Post written by contributing writer, Angela Camacho. Angela will be covering this event as media.

The Tango has always fascinated me. When I was a young girl, I took dance lessons and dreamt about this romantic sensual dance. I would get carried away in my thoughts, and pictured myself in a long velvet red dress with a red rose in my hair. I loved the Latin music and the passionate synchronized movements of this elegant dance. I am totally ecstatic because on November 17th and 18th, The Segerstrom Center of The Arts in Costa Mesa will present Tango Buenos Aires – “The Spirit of Argentina”, PLUS there are free dance lessons on select nights during the week!

“The company of dancers, vocalists and musicians pay homage to one of tango’s leading superstars French-Argentine singer, songwriter and composer Carlos Gardel. There will be four performances November 18 – 19, 2017 in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This presentation of Tango Buenos Aires is a part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA, a far-reaching and ambitious exploration of Latin American and Latino art in dialogue with Los Angeles, taking place from September 2017 through January 2018 at more than 70 cultural institutions across Southern California. Pacific Standard Time is an initiative of the Getty.”

Take a journey to this South American country through the passionate dance and music that embody “The Spirit of Argentina.” One of Argentina’s greatest cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires is considered the most authentic tango ensemble performing today. The dancers dazzle with sensual moves and playful drama, while the musicians entice with melodies of romance and nostalgia. This program traces the evolution of tango through the classic musical compositions of Carlos Gardel, a central figure in the history of tango, and his collaborations with composer Astor Piazzolla.

FREE Tango Lessons!

Get your dancin’ shoes on and learn how to Tango! The Center is offering FREE Tango lessons on Tuesday, November 14th and Thursday, November 16 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Award-winning Argentine tango champion Marcelo Rivero will teach the essential techniques and movements of ‘the tango’. All levels of experience are welcome – no experience necessary! THEN – on Saturday, November 18, it’s time to dance at the Center’s free Tango Party on the Plaza from 5:30-7:30 p.m. just before the 8 p.m. performance by Tango Buenos Aires in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Tango Party on the Plaza)

Dinner Promo before or after Tango!

After our tango lesson at Segerstrom Center with Marcelo Ortiz, my husband and I headed to Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The restaurant was dimly lit, and a live a piano player filled the air with romantic music. The restaurant was idyllic, and set the tone for a perfect date night. The food and presentation was incredible, and the wine pairings with our dishes were exquisite. We started with Tartare of Ahi Tuna which is lightly spiced with soy, chili and ginger, avocado, served with Won Ton. The Mild Smoked Scottish Salmon includes lemon-chive-pepper blini, capers, dill, and Bermuda onion. For the main course, the Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb was divine. The lamb was perfectly tender and perfectly cooked. If you save room for dessert, try their Butterscotch Budino which is rich in flavor. ~Angela