Tango In Osaka

By By Sam Zipursky

Al Costado, baila, freno – this isn't Spanish class, it's just some of the lingo used while doin' yo thang on the dance floor. It's the language of Tango. This increasingly popular Latin dance has come all the way from the streets of Buenos Aires to a recently opened café and studio in Osaka, Japan.

Proprietor and sexy-dance extraordinaire Maximilliano, and his partner Yukako, are the tango team in town. They've taken this dance from New York to Singapore and beyond, and now all that hip-writhing is storming Osaka. Japanzine caught up with Max, who embraced us gently and whispered sweet nothings about the tango scene into our ear.

Maximilliano, can you introduce yourself and explain how you ended up in the O-town?

Long story, but the short of it is, since I was a kid in Argentina I have always been into Japan - the people, the culture. As I grew I got into learning things like sumie painting, calligraphy, and martial arts. In the back of my mind I always thought of myself as a samurai! (Laughing). Then, when I was living in New York City, I ran into my old roommate, great friend, and dance partner Yukako. She’s from Osaka, and that’s how we ended up out here together.
   
For all the folks out there who aren't hip on it, what exactly is tango?

Well, traditionally speaking, Tango is a form of dance born in the streets and even brothels of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was pretty much developed by immigrants mixing together elements of European and African rhythms and beats and throwing in some sort of touching and embracing. What came out of that is what is known as the sexy art of Tango.

Is there a tango scene out here in Japan, and if so, where is it happening and what is your involvement?

Tango in Japan, like many places around the world, is developing. In Tokyo it’s pretty big just because of the size of the city. We’re really starting to build it up in Osaka because the people out here are known to be friendly and lively so I think they’re open to trying new things! So what we’re doing out here is introducing this culture to people curious about Tango, having a good time with them, and letting everybody enjoy a night out on the town in a new way. In my case I’m doing lectures, classes, holding events, and anything else related to Tango.

What's your vision for this dance form and where do you want to take it?

Of course Tango is related to Argentina and its street culture. But in general it’s all about expressing human emotions and interacting with new people. I don’t feel that age, race, gender matter here. Everybody has emotions and everybody can move and dance. I want people to be able to express themselves in ways they might not have experienced or thought of before.

You recently opened up a new bar/restaurant called Cafétin de Buenos Aires. What's the idea behind it and what can customers expect?

When we developed Cafetin de Buenos Aires, the main idea was to expose all aspects of Argentine culture and, of course, Tango. We wanted to bring food, drink, entertainment and all that out to Japan. So at the shop you can expect a laid back atmosphere where you can learn, eat, mingle, and just experience life.

What if you have the proverbial two left feet? Can anybody learn to dance the tango?

Tango is just a natural form of expression. Anyone can learn. It’s based on your regular movement and all your really need is to just understand yourself. Once you understand yourself and how you move, Tango will flow freely.

Crazy village elders have said, "Tango takes a short time to learn, but a lifetime to master." Is this true?

Very true. This quote is positive, I love it! In a short time you can learn if you are a good learner and if you have a good teacher. Of course like any art form it takes a long time to master it, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t enjoying yourself along the way. Most people are already having a blast the first time they try it!

Ok Maximilliano, we gotta ask you this: what's the key to seducing your date on the dance floor? Any do's or don'ts? Please enlighten us, sensei.

(Lauging) Well, with Tango you can definitely seduce your partner, and of course there are do’s and don’ts. Don’t try correcting your dance partner too much when on the floor, it just makes them uncomfortable and you won’t be seducing them that way. What you want to do is accept your dance partner’s movements and just go with the flow and enjoy it. If you can let your partner relax and have a good time you will feel a natural electricity.

Lastly, if readers want to experience the Tango vibe and take part in the scene, how can they get in touch with you?

We have all sorts of events, as well as a full bar, restaurant, café set up at our new shop Cafetin de Buenos Aires in Umeda.

www.cafetindebuenosaires.com
Tel: (06)6365-5708

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