My first private tango lesson was with DJ Cesar Ricuarte in 1998. Renowned for his Hustle dance expertise, Cesar is also a DJ with a massive collection of music. Not afraid to explore unique sounds, his tango collection includes everything old, new, and anything unexpected as long as it has the rhythm and beat of Tango, Milonga, or Tango Vals.
At his own Milongas, he has hosted many guest Tango teachers and performers such as Orlando Piva from Rosario Argentina, along with Piva’s students, Claudio Omar and Maria Veronica Rubio, an inspiring couple who became my instructors for five years. And, it was at Cesar’s Sunday night Milonga in August of 2005 where I met an intriguing gentleman, Michelangelo, who happens to be a talented ‘close embrace’ dancer that keeps me interested in all things Argentinean.
Because time stands still for no one, Cesar has watched my long dark hair morph into various styles and fade into marbled shades of grey and white. More importantly, as he continues to spin his tunes at Milonga Hacienda Hotel–and other venues–he enjoys a constant stream of young and beautiful novices learning how to strut their tango stuff across the dance floor. Note: DJ Cesar Ricuarte can be found on Facebook.
ILONA GLINARSKY announces Cesar’s Birthday
I met Ilona in 2005 at 3rd Street Dance in Beverly Hills through our dynamic and passionate Vladimir Estrin. She is, now, referred to as our Los Angeles Tango Ambassador creating and sponsoring unique events such as a Tango Marathon, Dance DTLA, and special occasions such as Cesar’s birthday.
Dedicated to Tango collaboration, Ilona has often met with other Tango experts to brainstorm about how to introduce the exotic and innovative world of Tango to Southern Californian inhabitants and the multitude of tourists while keeping experienced dancers enthralled with the Tango experience. In collaboration with Hacienda Hotel, just south of LAX, she coordinates and hosts tango dance lessons and a Milonga offering it completely free to the public. This particular event of hers is, currently, held on Wednesday evenings.
HACIENDA HOTEL: South of Imperial Highway
Enjoy drinks and order from the bar menu to make your Tango experience with friends and lovers complete. Or, like me, bring your camera to create a permanent record of your memorable experience. And, of course, Ilona and Cesar will welcome you with Argentine besos y abrazos, unless they’ve moved to a different venue and night. Obtain updates @ Living Tango.
Milongas
For those of you who can’t get enough of Tango, remember to do your research and confirm the information you are given because Milonga venues and dates often change. Note: Offerings presented by the Los Angeles Argentine Association on Glenoaks in Burbank have remained rather constant (check their Facebook page). Living Tango is, also, update.