Tango Pantera fuels the night with passionate dance and fun at Middletown Arts Center

Dancing the night away, to the beat of various era and style themes, has become quite a habit for many rhythmic enthusiasts at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC).

Most recently, Tango Pantera, an organization that brings the Argentinian tango to Monmouth County, held a holiday-themed milonga (social dance event) on Saturday evening at the Arts Center, 36 Church Street (next to the train station) as a prelude to Valentine's Day — and for just plain fun and entertainment. It is one of many themed dance socials hosted at the Arts Center on a regular basis.

The head of Tango Pantera, Lee Sager, was hard at work finishing up preparations for the event: double-checking a playlist on the laptop, wiring to the Arts Center’s impressive sound system, setting out the refreshment table’s chocolate-dipped strawberries, brownies, brie and crackers, and adjusting the mood lighting for the room.

The primary function of the group is to expose a diverse cross-section of people to the world of the Argentinean tango, which Sager admits seems daunting from the outside looking in. “It is really the most difficult partner dance, and it can be intimidating, but there’s no specific demographic happening here," he said. "We’re drawing people from all ages.”

The dance get-togethers happen on the second Saturday of each month, but the group holds starter lessons at the Arts Center each Wednesday, inviting new dancers to come give the tango a try.

Saturday’s event seemed to draw a very specific audience however, with dancers dressed in their sharpest red and black attire and ready to set their steps to the music and mood.

Joe and Maryanne Boyne attended the group’s milonga at Asbury Park and returned for more. While they themselves did not get on the dance floor, they were nonetheless appreciative of the atmosphere. “It was just beautiful, so when we found out they were having another, we decided to come,” said Maryanne.

The Boynes arrived by train and were impressed not only by the Arts Center itself, but its convenience. “We were told it was right by the (train) station and thought it would be close, but not right across the tracks!” Joe added.

Sager also likes the location. “We get a lot of visiting professionals, and folks will come in from New York and Philadelphia, and we’re right here,” he said.

The music for the evening, aside from the playlist, was performed by Jofre Romarion’s Tanguedia Trio featuring Romarion on the accordion, Amanda Lo on violin and Yael Manor on the piano.

For those who are intrigued by the Tango and want to give the event a gander, and maybe a try as well, Sager promises a casual, fun atmosphere with whatever Tango Pantera offers up. “This is a really cool community," he said. "Nobody cares what level they’re at, and everyone bands together and just enjoys the moment. It’s really just a cool aura about milongas.”

For more information about Tango Pantera, visit www.tangopantera.net

Download the movie