“The twentieth century is, from one end to another, the century of tango. We cannot speak of the history of this century excluding tango…” -Horacio Ferrer
Now, in the twenty-first century, tango is just as popular as ever. What comes to mind when you hear the word tango? When I hear it, the image of two dancers lost in a feeling immediately materialize. A sensual and sophisticated dance that is so much more. There’s a story being told as they move…and what a story Forever Tango tells!
Standing in line, waiting to enter the Walter Kerr Theatre on W. 48th Street in New York City, you can feel the excitement in the crowd. People are talking about 5-Time Grammy Award winner, Gilberto Santa Rosa. They’re talking about Karina & Maksim of Dancing with the Stars fame, as well. What awaits them inside will have them talking about the entire cast’s performance for days to come. Did I say talking? No. After experiencing Forever Tango, they’ll be raving about it to everyone they know! I mean, I did. A week later, I still am.
Ok, so let’s go inside. The curtain comes up and you’re greeted by a short dance routine, which is nothing but. Then the eleven-piece orchestra, which is right on stage, shows you why they’re on stage. Next, you’re transported to a red-light district cabaret in Buenos Aires, in the 1920’s! The costumes, the attitudes, the dance…everything flows as it should. Throughout the show, you’re treated to the incomparable, Gilberto Santa Rosa. The first song he performs is a tango classic, “Garúa.” And it will send chills up and down your spine. Yes, that good. Also, the only words you’ll hear during the entire show will be his. The cast doesn’t say a thing…well, verbally. You see, they don’t have to. The sensuality, raw passion, moments of melancholy, tenderness and violence portrayed through their art-form say more than they ever could. Tango is a language all in itself. It’s poetry in motion.
Luis Bravo’s Forever Tango is an experience that is not to be missed! 16 world-class tango dancers, a vocalist and an orchestra will prove me right. Stay current by liking them on Facebook and following them on Twitter and Instagram.
The show was originally slated to run from July 9 – 28. It has now been extended through August 18. However, Gilberto Santa Rosa will only be there until the July 28. After that, 3-Time Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winner, Luis Enrique, takes over from July 30 – Aug 18. I’ll be there for one of his performances, without a doubt!
Contributed by Orlando Manuel
Jessica Tiare Bowen lives in the juicy Big Apple with her adorable pink-nosed chihuahua, Gillman. He’s the inspiration for her first published children’s book, “Park Avenue Pound Puppy.” The book is the combined result of her two greatest passions: pooches and penning stories.
Her passions include art, urban hikes through Manhattan, drinking coffee with 3 creams and 6 sugars, making extremely detailed itineraries and traveling to far away places, singing along to Broadway shows, Netflix movie nights, discovering incredible treasures at Goodwill and thrift stores, and listening to stories from little people under 7 and big people over 70.
She started her career as New York City Teaching Fellow, teaching elementary school and theater arts at a special education school in the South Bronx for 6 years. She is now a Special Education School Improvement Specialist working in public schools throughout New York City. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the online New York City travel magazine, Used York City. The magazine focuses on finding the best of New York…as used by New Yorkers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an ASPCA Ambassador.
