FESTIVAL QUEER TANGO MONTRÉAL - May 1-3 2015 - 3rd edition
Welcome to dancers of all levels, sexual orientations and genders
8 workshops / 3 milongas / 4 invited guest teachers
Lucas De BuenosAires (Buenos Aires/Boston), Nancy Lavoie (Québec city), Sergio Segura (NYC), Astrid Weiske (Berlin)
photo by Monica Meza G.
May 1st UPDATE
- Sergio Segura is replaced by Alejandro Villalobos -
- Please note the VENUE CHANGE below -
- Most Inter/adv workshops are nearly FULL -
Reservations will be held up to 15 minutes before class time, after which we will switch to a 1st come, 1st serve basis.
- Sergio Segura is replaced by Alejandro Villalobos -
- Please note the VENUE CHANGE below -
- Most Inter/adv workshops are nearly FULL -
Reservations will be held up to 15 minutes before class time, after which we will switch to a 1st come, 1st serve basis.
RESERVATIONS: Reservations are now closed.
Please contact us if you want to join us and see you at the festival!
LEVELS & RATES
Beginner workshops (0 to 6 months practice) $20 each Inter/Adv workshops (minimum 6 months practice) $30 each Advanced workshop (minimum 3 years practice) $30 Opening Bal: $15 / Gran Milonga: $20 / Tango Tea Dance: $10 |
PACKAGES (over 10% discount)
Beginner package: 2 workshops + 3 milongas $75 Inter package: 4 workshops + 3 milongas $145 Adv package: 5 workshops + 3 milongas $170 |
MUSIC We ask our DJs to play 75% traditional music and 25% other, as well as 3-song tandas to promote mingling.
Teachers and DJs - Festival Queer Tango Montréal 2015

Lucas De BuenosAires (Buenos Aires/Boston)
Lucas, a genderqueer dancer, was taught tango in true porteño fashion, first by family in Buenos Aires, and then in its milongas. A lifetime later, that knowledge and passion continues to be explored and shared. Lucas has brought tango to the people of Barcelona, Boston, Gothenburg, Paris, Portland, Reykjavik, Rome, Seattle, The Hague, Zurich, and has been a repeat instructor at festivals in Berlin, Buenos Aires, London, Mexico, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, St. Petersburg and Stockholm. Lucas specializes in original and creative classes, including World Cup Tango (lessons from Fútbol), Boleos for Boys, and Can't Even Think Straight (navigation for switch dancers). A consummate club kid since the age of 13, Lucas has never shied away from adventure. A festival mainstay for the 3rd year in a row, Lucas will teach:
Basic not Boring. Beginning moves for pairing mixed levels. (beginner)
Boxing for dancers. This move could save your life! (previa = all level pre-milonga class)
Commit to Fit. Interlocking ganchos for advanced dancers. (advanced)
Photo Lucas De BuenosAires by Klara Ingersoll
Lucas, a genderqueer dancer, was taught tango in true porteño fashion, first by family in Buenos Aires, and then in its milongas. A lifetime later, that knowledge and passion continues to be explored and shared. Lucas has brought tango to the people of Barcelona, Boston, Gothenburg, Paris, Portland, Reykjavik, Rome, Seattle, The Hague, Zurich, and has been a repeat instructor at festivals in Berlin, Buenos Aires, London, Mexico, Montreal, New York, San Francisco, St. Petersburg and Stockholm. Lucas specializes in original and creative classes, including World Cup Tango (lessons from Fútbol), Boleos for Boys, and Can't Even Think Straight (navigation for switch dancers). A consummate club kid since the age of 13, Lucas has never shied away from adventure. A festival mainstay for the 3rd year in a row, Lucas will teach:
Basic not Boring. Beginning moves for pairing mixed levels. (beginner)
Boxing for dancers. This move could save your life! (previa = all level pre-milonga class)
Commit to Fit. Interlocking ganchos for advanced dancers. (advanced)
Photo Lucas De BuenosAires by Klara Ingersoll

