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Tuesday Night Tango — in Ventura
In Spring 2009, local dancers in Ventura began getting together informally on Tuesday evenings to play music, socialize, practice, dance + share Argentine Tango.
Since then, Tuesday Night Tango has become both a Ventura County tradition — and one of the longest running weekday Tango events on the West Coast ...
Tango Survey — Events, Covid, Community/Dancer Profile
The Tango Survey is still open ...
If you haven't already done so, please take a few moments to share your thoughts + help us all get a better picture of Tango + our Community —
Who we are ... why we dance ... what kind of "Tango World" we want to create together.
Everyone's input is valuable — Tango is "Us" — We're stronger together!
The Survey only takes 7 - 10 minutes, all responses are anonymous — here's the link ...
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Overview on "Tuesday Night Tango" in
Ventura
The Greek — in Ventura Harbor, near downtown Ventura ... 1583 Spinnaker Drive (Suite 101), Ventura, California 93001 • 5 minutes / 2.5 miles from US-101 at Seaward, Exit 68
• free public parking at Ventura Harbor Village ...Every 2nd + 4th Tuesday Evening — Next date: April 26, 2022 Tuesday Night Tango: Part Práctica, Part Milonga, All Tango — 6:00 pm - 9:00
— Three Full Hours of Social Dancing — with music in tight tandas (sets) "X" Session : Tango Exchange — 6:00 - 7:00 pm (first hour, on the smaller floor)
— An enhanced interactive learning forum for all levels of Tango Dancers $20.00 minimum — per person (+ gratuity)
— for Food, Drink and/or Carryout from The Greek "X" Session: $10.00 * — Tuesday Night Tango: $5.00 *
* Suggested Donations — Completely Voluntary, not required ...
On most nights, the práctica aspect of the evening is actively supervised by Stephen Bauer — feel free to ask for his input and feedback on any tango issue ... and thanks for making a small donation to the cigar box in appreciation.
(For more sustained individual attention and/or the possibility of private sessions,
please contact Stephen directly.)
More Covid Thoughts & Guidelines ...
— Dancing Tango in "Reopened" Times at The Greek
Although the latest surge is currently fading in our area, the wider pandemic remains a challenge – dynamic and unpredictable, influenced by changing information and conditions, the future unknown.
As both dancers and members of larger overlapping communities, it can be especially difficult to balance the demands of public health with any given individual's personal needs, situation and values.Please scroll down for more on dancing at Tuesday Night Tango in Ventura — and thank you for reviewing these thoughts before joining us ...
Updates — April / May 2022:
Vaccination
As the lastest surge has eased and restrictions have lifted, many businesses, events and opportunities have once again opened up to everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
This wider reopening includes most working restaurants, such as The Greek, our new home for Tuesday Night Tango.
As their guests, we will be obliged to follow their protocols, which in turn are set by the Ventura County Department of Public Health and their guidelines.
With that in mind, vaccinations are still the very best way to protect ourselves and others from the dangers of Covid-19. They are safe, free and effective — and we strongly recommend getting fully vaccinated and keeping up-to-date (boosted) before returning to the social dance floor.
For more information on vaccines, and to schedule an appointment to get one, visit:
California Department of Public Health - "My Turn"
Masks
Mask mandates have also changed in Ventura County and beyond, and masks are no longer required in most indoor public settings — including restaurants like The Greek.
Even though the rules have changed, masks remain a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of security — they help protect both the mask-wearer and all those around them, whether others choose to mask or not.
At Tuesday Night Tango, we will have masks available for anyone who wants one, but the most thoughtful + courteous approach may be to come with your own mask, and have it handy nearby — ready to use if you ever feel the need, and/or if your partner requests it.
For an easy-to-digest overview on some of the considerations around masks, you might take a look at this brief video from the journalists at Vox — and/or check in on these recommendations about current masking from the L.A. Department of Public Health.
And whether you choose to mask or not, it's good to know that the generous indoor dining room where we dance at The Greek has high ceilings, windows all around that open in mild weather, and plenty of ocean breezes nearby to help keep the air fresh.
Trust
Obviously, nobody goes dancing when they're actively ill, but Covid can be tricky — with delayed or obscure symptoms, or sometimes none at all.
In order to help everyone dance with confidence, if you happen to develop symptoms or test positive after attending Tuesday Night Tango, we will ask that you notify Stephen Bauer so he can alert other dancers who may have been exposed.
And so we can be sure to keep in good touch with everyone, if you are new to Tuesday Night Tango and not yet in our "Tango Loop," please sign in when you join us so we know that we have a current email address for you.
