From lois at mndance.com Wed Jul 1 10:35:50 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 09:35:50 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Clarification on upcoming events Message-ID: I've received a lot of questions about upcoming events, so I'll try to answer them here. The *Walker Art* thing is Thursday, July 2nd, (tomorrow) and it is free. Please come out and generously share your knowledge of tango, and help the newbies to get a taste of this. At Minnehaha last Saturday, I had so many people come up and tell me what a nice community we had - this is the kind of reputation we want! The lesson and performances will be from 7:45 to 8:30, then Mandragora plays. Dancing is on the grass, on the west side of the building. Saturday morning 10AM lessons are on as usual, even though it is the 4th of July. Should be a smaller crowd, so you may get close to a private for the cost of a group lesson! *Next Tuesday* at the MN History Center I'll teach the lesson there, then return to teach a combined beginner/intermediate lesson at Old Arizona at 8:00, then the party afterwards. *Free Live Outdoor Music* Tuesday evenings 6:30 to 8 pm Minnesota History Center July 7 *Cafe Accordion Orchestra* Enjoy a loungy, eclectic mix of French flare, Latin heat and Bohemian attitude with Caf? Accordian Orchestra. Wear your favorite rakish beret to model in the Beret Parade. Dan Newton and his musicians provide the bongos and the bravura--you bring the baguettes. It's a beatnik picnic on the History Center plaza. Bring a lawn chair, and pack a picnic or purchase food from the Caf? Minnesota terrace grill. Performances are free and held on the Laura Jane Musser Plaza at the Minnesota History Center. In case of inclement weather, events will move inside. Programs subject to change. Museum galleries and stores are open until 8 pm and the admission fee is waived on Tuesday evenings. -- Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 Want to "hike the Appalachian trail" with your tango friends this November? (that means visit Buenos Aires). Please let me know! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Tue Jul 7 09:11:16 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:11:16 -0500 Subject: [Tango] 9 Nights of Music tonight-MN History Center Message-ID: <4A534974.9060403@mndance.com> 9 Nights of Music: Cafe Accordion Orchestra with tango lesson by Lois Donnay Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Performances are free and held on the Laura Jane Musser Plaza at the Minnesota History Center. In case of inclement weather, events will move inside. Museum galleries and stores are open until 8 pm and the admission fee is waived on Tuesday evenings. (normally $10!) "Explore Minnesota through museum exhibits that feature large-scale objects, hands-on experiences and multimedia presentations. At the Library, access the Society's vast collections related to the state's past, uncover your house's history or trace your family's heritage." 345 Kellogg Blvd. West St. Paul, Minnesota 55102-1906 The History Center is at the junction of I-35E and I-94 on the western edge of downtown St. Paul at the corner of Kellogg and John Ireland boulevards. Parking is $5. http://www.mnhs.org/historycenter/programs/9nights/ Lois Donnay www.mndance.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Tue Jul 7 10:46:52 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:46:52 -0500 Subject: [Tango] [Fwd: RE: 9 Nights of Music tonight-MN History Center] Message-ID: <4A535FDC.60302@mndance.com> OK- a few things I forgot to mention. The date is tonight, July 7th. That means the normal Tuesday night 6:30 class at Old Arizona will start at 8:00PM instead. And we will have the party afterwards, as usual. Sorry for not getting all this in the first time!! Lois What are the dates for this? Karen *9 Nights of Music: Cafe Accordion Orchestra with tango lesson by Lois Donnay * Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m. 345 Kellogg Blvd. West St. Paul, Minnesota 55102-1906 The History Center is at the junction of I-35E and I-94 on the western edge of downtown St. Paul at the corner of Kellogg and John Ireland boulevards. Parking is $5. Lois Donnay www.mndance.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From donnay at donnay.net Wed Jul 8 18:04:50 2009 From: donnay at donnay.net (Lois Donnay) Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 17:04:50 -0500 Subject: [Tango] More tango this week, plus.... Message-ID: We had another great outdoor event last night at the History center! I think there were 50 people there for the lesson, and more came to dance to Cafe Accordion's great music. The weather was perfect - thanks for coming out! And we also had a great turnout for the Tuesday lesson, as well as the party, afterward. This Thursday is the Follower's Technique at 7:00 (Ladies only, wine optional), followed by advanced technique at 8:00. Saturday's lesson is at 10:00AM. More outdoor opportunites: Summer at Northrop: Mandragora Tango Orchestra Northrop Plaza, 84 Church St. S.E.,Minneapolis, MN 55455 Monday, July 13 : 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Price: Free No dancing, but lots of fun anyway: "There will be another Dancers With Waves event, this time on Monday, July 20, at 5 p.m. or so. It will again be at the Southeast corner of LAKE CALHOUN, across from the archery bales where Nick Aguilar can be seen splitting apples, William Tell-like on occasion. Nick may demonstrate this skill for the apple eating public on the 20th. Bring some food and drink, lawn chairs, etc. Alcohol is prohibido, sort of, at Minneapolis parks. Your Hosts, Nick and Jimito" Then, July 25th is another outdoor dance at Minnehaha park!! 7PM to 11PM All these events, plus some others coming up next year, have me thinking that I need to train in another performance group to entertain and demonstrate tango here in the Twin Cities. Let me know if you have an interest in being part of this group. As you know, performance tango is different than social tango, so being good at one doesn't guarantee skill at the other. But it can certainly be challenging, and a lot of fun! I will be selecting people over the next weeks, and training will begin when I can determine a possible time. In the meantime, Thursday 8:00 classes are a good way to prepare for what we'll work on. Lois Donnay www.mndance.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Tue Jul 14 08:02:26 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:02:26 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Out of town visitor needs a ride Message-ID: Joan is an out-of-town visitor who is staying at the Kelly Inn in Plymouth (494 and 55). She would love to come to the Tuesday night party tonight, but does not have transportation. If there is anyone who lives over that way and can pick her up, please let me know! She will be in town for another week, so would also love to come to the Black Dog milonga Saturday. She will pay expenses! -- Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Tue Jul 14 10:35:22 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:35:22 -0500 Subject: [Tango] tango this week Message-ID: In lessons this week, we will concentrate on some additional information on turns - how to start them, and how to keep the energy flowing! Then, next month is Milonga Month already! Don't forget the Tuesday night party! This started because we were always so energized after lessons that we had to wind down with a visit to a local bar. But we decided it would be cheaper to move it to my house, plus we could dance. And it works very well! It's a great way to solidify what you learned in the lesson, and connect with your fellow dancers over a glass of vino. 9:30, 3142 1st Ave S. It's Black Dog week! We start with a short but well-attended lesson at 7:30, then dance from 8 until past 11, depending on the crowd. 308 Prince St, St. Paul, MN. $4 -- Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 Coming up: Monday in another Dancer's with Waves event on July 20th. Saturday July 25th is the Outdoor tango at Minnehaha Falls. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Thu Jul 16 09:29:53 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:29:53 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Black dog Saturday, survey Message-ID: This Saturday is the Black Dog Milonga, and all signs point to another great turnout. 308 Prince St. Lowertown, St. Paul (by the Farmer's Market) Lesson 7:30, dance 8 until after 11:00PM There is still time to come with us to Buenos Aires this November! We will be leaving about November 11-13th, but will probably stop in Florida first to do some tango workshops. But you don't have to fly down with us, or fly back with us! We'll make sure you get to our house and are welcomed, whenever you come or leave! Let me know if you want more details. Cost for lodging is still about $300/week. My friend Clay Nelson, who was so important to creating the great tango community in Portland, has created a new survey called: "*Why I Quit Tango *". Check it out - you can filter responses in many ways. It was really helpful for me to read this in my efforts to create a welcoming, quality, fun tango community here in Minnesota - a goal I know we all share. ** He also asks you to pass on, forward, and/or share this survey with someone you know who has quit tango. - www.claysdancestudio.com -- Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 Lessons with Lois Donnay: - *Tuesdays:* Beginners 6:30-8:00 PM - Intermediates - 8:00-9:30 PM - Old Arizona Studios, 2821 Nicollet Ave S, 55408 - *Thursdays:* Follower's Technique - 7:00-8:00 PM - Lois' Studio, 3142 1st Ave S, 55408 ($10) - *Thursdays:* Advanced Tango Technique - 8:00 - 9:30 PM - Lois' Studio, 3142 1st Ave S, 55408 - *Saturdays:* Beginners 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Lois' Studio, 3142 1st Ave S, 55408 - Upcoming: Lessons in Burnsville starting in September! *Zumba In the Park * *Friday July 17, 6.30PM-8.30PM* Civic Center Park, Burnsville (251 Civic Center Parkway) Free Zumba class: 6.45PM-7.30 PM Free Argentine Tango dance class: 7.30 PM-7.45PM District 191 Community Education www. Communityed191.org ? Questions? Call 952/707.4110 Please bring a non-perishable food item for our local food shelf -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From donnay at donnay.net Mon Jul 20 15:01:10 2009 From: donnay at donnay.net (Lois Donnay) Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:01:10 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Fwd: LakeCalhounLakeCalhounLakeCalhounLakeCalhoun In-Reply-To: <94753.10923.qm@web110504.