Federico Luppi, 83

Federico Luppi, 83, Actor Known for del Toro Films, Dies
by Daniel E. Slotnik, The New York Times, October 20, 2017

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Hector Babenco, 70

Hector Babenco, Director of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman,’ Dies at 70
by Katie Rogers, The New York Times, July 14, 2016

Upcoming US premieres for Carlos Saura's "Argentina"

Fans of Spanish director Carlos Saura's series of flamenco-related films should also enjoy Argentina (2015), a soulful love note to the music and dance of that nation. Shot in Buenos Aires, the sensuous documentary bears family resemblance to Saura's Flamenco Flamenco (2010) in its minimalistic yet dramatic setting, chiarascuro lighting and sunset coloration, intriguingly voyeuristic camera work, close-ups of expressive, lived-in faces and diverse array of excellent performers.

The 85-minute film samples everything from indigenous folk music to extraordinary ballads with an existential or political edge. There are songs about friendship and generosity, songs about the pain we humans cause our earth. "The only thing more important than God," one lyric tells us, "is that no one should spit blood so that another can live better."

The dancing follows a similar mixture--regional social dances, carnival dancing, contemporary choreography. It's all Argentina.

I was moved by so much in this film but especially the photo montage honoring the late, great singer Mercedes Sosa--a progressive artist known as "the voice of the voiceless"--who Saura positions as inspiration to a classroom of youngsters charmingly attentive to her "Todo cambia" ("Everything Changes"). Everything, she tells us, will change--except for the love she holds for her land and its people.

Eighty-five minutes can only give us a taste but, in that short time, Saura does his best to help us understand what Sosa loved with all her heart.

See the trailer here, and the US premiere screenings at New York's Lincoln Plaza Cinema (June 17) and LA's Laemmle Royal (July 1), presented by First Run Features.

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Exploring the African diaspora of Argentina

Argentina Rediscovers Its African Roots
by Michael T. Luongo, The New York Times, September 12, 2014

Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa remembered in film

A Skylark Who Sang Truth to Power in Argentina
‘Mercedes Sosa,’ About a Voice for the Oppressed
by Stephen Holden, The New York Times, January 24, 2014

Juan Gelman, 83

Juan Gelman, Leftist Argentine Poet, Dies at 83
by Bruce Weber, The New York Times, January 20, 2014

Lenzu to unveil "Unveiling Motion and Emotion"

Dance artist and author Anabella Lenzu (photo (c) Todd Carroll)

Argentine-born choreographer Anabella Lenzu proudly presents her new book, Unveiling Motion and Emotion, at a special celebration at the Consulate General of Argentina.

Thursday, March 7 (6pm)

Exploring the importance of dance, community, choreography and dance pedagogy, Argentinean choreographer Anabella Lenzu celebrates 23 years of teaching dance in a book of her writings in Spanish and English. Having opened her own dance school at 18, Lenzu recounts her experiences teaching in South America, Europe, and the US, as well as publishing an arts magazine and creating repertory for her dance company. Lenzu's eloquent prose reveals reflections of a life devoted to dance performance and education. Photography by Todd Carroll fully documents the performances and provides a glimpse into the creative process. This book is an inspiration to dancers and teachers alike, and the first of its kind as a bilingual text on dance pedagogy. Set for international release in March 2013. 

The program will feature a reading, dance performance and photography by Todd Carroll. Refreshments will be served.

Admission is free, but seating is limited.
RSVP required: Click here.

Consulate General of Argentina
12 West 56 Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), Manhattan
(map/directions)

Anabella Lenzu DanceDrama Web site

Tango lessons at Lafayette Grill

Dardo Galletto and Karina Romero will offer a tango lesson, followed by practice/milonga, every Wednesday and Saturday at Lafayette Grill.

Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, followed by a Milonga, 9:30 to 1 AM
Saturday from 12pm-5pm

Lafayette Grill, 54 Franklin Street (between Broadway & Lafayette Street), Manhattan

$15 (Wednesday); $20 (Saturday)

Whether it's your pleasure to observe, dance, and/or dine, you're invited to join two of New York's premier teachers of Argentine Tango, Dardo Galletto and Karina Romero, for an evening of tango. The couple taught for several years at the Sandra Cameron Dance School and are also directors of New Generation Dance, which will appear at Symphony Space November 7 & 8 with superb tango dancers Guillermina Quiroga and Natalia Hills as guests.

The Argentinean husband and wife moved to New York several years ago and have established themselves as major figures here in tango. Their recent productions have featured other tango greats, including Carlos Copello and his son Maxi, as well as guests from American Ballet Theater.

Dardo and Karina seem to have the town covered - their classes are held downtown at Lafayette Grill, on the West Side at the Ailey School (Sundays only), and the first Saturday of every month at the 92nd Street Y on the East Side.

Farewell to the Baryshnikov of Argentina

Throngs cheer Julio Bocca's last dance
by Bill Cormier, Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Argentine ballet great Julio Bocca danced into retirement Saturday before tens of thousands of cheering fans, ending a brilliant quarter-century run on the world's most famous stages.

Scherr on that Buenos Aires sizzle

'Tango Fire' sizzles at the Joyce Theater
by Apollinaire Scherr, Newsday.com, December 18, 2007