Nancy Lavoie (Québec city)
With a background in music, Nancy founded L’Avenue Tango in 1995, the first Argentine tango school in Quebec city. A passionate tango dancer and promoter, she has created more than fifteen remarkable shows. Certified Master Teacher from Tango Discovery in Buenos Aires, Nancy works with singers and bands from Argentina (Otros Aires) and Quebec (Quetango). She teaches and performs regularly in Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, Porto, Zurich... This is the 2nd year Nancy has been invited to teach and DJ at the festival. This year, she will DJ the Gran Milonga and will teach:
It Takes Two to Tango. Connection, coordination and momentum. (beginner)
Tango waltz. Exploring rhythmic possibilities. (inter)
Photo Nancy Lavoie by Gosepa Paquette
With a background in music, Nancy founded L’Avenue Tango in 1995, the first Argentine tango school in Quebec city. A passionate tango dancer and promoter, she has created more than fifteen remarkable shows. Certified Master Teacher from Tango Discovery in Buenos Aires, Nancy works with singers and bands from Argentina (Otros Aires) and Quebec (Quetango). She teaches and performs regularly in Berlin, Hamburg, Paris, Porto, Zurich... This is the 2nd year Nancy has been invited to teach and DJ at the festival. This year, she will DJ the Gran Milonga and will teach:
It Takes Two to Tango. Connection, coordination and momentum. (beginner)
Tango waltz. Exploring rhythmic possibilities. (inter)
Photo Nancy Lavoie by Gosepa Paquette

Astrid Weiske (Berlin)
With over 20 years of Tango Argentino experience, Astrid is respected internationally as an excellent leading woman. She has taught throughout Europe as well as in San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Hawaii, Montréal and Buenos Aires. Inspired by other techniques and forms, Astrid favours creative, liberating variety, while respecting the roots of Argentine Tango. Her teaching supports a constant dialogue between leaders and followers who share the responsibility of listening and responding, via a strong connection to the music. Astrid is the founder of Berlin's reknowned Queertangofestival which will celebrate its fifth anniversary in July 2015. Over the past years, Astrid has offered 3 workshops to our community of dancers. We are thrilled she can finally participate in the festival where she will teach 2 workshops:
Sacadas for both roles. Give and take games. (inter)
Expressive musicality. Listen and create new energy, flavours, qualities. (inter)
With over 20 years of Tango Argentino experience, Astrid is respected internationally as an excellent leading woman. She has taught throughout Europe as well as in San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Hawaii, Montréal and Buenos Aires. Inspired by other techniques and forms, Astrid favours creative, liberating variety, while respecting the roots of Argentine Tango. Her teaching supports a constant dialogue between leaders and followers who share the responsibility of listening and responding, via a strong connection to the music. Astrid is the founder of Berlin's reknowned Queertangofestival which will celebrate its fifth anniversary in July 2015. Over the past years, Astrid has offered 3 workshops to our community of dancers. We are thrilled she can finally participate in the festival where she will teach 2 workshops:
Sacadas for both roles. Give and take games. (inter)
Expressive musicality. Listen and create new energy, flavours, qualities. (inter)

Sergio Segura (NYC)
Born in Buenos Aires, Sergio matured within the music and the dance of the tango. In NYC, he discovered a passion for producing tango shows and events, that equals his love of performing, choreographing, and teaching. In 2007, Sergio founded Strictly Tango NYC, which has maintained an international reputation for its inclusiveness. For the LGBT community, he created Rainbow Tango NYC and hosted regular queer and open-role tango parties, producing New York's first Queer Tango Festival in 2010. Sergio has taught throughout the world including at the Buenos Aires Tango Marathon Festival in 2012 and 2013, the Queer Tango Stockholm Festival in 2012, and also at queer tango events in Berlin, London and Paris. This is Sergio's first year at the festival where he will teach:
Milonga. Understanding rhythm, phrasing and synchronization, via a fancy sequence. (inter)
Photo Sergio Segura by Michael Blase
Born in Buenos Aires, Sergio matured within the music and the dance of the tango. In NYC, he discovered a passion for producing tango shows and events, that equals his love of performing, choreographing, and teaching. In 2007, Sergio founded Strictly Tango NYC, which has maintained an international reputation for its inclusiveness. For the LGBT community, he created Rainbow Tango NYC and hosted regular queer and open-role tango parties, producing New York's first Queer Tango Festival in 2010. Sergio has taught throughout the world including at the Buenos Aires Tango Marathon Festival in 2012 and 2013, the Queer Tango Stockholm Festival in 2012, and also at queer tango events in Berlin, London and Paris. This is Sergio's first year at the festival where he will teach:
Milonga. Understanding rhythm, phrasing and synchronization, via a fancy sequence. (inter)
Photo Sergio Segura by Michael Blase

