Monday, June 6, 2011

Epicurean Tango Society Celebrates Cultural Similarities of Country Dance with UofC Ballroom … a Shared History of Alberta & Argentina of Cowboys & Tangueros … Welcoming the Brazilians to Calgary Stampede 2011!

Epicurean Tango Society invites everyone to participate 
in honouring our cultural heritage, 
with a 5 Week Pre-Stampede Introduction 
to Country Dancing by talented
At first glance, you may be skeptical about the similarities between Tango and Country since they're in opposite hemispheres and speak different languages, but look a little closer and you'll be surprised!

First of all, both of these magnificent lands were originally indigenous to Native Indians. They battled numerous explorers who attempted to steal it and force them to assimilate. Yet over hundreds of years, many wars ensued, blood was shed and innumerable lives lost; eventually lands were won/lost, people conquered others victorious. Hoards of newcomers traveled on word that a better life with great riches awaited them. But, nothing could have been further from the truth. As immigrants withstood harsh conditions to settle these new territories, wealth wasn't so easily acquired and survival depended upon working together. Core values such as respect, honour, trust, integrity were necessary to keep social order and those who violated these esteemed qualities, were publicly punished as examples to the others.  Perhaps I'm a little biased, but I have never a met a Cowboy that didn't have impeccable manners!


Dancing was a way to forget the grind of the hard living and work conditions with meager reward. Coming together sharing food cooked on the open fire or asado, socializing and music played on the banjo or bandoneon, Country or Tango, it lifted spirits to prepare for another day. (see schedule below)

 With tremendous fortitude and resilience Farmers, Ranchers and Cowboys worked the land to naturally emerge as the major community developers: first to feed their family, then to barter with the rest of the locals. The more visionary, ambitious and successful landowners, looked further afield to stake greater land mass, initiate larger trading networks and most importantly, cultivate alliances for protection against outside opportunists seeking to invade and lay claim to lands, for the good of their country.

It was such entrepreneurs who negotiated early bi-lateral trade agreements between individual countries that formed the basis for much of how, international business is conducted today.


Regardless of country, where there is farming, ranching and cowboys, come horses, cattle, bulls, wheat, vegetables, trade fairs, exhibitions, festivals, competitions and rodeos. Including the best little secret of the most highly valued commodity and frequently smuggled: bull semen, worth as much as gold, if not more!

Today, Alberta and Argentina are home to a significant number of cattle ranchers, suppliers and exporters of their respective, highly acclaimed beef, because of the sweet prairie grazing land. While Canadians eat nearly 29 Kg of beef, per person per annum Argentineans consume a whopping 54 Kg/person, as detailed in recent US reports!

For nearly a century, the Calgary Stampede, the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" runs for 10 days in July hosting By Invitation Only, the world's top shelf rodeo professionals. It is certainly a hard earned honour to receive 1 of 30 coveted berths, within10 different categories and the opportunity to compete in this world class, prestigious event worth a cool $2 million in prize money! Over and above, the Chuckwagons compete for another $1.15 million! Lest you think Cowboys are only from Calgary, you would be totally wrong little buckaroo, this vibrant community is global. For 2011, the Calgary Stampede invited 2 Brazilian Cowboys (and ladies, they're just as sweet down there, as they are up here ;-) whose career earnings ie winning RODEO events hit the bull's eye, with nearly $5.5 million!  Check out those hearty Cowboys and heavenly Cowgirls at the Calgary Stampede, give them a big, warm, welcome and best of luck to all competitors!

Buenos Aires hosts the 11th Annual Tango Festival & Dance Tango Championships billed as "the World's Largest Tango Extravaganza", for ~ 15 days in August, featuring 2 events with Tango everywhere! First is the free Festival and it is all about Tango, clothes, shoes, music, art, dancing, shows, film screenings, seminars, classes and live orchestras. Then the free Competition, open to amateurs and professionals who must comply to a strict code of rules for two Tango Dance Categories: "Salon Tango" aka "Traditional Tango" and "Stage Tango" (the Buenos Aires Dance Competition doesn't include close embrace alternatively coined Milonguero, by Susana Miller in the 90's).  Contestants of each style vie for the prestigious title plus reimbursement of travel for the August trip to BA.  Thanks to Matt for sharing his experiences in his exceptional write up, as well as his valuable Buenos Aires insights for travelling around.

