Every time we think of a tango festival we immediately picture Gala Milongas and workshops with exceptional maestros flying from all over the world! We ask ourselves if we will find the perfect connection, if our skills our good enough, what cloths to wear and shoes to polish.
That is all right and when you come to Moonlight Tango Winter Festival 2023 you will find all of that, and MORE...
This blog aims to give you a better view of what more you can expect! This is your guide to navigate all the satellite events that we have organised to make the 8-day long festival (23-30 July 2023) a unique experience not only for those determined to run their soles thin but also for those who do not dance, for those who love music, art, want to meet new friends, for those who are looking for an Argentine experience, culture and more.
The festival starts with the "Tango Bardo Concert at the University of Queensland" (Sunday 23 | Jul | 2023 from 15:00 to 17:00)
WHAT: this 2-hour long event will join live music by world-renowned Tango Bardo, dance performance by Cynthia Palacios & Sebastián Bolívar tango world champions 2022 coming directly from Buenos Aires, musicality workshop on Tango by the musicians of Tango Bardo all in the beautiful architectural cadre of the GHD Auditorium at the University of Queensland lakes.
WHERE: we have chosen this location first because it is truly a beautiful newly refurbished auditorium with incredible acoustics and a stunning view on UQ Lakes, but also because the University of Queensland is a landmark of beautiful #Brisbane and showcases the cultural angle that we want to impart this festival. This is more than just a dancing experience. Address: GHD Auditorium at the University of Queensland | St Lucia.
WHO: this event is for everyone who loves culture, music, architecture, and wants to broaden his/her understanding of tango in all its facets.
TICKETS: AUD$ 70 available on our website (no tickets at the door).
Keen to explore Argentine cuisine and start your week of dancing join us at Asado Milonga (Wednesday 26 | Jul | 2023 from 18:30 to 22:00)
WHAT: Asado dinner followed by a milonga in one of #Brisbane best restaurants for a true Argentine food experience. DJ Nadim (Melbourne) will play your favourite tunes to dance till 22:00.
WHERE: we have chosen this restaurant not only for the quality of its food but also because of the atmosphere which is clearly reminiscent of the milongas in Buenos Aires. Have a sip of wine, enjoy delicious food while you flow from one tanda to another. The venue is in the Valley central to both the location in which the workshops and other milongas will happen during the week. Easy parking. Address: 365 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley
WHO: this event is for everyone who loves food, music and wants to either dance or enjoy the show while sipping a delicious glass of Malbec!
TICKETS: AUD$ 95 available on our website (no tickets at the door).
You must like bubbles, and this is my favourite event, so you have to come to Prosecco Reception at the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) (Thursday 27 | Jul | 2023 from 20:30 to 22:30)
WHAT: 2-hour long reception with prosecco by Australian family business De Bortoli in the beautiful cadre of the Institute of Modern Art Brisbane with live music by Tango Bardo. We have created this event to be the perfect way to meet dancers, make new friends, meet your favourite maestros and musicians in a relaxed and culturally enriching environment.
WHERE: the IMA is conveniently located a few minutes walking from EC Venue where the workshops will be run and only a short drive away from the Brisbane City Hall in the centre of Brisbane. Easy parking. Address: Institute of Modern Art | 420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
WHO: this event is for everyone who loves socialising, music and wants to meet their favourite maestros and musicians while sipping a nice glass of prosecco!
TICKETS: AUD$ 30 available on our website (no tickets at the door).
After all this asado and prosecco you feel like dancing some more... I hear you that is why we have organised Milonga on the River (Saturday 29 | Jul | 2023 from 12:30 to 16:30)
WHAT: 4-hour long milonga in one of #Brisbane most iconic location on the river, the Sailing Club. DJ Arda will make you dance all afternoon in a relaxed and joyful space.
WHERE: the Sailing Club on the Brisbane River has a wonder view and a very relaxed vibe perfect for an afternoon milonga. Only a short drive away from Brisbane CBD. Easy parking on the read. Address: Sailing Club 68 Hill End Terrace, West End, QLD.
WHO: anyone who wants to top up on hours of dancing or have a relaxed spin before the Gala Milonga at the Brisbane City Hall on the same night.
TICKETS: AUD$ 35 available on our website (no tickets at the door).
Tango is truly for everyone, even for kids at "Lizzieland Tango Music 4 Kids" (Sunday 30 | Jul | 2023 from 9:00 to 9:45)
WHAT: we love the work that Liz Young does with kids, her music, and her "Joie de vivre"; during this 45 min event, Liz will take your kids into a music journey and give them the time of their lives.
WHERE: safe and comfortable location in the heart of the valley where the other workshops are also taking place. Address: Element Collective, 17 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley
WHO: this event is aimed at kids who like music and play.
TICKETS: AUD$ 15 available on our website (no tickets at the door).
As you can see, the week from 23rd to 30th will be packed with much more! We have curated a lot of the events above to be open to people who don't necessarily dance so that you can bring your partner, friend and still enjoy the complexity of Tango.