Showing posts with label tango music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tango music. Show all posts
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Same Place... Different Milonga (Practica)....Tango as it is Danced in Baires
How is Tango danced in Buenos Aires...well, it depends on which night you go,
and in the same city...in fact in the same room...
videos above were found here along with many videos of various milongas in BsAs as well as a great number of sights worth visiting there(click on uploads... there are 409 videos at the time of this post)
by these people (seems to be a very good resource if you are travelling to Baires)
And from a different source (this is what I found when I visited this location in 2009 The most traditional milonga I have ever seen...also the sweatiest)
(Notice that the music remains traditional from video to video)
El Tango Es Uno!
and in the same city...in fact in the same room...
videos above were found here along with many videos of various milongas in BsAs as well as a great number of sights worth visiting there(click on uploads... there are 409 videos at the time of this post)
by these people (seems to be a very good resource if you are travelling to Baires)
And from a different source (this is what I found when I visited this location in 2009 The most traditional milonga I have ever seen...also the sweatiest)
(Notice that the music remains traditional from video to video)
El Tango Es Uno!
Monday, February 22, 2010
DJ (notes)
Three or four songs per tanda (be consistent so people know what's happening if they're paying attention)I've been at milongas where the DJ played Four or five songs per tanda and in my opinion it was too many (It's too long for someone that may be sitting out and it may be too long to dance with someone whom is not the ideal partner
Cortinas should be something "undanceable" and maybe something to guide the spirit of the people for example if people are acting down, a cortina that makes people laugh might be good... repetition is a good thing when it comes to cortinas
One idea for cortinas is to have a certain cortina to play before Vals, a different cortina to play before milongas, another for tangos, etc...
tango, tango, vals, tango, tango, milonga, tango, tango, alternative, tango, tango, vals, tango, tango, milonga, tango, tango, tropical (salsa), tango, tango,... is a good format
cortinas should not be anything that is going to be danced to during the evening, for example salsa or alternative
Try not to mix different artists during the same tanda
save one of your best tandas for about an hour before the scheduled end time to draw people into staying a little longer and keep the vibe going (moods are contagious)
remember as the DJ you are the heart, soul, and life of the party and if you aren't putting off good energy the quality of the milonga will suffer
try to stay within the same time period with regard to the feeling within a tanda (don't mix early canaro with later canaro)
it's good to start a tanda of a particular artist with a song that is typical of that artist so that it is easy for someone to identify the artist
the best song of the tanda should be either second or last in the order so that the end of the tanda is not a let down
a cortina should be played before an announcement of a performance to give people time to be seated
if people aren't dancing to a tanda make note of it so that changes can be made before the next milonga
play lists are nice to give to people if they ask for them but not always necessary
be prepared to answer questions regarding the music that you are playing, as a DJ you are a source of information
be prepared to deal with requests if possible
if a tanda is going particularly well it is OK to throw in an extra song if it fits the vibe of the tanda and will enhance the pleasure for everyone
after a performance a tanda of music similar to what was used during the performance might be a good way to keep the energy going
as for breaking the rules, I've heard tandas that were different versions of the same song that were vastly different from each other played as one tanda it was kind of cool
Stick with familiar tunes, there are about 200 songs that are played in the milongas in BsAs try to use these, don't play a lot of obscure stuff or people may not dance and will leave
I always thought it would be cool to have one of those LED signs and put the name of the artist and song that were playing so people could educate themselves if they were so inclined
as for adjustments to volume and types of music being played try and please most of the people (you cannot please them all)
remember that the spirit of the evening may change and that the music should guide what is happening (if the crowd starts dancing more open and bigger the music should go with the crowd) and encourage people to dance/stay longer
milongas are good to wake people up a little if they start to sag especially during very long or all night milongas
mix the music you play up a little, I've been to milongas where everyone knew what the next two tanda would be because the DJ was so predictable. never use the exact playlist for two milongas in a row
ask for feedback from people (if your are prepared to respond) solicit through emails facebook etc...
DJ "contests" are not a good idea and sort of ruin the feel of a milonga I've seen it at least three times
If people are looking at you funny like, WTF are you doing?, you may want to change what you are doing
It's cool to throw one or two tandas of swing or something like that in during the night but only two songs for these sets (it is still a milonga and that is what people came for)
Cortinas should be something "undanceable" and maybe something to guide the spirit of the people for example if people are acting down, a cortina that makes people laugh might be good... repetition is a good thing when it comes to cortinas
One idea for cortinas is to have a certain cortina to play before Vals, a different cortina to play before milongas, another for tangos, etc...
