German Cornejo's Tango Fire is on its 7th visit to London's Peacock Theatre, testamant to the attraction of this Argentine Tango Company, probably the best of its kind in the world, which must, after all, be selling tickets each time it returns. One does wonder: why would I want to return to see a show that I've seen perhaps four or five times? Would I be saying anything different to the last review?
I was not alone: the Rassian woman next to me told me she had come every single year; bringing her family and recommending all of her friends each time to join her. So whats the attraction?
It is not that German adds anything obviously new to the series of dance acts, I even suspect that most of the costumes are the same, infact. Most of the dancers are the same, and many of the sequences, bar a few details here and there. Infact where as the first Tango shows that came to London, had a story, girl meets boy in Buenos Aires brothel etc etc, there isn't even a narrative that carries the show through.
But what is extraordinary is that none of this matters or is necessary. For me personally, one big answer to the above questions came as the first note of the piano was played. For, it is the music that comes to you first. And what music it is! The first notes of 'El Dia que me Quieras', played exquisitely, are enough to capture you. Then the movement begins...and there you are transfixed. And for the next hour and a half, there is simply no better place to be.
Tango Fire is in fact a feast for the senses, you see, you listen you feel. There is no need for a narrative, because each of the Tangos provide their own narrative. The dances are connected intensely with each piece of music and everything that you see comes from the music. For someone, who is not interested in dance, seeing a world class quartet execute the compositions of the great astor Piazzolla is enough of a feast.
For dance lovers, the sensation is heightened. The dancers look so comfortable in their bodies, in their craft, in their skill, that you too can relax and just be in the thrall of their expertise and beauty. Their movement goes from exhilerating to fragile in a second, each note running through their bodies, transforming them with every emotion.
Sometimes you even feel that there is real drama being played out between the dancers, that they are competing with each other. When they dance together they often goad each other on with a shout of 'vamos' or 'esa' either in praise of another dancer or to instruct the next move in the group choreography. When they dance separately, there is a sense that they want to wow and dazzle the crowd that bit more than the couple that went before.
There are the stars of the show, the masters, German and Gisele, but precocious couples are snapping at their heals, making even quicker and more fluid steps, with spectacular throws and drama. And there is acting too, who can get a thrill from the crowd, who can coax the 'ooohs' and even giggles. All the nuances and mysteries of relationships are on display, between the audience and dancers, and between the dancers themslves.
And then, reflecting the complex music of Piazzolla, which forms a large part of the repetoire, the dancers take you on a journey beyond the genre of Tango. The choreograohy to his stunning 'Oblivion' is almost classical and contemporary in nature, the soft movements and fabrics, swirl and writhe in a mesmerizing sequence that I became totally lost in. German Cornejo's love of PIazzolla clearly drives the dancers into new forms of expression.
And this is why, after six years, you want to see Tango Fire again; to see the passion in these dancers for their art. It is all too clear that they are invigorated, eager to push the boundaries, whilst always consious of the aesthetic class, and proud to be part of this prestigious institution that Cornejo has created through his ambition for and love of his art. His standards and demand for excellence is evident. The energy and quality that this creates is why Tango Fire returns to The Peacock as fresh as ever.
Tango Fire is on at The Peacock until Feb 19 Tickets here
