The press release reads like a rehash of Mitch Albom’s supposedly inspirational but corny books — ‘Human beings in current times have come to the realisation that hard work has to be balanced with a passion that stirs the soul. Otherwise, we are just existing in this lifetime’. I digress but you get the point.

Otherwise, this inaugural Kuala Lumpur Tango Festival seems like a natural and perhaps even much-welcomed progression from KL’s Latin dance scene that largely centres on studio classes and a few under-the-radar Salsa nights at some bars. But with the festival calling participants from Korea, Australia, France, Turkey and the UK, the Argentine Tango will be propelled into the public limelight as more people can pick up this sexy dance form.

Even if you think you’ve got two left feet, tango is still mesmerising to watch. Its regal moves, with a good measure of chemistry and sexual tension thrown in, make the dance look like a courtship.

The workshops are customised according to the level of experience, ranging from beginners to intermediate and advanced dancers. Besides tango, there will also be a class on Chacarera, which is an Argentine folk dance comparable to ‘joget moden’. Sounds like fun if the class steers away from ‘Mambo No. 5’ remixes. Anyhow, the festival is limited to 100 participants.

In addition, three renowned tango couples — Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo, Ana Padron and Diego Blanco, Paola Jean Jean and Nicolas Cobo — will put out a full-length performance entitled ‘The Four Seasons’ at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM on May 18 and 19. A Gala Dinner & Dance will be held at the Royal Selangor Golf Club on May 17.

Venues:
The Annexe Gallery Studio Theatre,
Central Market Annexe,
Jalan Hang Kasturi,
Kuala Lumpur.   
 
Little Havana
No. 2 & 4, Lorong Sahabat,
Off Changkat Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur.
 
Frangipani
25, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur.   
 
Royal Selangor Golf Club
Jalan Kelab Golf,
Off Jalan Tun Razak,
55000 Kuala Lumpur.
   
SGM Theatre,
Menara Wisma Kebudayaan SGM,
243, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.