As the days become shorter and temperatures grow cooler, many of us begin looking for ways to evade the winter chill. I can’t think of a better way to escape the dreary weather than to head south of the border for fun in the sun while dancing tango in a tropical paradise.
As tango’s popularity continues to spread, there are even more festivals and events to choose from all around the world. Most often, such festivals are held in hotel conference centers in cities everywhere. However one unique thing about The Tango Maya Festival is its picturesque location set amongst the pristine Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico. From November 6-10 The Crown Paradise Club Cancun resort will be home to an array of International guests. Not only do participants of the Tango festival receive a special discounted rate at the all inclusive hotel, but they will also have an array of luxurious amenities and activities at their disposal during their stay. From tennis, basketball and volleyball courts to aerobics classes, mini-golf and a game room; And for water lovers there is snorkeling, water polo, a water park and a number of other water sports activities only minutes away. No need for parents to sit this one out as there is a Kids Paradise Program filled with entertainment and activities for children under 12 (babies too)! As if this weren’t enough, there is even more included with the festival pass!
There is a full festival pass for beginners that includes 4 tango classes, 2 guided practices, 4 milongas, 2 lindy classes, 2 free salsa classes and the shows. The full festival pass for intermediate/advanced dancers includes all the same in addition to 20 tango lectures to choose from. The schedule is stacked with a line up of some of the tango world’s top professionals teaching everything from the beginning basics to specific technique, up to advanced sequences. Throughout the long weekend from sunup until sundown, a variety of master classes will be taught by renowned instructors Daniela & Hernán, Luciano & Alejandra, Rod & Jenny, Vanja Modzelewski, and Clay & Beth, as well as ATOMIC’s very own Shesha & Nikki Marvin!
In between classes there are scheduled breaks, one such titled ‘dancing, chilling and having fun at the beach’. This break proceeds the last class of the evening which is then followed by a milonga with some of the scenes top DJ’s, and performances from the instructors each night. There are even live concerts and dancing on the beach each day with Martín de León, Hector Bocha Mazza, and Martin Murano from Argentina; Argentina); as well as Yolanda Sanchez, and Ángel Pérez from Mexico.
After enjoying 4 nights and 5 days of dancing, learning and growing from world class instruction, surrounded by sand and surf in the tropical sunshine, participants may experience a hint of relief for their burning tango fever. There’s also an option to add on a special trip to Tulum archaeological site on Monday, November 10th, for those who wish to immerse themselves in the historical surroundings. From fun in the sun to improving ones dancing skills, there is so much to be seen and done at the Tango Maya festival. Whether you’re a long time tango dancer or just someone who’s looking for a special getaway, this is one event you won’t want to miss. For more information on this magical week amidst the Mayan ruins visit http://www.tangomayafest.com.