Alejandro Villalobos (Montréal)
Born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz Mexico, Alejandro Villalobos is a professional dancer specialised in contemporary and classical dance as well as in Mexican folkloric dancing. In Quebec, he has worked with many projects and choreographers including Nicolas Dixon, Electrotango, Tropicalissima, Danse ton ADN at Nuit Blanche and Groupe de danse Johanne Gour. Alejandro also choreographed pieces at Foro Experimental, at the Auditorio Josefina Lavalle, and at the Centro de Convenciones, en Mexico. He was introduced to Argentine tango in Buenos Aires at the Mora Godoy School and studied with different teachers. In 2013 he was invited to teach and perform at Buenos Aires queer tango festival. He now teaches at Tango Rico in Chambly and contributes to Montreal's queer tango community by giving regular classes and organizing milongas.
Born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz Mexico, Alejandro Villalobos is a professional dancer specialised in contemporary and classical dance as well as in Mexican folkloric dancing. In Quebec, he has worked with many projects and choreographers including Nicolas Dixon, Electrotango, Tropicalissima, Danse ton ADN at Nuit Blanche and Groupe de danse Johanne Gour. Alejandro also choreographed pieces at Foro Experimental, at the Auditorio Josefina Lavalle, and at the Centro de Convenciones, en Mexico. He was introduced to Argentine tango in Buenos Aires at the Mora Godoy School and studied with different teachers. In 2013 he was invited to teach and perform at Buenos Aires queer tango festival. He now teaches at Tango Rico in Chambly and contributes to Montreal's queer tango community by giving regular classes and organizing milongas.

Paul Montpetit (Montréal) - DJ
Paul has been dancing and teaching Argentine tango, as well as organizing milongas, since 1989. He currently teaches in Montreal and in the Laurentians, from Val David to Mont Laurier. He co-directs Tangueria with Laura-Eva Steinmander, a pioneer tango organization in North Ametica founded in 1991. As of 2011, Paul has been a catalyst for the development of queer tango in Montréal by offering weekly classes.
Paul has been dancing and teaching Argentine tango, as well as organizing milongas, since 1989. He currently teaches in Montreal and in the Laurentians, from Val David to Mont Laurier. He co-directs Tangueria with Laura-Eva Steinmander, a pioneer tango organization in North Ametica founded in 1991. As of 2011, Paul has been a catalyst for the development of queer tango in Montréal by offering weekly classes.

Jack Hanley (NYC) - DJ - CANCELLED - PANCHO will be DJing at the opening milonga.
Jack Hanley was introduced to Argentine Tango in 1997 and was strongly influenced by Pablo Veron, Pablo Pugliese, and Pedro "Tete" Rusconi. In the past six years his most important Tango studies have been with Sergio Segura, Anton Gazenbeek, Diego Di Falco, Annatina Luck, Junior Cervila, and Eddy Hernandez. Jack believes Tango is a joyful mystery; to experience its truth we must enjoy its endless secrets. As a DJ Jack strives for a fluid milonga experience, creating gentle transitions from high, rocky peaks to deep, soulful valleys. The DJ tells a story, and like any good story it should have a beginning, a middle, and a beautiful end.
Jack Hanley was introduced to Argentine Tango in 1997 and was strongly influenced by Pablo Veron, Pablo Pugliese, and Pedro "Tete" Rusconi. In the past six years his most important Tango studies have been with Sergio Segura, Anton Gazenbeek, Diego Di Falco, Annatina Luck, Junior Cervila, and Eddy Hernandez. Jack believes Tango is a joyful mystery; to experience its truth we must enjoy its endless secrets. As a DJ Jack strives for a fluid milonga experience, creating gentle transitions from high, rocky peaks to deep, soulful valleys. The DJ tells a story, and like any good story it should have a beginning, a middle, and a beautiful end.

