Peoples Republic of South Devon

Tango: Nuevo (dance review)

May 17th, 2008

To conincide with the Exeter Northcott Dance Festival, Dance in Devon and the theatre have worked with young dancers to review some of the best dance that’s on. The Dance Festival continues tonight (May 17) with Phoenix Dance

Tango: Nuevo at the Exeter Northcott review by Lucie Tullett

On 9 May, Tango Siempre presented Tango: Nuevo, a breathtaking journey into the heart of Tango Argentino and beyond, featuring stunning virtuoso displays of traditional tango and groundbreaking contemporary tango music and dance.

With live music from the acclaimed tango ensemble Tango Siempre, Tango: Nuevo was the second part of the Exeter Northcott’s Dance Festival which kicked off last week. Once again the performance was enjoyed by what was nearing a full house, as the onstage band performed contemporary salsa music while four Latin American-born Tango dancers performed elaborate and sensual tango duets.

Although the evening was advertised as a dance event, the it was centered around the onstage band. As the audience was seated, the atmosphere was a little too formal. It felt as though the live music did not fair so well in the theatre setting, and at times the pieces of music felt too long, to the point of seeming self-indulgent of the Tango Siempre Quintet.

Although shows like Strictly Come Dancing have played their part in popularizing dance in general – making it more mainstream and encouraging more people to hold and attend classes – it was interesting to have an insight into some authentic Argentinean culture. Contemporary choreographic techniques were used to make the Tango dance style more accessible and watchable on stage.

The Exeter Northcott’s Dance Festival continues this week.

Entry Filed under: Arts