale Ticket rate of only $15 happening until December 15th.  Tip: The Valentines Day show makes for a great date.

Performance dates are Feb 14-16, 2013 at 8pm and Feb 17, 2013 at 2pm

Pre-Sale Tickets: $15 until December 15th.  Click here to purchase discounted ticktets now!

$20 In Advance, $25 at door if available

Location of Production:
Drake Little Theater
1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
San Anselmo, Ca 94960

(San Anselmo, CA, November 12, 2012) Alma del Tango, a Marin County nonprofit based in San Anselmo, is pleased to announce that Seth Asarnow y Su Sexteto Tipico has come under the organization’s auspices.

Seth Asarnow y Su SextetoTipico
Photo by Peter Ivory

A Marin native and resident, Asarnow is considered one of the best bandoneon players in the country, and his sextet is frequently seen and heard playing at tango venues throughout the Bay Area.”I consider myself a tango musician, not just a musician who plays tango,” he says.

Keeping the Golden Age of Tango Alive
Asarnow endeavors to reproduce the sound and style of tango orchestras that were popular during the Golden Age of Tango — the 1930′s to 1950′s. “These days very few musicians have the ability or desire to play in this style,” he says. “I’m trying to preserve an amazing style of music in its original form.”

After seeing the  show Tango Argentino in 1986, Asarnow was drawn to the bandoneon and its soulful, melancholic sound. The bandoneon, a type of large concertina, was developed in Germany and brought to Argentina by emigrants at the turn of the 20th Century where it became the essential instrument in tango ensembles. He describes the instrument as unusual, with many quirky features that give it a distinct and endearing personality. “Those qualities, along with its mournful, evocative sound are what make it so captivating,” the maestro explains.

Asarnow is happy to be associated with and support the other groups under the Alma delTango umbrella. His goal is to raise funds to expand the sextet to an Orquesta Tipica which usually has 10 to 12 musicians including a string section, three or more bandoneons, piano and bass.

“I’m excited to have Seth and his Sexteto as part of Alma del Tango,” says board president
Debbie Goodwin. “Music drives the dance, and live music takes the experience to a whole
new level.”

Debbie Goodwin & John Campbell, founders of Alma del Tango, the Marin-  nonprofit.
Photo by Alli Novack

 ##

About Alma del Tango

Alma del Tango is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to encouraging artistic expression and the development of community through Argentine Tango. Started by dancer/choreographer Debbie Goodwin and tango dancer John Campbell in 1966 under the name Social Dance Cultures, the organization is now doing business as Alma del Tango, translated Soul of the Tango. In addition to offering tango classes and events, Alma del Tango is the umbrella organization for the all-women’s company Tango Con*Fusion, Alma Video, Debbie Goodwin Dance, Tango Califia, and now Seth Asarnow y Su Sexteto Tipico.

For more information: www.almadeltango.org

 Media contact: Lanny Udell
(415)459-8966
lanny_udell@comcast.net

Close Embrace: A Tango Love Story

Please read more about Close Embrace in the articles below. If you are interested in joining the cast or still have questions, please phone 415-482-7588 or contact Debbie. The adventure begins this September 2012 and will culminate on Feb 14-17, 2013!

Debbie and John are a treasure in the Marin tango community! Their commitment and generosity as teachers is deeply heart-felt. Their love, passion, and dedication to the art of tango is inspirational and contagious!  Their teaching style is fun and playful! Participating in their student production is an absolute blast! Through my participation in their student production, All About Tango, my dancing and technique improved immensely. The experience got me out dancing several times a week and connected with the local tango community. I definitely recommend studying with them, attending their various tango events, and participating in their student production! – Kat Sun

Quick Links: Available Roles | Commitments for General Cast | Commitments for Women’s Choreography

Tango Dancers are needed for the following roles…

Note that all dancers will also be in mini scenes that set the story line.

1. The Novelist -Role filled: Deborah Loft
Seated at her desk in front of a typewriter, she writes the story. As she types, the words appear on an overhead screen and we hear the writer’s recorded voice speaking the words. The novelist may have some dance moves by herself as she writes the story.

