The instructors that make up Tango Papuso each discovered tango argentino as a revelation that became a passion, and now they are sharing it in a 6 week beginning workshop conducted in El Zócalo every Wednesday night (6pm) until Nov. 20, using their own method that
incorporates the traditional aspects of tango as well as techniques employed across other dances.
Read on to learn more about these intrepid instructors and how they have learned and lived their passion:
STEFANUS GUNAWAN
Stefanus Gunawan fell in love with the tango argentino while studying Spanish in Buenos Aires. Under the watchful eyes of
Maestros Fabián Irusquibelar and Noelia Parra, he took his first caminos with no inkling they would alter his path in
life. He continued to study tango in Hawai’i with the embrace of Tanya Somday, the guiding hands of Bruce and Yoko Wee, and the insight of George Garcia. Other tango masters include Murat and Michelle Erdemsel, Jorge Nel Giraldo, Oscar and Georgina Mandagaran, Rene Torres and Junko Mori (Buenos Aires Salón de Tango, 2nd place, 2010), Paolo Vitalluci and Marina Colombo, Paula Tejeda and Lucas Carrizo (Buenos Aires Tango Metropolitano Champions, 2010).
His approach to Tango is quite unique that includes the fluid dance of surfing
and the ocean’s power, the lithe movements of ballet and modern dance, the
earth-like movements of Capoeira and the bisonoric sound of the Bandoneón.
KATIE QUICK
Katie Quick discovered Argentine tango in 2010 by accidentally wandering into a
práctica at Portland State University. She was hooked instantly, becoming part of and eventually running the
PSU Tango Club. She has been the organizer for several milongas through the
club, including the Portland Tango Fest.
Katie has studied intensively under Michael McCarrel and Robert Hauk, as well
as dancing frequently amongst the Portland tango community. She approaches tango
from the perspective of both a “lead” and a “follow”, using each to enhance the
other.
Check out Tango Papuso’s Facebook page and become their fan (and ours!) for more information.