[HouTango-L] a milestone in Houston tango

[A. Lester Buck III]

Dear Houston Tangueros y Tangueras,

Here is a small historical note in the history of Argentine
tango in Houston.  Ten years ago today, March 23, 1996, Casa
Argentina de Houston hosted their weekend workshop with Diego and
Diana at Stevens of Hollywood Dance Studio.  There was certainly
Argentine tango being taught in Houston before that, at least by
Victor Collins at Il Paesano Restaurant, and Juan Carlos and Alicia
Suarez at the Jewish Community Center.  But through some fortuitous
events leading up to the workshop, that event sparked a broader
interest in organized social tango, and one month later a small
group started a weekly practice, also at Stevens of Hollywood.
It was certainly slow the first six monhts, typically with about
eight guys and two women in attendance.  (Until the men knew
how to lead, the women didn't have much reason to come back.)
Joe MacLoughlin and Laura Fletcher would demonstrate for us.  Oh,
how we tried to dance like Joe and Laura!  It was a tough road,
but our passion carried us through until our skills caught up.

Here's looking forward to the next great decade of Houston tango!


Best regards,

Lester