2.  Angelica (Main Female Role) -Role filled: Tanya Rokhlin
Broken hearted, she journeys to Buenos Aires to become a tanguera and forget the sorrow of lost love. She dances one choreography with handsome stranger and will be present in most scenes watching, absorbing. She may also dance in the group couples choreography with handsome stranger plus improvisation at the milonga. Could be in women’s choreography if desired.

3. Miguel (Main Male Role) – Role split and filled: Jose Orellana (handsome stranger)/David Caditz (tango teacher)
The handsome stranger/tango teacher.  Need advanced dancer or guest semi-professional/professional. He dances one choreography with Angelica,  and perhaps the group couples choreography. He may be shown teaching a class, plus improvisation at the milonga.

4. Three Int/Advanced couples for individual choreography – Duets. Roles Filled
Minimum of 3 couples who will appear at various places throughout the story. The style, music and story line of the choreography can be adapted to each couple. Basically, the broken hearted woman (Angelica) will notice these couples in some manner that will add to the story line. Will want at least one couple to do a tango (dream scene), one a vals (perhaps an outdoor cafe scene) another a milonga. These couples can also be part of group choreography and/or improvised milonga scene listed below if desired.

5. Three to five Int/Advanced couples for group couples choreography. – Roles Filled
This will be an upbeat traditional rhythmic tango using both traditional close embrace milonguero style moves and some individual synchronized footwork.

6. 8-20 dancers for all-women’s choreography – Roles Filled
All levels welcome – see description of women’s choreography below.

7. 8 Int/Advanced dancers for improvisational milonga scene. – Roles Open
4 leaders, 4 followers for tangos, valses & milongas. Some will dance with different partners for each tanda. Can also take roles in group or duet choreography above.

8. Dancers for classroom scene – All Levels (Required:  Commitments for General Cast #5-11 below)- Roles Open
Guest artist David Caditz who plays the role of a tango teacher in our production will be choreographing a classroom scene for Close Embrace. We would like as many cast members/tango students as possible to take part in this . We need equal amounts of leaders and followers, hopefully 16 people total. The choreography will not be difficult and needs approximately 6-8 rehearsals to put together.
Saturday Afternoons 2pm-3pm  Dec 1-Feb 17 (no rehearsals Dec 22 or 29 for this piece only)

Ready to dance? If you are interested in joining the cast or still have questions, please phone 415-482-7588 or contact Debbie.

What will I need to do?

To make this production possible, a preliminary commitment is needed by September 1, 2012 from a minimum of 4 leaders and 4 followers of strong Level 3-4 ability or above. Level 2 students can also take part if enough dancers from Level 3 are committed. Everyone’s level will definitely go up a notch if involved! Email Debbie if you would like to sign up.

Commitments for General Cast

All Classes, Rehearsals & Performances in San Anselmo.

(Please note that you can opt to be in parts of the show that only require once a week attendance Sept-Feb. If you wish to play a bigger role, your attendance may be required 2 -3 times a week. We try to make this very doable project for everyone concerned.)

1. Attendance at Monday night and/or Wednesday night classes, depending on your level and participation. (an average of 3 out of 4 weeks per month Sept-Feb). Regular class fees apply.
2. Group Couples Choreography Rehearsals (Saturdays 1pm-2pm). Regular class fees apply $15. (Discounted Monthly Couples Pass available)
3. Individual Choreography – Duets by private class appointment with Debbie. (Special reduced rate of $50/hour per couple instead of $75 + studio fee $15 if not held at Debbie’s home studio)
4. An effort to come to Friday night Prácticas (Sept-Feb). This is where you will be able to practice your social style dance with your partner and other cast members.
5. Read and respond to monthly email updates.
6. Sell or buy 10 tickets to family, friends, and co-workers.
7. Volunteer for one of the production jobs. (Ex: Set up, Clean up, ticket sales, programs, set design etc. List will follow)
8. Attend photo shoot. Dec 15 or 16. (Minimal fees for photo shoot. Sign up sheet for 1/2 hour or hour slots closer to date. )
9. Attendance at December Rehearsal/Audition.
   Sun, Dec 16, 2012 2pm-5pm.
   This is where we run through show format, decide on partners for Milonga scene, and determine which couples have made enough progress on their choreography to be in show.
10. Attendance at final month of rehearsals: Sundays: Jan 27th, Feb 3rd & 10th from 2pm-5pm
11. Attendance at Dress Rehearsal & Performances @ San Anselmo Playhouse: (Dress Reh = Feb 13th 7pm-10pm) -Performances: Thursday Feb 14th 8pm Valentine Special, Friday, Feb 15th 8pm, Saturday Feb 16th 8pm & Sun Feb 19th 2pm
    *Cast Party Sunday after show

