‘Tango’ inspires Waldron crowds

Full houses were entertained and inspired at the John Waldron Arts Center for the “This is Tango Now” dance concerts this past weekend.

The show was created and presented by the Artango Dance company and Minetti Productions.

“I thought the show was amazing,” senior Stephanie Umstot said. “They really did a great job expressing the romance and passion of tango, but they also played with gender roles and identity.”

The show opened with the musicians playing traditional Argentine music.

With smoke on the stage and different forms of lighting, the show transported the audience to a different place and time — a place where there was comedy, curiosity and passion.

“I’ve never been to a place where there was so much talent in one room,” audience member Byron Sanders said. “I drove from Evansville. I’m on my way to Chicago, and I thought I’d stop by and check it out. This was my first experience with tango. I was not anticipating to get as much as I got.”

Along with the lighting and music, the show had a variety of colorful costumes. The choreographers,

Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo, expressed tango dance with quick footwork and controlled fluid movements to show the sensuality, love, joy and fear of the characters.

“I think the public really liked it,” Merlo said. “The great thing about this show is that you can leave with your own conclusions and opinions. Tango isn’t just about being sad and dramatic, but there are also happy and joyful moments in tango.”