Pancho (Montréal) - DJ
Pancho comes from a theater background and has been dancing for 12 years, learning with the best teachers in Buenos Aires and Montréal. He performs in festivals and events and for Marika Landry's dance company Tango Émotion. He plays as a DJ in Québec and in the USA. He currently runs "Doce Milonga" in Montréal, a monthly fundraiser for a travel and documentary project through the Americas. You can follow him on tango mobile.org.
Organisers - Festival Queer Tango Montréal 2015

Miriam Ginestier - organiser
Miriam is a former performer and currently the director of Studio 303, a multidisciplinary arts centre in Montreal. Highly active in Montreal's queer community, Miriam is best known for her legendary cabaret soirée, le Boudoir, as well as monthly Meow Mix performance parties at the Sala Rossa which will be immortalised in a photo exhibit retrospective by Sasha Brunelle at Fierté Montréal this summer. Miriam has danced tango for a long time, but not often enough! Miriam started organizing occasional queer tango workshops back in 1997 with Mireille Painchaud. Then in 2009 she met…
Miriam is a former performer and currently the director of Studio 303, a multidisciplinary arts centre in Montreal. Highly active in Montreal's queer community, Miriam is best known for her legendary cabaret soirée, le Boudoir, as well as monthly Meow Mix performance parties at the Sala Rossa which will be immortalised in a photo exhibit retrospective by Sasha Brunelle at Fierté Montréal this summer. Miriam has danced tango for a long time, but not often enough! Miriam started organizing occasional queer tango workshops back in 1997 with Mireille Painchaud. Then in 2009 she met…

Viva Delorme - organiser
Viva started tango when she arrived in Montreal in 2010. In 2011, she and life/dance partner Miriam Ginestier started a queer tango group and organized regular classes with Paul Montpetit, workshops with various guest instructors, and regular milongas all at Tangueria. Through these activities, and in collaboration with local instructor and dancer Alejandro Villalobos, a queer tango community has finally emerged in Montreal. Together, the three have coordinated Montreal's firsts editions of Queer Tango festival in July 2013 and May 2014 and represented Montreal - honourary city - at International Queer Tango Festival of Buenos Aires in November 2013.
Viva started tango when she arrived in Montreal in 2010. In 2011, she and life/dance partner Miriam Ginestier started a queer tango group and organized regular classes with Paul Montpetit, workshops with various guest instructors, and regular milongas all at Tangueria. Through these activities, and in collaboration with local instructor and dancer Alejandro Villalobos, a queer tango community has finally emerged in Montreal. Together, the three have coordinated Montreal's firsts editions of Queer Tango festival in July 2013 and May 2014 and represented Montreal - honourary city - at International Queer Tango Festival of Buenos Aires in November 2013.

