Eighth Edinburgh International Tango Festival, 23 - 28 May 2014

This is the fifth time I have been to Edinburgh for tango, so I must like it! Being just as I expected, is a tribute to Brian and his team. They have a successful formula. The afternoon dancing (the Cafe, although this time there was no actual cafe in that room, which was a shame), the workshops and the milongas are a very reasonably priced package. The milongas were crowded and of course floor craft is a problem. Another room with Nuevo music might be a good idea if it does not push up the cost.
What did amaze me is that there is a teacher in Edinburgh who tolerates/encourages/actually teaches (none of those alternatives are acceptable) the man's left elbow sticking out. One lad actually got his left elbow higher than his shoulder. This is plainly dangerous and I seriously suggest that there should be a maestro in charge of the milonga to stop that behaviour. It is not just a different style, it is an aggressive attitude to carve out space on the floor.
The teachers were amazing. Jenny and Ricardo are probably my favourites but I did not do their workshops as I catch them at other places at other times. I did one workshop of Sebastian Archaval and Roxana Suarez and three of Horacio Godoy and Magdalena Gutierrez. I am a Godoy Groupie.
The demonstration dances by the first two couples were gorgeous. They are on the same road as I am, but it is a very long road and I am a very long way behind! However I recognise what they do without ever expecting to do but a small part of their repertoire.
Horacio and Magdalena have gone off at a tangent and I think their dancing is so innovative and refreshing. Their dancing to Canaro's La Muchachada Del Centro does not have any conventional steps. It is pure movement that enhances the music. We saw how the elasticity of the embrace can generate energy for rapid, controlled movement in the dance. He is certainly not throwing his partner around but rather it is a way to exploit the embrace to the full.
I was pleased that Rosanna was with me and that she also enjoyed the occasion. I feel very welcome in Edinburgh and it was great to meet up with friends, particularly Kay who gained her PhD two days after the Festival. A very special achievement.