TANGO IN VIETNAM from CHAOS

TANGO IN VIETNAM from CHAOS

BY HOA TRUONG - SAN FRANCISCO

Can someone tell the difference of falling rain in San Francisco and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam? A tropical shower flapping relentlessly on the glass covering the 6 storey building called Phu Nhuan Culture House in the middle of Saigon composed fervid beats as a redolence of Di Sarli’s, but just uneven! Walking step-by-step upstairs, I felt my breath was holding back while my ears were trying hard to detect the familiar tango rhythms from the boisterous sounds of the rain. “Is there Vietnamese Tango somewhere in this building as posted in the net?” Through the glass I could see countless water droplets dynamically traced improvised patterns on the surface. Chaos! Would this be my first experience of Tango in Vietnam or the Tango itself or both?

HE Ambassador of Argentine to Vietnam, Sr. Kaminker, delivered his speech about Tango history in the opening of the Tango Show of Margarita Klurfan and Walter Cardozo in Ho Chi Minh City, 08/21/2009.

Tango Show of Margarita Klurfan and Walter Cardozo in Ho Chi Minh City, 08/21/2009.

Tango seeds were planted in Hanoi in 2007 by a couple named Tạ, who used to study abroad. Tango in Vietnam grows as fast as a healthy seed does after a raining spell. Collaborating with other dancing communities, the tango plant spreads its roots into the youth community of Hanoi and Saigon quickly. The hunger for a more dynamic, passionate and cheerful cultural playground for the youth from a very static cultural platform expedites the integration of the Latin dance into a South East Asia country. In less than 2 years, the addictive dance gathers approximately 200 devotees at the average age from 22 to 25, with lessons for all 3 levels weekly and a milongas monthly at both cities. A cross-country tango road trip on New Year of 2007 sponsored by Argentina embassy and a tango exchange with over 30 tango dancers from England on February 2009 are milestone of Tango at nascent state in Vietnam. The latest event on 21 of August 2009, Tango Show of Margarita Klurfan and Walter Cardozo attracted 200 participants from different countries.

In the tango class at Ho Chi Minh City

Finally, the 4-count rhythm of a Di Sarli’s song at the end of the 3rd floor staircase made my heart skip a bit. After a warm-hearted welcome from the friendly Tạ hosts, I found myself among over 10 beginners and 3 or 4 intermediates from previous class and a foreigner named John. Despite of distraction from the lousy rain, people made each of their new tango steps with full care and attention. I were surprised how actively people sought helps from peers with open minded since I always thought Vietnamese are introvert learners. At first, I was conscious of the too early exposure to the technique of those who danced “nuevo” style like Paul or the various interpretations from those who have different dancing background. I think any tango beginner should start with traditional fundamental moves. However, after acknowledging that Tạ couple strictly follows the Salon style, I am confident that Tango in Vietnam has found the right leaders.

The difference of a tropical shower in Saigon is that it soaks everything underneath in minutes, but at the time, it can wash off all dusts, burdens and even prejudice to leave people in an open and refreshed state of mind for new things to come. On that day, even though staying inside of the building, I was hardly able to distinguish the beats of Di Sarli’s songs and the chaotic beats of the rain. However, in a warm and passionate tango embrace, nothing can flatten the heart beats of Vietnamese tango lovers!