NEW NYC STYLE TANGO DANCE VENUE
COMES TO WESTCHESTER

A WEEKLY CHANCE TO DINE, LEARN & DANCE AT GIORGIO' S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Giorgio' s Italian Restaurant, 64 Merritt St., Port Chester, will be the scene of a weekly Argentine tango party opening Friday, August 21, "Esmeralda' s al Norte", named by its host and organizer, Lucille Krasne, after her successful New York City tango dances called "Esmeralda's".  ("Well, Ms Krasne explains, it is north of NYC scene!")

 A $15 charge includes the lessons, dancing and a demonstration of "classic salon style" Argentine tango during the evening.

Doors open at 6 PM with a beginner class at 6:30, and a more advanced class at 8, with a practice period between classes.  While dinner reservations are recommended everyone is welcome to come for lessons and dancing only if they wish as food and drink are optional. No partners are required for the classes.

Ms Krasne will teach the beginner class saying "This is an un-scary, fun introduction to this 'hot' dance." So have no fear!". She says that "There is opportunity to follow-up and learn from top-notch teachers to continue your studies past this first night".

Long-time tango dancer, Anna Snider, Yonkers resident and teacher at The Loft Dance and Fitness in Yonkers will guest teach the intermediate class, along with her partner Batt Johnson, actor, teacher and both serious practitioners of the art of the Argentine tango. They offer the dance demonstration as well. Each week guest teachers will be teaching the more advanced course.

Ms Krasne speaks of her "Westchester tango connection" She says, "My tango lessons began interestingly enough, 15 years ago with a nationally known Westchester teaching couple, Danel and Maria Bastone, when they were also teaching in New York City".  

Ms Krasne's  co-host and co-organizer of this event, Carol Sussman, a Mamaroneck resident, is an avid Argentine tango student and dancer. She has wanted such a venue as this near her own town and encouraged Ms Krasne to help create such a place. Ms Sussman met Ms Krasne at a tango dance in NYC and Ms Sussman says "We hit it off"! She has a wonderful reputation and is known as an innovator in the tango scene".

Ms Krasne was responsible for some NYC tango "firsts" such as the NYC Argentine tango festival and "Hit and Run Tango", which took the tango outdoors as a regular event and made it very visible. It was a "first" anywhere in the country, calling it "Hit and Run Tango" because she did it sans permits--"You dance, the police come, you run" she says.

The hosts recommend that you "dress as you would on a special Friday night". Leather-soled shoes are recommended, and for women, shoes that tie or strap on.
 
Chef and owner, Giorgio Canzoniero, is offering a special "tango menu"  for the occasion.

Mr. Canzoniero, long time local restaurateur is Argentine-born and welcomes this "homage" to his native land and promises a late evening surprise taste treat.  

Dinner is served until 10 PM. For dinner reservations call 914-937-4906.