2006 saw a massive shift in Siempre Tango’s image, outlook and drive. Thanks to ‘GraphixBoy’ Andrew Gibki we started the year with the launch of Siempre Tango’s new icon at The Oxford. That milonga also introduced ST’s third resident DJ to the decks, Ben Thoman, alongside Petronio & Stojani. Having lived with an outdated photo of Adrian and Alejandra since its inception, Siempre Tango embraced Mark Stojani and Tiziana Tulino as its poster couple. A popular online debate had provided possible gems for our slogan such as:

• ST: Where men can lead again (Ana)
• ST: Is currently in a holding pattern (Nicci)
• ST: May contain nuts (Ben L)
• ST: Not so fast! (Charles L)

Mark Stojani blitzed the field with a late entry: be seduced; the debate was over! The days of the Historian and the Banque ended and we took up residence at Higher Ground, The Establishment and for a short while also at Eastwood. Practicas continued to grow at North Adelaide, as did our presence afterward at the Daniel! We made a big investment in Doof (the powered speaker) and produced our first business cards.

The president took a leave of absence for three months while we hosted Tangomania over Easter. Emile and Nazan from Europe, Peter and Lisa and of course, Pedro and Sophia (all from Sydney) graced us with workshops and performances full of energy and passion. Mark and Libby were again our hosts at Coriole and we look forward to visiting them again at Tangomania in 2007.

The third birthday of ST was held in June at Chris Jarmer’s AIR restaurant with a splendid meal, a backdrop of gorgeous photos from Stephen Secomb and a birthday message from Carlo. In July for the first time, Adelaide took part in the national Para los Ninos fundraising movement with outside influences The Swing Sesh, Dansar Productions and La Bomba all generously lending a hand. The committee also faced changes. Stephen Secomb, Carlo Sansour and Di Kidd all said farewell while Andrew Gibki, Tiziana Tulino (treasurer) and Anna Legge joined the force in 2006; Colleen Young will also consult for us on marketing matters in 2007. Mark, Ben, Claire and I are now the old-timers…crikey!

Finally Adrian and Alejandra came to Adelaide! The weekend in October was a magical mix of workshops, milonga, practica & soiree (which my parents won’t forget in a hurry). That weekend also saw the launch of a huge amount of work – the current Summer Assault series at La Rotunda and La Estrella and the 2007 ST calendar. Also in 2006 the ST website finally overtook word of mouth as our best source of new students (if you’ve ever wondered how much effort goes into this site, check the news archive…and watch out for more changes on the website in the months ahead). And of course we held the final formal milonga for the year, our Christmas event with the classes performing in the Higher Ground Theatre space – a lovely atmosphere and we hope you had a great night. (There is just one milonga to go for 2006 – December 23 at La Rotunda!)

Of course it wasn’t all roses. Mid-year the email system collapsed. Complaints continued regarding music, gender imbalances, dance floor sizes etc etc. And let’s not mention the Italian Centre! A new years resolution – approach a committee member with a solution and a willingness to provide assistance and we’ll be happy to hear your thoughts…overall, the committee has again been priviliged to be part of an energetic and supportive community – the positives keep us all dancing.

2007 will continue with the drive and energy of 2006! TM07 will hit Adelaide again, this time with two international visiting couples: Mario Consiglieri & Anabella Diaz-Hoffman plus Pablo Nievas & Valeria Zunino. Summer Assault 07/08 will venture to new locations; Para los Ninos we hope will be a bigger success and ST will celebrate its fourth birthday! We hope to widen the community involvement, for example with ventures such as guest DJ Spence; additional photographers Mike Lim and Andrew Milne and more… We hope 2007 will continue to bring growth in ST’s community, both in the quantity of people attending milongas and the quality of all of our dancing. Let’s make 2007 the year of being part of a stronger, enthusiastic, welcoming and supportive Adelaide tango community at large. Let’s go!