Keeping Track
With all the many variables and changing conditions, it can be challenging for non-experts to follow, evaluate, and make our best choices as Covid and the pandemic continue to evolve.
One of the easiest resources to use is the State of California's Covid19.ca.gov website, which may be worth checking on a regular basis, to help monitor the "pandemic weather" in both our area and nearby communities.
The Covid19.ca.gov website not only offers an overview on what's happening in our state, it also lets you dig deeper and sort information by county — like this link to Ventura County — just scroll down to view current data.
And, if you ever need it, Covid19.ca.gov provides additional information on other pandemic related topics — including resources, policies, programs and services.
Format
Tuesday Night Tango includes three full hours of social dancing, 6:00 to 9:00 pm — plus ...
The "X" Session (Tango Exchange) is also available for extra practice and learning — in the first hour of the night (6:00 - 7:00) on the smaller dance floor nearby ...
"X" Session - Tango Exchange
The "X" Session, a one-hour Tango Exchange, runs 6:00 - 7:00 pm on the smaller dance floor.
Inspired by similar projects developed in the Bay Area and other leading tango cities, the "X" Session provides dancers with a forum for enhanced interactive learning.
Unlike a "traditional class" where instructors commonly prepare and set an agenda in advance then present it to the group, in an "X" Session, it is the participating dancers themselves who propose and help determine the key area(s) of focus, and they are guided in their investigations and experiments by an experienced facilitator.
Less about what to learn or do on the floor, the
"X" Session takes aim more at how we as dancers engage, embody, practice and create the improvised social art form that is Tango."X" Session explorations can help dancers open up all new areas of interest; explore the transition from classroom study/examples to the social dance floor; revisit older skills and ideas in order to refine, develop and expand them; and/or delve into more detail on any aspect of the dance.
Participating dancers can drop in to the "X" Session on any night; there is no need to pre-register or pay in advance by the month. All levels are welcome; no partner necessary. Just come with an open mind, a curiosity about the dance, and a question, topic or area of interest you would like to pursue.
For more thoughts on using "X" Sessions to explore and develop your tango, see these suggestions ...
Tuesday Night Tango
The "main event" is Tuesday Night Tango — three full hours of social dancing, 6:00 - 9:00 pm.
Blending the focus of a spontaneous milonga with the ease of an informal práctica, Tuesday Nights are warm, open and friendly — a classic tango scene that is welcoming and inviting to both newer and experienced dancers alike.
On any given night, a wide variety of people might stop by and spend some time on the dance floor — including experienced local tango dancers, visiting tangueros from beyond the area, those just beginning their investigations of Argentine Tango, and many who have already mastered West Coast Swing or other forms of dance and are looking to explore new territory.
Tuesday Night regulars come from Ventura, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard and Ojai, rounded out with visiting Tango dancers in from the Valley, up from Los Angeles, and down from the Bay Area.
Altogether, this mix of perspectives + kinetic backgrounds helps foster an open-mindedness and generosity of spirit that makes it easy to delve into new situations, encounter the unexpected, confront old habits + limitations, unlock stubborn issues, and coax new skills + ideas into view. A relaxed sense of freedom is the rule, cross-pollination is common, fresh insights are the norm.
Naturally, newbies, onlookers + the tango-curious help round out the scene.
On "Floor Craft"
On many Tuesday Nights, there are times when the dance floor can become fairly crowded — filling up with dancers as they enjoy the music, their partners, and the experience of dancing in close proximity with their neighbors.
In these situations, our mutual ability to navigate + share the space together assumes a prominience that skilled dancers refer to as Floor Craft.
For more about Floor Craft, we invite you to investigate one or more of the following links:
- Floor Craft suggestions specific to Tuesday Night Tango in Ventura ...
- A graphic overview of some Floor Craft issues, ideas and strategies ...
- More background on Floor Craft and a discussion on how it affects the dance ...
Images
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A few pictures of Tuesday Night Dancers — from our old venue, Grapes & Hops in Ventura ... |
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More Tuesday Night Dancers — from 2013 - 2016, in the "Red Room" at Peirano's ...
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In March 2022, dancers in our area shared their thoughts about Tango in a Survey — what we want out of a Tuesday night, how we're thinking about "Covid Times," why we dance Tango, and who we are as a community.
If you missed it for some reason and would like to add your voice to the mix, please do so — the 2022 Survey is still open and accepting responses — here's the link ....
For an overview of 2022 Survey results and responses, click here ...
And to get better insight into both local dancers + our community over time, it can be valuable to compare this with a similar Survey from December 2012, where active dancers in our area shared their thoughts and preferences about Tuesday Night Tango at that time.
