2023
The late summer sun cast a golden glow over Tampere as the Tamperetangofestival ’23 kicked off, drawing tango enthusiasts from near and far. The air buzzed with anticipation and excitement as the three-day event promised a symphony of dance, music, and connection.
Friday Evening: A Grand Beginning
The festival opened at the charming La Fabrica, an old factory-turned-arts venue. Tango lovers streamed in, filling the space with lively chatter and laughter. As the clock struck seven, Daniel, the DJ for the night, took his place. His fingers danced over the controls, filling the room with a mesmerizing mix of traditional and modern tango tunes. The energy was electric as dancers glided across the floor, their movements a perfect blend of passion and precision.
Saturday Daytime: Workshops and Milongas
Saturday morning brought eager participants to La Fabrica for the workshops led by the visiting maestros, Letizia Messina and Demetrio Scafaria from Italy. Their elegant movements and expert guidance inspired dancers of all levels. Beginners found themselves in a parallel world at Telakka, where Carina and Arttu’s patient instruction turned tentative steps into confident strides. The beginners’ course was a hit, the atmosphere filled with encouragement and smiles.
As the sun climbed higher, the scene shifted to Telakka for the daytime milonga. Emma, the daytime DJ, curated a delightful mix of music that had everyone dancing under the daylight streaming through the tall windows. The historic charm of Telakka provided a perfect backdrop for the twirls and embraces of the dancers, who ranged from novices to seasoned aficionados.
Saturday Evening: A Night to Remember
As evening fell, the crowd migrated to Suomalainen Klubi. The elegant venue, with its rich wooden interiors and soft lighting, created an intimate ambiance. Meeri, the evening DJ, spun tracks that tugged at heartstrings and set feet ablaze. Each tanda brought new connections, and the floor was alive with the unspoken conversations of tango. The night was magical, filled with the scent of roses and the sound of shoes gliding over polished floors.
Sunday: The Grand Finale
Sunday morning arrived with a gentle breeze and the promise of another beautiful day. At Telakka, Jaana, the daytime DJ, set the perfect mood for a relaxed and joyous milonga. Dancers moved effortlessly, their smiles reflecting the weekend’s joy and camaraderie. The sunlight filtering through the windows seemed to dance along with them.
As the sun began its descent, the festival reached its crescendo with the final milonga back at Telakka. The evening air was warm, and the excitement palpable as Luis, the closing DJ, took over. His music was a passionate farewell, each note a reminder of the weekend’s shared moments. The floor was a sea of motion, the dancers reluctant to let the night end.
Farewell: Until Next Year
As the last notes played and the final dancers embraced, there was a collective sigh of contentment and a few tearful goodbyes. Tamperetangofestival ’23 had been a resounding success, a testament to the power of tango to bring people together. The memories of these three days – the workshops, the milongas, the laughter, and the new friendships – would linger long after the final shoe had been put away.
Until next year, the echoes of tango would remain in the hearts of all who danced in Tampere, a reminder of the magic that happens when music, movement, and community come together.
TAMPERE TANGO FESTIVAL 