Every fair-weather Sunday, starting at around 1pm until about 6pm, Argentine Tango dancing takes place under the gazebo at the end of Pier 45 at the end of Christopher Street and the West Side Highway in New York City. It’s called VolvoTango and it’s a free, or rather a pay-what-you-wish event, hosted by Tango instructor Steve Beltzer, who started the outdoor tango events playing music from the car stereo of a Volvo. Beltzer calls it his “mission” to “expose the tango to the public” and get people feeling as passionate about the sexy dance as he does.
In an article I came across online, the Tango is described as not being about leading and following; but about dancing. “A great tanda (a turn of dancing) is magical coming together of two sentient, creative beings ready to make something happen in motion, in harmony with each other, with the music, and with the room. Both individuals are creating the dance in fluid response to the sensuous ebb and flow of the music.”
I was in NYC a few weeks ago with my daughter we and stopped at Pier 45 where we witnessed the “magical coming together of two sentient, creative beings, in harmony with each other, with the music”. It’s quite the scene and a great way to spend a few hours outside (and it was an absolutely glorious day in NYC). I was equipped with my Pentax K-1 and a few good lenses – enjoy the photographs.
Oh, and should you find yourself in NYC with an urge to Tango, get over to Pier 45 and cut loose…
