History of Argentine Tango in Lexington, Kentucky
About LexTango:
In 1995 Ron and Judith Gariepy attended a performance
of Forever Tango in San Francisco. They returned
to Lexington, Kentucky, with "The Passion" for Argentine Tango.
They shared their excitement with their dancing friends, and to
their surprise that year an Argentine Tango teacher appeared in
Lexington. Thus, the beginning of Argentine Tango in Lexington.
LexTango originated in 1996 with a group of
seven aspiring tango dancers in Lexington, Kentucky. The
only source of instruction was a monthly visit by Michael Wizer
from Cincinnati. The Seven practiced every Wednesday evening in
the basement of Barker Hall on the University of Kentucky campus
in order to be ready for Michael's next visit. They also
traveled to Cincinnati for lessons with Michael and visiting teachers
from time to time. After about three years The Group of
Seven*, then Eight**, moved the practice sessions to ArtsPlace,
which continue to this day as the "Wednesday Night Practica".
Around 1999 Judith and Ron were asked to teach
a beginner's class in AT at ArtsPlace under the aegis of
the LVDS.
They have taught four six-week sessions each year since. The number
of graduates of the beginners class soon called forth an intermediate
level class as well. With more tango dancers in the Lexington
area the Wednesday Night Practica grew. Now we not only
have a Weekly Practica, but monthly, or more, Milongas at a variety
of venues. We sponsor occasional workshops to hone our skills
and many of us travel widely to attend workshops and Milongas
in other wonderful places.
*Group of Seven: Ron & Judith, Dwight & Lynda, Wayne
& Lucie, and Mary Susan.
**Group of Eight: Ron & Judith, Dwight & Lynda,
Wayne & Lucie, Mike & Kathy.
