Agh! So tired today. The big theater opening was a bit stressful, but it turned out quite well. If you live in the Tulsa area, you must see this production. Sometimes “new works” can be a disappointment- the type of thing where you just grit your teeth and applaud art for arts sake. About Tango is not one of those productions.

The first piece, Tango Is…, was choreographed by Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlot. It has everything you could want in a purist work about tango: seduction, passion, humor, then more passion. Our dancers looked amazing executing the whipping leg work and deep plies- while wearing dangerously high heels. They made it look effortless and seductive.

Ma Cong’s Blood Rush holds a special place in my heart. I have had the pleasure of working with Ma on several grant applications for his choreography, and this year, he received a Choo San Goh fellowship for choreography for this piece. I think it might be his best yet. Set en pointe, his piece was more of an interpretation of what tango is about: masculine men, seductive women. But mixed in with Ma’s unique and entertaining choreography were some true gems- a sensual, seamless pas de deaux for Karina Gonzales and Alfonso Martin that highlighted Karina’s amazing extension and delicate expression, and another moving pas de deaux featuring the retired Daniela Buson partnered by Wang Yi. I heard one woman in the audience say “She’s still got it!” as soon as Daniela extended her leg for the first time. And she really does still have it. Past forty and a mother of two, Daniela is still an exquisite and breathtaking ballerina.

The final piece, This is Your Life, was something unique to behold. Korean choreographer Young Soon Hue is an amazing interpreter of culture, and what lies beneath the surface. As I watched, the word that kept coming to mind was “clever.” Some highlights included a hilariously mismatched pas de deaux for Marit van der Wolde and Mugen Kazama and Ricardo Graziano’s entire interpretation of his character. Most notable, though, was the men’s dance, which was half in drag but still very masculine, and another pas de deaux for Karina and Alfonso that filled me with a deep and quiet longing. Alberto Montesso and Ma Cong were standouts in this piece, as was Soo Youn Cho. That girl is freaking hilarious.

Don’t miss this production. These are pieces that are going to be snatched up by other dance companies, guaranteed. And you can see them first.