tango, tango, vals, tango, tango, milonga, tango, tango, alternative, tango, tango, vals, tango, tango, milonga, tango, tango, tropical (salsa), tango, tango,... is a good format
cortinas should not be anything that is going to be danced to during the evening, for example salsa or alternative
Try not to mix different artists during the same tanda
save one of your best tandas for about an hour before the scheduled end time to draw people into staying a little longer and keep the vibe going (moods are contagious)
remember as the DJ you are the heart, soul, and life of the party and if you aren't putting off good energy the quality of the milonga will suffer
try to stay within the same time period with regard to the feeling within a tanda (don't mix early canaro with later canaro)
it's good to start a tanda of a particular artist with a song that is typical of that artist so that it is easy for someone to identify the artist
the best song of the tanda should be either second or last in the order so that the end of the tanda is not a let down
a cortina should be played before an announcement of a performance to give people time to be seated
if people aren't dancing to a tanda make note of it so that changes can be made before the next milonga
play lists are nice to give to people if they ask for them but not always necessary
be prepared to answer questions regarding the music that you are playing, as a DJ you are a source of information
be prepared to deal with requests if possible
if a tanda is going particularly well it is OK to throw in an extra song if it fits the vibe of the tanda and will enhance the pleasure for everyone
after a performance a tanda of music similar to what was used during the performance might be a good way to keep the energy going
as for breaking the rules, I've heard tandas that were different versions of the same song that were vastly different from each other played as one tanda it was kind of cool
Stick with familiar tunes, there are about 200 songs that are played in the milongas in BsAs try to use these, don't play a lot of obscure stuff or people may not dance and will leave
I always thought it would be cool to have one of those LED signs and put the name of the artist and song that were playing so people could educate themselves if they were so inclined
as for adjustments to volume and types of music being played try and please most of the people (you cannot please them all)
remember that the spirit of the evening may change and that the music should guide what is happening (if the crowd starts dancing more open and bigger the music should go with the crowd) and encourage people to dance/stay longer
milongas are good to wake people up a little if they start to sag especially during very long or all night milongas
mix the music you play up a little, I've been to milongas where everyone knew what the next two tanda would be because the DJ was so predictable. never use the exact playlist for two milongas in a row
ask for feedback from people (if your are prepared to respond) solicit through emails facebook etc...
DJ "contests" are not a good idea and sort of ruin the feel of a milonga I've seen it at least three times
If people are looking at you funny like, WTF are you doing?, you may want to change what you are doing
It's cool to throw one or two tandas of swing or something like that in during the night but only two songs for these sets (it is still a milonga and that is what people came for)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Live Orquesta Tipica!!!! (or Bill Takes a Musical Tour of Heaven)
Orquesta Tipica D'Irelandia
Last night at the Merc. I think I died and went to heaven!
Look for me dancing in the crowd at 0:58, 1:20, 3:20
Nick really knows how to throw a party!
This festival is going to be one of the best in the country, I can tell already!
Look for me dancing in the crowd at 0:58, 1:20, 3:20
Five Bandoneons
Five violins
Bass
Piano
Vocals
and even a Trumpet, played one of the people responsible for my own tango Journey, Scott Betts.
(there may have been even more instruments than this, but I was blinded by the incredible sound)
After the live music an incredible DJ, John Miller.
and an amazing, outrageous, performance by Nick and Amy that had me rolling on the floor!
Nick really knows how to throw a party!
This festival is going to be one of the best in the country, I can tell already!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Denver Memorial Day Weekend Tango Festival 2009
Another Awesome Festival in Denver as Always!
I only attended six milongas and no classes, which is good because when I started out I only anticipated attending two, thanks to a couple of good friends I was able to stay two extra nights. (I really want to attend Daniel Trenner's classes but it just wasn't happening this trip).
Friday afternoon I arrived in time to catch the last hour or so of the afternoon milonga, really only danced four tandas and got to see a few friends I haven't seen for awhile. The energy was good.
That night at the Mercury also was fantastic, as Extasis was playing (always a treat). I especially enjoyed the more danceable tandas (thats a hint, if anyone is listening). I did get two compliments on my musicality (I guess some people have a hard time dancing to Pugliese). The floor was not as crowded as it has been in the past, really it was just right, similar feeling to the crowds in BA. Floor craft was a bit loose but not really bad at all.
The Alternative Milonga Saturday afternoon, This is always one of my favorite milongas In Denver. The music was right on, and everyone seemed to be having a great time (smiles clear across the dance floor). I did see a video of myself dancing during this milonga and was somewhat disappointed with my posture when I am dancing in open embrace with a shorter follower, as I have said before video does not lie so I have some work to do (whats new!).
The Elegant Milonga Saturday night, is it just me or does this milonga always feel a little stiff until about midnight (maybe it's just coming down from the high of the Alternative milonga earlier in the day), still I had many great tandas with old friends and new, I really don't remember sitting for longer than two or three tandas all evening (a man has to have a glass of wine and socialize from time to time). Tara finally kicked us out at three thirty.