Commitments for Women’s Choreography

Women’s Cast of “Shoe Seduction” All About Tango 2011
photo: Alli Novak

This year’s women’s choreography will be danced to a slower melodic tango. It will be about how the tango invades ones heart and holds one forever in a close embrace. Both individual work and partnering is involved. Prepare to be challenged as we work to refine body movement, balance, foot placement and connection to create a beautiful, soulful tango.

We need a minimum of 10 women signed up by Sept 1st to make this happen. First class is Saturday, Sept 8, 2012.

1. Attendance at Saturday morning Technique & Choreography classes. An average of 3 out of 4 weeks per month Sept-Feb.  Cost is $15 for the entire morning or monthly rate of $55  (If you have a monthly couples pass, add only $45/month for Women’s Classes.)

Women’s Cast of “Don Juan”, Tango Tales 2012
photo: Dart Rinefort

10:30-11:30 Women’s Tango Technique (All Levels)
(This class is also open to public for $15. Must be taken if you are participating in choreography.)
11:30-12:30 Women’s Choreography Class (All Levels)
(This is a closed class only available to those signed up to perform in Close Embrace 2013.)

Also required #’s 5-11 in Commitments for General Cast section above.

Ready to dance? If you are interested in joining the cast or still have questions, please phone 415-482-7588 or contact Debbie.

(December 1, 2011, San Anselmo, CA) Social Dance Cultures, a nonprofit organization focused on endeavors related specifically to Argentine Tango, welcomes Peter Ivory and Lanny Udell to its Board of Directors.

A cinematographer and photographer, Ivory has been dancing Argentine Tango for over eight years and has been active in the tango community in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. “I am joining the board because I feel that the tango community can benefit from the visual representation of the dance,” says Ivory. Udell, a San Rafael-based marketing writer and consultant, has been studying tango for four years. She looks forward to assisting with the marketing and PR efforts of Social Dance Cultures. “I am thrilled to be working with Debbie Goodwin and the other board members to bring the passion of tango to a broader community through performances, classes and video,” she says.

We are very excited to have Lanny and Peter joining the Social Dance Cultures Board, says Goodwin. “Being a part of the Argentine Tango scene in Marin, they understand the profound impact this dance has in one’s life, how it creates a deeper connection with others and within oneself. Their ideas, enthusiasm and skills are engaging and we are already seeing the effects in our budding community!”

Also serving on the board are John Campbell, treasurer, and Terence Clark, secretary.

About Social Dance Cultures

Social Dance Cultures is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit dedicated to encouraging and supporting dance as a means of developing community. Social Dance Cultures serves as the umbrella organization for several worthy groups. The all-women dance company Tango Con*Fusión explores gender roles and interpersonal relationships through performance of modern dance pieces informed by the themes of Argentine Tango. Alma Del Tango brings dance classes, lecture demonstrations and performances to the Marin County community. TangoCalifia supports scholarships for dance education and free public social dances in San Francisco. Alma Video Productions engages in documenting dance performances that would otherwise disappear with the fading sounds of the last note of music. The organization also assists other artists in their dance-related film or video projects by providing equipment and technical assistance.

Media Contact:
Lanny Udell
415-459-8966
lanny_udell@comcast.net