Each of these cultural events are sponsored by their respective Governments to welcome locals, tourists and participants from around the globe to experience culture, hospitality and friendly competition.

Whether you're Argentinean, Canadian native, national, adopted citizen, or from another country, come and share in Calgary's celebration of the Wild West, the South Americans are. Where will you be?

Epicurean Tango is excited to announce this great cross promotion with Woody at UofC Ballroom!


Wednesday Night Tango Practica includes Stampede Dance Intro / Warm Up:

  • Tango Practica 7 pm to 11 pm (1 hour Summer Bonus)
  • $7 entrance includes tea, coffee, juice, water
  • Lesson is included with Wednesday's$7 entrance and begins at 7:30 and will be 1/2 to 3 /4 hour
  • Woody and his talented Teaching Assistants from UofC Ballroom
  • Schedule:
    • June 8 - 2 Step
    • June 15 - Double Shuffle
    • UPDATE - June 22 - Closed for Scarboro Community Kids' Soccer Wind up Party
    • June 22 - ChaCha
    • July 6 - 2 Step
  • No partner needed, leather soled shoes, boots, comfortable clothes
  • Scarboro Hall, 1727 – 14 Avenue SW, Calgary – beside the Calgary Tennis Club
  • See contact info below, if you have any questions
Drop in, Bring your Friends, have some fun getting ready for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and welcome the world to Calgary! Yahoo!


RSVP for these Upcoming Milongas with More Exciting News to Follow Shortly!

June 11th, Sultry Summer Milonga with Special Shimmy Shake by Arabia's Diamonds, Scarboro Hall 7 pm

July 9th the 2nd Annual Stampded Asado & Argentina's Independence 201 years, Scarboro Hall, 7 pm

July 23rd, Simply Tango, 8 pm at Scarboro Hall

August 6th, Simply Tango, 8 pm at Scarboro Hall

August 20th Haute Summer Milonga, 7 pm at Scarboro Hall


Once again, a very special thank you to Bob and Dawn for your hospitality in taking us, on an incredible behind the Calgary Stampede Scenes, to meet the great people and families, whose decades long, generous community service have been integral to the Stampede's potent spirit, the gourmet food and extra-ordinary experience to be a few yards away at ground level face to face with those ~2,000 lbs bulls, totally epicurean!
Epicurean Tango Society
c: 403 540 2525
w: http://EpicureanTangoSociety.blogspot.com
 
We look forward to Welcoming You
Epicurean Tango Society © 2010 - 2011

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Calendar

Tango History

Coming Soon ...

Tango Etiquette

Coming soon

Tango Firsts

Creating a warm & welcoming community by celebrating:
monthly Birthdays with cards
Ethnicity - 64 countries + as Tango is danced around the globe!
Epicurean Tango Society
Alberta Performing Arts FIRSTS:
Argentine Tango Orchestra in Prairies
North American Premiere Alejandro Ziegler Cuarteto - Calgary!
Argentine Musician perform Argentine Music
2 Professional Argentine Tango Masters in
12 Day Argentine Tango Extravaganza!
Masters in Residence 26 Class Workshop

Nor



New Year, New Ideas, New Club Experience ... Tangueros comment


January 23rd, 2010, Inaugural Milonga
:

Mon, Jan 18, 2010 at 10:38 AM

Hi Sandra,

Thank you very much to you and to Anthony for including me in this invitation. I would love to join you on such an important event but unfortunately I am away from Calgary in January and February. However, please keep me posted for any of your future events.

