"From Bern to Hollywood: A Night of Tango and Connection"
"De Berna a Hollywood: una noche de tango y conexión"
On Friday, December 13th, 2024, I had the pleasure of presenting my film Tango Your Life in Bern, Switzerland. It was an extraordinary evening filled with connection, reflection, and shared passion for tango.
First, my heartfelt thanks to the organizers, Camille Yannantuono and Valentino, for making this event possible. Their dedication and enthusiasm brought together an audience in the area, some traveling over an hour to attend. It’s rare to witness such commitment, and it made the evening even more special.
To add a touch of humor during the introduction, I presented a photo of myself at Milonga Cachirulo in Buenos Aires in 2011, jokingly calling it my “certificate as a milonguero.” It was my way of connecting with the Swiss cultural value of certifications while celebrating the spirit of tango.
ua-cam.com/video/xsolE3A8OhY/v-deo.html
Although Tango Your Life was released 12 years ago, I can finally say I’ve realized my dream of going to Hollywood-😜😜-thanks to the support of Camille and Valentino. This moment feels even more special considering a new documentary about my tango journey and the return to tango tradition in Buenos Aires is currently in production.
The audience at the screening was an interesting mix of people: a participant from one of my workshops in Bern 12 years ago, a tango enthusiast who recently expressed interest in Ricardo Vidort and the milongueros, a donor who supported my film project over a decade ago, and others who traveled more than an hour to attend, which deeply impressed me and filled me with gratitude.
The post-film Q&A session was lively and thought-provoking. Questions ranged from tango culture and tradition to the emotional and energetic aspects of the dance. One attendee likened tango to therapy, and I shared how my workshops create a space for participants to explore their emotions and the energy of tango-without prescribing how to feel, but offering opportunities to discover.
Excitingly, the evening concluded with an announcement: Camille Yannantuono, Valentino, and I will collaborate to offer a Tango Zen workshop in Bern, likely in March. The enthusiasm of the audience affirmed the potential of this upcoming workshop.
Despite the cold weather, traffic delays, and a long drive, the experience was deeply fulfilling. I’m especially grateful for the chance to collaborate with organizers who share a vision of preserving and sharing the essence of tango, inspired by the traditions of Buenos Aires’ milongas.
I tell you, I survived the toughest critique from Sebastián, Camille and Valentino’s 10-year-old son. 😅
This event reminded me that tango is not just a dance-it’s a way of building community, sharing stories, and connecting deeply with others.
Until next time, tango on!
Abrazo milonguero,
Chan
If you're still interested in watching the film, here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/rCoRXod0eOQ/v-deo.html Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts with me!