Click here for an archive copy of the earlier 2012 Survey, along with an overview of its results.
Atmosphere
The Tuesday Night atmosphere is very casual and low-key, and the dancers are friendly and welcoming — with an emphasis on social dancing, having a good time, improving their Tango, and practicing + sharing what they know.
The Tuesday Night space at The Greek features TWO rectangular wooden floors — the larger main floor offers more than 300 square feet of smooth parquet, and the adjacent smaller floor adds another 180 square feet — all for a total of nearly 500 square feet.
With its view of the harbor, Tuesday Night Tango at The Greek also harks back to Tango's fabled origins along the waterfront in Buenos Aires.The Greek even has"good air" all its own! — with high ceilings and windows on every side that open in milder weather to catch sea breezes coming in off the ocean, the fresh air and ventilation on the dance floor is superb.
Add in elegant decor, dining room seating, an extensive menu + nearby bar, and dancing at The Greek has all the features of a classic Tango venure.
The social dancing runs all night long, from 6:00 pm until closing at 9:00 — three full hours ...
And for all those actively learning, practicing and exploring their Tango, the "X" Session will be available on the smaller dance floor in the first hour, 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
In keeping with Tuesday Night Tango's long-standing preference toward openness and accessibility, there is no formal "cover charge" to enjoy the music and dancing, although donations will be glady accepted ...But thank you for keeping in mind that The Greek is a working restaurant, so Tuesday Night dancers are expected to make a minimum purchase of at least $20 to help support our hosts —
— which you can use for food, drink ... or even carry-out! — that way, a Tuesday evening's dancing in Ventura will help build our appetite for tomorrow's lunch!
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Tuesday Night Tango — at our old venue,
Grapes & Hops in downtown Ventura
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Space + Restaurant
The Greek in Ventura Harbor is the new location + venue for Tuesday Night Tango in Ventura.
The Greek has a full bar and a generous menu — featuring Mediterranean seafood, steak dishes, and a wide range of Greek specialities.
Owned and run by the multi-generational Mikelatos family, The Greek has been both a Ventura tradition and a mainstay in the harbor since 1994.
To look ahead, explore the full range of their dinner options here ...
And for more about The Greek, visit their website — or find them on Facebook — both of which include rundowns on their activities and offerings.
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The Greek -
main entrance, facing Ventura Harbor ...
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The Greek -
interior (with tables on the larger floor) ...
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Map + Driving Directions
The Greek — 1583 Spinnaker Drive (Suite 101), Ventura, CA 93001
The Greek is in Ventura Harbor, right on the waterfront — just five short minutes and 2.5 miles from the Seaward exit on the 101, near downtown Ventura.
Driving from Los Angeles + points south:
- Take the 101 Freeway (northbound) to Seaward Avenue, Exit 68.
- At the top of the ramp, turn left/south onto South Seaward ...
- Cross the freeway, then turn left on East Harbor Boulevard — continue 2.0 miles ...
- Pass the hotels, then right at the light + onto Spinnaker Drive for another 0.5 miles ...
- Turn into "Ventura Harbor Village" parking — entrances 2 + 3 are closest to The Greek — park anywhere, then head toward the boats ...
- The main entrance to The Greek faces the harbor — up a short flight of steps from the walkway along the waterfront ...
- Follow the music — we'll be in the main dining room ...
Driving from Santa Barbara + points north:
- Take the 101 Freeway (southbound) to Seaward Avenue, Exit 68.
- At the end of the ramp, turn left onto East Harbor Boulevard — continue 2.0 miles ...
- Pass the hotels, then right at the light + onto Spinnaker Drive for another 0.5 miles ...
- Turn into "Ventura Harbor Village" parking — entrances 2 + 3 are closest to The Greek — park anywhere, then head toward the boats ...
- The main entrance to The Greek faces the harbor — up a short flight of steps from the walkway along the waterfront ...
- Follow the music — we'll be in the main dining room ...
Music
spinning in August 2013On a typical night, Stephen is the DJ at Tuesday Night Tango, although now and then a guest DJ steps in to spin.
The format is tight tandas with an emphasis on selections from the "Golden Age," with the occasional foray into newer + alternative music if the crowd is interested.
However, flexibility and responsiveness win the day ... so if you have something particular you'd like to hear while you dance — whether it's a favorite song, a particular orchestra, or sounds of more recent vintage — please make a request, and if we have it in our library, we'll aim to fit it into the flow ...
Calendar
For upcoming dates, please see the calendar listings on:
Image of Stephen + Deb dancing tango on the beach from a photograph by Jenni Keller
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