Thank you very much,
Anastassiia


Tue, Jan 19, 2010 at 12:06 PM

Cooperation

Hi Sandra,

In the spirit of cooperation, if you wish, we can advertise your milonga on our website. We can also send out notices to people in our mailing list.

Please let us know.

http://www.tangoynadamas.net

Wed, Jan 20, 2010 at 2:09 PM

Re: Cooperation


In the spirit of cooperation, mucho gracias!

I have moved your Feb 5th Milonga notice up top :-)

Sandra
http://epicureantangosociety.blogspot.com


Saturday, January 23, 2010 8:10 AM

esta noche...qué tengas una milonga muy exitosa!
(may you have a very successful milonga!)
D.

Saturday, January 23, 2010 11:42 PM

Sandra,

~ Hope it was a wild and wonderful success for you tonight!
Hopefully the next Milonga after your Valentines one I will able to

come.

Jen

Sunday, January 24, 2010 11:44 AM

Hi Sandra & Ralph;

Many thanks for sharing last evening & introducing me to dancing the Tango.

Considering all the hard work you put in to make these evenings successful Sandra.

May I suggest that you arrange to have someone else looking after kitchen duties so that you can be free to dance , mingle and have more fun.

I look forward to being with you both for Valentine's Milonga Feb. 13th.

Cheers!
Ron

Sunday, January 24, 2010 1:57 PM

Thank You So Much For All Your Hard Effort

Dearest Sandra and Ralph,

Can't begin to tell you, how much I appreciate your hard work, during last night event. Everything was done to perfection. Lots of work being put on Ralph and your shoulders, nonetheless, as the news will spread for next time event, the Valentine event will be a smashing hit.

Thanks again for everything. See you soon, and keep in touch.

Best and fondest personal regards to you and Ralph,

Nebal

Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 2:14 PM

wonderul night it was

Hello Sandra ,

This is Naima , you should be exhausted after last night all works . I just want to thank you for all you did for Saturday night tango party, everything was wonderful looking forward to hear more and have similar events , count on me for
help in future .

Naima

Sunday, January 24, 2010 2:34 PM

Great time!!! What a Beautiful Milonga!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Sandra,
Thank you very much for all your effort and hard work to organize such an amazing Milonga ... a HUGE thanks go to Ralph too!!!

Besos

nadia

Sunday, January 24, 2010 5:28 PM

hello sandra!!

i am so sorry i could not come out last night to support your grand opening!! i hope you did well and i wish you the best of luck ... i think you are doing a wonderful job. i will have to come to your one in march as i wont be here in february. let me know how it went ... im so excited for you!!

sarah kathleen

Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:06 PM

Hi Sandy

I adore you sweet spirit. Thank you for your suggestions :o).
Happy to hear all went well. I wish I could of been there with. Please pencil me in for Feb 13. I have nothing booked as of yet so I will put it in my calendar. The only thing the will stop me is a booking for an event. Talk Soon.

Peace and Happiness,
Emjai
xx

Monday, January 25, 2010 9:54 AM

Forwarded from Anthony ... So glad you enjoyed.....

Hi Anthony…It was a wonderful event. Thank you for your instruction.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the class.

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with Frank and Tess. They took me to buy shoes and then we practiced for 2 hours. The shoes made a world of difference…Frank thought it was more his instruction….Ha, Ha!

Have a good week! See you soon….

Carole Anne

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Hello Naima,

Thank you for such a beautiful note!

It was a pleasure to meet you and I am so happy to hear you had a wonderful evening!

I look forward to getting to know you and your generous spirit adding to the joy of each one to create a magical experience for all of us.

The next one is Saturday February 13th and I am trying to update the blog, as well as the details for that evening. I will send out a notice soon. We will have Champagne & Chocolate Milonga, plus a chocolate fountain w/cream puffs and fruit amongst other things!

with many thanks,
Sandra



February 13th, 2010 Champagne & Chocolate Milonga


Wednesday, February 03, 2010 4:21 PM

Hi Kate,

Thank you for all your advice on the laws.
Since you're in Edmonton and will be unable to join us in Calgary for our Valentine's Milonga, I would like to refer you to Daniel & Vera at Casa Tango Edmonton www.casatangoedmonton.com. They have a great passion for Tango and I know they would extend a warm welcome you and your husband.

