Puerto Rico Tango Festival 2015 - A Real Caribbean Experience!
Last month, I had the pleasure and privilege to attend the Puerto Rico Tango Festival 2015 in San Juan. The festival was a real Caribbean experience - set in a beautiful place, with breathtaking ocean views, beach milongas under the sun and charming Old San Juan as a background.
There are several factors that separate Puerto Rican Dance Festival from others; its ability to utilize its surroundings and bring the warmth and friendliness of the local culture make this a unique experience.
To me, one of the more memorable moments were Poolside Milongas with great music, informal feel and tangueros and beginners alike enjoying the music, mingling and trying new moves.
Another special component were day time Beach Milongas - a new experience that is only possible in this unique setting; for many a favorite part of the festival. Overlooking San Juan bay, with boats floating in and out; dancing on hot sand, with passion.
However, Puerto Rico Tango Festival would not be complete without its Grand Milonga ("Milonga del 40" with Otros Aires live). The final milonga of the Festival had a 1940s theme, giving tribute to the great artists and poets of that period. Attendees dressed in 1940's themed clothes and the air was full of passion.
The most important parts of every milonga are the music and the show -- and that's what I really enjoyed at the Grand Milonga:
The Music - Otros Aires Live was mind-blowing! The energy on the floor was unbelievable; the visual elements stunning and the combination of traditional and Nuevo tango elements made it a true feast for all senses!
The Performances - tango maestros performed - each of the three couples did several dances with a culminating performance altogether. You can tell that the performers dances moved with their feet but danced with their hearts the audience was mesmerized by the intricate steps set to diverse tango music.
Puerto Rico Tango Festival was welcoming, friendly and inspiring for dancers and beginners alike; with great music and performances, set in a perfect place definitely the one to watch and attend.
Next year promises to be as exciting and I cant wait to experience it again!
