2010 First Vancouver International Argentine Tango Week
About Us
Arts and Dance Live produces the Tango Live Vancouver International Tango Festival, which is held in Vancouver BC, Canada, anually. This year Tango live takes place from April 22-26 in Vancouver BC, at Alpen Club, SPK, Acadamie Duello and 505 Hamilton Street. The agenda includes live performances from masters of tango from Argentina and North America, classes in Argentine tango, and tango dances (milongas) nightly. Tango Live embraces all styles of Argentine Tango as danced in the milongas of Beunos Aires (more on styles at the festival). We are Argentine tango dancers and enthusiasts. Our vision is one of community contribution, with a goal of developing Argentine tango in Vancouver BC and on the world scene. We also support Tango therapy and promote tango as a means for rehabilitiation. Tango Live's co-organizers are Randy Foo and Tatiana Balashov.
Randy Foo moved from Calgary, Alberta, where he was born and raised, to Portland Oregon in 2000 for a career opportunity
and he discovered Argentine tango in the vibrant Portland community in 2003. An avid dancer ever since, he trained with several notable Portland area teachers
including Alex Krebs, Maia Wells, Megan Pingree, Patricia Thompson, and visiting masters such as Alicia Pons and Luciana Valle to name only a few.
Randy was influential in the Vancouver WA tango community, training dancers and DJing a weekly guided practica for a year and a half. In 2009, Randy moved to Vancouver BC, where he teaches drop in lessons and series classes. He has a very community minded approach, having been heavily influenced by the
Portland communities and by previous non profit experience as a founder, CEO and president. Outside of tango, he works as an IT consultant primarily in
the high tech industry and has worked at HP, Nortel, and Kindercare. Most of his spare time is spent at tango, but for other activities Randy likes to play music (jazz on guitar) tinker with graphic design, program, fly radio controlled aircraft, ski, and do photography.
"Tango is like life - to be is to be related, and we each have a unique opportunity to touch the life of another and co-create something of beauty. Working with a partner teaches us that there is more to the world than just ourselves. It is a joy to share our passions with others, and there can be no greater gift than tango for inspiring and connecting people. My sincere belief is that what benefits one, benefits us all, so giving the means to experience this wonderful dance and the special connection with others that come along with it is my goal."
Tatiana Balashova is originally from Moscow (Russia) now living in Vancouver (Canada). She has a background in languages (teaching english as a second language) and in professional photography. She is also a part-time fashion accessories designer and crafts person.Tatiana recently received a diploma in art therapy. She is an Argentine Tango dancer with 8+ years of dancing experience (more than 6 of them devoted to Argentine Tango and about 2 to contemporary dance). She teaches tango and DJ's, combining traditional, neotango and non-tango music (her favourite ratio of traditional music is 80-20%). Creating a relaxed, creative and cosy atmosphere is what makes her happy.
“Being open-minded, generous, creative and true to myself, that is what’s very important to me especially in dancing and socializing. Tango is not only a great dance and an exciting journey on its own but a chance to share and learn something new about yourself and other people, a chance to create some special enjoyable NOW where you and your tango partner can find this true connection to enjoy the dance and music.” “I am thrilled to organize with Randy the Tango Live festival and look forward to welcome in Vancouver tango friends and dancers from around the world! I hope we will create a great event and the beauty of spring weather will make it even more enjoyable!"
