Victoria and Federico

Victoria Sarquisse and Federico Jorquera

Festival Summary

Tango Passion Show:

  • Saturday, July 30, Milford. With Argentine dancers Victoria and Federico, bandoneonist JP Jofre, Grupo Folklorico Uruguay and more. details...

Classes/Workshops:

  • Boot camp in Danbury: July 17, with Michele Evans and Gem Duras, beginners and fundamentals details...
  • Intensive Tango Days, with Dale Ellison and Gem Duras, July 23, 24 . Boot camp for beginners, workshops for intermediates and advanced. Norwalk and Milford details...
  • Workshops with Victoria Sarquisse and Federico Jorquera: July 30, 31 in Norwalk. details...

Milongas:

  • July 16: Opening Milonga with live music, Milford. details...
  • July 23: H.A.R.T.S Milonga, Plainville. details...
  • July 29: Hartford Ballroom Milonga, Hartford. details...
  • July 30: Red and Black Formal Milonga, Milford. details...


dale and gem

Dale Ellison and Gem Duras

Festival Activities and Full Schedule: (Hotline: (203) 584 4480)

Tango Intensive Day I
with Dale and Gem
Saturday, July 23, Norwalk

Full day, 5 hours of instruction with Dale and Gem packed into this Saturday of intensive Argentine Tango for beginner level dancers in the morning continuing to the next level in the afternoon. More experienced dancers are welcome in the afternoon too. No previous experience necessary, limited enrollment.

11:00 a.m.: Beginner I: Argentine Tango basics, embrace and connection.
12:15p.m.: Beginner II: Next phase, pivots, ochos and turns.
2:30 p.m.: Bold Boleos: Free leg movements, combinations with ganchos
3:45 p.m.: Traspie style dance applied to Milonga, Tango and Vals.
Dance Dimansions , Norwalk (DD)
register

Tango Intensive II
with Dale and Gem
Sunday, July 24, Milford

Full day, of instruction with Dale and Gem continuing from the previous day's workshops. Fundamentals I and II will build on the previous day, but new beginners are welcome in the morning sessions as well. The afternoon workshops will be for more advanced dancers.

11:00 a.m.: Fundamentals I: Tango elegance, style and technique.
12:15p.m.: Fundamentals II: Entangled legs, sensual ganchos/hooks.
2:30 p.m.: Changes of direction, and chain walks, creating a flow.
3:45 p.m.: Advanced Off-Axis Dancing: colgadas and single axis turns.

Milford Center for the Arts , Milford (MF)
register

 


Dale Ellison, known in Buenos Aires as Delia, has been dancing Argentine tango for more than 15 years, and teaching for more than 8. She has developed a reputation as a dynamic Argentine Tango teacher and performer in salon, milonguero, nuevo and performance styles of tango.

Originally a San Francisco resident, Dale received her tango training from the stars of the famous show “Forever Tango” most notably Carlos Gavito and Marcela Duran. Initially a salsa dancer and club style salsa instructor, Dale was drawn to tango for its sensuality and passion, later winning the first prize in the first San Francisco Tango Competition in 1998.

She has traveled to Buenos Aires numerous times to study with Gustavo Naveira, Osvaldo Zotto, Oscar Mandagaran, Chicho Frumboli, Geraldine Rojas, Graciela Gonzales, Marcela Duran, and women's technique with Lorena Ermocida.

After teaching in CT for five years with Gem Duras, Dale Ellison moved to Charleston SC, where she teaches and runs tango activities as the director of Tango Rojo.



Victoria and Federico

Victoria Sarquisse and Federico Jorquera

Opening Milonga
Saturday, July 16, Milford

A special milonga with live music by Juan Pablo Jofre. Performance by Tim Martin and Debora Broderius. Prizes, drawings and more.

8:00 PM - 1 AM
Milford Center for the Arts, Milford (MF)
$20 at the door

martin broderius

Tim and Debora

Tango Boot Camp in Danbury with Michele Evans and Gem Duras
Sunday, July 17, Danbury

An intensive beginner level Argentine Tango class with Michele Evans from Hartford Ballroom and Gem Duras. Those who want a review are welcome too! No previous experience necessary, Limited Enrollment.

