University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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r - , vx % oob Pinter and Louise Tamer deliver enchanting performances of the rumba , bolero and cha-cha. This duo was one of 15 who romanced the crowd with their exotic movements at the Power Center. flamenco dancer Gloria Fontan swings her hips and charms the audience with her class, charisma and a little leg. The audience joined in her perfor- mance by using their hands like castanets, clapping along with the melody. Buenos Aires Argentina 75

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ft EO! i atCIftlf tS PB Hffl I he enchantment of the tango originated in the Bohemian district of Buenos Aires. In the hot climate and the low-lit cafe mystique, it slowly found its way north. On Oct. 16, it graced the polar regions of Michigan thanks to the University Office of Major Events, where it ignited the Power Center with its passion and magic. Incred- ible dancers and talented artists interpreted cultural Argentinian folk dances in the most exuberant way. The Motor City Milongueros initially converted the stage into a tango bar, with warm light, conversation, much dramatic style and, most of all, dancing! The troupe brought a comfort- able, close atmosphere to a large auditorium, instigating au- dience enthusiasm and participation. The show opened with Silbano in the na- tive tongue of the tango, as Cachi (Jorge Bufalo) sang his way into Argentinian Folklore. This was followed by a showcase of different styles and flavors. Vari- ous dancers and singers performed with Argen- tinian flair. Bufalo, Chelo Marchetti and Boca Rosa delivered stirring renditions of Cancion De Buenos Aires , Tango y Milonga and Feeling the Love I feel respec- tively. Other members of the en- semble participated in vivid dances, until the entire band met on the dance floor, which was created by a ring of tables around the stage. This brought a sort of open improvisation with all the couples. After a certain tranquility and informality set in, the dancers took their seats to become spectators in their own production, where they watched pairs like Ray Hogan and Amy Calio, and Tania Deliz and Edwin Salazar, dance in a variety of rhythms, including cha-cha, salsa, and of course the always exotic tango. A brief interlude of contemporary music was offered byj Boca Rosa just before the intermission. The second act broughtt more complex and interesting forms of dance. Gloria Fontan kicked off the second act with her flamenco dancing, ant was followed by Suzy Sulton and Veli Veliov in their inter pretations of the samba and cha-cha. The brilliant colors of Fonta ' s dress and her mysterious charm boosted the spiri of the evening. The passion of the pair created even more emotion. The audience became engaged in the performance with percussion accompani ment by using their hands to enhance the beat. Ballroom dancing pairs such as Sulton and Veliov and Bob Pintei and Louise Tamer continued the evening with sultry dances like the samba cha-cha, rumba and bolero. While some of these same couples performec in the first act, the performers concluded this portion of the show in some thing entirely unexpected. The entire cast assembled on the stage, perform ing the spectacular traditional dance of the Argentine plains - the pampa The audience was left in awe by the dancers ' art of flashing knives and whirling bolas, concluding a show of incredible rhythm and energy The two masters of ceremony even took a moment during the performance 1 Greg Kessler to taunt the crowd. The audience, however, had the final word with thei: applause that brought the night to a close. By Andrew Hun The Details: Oct. 16,8-11 p.m., Power Center for Performing Arts Tickets: General Admission- $15; Students with ID-$10 Audience attendance: 700 Total number of entertainers (singers, dancers, and musicians): 37 Singers present: 3 Performance Acts: 2 (with one brief intermission) Individual performances: 37 Ballroom Dancers: 5 Flamenco Dancers: 1 Total number of instruments used: 3 (bandoneon, piano and bass) 74 Special Events

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art, lead singer of . ; ' kw, song from the group ' s release togs ' lew opened for the Counting Crows on Oct. 23 ito- Students at the University not only exposed themselves to the finest in historical and political information, but also experienced some of the finest talent right on campus. With help from the University Office of Major Events, nation- ally-renowned performers like the Counting Crows, Ani DiFranco and Paula Cole traveled to the Ann Arbor scene bringing culture and character. As an escape from the stress of academia, many students took advantage of the enter- tainment right on campus, and attended some of the finest performances of the year. - Kristin Long 76 Special Events