Sincerely,

Sandra Miller

Wednesday, February 03, 2010 11:33 PM

Re: Edmonton Tango

Hi Sandra,

Thank you for referring people from Calgary to us and we'll make sure we'll do the same here. Please find the attachment for our Valentine milonga. Thanks again.

Vera, Casa Tango Edmonton

Thursday, February 04, 2010 2:36 PM

Hi Sandra - this sounds FABULOUS - but unfortunately I can not attend this one... Keep me connected though.

Journey Joyfully

Gwen

Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 11:05 AM

Hi Sandra,
With sincere regrets we will miss the Milonga due to a previous commitment. Thanks for all your work making these world class events happen,
Brian

Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 6:39 PM

Hello Sandra,

Thank you for your e-mail, and I am sorry we did not get your previous mails, this is the mail account we use the most, so you can always writte us to this address.

I am glad you found us on Youtube, if you want you can check out this
link, it is the latest version of our show "Tango-a-Tierra". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjrUbkRujU

We wish you good luck with the new tango club, we will probably be there around may so we might be able to visit you there...

Kind regards,


Guillermo and Silvia

GUILLERMO SALVAT y SILVIA GRYNT



Thursday, February 11, 2010 11:16 PM

Hi Sandra, how are you?
Brenda & I would love to attend the milongas this Saturday. Do you have the address, time or other details? Would you need any help, setup, etc? Let us know.
Cheers,
-Danny & Brenda

Friday, February 12, 2010 12:50 AM

Hi Sandra

I hope all is well and primed for your spectacular event.

As it turns out I will be returning from Vancouver 9-10 Saturday evening. Bummer as I was looking forward to the entire evening. If time permits [today we had 2.5 hour delays - Security... Yukkk] I hope to stop by.

Good Luck - I have spread the word!!!

Tom

Fri, Feb 12, 2010 at 1:20 PM

Re: Update for Champagne & Chocolate, Valentine's Milonga -

February13th, 2010

Mmmmm, sounds wonderful! Looking forward to it. Did you want us to bring anything food-wise?

Sebastien

Fri, Feb 12, 2010 at 1:26 PM

Sandra,

I will have to come in March as I won't able to attend this Milonga. The menu looks incredible, by the way!

Jen

Sunday, February 14, 2010 8:47 AM

Sandra, Maaaarvellous dance last night.

kiss kiss

Christian

Sun, Feb 14, 2010 at 11:09 AM


MILONGA

Hola Sandra, 1st of all THANKYOU so very much 4 organizing that fab milonga last evening!!! Leslie & I had a brilliant time! The lovely venue, delicious food, champagne, decor, music & fellow dancers made it a memorable night. I will be spending a few hours on Tuesday, Feb 23 in Calgary between 1:30 & 7 PM. Any chance you are available 4 a quick cup of tea during that time?

Ciao bella, Cathy y Leslie


Sun, Feb 14, 2010 at 4:46 PM

Thank you for a fabulous time...

Hello Sandra,

I would like to let you know that I had a fabulous time in the Milonga last night.

The venue, the people, the conversations, the food, the music and the dancing were all enjoyable. In addition, the promotion of multi-culture - giving out red pockets for the Chinese New Year was noted and appreciated!

I also enjoyed dancing a little bit of other Latin dances – Cha cha, Salsa, Merenge, Cumbia and Rumba. Thank you.

I look forward to attending the next Milonga. Hopefully, you and I could dance a song or two.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wai

Sun, Feb 14, 2010 at 7:54 PM

Well Done"
Hello Sandra,
Thank you very much, it was really nice and I had a great
time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! another thanks go to Ralph...
Besos
nadia

Sun, Feb 14, 2010 at 11:38 PM

Sandra;;;;;Thanks for your and Ralphs effort to provide the social
continuity of epicuriantango.