11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Vitti's Dance Studio , Danbury (VD)
register


Hartford Ballroom Milonga
Friday, July 29, Hartford

Milonga hosted by Michele Evans from Hartford Ballroom . A Mix of Classic and Nuevo Tango music, DJ Gem Duras.

7:00-8:00 p.m.: intro class
8:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight: Milonga
Hartford Ballroom, Hartford (HB)
$15, admission at the door

Michele Evans

Michele Evans

Dale Ellison and Gem Duras
Ellison Duras

H.A.R.T.S Milonga
Saturday, July 23, Plainville

4th Saturday milonga hosted by Sue and Angelo Martucci, from the Hartford Argentine Tango Society. Performance by Dale Ellison and Gem Duras.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: pre-milonga workshop
with Dale and Gem
9:00 PM - 12:00 midnight: Milonga
RockWells, Plainville (RW)

admission at the door
$15 Milonga only, $10 workshop only
$20 workshop and milonga


Gem Duras started his tango training in 1995 with the stars of the famous show "Forever Tango" especially the legendary Carlos Gavito with whom he had the opportunity to study extensively for several years, incorporating his technique, elegance and musicality into his own dancing and teaching. Later he studied performance tango with Francisco Forquera in Argentina to become a certified tango instructor and dancer.

During his partnership with Dale Ellison, they founded Tango Sueno and traveled to Buenos Aires numerous times to perfect their technique by studying with Gustavo Naveira, Juan Carlos Copes, Osvaldo Zotto, Oscar Mandagaran, Chicho Frumboli, Geraldine Rojas and Susana Miller among others.

Gem recently performed and taught at the Stardust weekend upstate New York, and participated as a performer in the New Year’s Celebration event organized by Akademi Tango, in Ankara-Turkey. He was also a guest instructor at the HARTS Tango cruise in 2011. He resides and teches in CT as well as NY.



Raul Jaurena

Juan Pablo Jofre , bandoneon
Latin Grammy Award Nominee.

Tango Passion Show
Saturday, July 30

A tango show featuring 2007 Latin Grammy Nominee bandoneonist Juan Pablo Jofre, Grupo Folklorico Uruguay as well as Victoria and Federico dancing.

8:00 PM: Seats are limited
Tickets $35, for sale online, or by calling
(203) 584 4480
Milford Center for the Arts, Milford (MF)
ticket

Grupo Folklorico Uruguay
Grupo Folklorico


Victoria Sarquisse and Federico Jorquera, born and raised in Argentina, are young salon and show style tango dancers and instructors.  Their tango technique is elegant and dynamic, yet relaxed and focused on connection and musicality. Victoria is the creator and director of TANGO-Flex, the newest Tango workout specialized for increasing flexibility, balance, and body control specially designed for Tango Dancers. She also specializes in footwork technique and woman embellishments. Federico specializes in musicality, body positioning, and connection.

They have taught and performed in various cities in the US, Argentina, and Ecuador, including the “Cancilleria Argentina” for the Argentinean Government and at the “Escuela Argentina de Tango” in Buenos Aires. They were featured at the Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night's Swing Festival as well as the US Tango Congress and Festival in Miami with performances. They have also performed with the famous Neo-Tango Orchestra Otros Aires at their US debut and on live TV for Channel 11 in New York City.

Victoria & Federico live and teach in Tampa, FL, and are the Directors of Tampa Tango Argentino.


Workshops with Victoria and Federico

Saturday, July 30

Fantastic Argentine Teachers/Performers Victoria and Federico will present workshops addressing various aspects of tango in a fun environment. All tango dancers are welcome as well as beginners who have taken the Danbury Boot Camp and/or Dale and Gem's intensive workshops.

11:00 a.m.: Weight changes and playing with the beat.
12:15 p.m.: Arrastres -drags- and its technique, sweeping feet.
2:30 p.m.: Milonga: Varying the rhythm of Milonga with fun steps

Dance Dimensions, Norwalk (DD)
register

Sunday, July 31

Victoria and Federico will continue their teaching in Connecticut with two more workshops at a more advanced level. All tango dancers are welcome as well as beginners who have taken the Danbury Boot Camp and/or Dale and Gem's intensive workshops.


12:15 p.m.: Sacadas: displacing each others' legs.
2:30 p.m.: Advanced Turns: changing dynamics and creating your own combo!

