Miguel Angel Zotto: Buenos Aires Tango
Miguel Angel Zotto’s new show Buenos Aires Tango held its UK premiere at London’s Peacock Theatre on January 29. This series of sketches depicting the development of tango in Buenos Aires marks the 20th anniversary of Zotto’s direction of Tango Por Dos. Carole Edrich met the maestro
CE: What are your most memorable moments of the last 20 years?
MAZ: There are so many things! In 1996 my show Perfume de Tango was named Best New York Dance Spectacular. Then, in 1998 when we had nearly finished setting up stage in the theatre next to the Parthenon at 4am, I looked at my watch and it hit me that my tango had reached the cradle of culture. I’ve also received commendations. In 2006 I received one in London and another from the Italian government. This was the most important prize awarded for dance and they also said they’d elect me as an honorary citizen of Rome.
CE: Is there one thing you would like to do again?
MAZ: There is one thing I haven’t done but would like to do... a full-length film of the history of the company and what went on inside and outside of the theatre. Tours, what happens backstage, lost loves – everything.
MAZ: I have to create a school to promote the method and style of Tango Por Dos in Buenos Aires as well as other different cities worldwide. I now have some interesting ideas along those lines.
CE: You have performed all over the world and danced socially too. Do you have any favourite milongas?
MAZ: I can’t describe just a few. I have been in so many great locations, and today – although the font of tango is in Buenos Aires – there are so many other places.
CE: What is your favourite part of the show?
MAZ: The end of the show, my most recent choreography. Everyone dances with one foot on the stage and one foot in front.
The well-loved Zotto fortés are all present in Buenos Aires Tango, including sensual grouped poses, oversized bandoneóns, scantily-clad women and excellent technique with a stunning variety of jumps, secadas and embellishments. The entire cast dip feet over the stage edge and the music pulls your heart strings, drawing you into another slightly long but stunning spectacular.
Until February 23, Peacock Theatre. Visit www.sadlerswells.com or call 0844 412 4322 for tickets.
Photographs of Miguel Angel Zotto and Daiana Guspero by Carole Edrich.