I had a wonderful talk with the lady who was at the table with me and
Debby.

Thanks for your introductions to tango and people. I enjoyed that very much.

Charles

Monday, February 15, 2010 12:13 PM

forwarded from Anthony re: The Argentine Tango

Hi Anthony;

I enjoyed your Tango demonstrations, you are poetry in motion on the dance floor.

I really appreciated having the opportunity to share your table & visit with you in addition to receiving your patient Tango instructions.

It is very gracious of you to offer to teach me to dance the Argentine Tango and I am enthusiastically looking forward to mastering this very expressive Dance.

I realize that You are celebrating The New Year of The Tiger and The Olympic games are also being televised, however, I will make myself available at your convenience.

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Ron Edgar

Monday, February 15, 2010 12:32 PM

Another Home Run

Hi Sandra & Ralph;

Thanks to You & Ralph for hosting a beautiful event.

Sandra's untiring organizational abilities combined with Executive Chef Ralph's culinary expertise set the tone for a delicious evening of music for tango.

Anthony's dance instruction was also much appreciated and I had a fabulous time.

Congratulations for hitting another home run,

Ron

Mon, Feb 15, 2010 at 1:20 PM

Gung Hay Fat Choy to you too Ron,

Thanks for the praise. Remember, it is the lady that makes a guy look good on the dance floor, ALWAYS.

Us guys are merely coat hangers, our partners are the beautiful fabrics hanging on, our job is to debut the fabrics in attractive waves of wind.


Certainly nice to connect up with you, I shall make some arrangement to get you a good training partner and we shall take your dancing to serveral nodges up in no time.

Stay tune and take care,

Anthony

Mon, Feb 15, 2010 at 9:58 PM

Re: Valentine Milonga

Hi Sandra

It was an wonderful event! We are looking forward to the March one.
Thank you so much for organizing them!

Andrew and Katherine

Sun, Feb 21, 2010 at 2:44 PM

Saturday evening
Sandra and Ralph...I had a wonderful time getting to know everyone ... ....Thank you for the invitation.... Sorry I will probably miss Thursday night due to out of town commitment. Have a great week....

See you soon and merci beauchoup....Carole Anne


Monday, February 22, 2010 2:48 PM

Why are you not on Facebook yet? An ETS Facebook group would be a great tool in your very capable

hands.

Sorry to sound over-excited, but it is great seeing somebody do things right for once :)

Dragos

Mon, Feb 22, 2010 at 3:49 PM

Hi Sandra&Ralph

Thank you for a magnificent night last Saturday.It is such a great pleasure for me , to know such a nice, generous, classy, artistic friends like you, I'm happy that I'm in your community.-See you soon.

with love

Dina-

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 11:19 AM

Re: * * * N E W * * * Tango Practica

Cool. My respect for you continues to grow :)

Dragos


Tue, Feb 23, 2010 at 8:57 PM

Glad to contribute, Sandra and thanks for the invitation. You and Ralph and become a very important social centre for tango in Calgary very quickly!


Sorry I left early. I've been working very long days during the week, part of the weekend, because a broker has left and I'm taking over his book. That is on top of my regular work and although it's rewarding it's very tiring! As well, I've been fighting sinusitis for weeks now (I really don't like taking antibiotics), so I need lots of sleep.

Take care, see you on the dance floor soon,

David

Wed, Feb 24, 2010 at 1:28 AM

Hello Sandra,


Thank you for having us. I really had a good time,, food was good, wine was good, and the company was excellent. The discussion at the end was really interesting..hi.hi
The muffins reached our home. I defend them in the car from Dragos...he,he,he. Izabela said that you are an excellent cook . She really enjoyed the Shepard's pie.

We look forward to meet again in the near future.
Cristian.