Sunday Afternoon Milonga at Cheeseman Park Pavilion, this is arguably one of the best settings for an outdoor milonga and picnic that I have attended, despite heavy rain earlier during the day, everything went off without a hitch. Photographers were a bit of a navigation hazard as they were not one bit shy about getting right out there in the thick of things (I would like to get a look at those photos, and videos!). Several people choose not to attend this milonga (fear of rain I guess) man did they miss a treat, it seemed like almost everyone that was there was dancing most of the time (I'm guessing around three hundred people) after eating I danced almost every tanda.
Sunday evening, SLEEP ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Awaking in time to catch the last four and a half hours of the All Night Milonga (in retrospect this might just be the best way to do this milonga, much better than going early and dropping into bed dead at 6:30Am) the best vibe happens during the wee hours anyway! After the music stopped and the applause died down, I got some of the best hugs I've had all year.
Ain't Tango great!
Cabeceo, the trip to BA really taught me a great deal about how to get dances with the followers I want to dance with (don't hesitate, just do it or miss out), and navigating in difficult situations.
I only had two gripes, both about other leaders at this festival;
1. Leaders who will not move. (you can never trust someone who is completely terrified in traffic).
2. Leaders who are only interested in long slow figure demonstration for a nonexistent audience, with a complete disregard for the music and others on the dance floor.
I only attended six milongas and no classes, which is good because when I started out I only anticipated attending two, thanks to a couple of good friends I was able to stay two extra nights. (I really want to attend Daniel Trenner's classes but it just wasn't happening this trip).
Friday afternoon I arrived in time to catch the last hour or so of the afternoon milonga, really only danced four tandas and got to see a few friends I haven't seen for awhile. The energy was good.
That night at the Mercury also was fantastic, as Extasis was playing (always a treat). I especially enjoyed the more danceable tandas (thats a hint, if anyone is listening). I did get two compliments on my musicality (I guess some people have a hard time dancing to Pugliese). The floor was not as crowded as it has been in the past, really it was just right, similar feeling to the crowds in BA. Floor craft was a bit loose but not really bad at all.
The Alternative Milonga Saturday afternoon, This is always one of my favorite milongas In Denver. The music was right on, and everyone seemed to be having a great time (smiles clear across the dance floor). I did see a video of myself dancing during this milonga and was somewhat disappointed with my posture when I am dancing in open embrace with a shorter follower, as I have said before video does not lie so I have some work to do (whats new!).
The Elegant Milonga Saturday night, is it just me or does this milonga always feel a little stiff until about midnight (maybe it's just coming down from the high of the Alternative milonga earlier in the day), still I had many great tandas with old friends and new, I really don't remember sitting for longer than two or three tandas all evening (a man has to have a glass of wine and socialize from time to time). Tara finally kicked us out at three thirty.
Sunday Afternoon Milonga at Cheeseman Park Pavilion, this is arguably one of the best settings for an outdoor milonga and picnic that I have attended, despite heavy rain earlier during the day, everything went off without a hitch. Photographers were a bit of a navigation hazard as they were not one bit shy about getting right out there in the thick of things (I would like to get a look at those photos, and videos!). Several people choose not to attend this milonga (fear of rain I guess) man did they miss a treat, it seemed like almost everyone that was there was dancing most of the time (I'm guessing around three hundred people) after eating I danced almost every tanda.
Sunday evening, SLEEP ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Awaking in time to catch the last four and a half hours of the All Night Milonga (in retrospect this might just be the best way to do this milonga, much better than going early and dropping into bed dead at 6:30Am) the best vibe happens during the wee hours anyway! After the music stopped and the applause died down, I got some of the best hugs I've had all year.
Ain't Tango great!
Cabeceo, the trip to BA really taught me a great deal about how to get dances with the followers I want to dance with (don't hesitate, just do it or miss out), and navigating in difficult situations.
I only had two gripes, both about other leaders at this festival;
1. Leaders who will not move. (you can never trust someone who is completely terrified in traffic).
2. Leaders who are only interested in long slow figure demonstration for a nonexistent audience, with a complete disregard for the music and others on the dance floor.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"Your Rhythm Drags My Soul"
Your violin inspires me,
Your rhythm drags my soul,
The bandoneon lulls me.
From
PORTEÑO Y BAILARIN
Letra de H. Marcó
Your rhythm drags my soul,
The bandoneon lulls me.
From
PORTEÑO Y BAILARIN
Letra de H. Marcó
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tango Music You Can Download
70 most played tangos you can download easily,
plus many vals's and milongas. All good stuff!
http://www.mandragoratango.com/archives/2008/05/70_of_the_most.php
plus many vals's and milongas. All good stuff!
http://www.mandragoratango.com/archives/2008/05/70_of_the_most.php
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