Last Tango in Edinburgh

Join Scotland's leading Tango band and embrace the intoxicating passion of Buenos Aires' late-night dance halls with a showcase of songs and music by Orquestra Atipica de Edimburgo, with singing by Valentina Montoya and dancing by Jenny Frances and Ricardo Oria followed by a demonstration workshop. Watch the demo, try a few steps and then carry on dancing if you wish. Or just like to sit back, relax and soak up the heady atmosphere in our candlelit café.

Discover and become immersed in the spirit of tango by experiencing this interactive evening with a narrative throughout. As well as the expert displays, you will be able to hear about the history of tango and about the songs and tangos that they will play.

Orquestra Atipica de Edimburgo play regularly at milongas in Edinburgh and Glasgow and are now being invited to play throughout the UK. Two of the band members are tango dancers from Edinburgh’s Tango Society and together they have created and developed a truly authentic tango band. They are: Roberto Rabinovich – Bandoneon & Narrator (Argentinean), Petrea Cooney – Violin & Voice – Manager & Press (Irish), Marc Fallon – Piano & Guitar (Scottish), Carole Melrose – Double Bass (Scottish).

The Lamp of Lothian review commented on how the band demonstrated how the tradition of tango developed… until it evolved to become and music and dance we see today… the band's performance was enhanced by Petrea Cooney's wonderful voice bringing passion and pathos in equal measure to an appreciative audience.

Valentina Montoya Valentina writes and sings songs of exile, love and social change, inspired by tango and folk music traditions from Latin America. The daughter of a Chilean refugee and former political prisoner, she grew up outside her homeland before settling in Scotland in 1996. She regularly performs with renowned Scottish ensemble Mr McFall's Chamber. "Combining passion, sensuality and musical intelligence, Valentina is a dazzling performer with a world class voice" – The Scotsman

Jenny Frances and Ricardo Oria Jenny and Ricardo began collaborating professionally in 2002. Based in Edinburgh, they give workshops all over the UK as well as in Ireland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Germany and Argentina. In learning tango, Jenny and Ricardo emphasise the importance of gaining a sense of your partner, a sense of yourself and a sense of the music.

Text supplied by third party.