Montreal Trip
September 24th-26th, 2005
My first, and hopefully not last, trip to Montreal was so fun that I forgot to take pictures.
This was my first solo tango trip to a new city. That's the great thing about tango, though. I can travel to a different country unannounced, show up at a tango event and be welcomed into the community like a long lost friend.
Took the red eye flight from Portland Friday night and arrived at the Studio Tango in Montreal Saturday morning. There I found Cecilia Gonzalas teaching privates before her workshop classes scheduled for that afternoon. Cecilia introduced me to the beautiful Carol, co-organizer and co-owner with Bobby of Studio Tango. An amazing dancer, Carol participated in all the workshops as well as ran the Saturday night milonga at the Studio and somehow managed to be a welcoming and gracious hostess, too. I don't think she slept all weekend.
Grabbed a bite to eat and made it back to the Studio in time for Cecilia's workshop on Changes of Direction. I was surprised and happy to run into Kat from Seattle, who took the class with me so we could exchange lead and follow. Great to have a good follower to work with!
Then, off to dinner, a quick nap, and back to the Studio for the evening Milonga, dj-ed by good friend Jaimes Friedgen. Walking into a room full of people when you don't know anyone is intimidating. I'm so comfortable in Portland, I forget what it's like to be new. Luckily, I ran into Sherry, who, along with her husband Stephan, has been to Portland several times for the festivals. It was calming to see a familiar face, and to have a "home base" at their table for a while. Had great dances with Stephan, who quickly became my greatest promoter - telling all the men in the room to dance with me. I had a fantastic night of dancing, barely sitting down before the next wonderful leader was inviting me to dance. Next time I travel for tango I'm taking Sherry and Stephan with me!
Caught up on some sleep the next morning and made it to the workshops in time to take the last two. Had a great time in the last class exchanging lead and follow with Elizabeth and Juan of Toronto. Hard work, but good. Went out for an amazing Chinese dinner with a fun group, then off to the Sunday night Milonga. Another night of great dances with warm and friendly people before it was time to return home. My only regret is that I didn't take more pictures. Next time. Thanks Montreal!
If you recognize an unnamed friend or yourself in any of these pictures let me know.
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