Dance Dimensions, Norwalk (DD)
register


Red and Black Formal Milonga:
Saturday, July 30

A special milonga emphasizing the sensual nature of tango! Ladies: dress as sensually as you feel comfortable, gentlemen suit and tie or black compadrito costume encouraged! Live music. Tango Sueno style refreshments with an extra twist, drinks and surprizes!

9:30 PM - 2 AM
Milford Center for the Arts, Milford (MF)
$15, ($10 for Tango Passion Show ticket holders)


Thai Massage for Dancers:
Contact Rita Lang, LMT, 203 640 9276, (New Haven) The official massage therapist of the festival

 

Registration: (Hotline: (203) 584 4480)
Register early! Limited Enrollment for classes and workshops. Admission to classes is not guaranteed without pre-registration; Dance shoes required for classes and workshops except the Beginner Level Classes. The prices below are per person. No partner necessary, singles welcome. Private lessons available with all instructors: (203) 584 4480. Don't forget to check out the festival passes at the bottom for further discounts... To pay by credit card, please click the Add to Cart buttons below and checkout using PayPal. You don't have to be or become a PayPal member. To pay by check use the registration form here...
 
Festival Venues

MF: Milford Center for the Arts, 40 Railroad Avenue South, Milford, www.milfordarts.org
DD: Dance Dimensions, 3 Quincy Street, Norwalk, www.dancedimensionsnorwalk.com
VD: Vitti's Dance Studio, 10 Precision Road, Danbury, www.vittisdancestudio.com
HB: Hartford Ballroom, 30 Arbor Street North, Suite 306, Hartford , www.hartfordballroom.com
RW: RockWells, 161 Woodford Avenue, #58, Plainville, www.rockwellsct.com

Bootcamp in Danbury with Gem and Michele
July 17 (VD)

Danbury Boot Camp is included in the gold pass...

11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$70
Dale and Gem Intensive Day I
July 23 (DD) 11:00 a.m.
Beginner I:
$30
12:15 p.m.
Beginner II
$30
2:30 p.m.
Bold Boleos
$30
3:45 p.m.
Traspie
$30
Discount packages:

(Further Silver and Gold pass discounts available here...)

OR Beginner boot camp: (11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) $50
OR Intermediate boot camp: (2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) $50
OR discount registration for all day $90
Dale and Gem Intensive Day II
July 24 (MF) 11:00 a.m.
Fundamentals I:
$30
12:15 p.m.
Funtamentals II
$30
2:30 p.m.
Changes of Direction
$30
3:45 p.m.
Off Axis Dancing
$30
Discount packages:

(Further Silver and Gold pass discounts available here...)

OR Beginner/Intermediate boot camp: (11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) $50
OR Intermediate/Advanced boot camp: (2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) $50
OR discount registration for all day $90
Tango Passion Show
July 30 (MF)

One ticket is included in a Gold Pass. Gold Pass details here...

8:00 PM
Please pick-up your tickets before 7:30 p.m. the day of concert. If you want your ticket to be mailed please send an e-mail
$35 Online ticket sales closed, 20 tickets left, please arrive no later than 7:30pm to buy at the door.
Victoria and Federico's Workshop I
July 30 (DD) 11:00 a.m.
Weight Changes
$30
12:15 p.m.
Arrastres -drags
$30
2:30 p.m.
Milonga
$30
Discount packages:

(Further Silver and Gold pass discounts available here...)

OR discount registration for all day $70
Victoria and Federico's Workshop II
July 31 (DD) 12:15 p.m.
Sacadas
$30
2:30 p.m.
Advanced Turns
$30
Discount packages:

(Further Silver and Gold pass discounts available here...)

OR discount registration for both $50
Festival Pass
Save! Silver Pass
8 workshops, Opening Milonga, Red and Black Formal Milonga. Please specify the 8 workshops at the "Comments" area after the PayPal checkout. (Please note: the Silver Pass does NOT include the Tango Passion Show ticket...)
$190
Save More! Gold Pass
All workshops, Danbury Boot Camp, Tango Passion Show ticket, Opening Milonga, Red and Black Formal Milonga.
$340
Festival Contact Information:
Phone: 203 584 4480, E-mail: info@cttangofest.org Phone for the Press: (203) 543 8099. Photos for the press: click here...

Get ready for a week of pure excitement!