Review: TANGUEROS DEL SUR PRESENTS ROMPER EL PISO - A PURE TANGO TREAT at The Younes And Soraya Nazarian Center For The Performing Arts (The Soraya)

Natalia Hills, Artistic Director/Choreographer and Creator of Tangueros del Sur's "Romper el Piso," or "Break the Floor," is from a long line of generations of tango dancers. She was an original member of the phenomenal Broadway Show "Forever Tango," which garnered many accolades in the mid-nineties. She founded this company in 2009. They have performed all over the world, most lately this year in Greece, performing in 18 of the most ancient theaters in Greece. Her mission through this performance is to show the evolvement of Argentine tango from the Afro-Argentine beginning to the many influences of different musical cultures and artists that shaped the dance elements that you see today, but still to pay homage to the roots of the dance and to keep the origins sacred and preserve the essence of tradition.

Principal Dancer Alejandro Aquino is a master of his craft, and a most stunning and demanding presence whenever he steps foot on stage. His foot and leg work is extraordinary, polished to the hilt from many years of dancing professionally; his presence has an air of superior quality and perfection to every move. He is prominently featured throughout the program.

There were four main pieces performed, without an intermission, with the musicians playing for the dancers, and intricate melodies in between the dances. The music, by itself was fantastic on it's own... There were so many beautiful melodies, mixed with dynamic, strong phrases that the musicians just poured their hearts into. The musicians were superb, and each highlighted during their sections with solos on their instruments as well as thoughtful lighting that always kept the focus where it should be. The bandoneonist, or accordion player, Ivan Talanin, was particularly outstanding, playing, using his entire body and strength, and was a show unto himself with the aggressive, passionate attack he uses. It put the finishing touch on the tango flavor that is so catching and encompassing to hear and watch.

The entire cast of dancers were clean, crisp and most definitely, very passionate to watch. The complicated accents in the music and accentuated moves during the dance make tango such a moving and energizing style to watch. The seductive way they begin the dance, slow movements until they are in hold, and then the countless quick-quick, slow steps, flick-kicks, rond de jambes ensue, entertwining their legs as they move through changing formations, sideways, forward and backwards, in couples and solos, syncopated rhythms being created that carry so much emotion and control at the same time. You cannot be anything but captured up and totally involved in watching them dance.

The costuming, by Gloria Claudia Hill was wonderful and complimented each section and piece. Particularly classy and elegant were the ladies gowns. The lighting design was perfect and didn't miss a cue. The exciting music was directed and arranged by Patricio Villarejo, who was also the cellist and the musicians were all exceptional and such a vital part of this performance.

The marvelous dancers included Carlos Barrionuevo, Mayte Valdes, Rojer Zalazar, Ana Thomas, Gerardo Moyano, Gloria Zhang, the aforementioned Alejandro Aquino, and Natalia Hills.

This performance just flew by, and it was certain the audience remained engrossed, captivated and entertained from beginning to end. Bravo!

Photo courtesy of Davidson & Choy Publicity

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