TANGO BUENOS AIRES:

BY ED BRUCE edbrucevegas@yahoo.com

THE FIRE AND PASSION OF TANGO presented at UNLV!

Like everything else it was late, 8 minutes; that was the only negative!

This world-class Tango from Argentina is a continuing series of programs presented at Ham Hall on the UNLV campus...the world's greatest theatre.

Totally overwhelming, 5 pairs, the best dancers in the world, piano, double bass, guitar, violin and bandoneon! Bandoneon, which is an accordian similar to the concertina, pretty much Myron Floren and the basis of sound for this dance. The musicians did some solos which could have nicely been expanded to kill the intermission.

I am positively prejudiced toward the dance and this was perfect example of why. Choreography perfect to the music, exquisite timing, athletically challenging, the tango attitude (they even inserted a couple of comedy pieces) and costumes for the mood.

Tango has this dark haunting athletic mood to it with appropriate music blend, split skirts, greased black hair and a look on everyone's face that their mother just died...it is beautiful. World class athletes here with lots of lifts, close pairs, and athleticism. Again the timing immaculate!

The production with 12 pieces before that dreaded 22 minute intermission, and 14 pieces plus an encore in the second half, played to a well-deserved standing ovation. How could you miss this...and it has been maybe four years since this and similar programs have hit Las Vegas...I hope I live to see another one. Each dancer perfectly timed to their role and the music, no slips, no mistakes, no problems. It was damn beautiful. I sat with my mouth open in awe of how good this was. Nice seats for us in row five, eye level to the stage allowing me to concentrate on this fabulous footwork.

Thank you Argentina, Susana Rojo, choreographer you were better than perfect, the dancers made it look like they enjoyed being here, I think they did. Some historical music here and some contemporary for this world touring company. My old colleague Forrest Duke called Las Vegas The Best City Of Them All...TBCOTA...here is the reason why.

This program in a series of which the next will be February 3 with The Russian National Ballet Theatre doing Romeo and Juliet...I will be there, or I will be dead.
702 895 2787...they will solve all your entertainment needs!

Such a lovely venue with courteous UNLV staff making you welcome; always a treat to visit Ham Hall. Nice program with bios for the top talent...could have added bios and pix for the dancers...I read all this stuff and love it.

Could have handed out another 100 plus here but they were 8 minutes late!

92 A-