The Arts Institute & the Visual and Performing Arts Department at MC’s TP/SS Campus sponsored a Queer Tango Workshop on April 4.
The workshop was designed to foster an environment that is inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The traditional rules of tango are gendered, but in the new Tango culture, Queer Tango is no longer led by male dancers; anyone can lead or follow.
“The worldwide queer tango movement challenges heteronormative codes,” said Jose Otero, an attorney and one of the presenters.
The event included three activities: live demonstrations of queer tango; an overview of how the dance breaks gender norms; and hands-on practice of the dance. During the workshop, presenters performed different styles and types of tango.
A diverse audience of students, staff, faculty, and other guests attended and actively participated in workshop questions and answers.
Performers and guests found partners and tangoed around the room, switching roles during open practice time.
The other presenters were Mikael Schulz, a NYC fashion and beauty photographer, Karen Johnson, a dual role dancer and tango instructor with Philly Queer Tango, and Phi Lee Lam, a NYC resident and co-founder of the Queer Tango Collective.