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <94753.10923.qm@web110504.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Griggs Dan Date: Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 10:01 AM On behalf of Nick Aguilar - Dancers With Waves: DANCERS WITH WAVES will be sponsoring a canoeing/kayaking/picnicking/dancing in the grass summer evening event at Lake Calhoun on [TONIGHT] Monday, July 20, 2009 . This will be at the little beach across from the archery range on the south side of Lake Calhoun , not the big, main beach which is a few hundred yards west of this little beach. The sun sets very late this day and it?s wonderful to enjoy the evening sun. Nick will be there at 4:30 pm for the early birds. We stay until we?re kicked out or arrested. This event is open to any tango dancers and their friends and family. DANCERS WITH WAVES, a group within the Twin Cities? tango community, was founded by three, fun, groovy, middle-aged guys, Jim Dunn, Mike Ludvigsen and Nick Aguilar, to gather tango dancers to socialize outdoors, enhance the cohesiveness of our community and get to know each other a little better. These events are always fun! We supply 3 or 4 canoes and kayaks for paddling (hence our name DANCERS WITH WAVES), and usually people paddle just off shore for a few minutes then return to the beach and let someone else try. We insist that you wear a life vest while paddling. We supply these. If you have a boat you?d like to share, bring it down. If you don?t want to paddle, you can just hang out and enjoy the evening sun. Also, this year Nick will bring two sets of archery gear if you want to try target archery. Bring your own beverages, a snack to share, napkins, plastic/metal silverware, cooler, towels, blankets, lawn chairs, bug repellent, etc. We?ll have a small boom box with tango and other music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Don?t forget, we?ll be dancing on the grass. Please, tango dancers new to the community, young and old, don?t be shy. Just show up, introduce yourself, paddle and dance; we old timers are a very friendly lot. All of you that have been to these events, please talk it up. The more the merrier. There is a small parking lot next to this beach with a few meters that you?ll have to feed. Otherwise, you need an annual parking permit from the Mpls. park board. Or you can park on the street, but you?ll have to walk a little ways to get to the beach. Last year I talked to a park policeman who said they rarely enforce parking rules at this lot, but you never know. There are many new tango dancers now; so, instructors, and anyone else who has a tango list, please forward this announcement to your students and friends. Questions? E-mail Nick at girlie1918 at comcast.net or call at 763-780-0309. See www.mntango.org Events Calendar under Monday, July 20 for a map to help navigate your way : ) With Happy Feet, Dancers With Waves ____________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Tue Jul 21 11:07:28 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:07:28 -0500 Subject: [Tango] This week: Saturday Outdoor tango Message-ID: Last week we jumped the milonga gun a bit because people couldn't wait for August Milonga Month. But this week we will return to tango and we'll hit In Thursday's classes (7:00 follower's and 8:00 advanced) we generally don't do moves, instead we strongly focus on general technique. Mostly medicine, not so much sugar, but if you've been doing this awhile you know it's worth it. * SATURDAY* Outdoor tango at Minnehaha Park. This may be the last outdoor event this year - don't miss it! We've been thinking about dancing part of the night in front of the restaurant, where it is a little more romantic. If you would like to help us to do this, feel free to come and help! What to bring: Your friends, family and kids, bug-spray, several pairs of shoes in case we move around to different surfaces. Fourth Saturday of July, July 25th Where: Sea Salt Restaurant, 4825 Minnehaha Ave Minnehaha Falls Park, Minneapolis, MN 55417, Phone: (612) 721-8990 http://www.seasalteatery.com Starts at 7:00 with a tango lesson with Lois Donnay, dance at 7:30 until 11:00, when it gets VERY romantic! $5. (No blues event this month) Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 The survey from last week, about why people have stopped tango: I'm sure there will be more discussion at the party tonight! ): I'd like to invite you to the Minnehaha Park event this week, and see if it is a little different. More laid-back, friendly, and most importantly - FUN! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Wed Jul 22 13:59:55 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:59:55 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Fwd: KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil 30% off Offer Message-ID: I received this great offer for a 30% discount for tickets to Cirque du Soleil. Enjoy! Feel free to share. * * * * * * *KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil * * * Playing now through August 9 under the Grand Chapiteau at the Broadway / Kellogg Lot in Downtown Saint Paul, MN. KOOZA brings *Cirque du Soleil* back to the source, taking audiences on a thrilling journey through incredible acrobatics and raucous clowning. The show will wow you with acts that challenge the senses and keep your pulse pounding. *Tickets are on sale now! * *Receive 30% off seats for select performances today! * Get cool KOOZA by *Cirque du Soleil *assets: Widget, Screensavers, Banners & Wallpapers For fun stuff click here now! ** Click here for tickets NOW! Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2021 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 1507 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 14889 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image005.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1507 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 2021 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 27919 bytes Desc: not available URL: From lois at mndance.com Thu Jul 23 09:16:39 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:16:39 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Place to stay in the Twin Cities Message-ID: Have you ever wanted to come to events far from home, but didn't want to drive all the way back afterwards? Why not stay overnight, not in some boring hotel, but in a place devoted to dance? My house is a dance studio. I teach here, having group lessons and privates. It also has a lovely apartment above. Currently it is being rented by a dancer mainly for the convenience of proximity to my dance lessons, parties and local dance events. He is willing to share! For $35/night, you get your own room, and a dining room, kitchen and bath. Plus a big wooden floor for practice, with a television and DVD player. With lots of dance DVD's to watch! Introductory offer: For a limited time, stay with us and get either one of my group dance lessons for free, or breakfast, delivered to your room. Just need a place to practice with a nice wooden floor and TV? Space available for $2/hour. Ready to schedule? Call me at 612.822.8436. THis is a great weekend to start - lots of things going on here! -- Lois Donnay 3142 1st Ave S www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lois at mndance.com Tue Jul 28 11:36:38 2009 From: lois at mndance.com (Lois Donnay) Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:36:38 -0500 Subject: [Tango] Tango this week Message-ID: Last week before Milonga Month! It looks like we are going to have extra turnout this week, so don't miss class this week! *Tuesday:* I've got some fun things planned, and we are going to add some interesting finishes to some moves we already know. In Intermediate, we'll work on secadas and other moves. * Thursday: Follower's class at 7:00* - we'll work on embellishments! I know you've been waiting for this. Curious abut the Follower's Class? Yes, it is a workout, but that's why it is only an hour. But you get a glass of wine, if you like! *8:00:* more technique in the Advanced Technique class. We're working in a flexible embrace-which you should only be dancing in if you are an advanced tango dancer. *Saturday 10:00 class* - a great way to get your day started. Especially since this is the first class of Milonga Month. yes, this morning we will start learning milonga, and will continue throughout the month of August in all of th classes. Tuesday party: 9:30, 3142 1st Ave S. Stop in and find out what we're talking about this week! Coming up: I will teach the class before the Havin' A ball dance on August 8th, Everett McClay dance center. -- Lois Donnay www.mndance.com 612.822.8436 Tuesday lessons at Old Arizona: 2821 Nicollet Ave S, 55408 Door code 24135 All other lessons at 3142 1st Ave S. 55408. Lesson schedule at www.mndance.com As we've been discussing the reasons for people leaving tango lately, I've learned that there is a lot of people who are teaching their partners on the floor, during milongas and even during classes. It is so tempting to share what you know! But unless you can lead and follow well, you may be giving the wrong information. Besides, I have learned that teaching is an art, and one that must be learned and practiced over many years. Information given the wrong way or at the wrong time in a student's development can actually make them a worse dancer. I'm sure this is not anyone's wish. Oh, yes, and most importantly, the person being taught hates it!! Even if they are smiling and nodding politely. So next time you are tempted, remember: 1. It won't help 2. It may make things worse. 3. He or she hates it 4. He or she may never be back For those of you who have left because you've been criticized on the floor: Forgive us! We're sorry, we won't do it again, give us another chance! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: