Miguel & Soledad

Miguel Zotto continues to inspire. When he dances with a woman in a milonga, he is just a social dancer - simple and generous. When he talks about tango, he tells you about the greats who came before him and what they gave. While teaching he is always inventing and searching - often surprising himself with a new move that makes him break out in a big smile. Considering his resumé and demonstrable skills, his modesty is endearing.

One more little story about the Tango Fantasy, if I may:

It's the final milonga (an all-nighter). Yours truly is the dj. At about 2:10 AM, it felt like the right time to hit some rock 'n roll.

What happened next was magical ...

The room sensed that something was about to happen as soon as the first chords of Elvis' Jailhouse Rock came on after a cortina. Like a flock of birds, everybody moved in a wave to the Professors' table. I've never seen anything like it - there was no announcement or forewarning. Something about Elvis - something about Miguel. The people left a square chunk of the floor for dancing, and out came Miguel Zotto with Carolina Del Rivero and they started to fly. I mean, you have to see Miguel dance rock 'n roll!

After Elvis, I went into Splish Splash and then Rock Around the Clock because the room was electric and by now, Facundo Posadas had grabbed a partner and HE was rocking like you wouldn't believe. They were feeding off each other and the room energy. I swear, these guys were showing how it's really done. I am absolutely certain that the 300 or so people who were there will never forget that moment.

For me, one of the great things about the Miami event is getting to know and dance with the Argentinos (and Amercians) from the Miami area. I always stay a few extra days after the USTC is finished - something I highly recommend if you can do it. I'm extra glad I did this year because there are now 2 new milongas right in the heart of South Beach on the nights following the Fantasy closing.

As she drove me to the airport, Lydia told me about her plans for next year. I wish I could tell you about the new innovations - I know they will be to great effect - but that's Lydia's priviledge. This is a lady with vision and the wherewithal to pull it off after 8 years of success.

Thank you, Lydia, first: for starting the whole thing with Randy nearly a decade ago when there was no "scene" to speak of and perhaps little justification; then for keeping going when others wouldn't have and even your partner eventually quit; then for making it better than ever and being so excited about the future. You have no idea how much you are appreciated by the teachers and hundreds of dancers who benefit from your dedication and hard work.

P.S.

I was in the arms of lovely dancers for the whole congress. But I know none of them (including the teachers I dance with) will mind me saying that my milongas with Gloria Arquimbau made my heart nearly stop and time stand still as I floated I don't know where with this angel of movement. Wow.

Eduardo & Gloria Arquimbau

Read the Joe Growens Interview with them in ToTango Talk.