Thursday, February 25, 2010 1:18 AM

Hi Sandra;

I will look forward to being with You & Ralph on the evening of March 20th/2010.

Thank you for your kind assistance & patience teaching me The Tango.

I will see you thursday evening for the Practica.

Cheers!

Ron

On 25-Feb-10, at 11:14 AM

Hi Ron!

I'm so pleased you'll be joining us for the Mardi Gras Milonga!

We have all been where you're at, but part of the Tango spirit is to share that joy. In Tango, you are always learning.

It is a pleasure to see your enthusiasm and there is no doubt with guidance from Anthony, Tess and Frank plus your keen desire to Tango, it will soon flow.

It is practice, perseverence and more practice, but there is no doubt - you will develop into a beautiful Tanguero, especially with your tall frame and long legs.


We believe in you and know, the butterfly that resides within will emerge.

See you this evening!

Sandra
xo

Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 12:13 PM

Re: Mardi Gras Milonga - March 20th, 2010

Looks smashing!!!
xo xo

Visit The Vamp!

Thursday, February 25, 2010 7:03 PM

Many thanks for your encouragement Sandra

I look forward to being with you tonight - ron

On 25-Feb-10, at 11:42 PM

Ron,

You made amazing progress this evening!! With your enthusiasm and everyone around, you will be

Tangoing women off their feet ;-)

Thank you for your help and I'm so happy you're part of our community.

with love,
Sandra
xo

Friday, February 26, 2010 10:16 AM

Hi Sandra;

Thank you for introducing me to Tango & your encouragement provides even more incentive to improve.

Unfortunately I am unable to join you for sundays Tango Practica as I will be with my son Mike this

weekend.

I look forward to being with you for more Tango next week.

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend Sandra.

With love,

Ron

Wednesday, March 03, 2010 10:55 PM

Hola Guylene, Sandra, Ralph,

Couldn't make it to tango tonight because I'm packing for a four day trip to Banff - leaving

tomorrow and reutrning Sunday - and then for my trip to AR, which leaves Monday morning. I'll be

back for the next tango night at DQ March 24, dance on in the meantime!

Sandra and Ralph, hope your next milonga is a smashing success!

abrazo,

David

Thu, Mar 4, 2010 at 1:26 PM

Hello Sandra!!!

How are you?

Thanks for your e-mails and for the reminder for the Tango Practica on Thursdays and Sundays.

I will be there on Sunday for sure.!!! I will not be able to go on Thursdays because I have some classes in Bow Valley at that hour.

By the way, I would like to confirm my assistance to the Milonga on March.

The last Milonga was incredibly beautiful. I enjoyed every part of it: the decorations on the tables, the music , the food -which was so delicious- and the most important part: all the people who made an extraordinary atmosphere.

Everybody was still there at 1am. It is a pity that I had left because the cab was already there waiting for me, but for the next Milonga I will take the necessary previsions to leave it later.

:D

Thanks again for such incredible organization, for your effort and enthusiasm to organize it, a marvelous option that is already lighting the Tango life in Calgary.

Regards,

JUAN CARLOS

... much more to be posted

September 24, 2012

Dear Sandra I am proud of you represent a culture if my loved country where I am born Argentina thank very much for the value you give to my culture like the Tango hope one day you visit Caminito in la Boca Buenos Aires in the name of my fellow Argentina we say thank very much to show Tango dance wish you the best success in your artistic career Congratulation
. Ofelia Elena Ferreira You deserve my dear god bless you

Sun, Sep 30, 2012 at 8:23 AM

Hi Sandra and Ralph,

THANK YOU so much for bringing in Marcos and Ruta to Calgary for not only are they such super nice people, they are incredible teachers! Over the years, I have taken many dance disciplines and private lessons and I believe that they are simply the best ... at least for the way I learn.

Thank you too for a wonderful evening last night. You and Ralph have done a wonderful job in organizing the event ... you both also looked super last night.

Wishing you both big success in all your future endeavors!

Regards,
Cynthia

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