Thierry Guénin - advisor
Thierry Guénin began his tango journey in 2007 when he was living in Buenos Aires. Known as a strong promoter of the queer tango movement, he has been teaching in Norway, Sweden, Canada and Mexico and has organized several international tango festivals. In Ottawa – where he has been living since 2011 – he created The Diverse Tango Experience that offers both private and group lessons.
Thierry Guénin began his tango journey in 2007 when he was living in Buenos Aires. Known as a strong promoter of the queer tango movement, he has been teaching in Norway, Sweden, Canada and Mexico and has organized several international tango festivals. In Ottawa – where he has been living since 2011 – he created The Diverse Tango Experience that offers both private and group lessons.
Festival venues
***NEW VENUE*** Studio Fleur d'Ashpalte (Friday beginner) 6847 Saint-Hubert, Montreal H2S 2M7 Tango Social Club (Friday) 7755 St-Laurent, #200B, Montréal, QC, H2R 1X1 www.tangosocialclub.ca École de Tango Tangueria @ Studio Sundari (Friday + Saturday afternoon) (yes it appears as 'Montréal Hair Extensions'!!) 6264 St-Hubert, Montréal, QC, H2S 2M2 www.tangueria.org Air de Tango (Saturday night) 4324 St-Laurent, Montréal, QC, H2W 1Z3 www.airdetango.com Studio 303 (Sunday) 372 Ste-Catherine West, #303, Montréal, QC, H3B 1A2 www.studio303.ca |
|
Press release
Festival Queer Tango Montréal - 3rd edition - May 1-3 2015
Open to all levels, all sexual orientations and all genders!
Festival Queer Tango Montréal - 3rd edition - May 1-3 2015
Open to all levels, all sexual orientations and all genders!

After the amazing success of its first editions in July 2013 and May 2014, Montréal Queer Tango Festival is back. The third edition will take place from May 1st to 3rd 2015 in some of Montréal’s finest Tango venues: Tango Social Club, Tangueria/Studio Sundari, Air de Tango in collaboration with CTMBA (Collectivité Tango Montréal Buenos Aires) and for the first time at Studio 303.
Montreal - an exceptionally vibrant city known for its effervescent queer community - is also the undisputed capital of Argentine Tango in North America. This festival draws the best from both worlds, to create a unique three-day experience.
Montreal - an exceptionally vibrant city known for its effervescent queer community - is also the undisputed capital of Argentine Tango in North America. This festival draws the best from both worlds, to create a unique three-day experience.

This 3rd edition features guest teachers, performers, DJs and musicians from Berlin (Astrid Weiske), NYC (Sergio Segura, Jack Hanley), Buenos Aires/Boston (Lucas De BuenosAires), Québec city (Nancy Lavoie), Ottawa (Thierry Guénin, Bytown Tango) and Montréal (Pancho, Alejandro Villalobos, Paul Montpetit, Mireille Painchaud). We have confirmed participants coming all the way from San Francisco and Europe, as well as Boston, New York, Toronto, Ottawa and Québec.
The festival is organised by Viva Delorme and Miriam Ginestier who is best known for her legendary Meow Mix cabarets and le Boudoir soirées, with the support of Thierry Guénin.
The festival is organised by Viva Delorme and Miriam Ginestier who is best known for her legendary Meow Mix cabarets and le Boudoir soirées, with the support of Thierry Guénin.

Argentine tango is a complex and sensual improvisational dance. Traditionally, it reflects patriarchal views on sexuality and gender relations, where the man is the decision-maker while the woman responds.
Queer Tango embraces Argentine tango while challenging heteronormative roles, encouraging a fluid exchange of the leader and follower roles. Dancers are invited to choose or exchange roles, depending on who they are dancing with and their present mood.
The queer tango movement provides a safe and playful tango environment for the LGBT and genderqueer communities, but also supports female leaders and male followers, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Queer Tango embraces Argentine tango while challenging heteronormative roles, encouraging a fluid exchange of the leader and follower roles. Dancers are invited to choose or exchange roles, depending on who they are dancing with and their present mood.
The queer tango movement provides a safe and playful tango environment for the LGBT and genderqueer communities, but also supports female leaders and male followers, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Website (full schedule and photos): http://www.queertangomontreal.com
Facebook group: Queer Tango Montreal
Further reading (interview with Miriam Ginestier and Viva Delorme)
http://www.xtra.ca/public/National/Cheek_to_cheek_to_cheek_to_cheek-9973.aspx
For more information: queertangomontreal@gmail.com
Facebook group: Queer Tango Montreal
Further reading (interview with Miriam Ginestier and Viva Delorme)
http://www.xtra.ca/public/National/Cheek_to_cheek_to_cheek_to_cheek-9973.aspx
For more information: queertangomontreal@gmail.com