vol. 224 / tango

vol. 224 / TANGO

VOL. 224 / TANGO

Our Here guest editors this week are Anna Leon and Cristian Bravo. Combined, the two have more than 30 years of experience teaching and performing tango worldwide. Just over a year ago, they created Virginia Tango to bring the art (and fun) of authentic Argentine tango to the Commonwealth.

Cristian got his start at ten-years-old. Over his long tango journey, he has placed and won championships, danced in countless shows, taught tango salon, stage, and master classes all over the world and in prominent schools in Buenos Aires.

Anna grew up listening to tango music and then lived in Buenos Aires in her 20s. She has studied under many teachers, and has taught and performed in cities across North America from Los Angeles to Montreal.⁠
Students and milonga event guests are just as drawn to the pair as they are excited to learn the intricacies of the dance. Many students also say they come regularly to classes and events as a creative outlet and to meet and connect with others.

Take it away, Anna and Cristian ...

Jazz Night & Brunch at the Savory Grain

One of our favorite local experiences is weekly Jazz at the Savory Grain! Up next is Roger Carroll's Jazz Brunch Duo for Jazzy Brunch this Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Then, the Rhythmasters and The Still Point play on alternating Thursdays at 7:30 pm.

Vitals:

Jazz at the Savory Grain / Sunday, June 16, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / Savory Grain, 2043 W Broad St,

Get the Scoop

We treat every day like a date. This week, you can find us savoring the flavors of the city at Scoop for ice cream. We actually visited the small-batch ice cream shop the night we were married for a celebration treat. And we make sure to go back frequently! We typically go for the dark chocolate sorbet as well as the lavender honey.

Vitals:

Scoop / Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday & Saturday: 12:00pm - 11:00pm / 403 Strawberry Street

Photo by @michaelandlauraphotography

Antiques All Day

We love to collect antique espresso cups -- you can even see and sip from our collection during classes and events! We regularly spend our free time treasure hunting at Class & Trash in Scott's Addition, nonprofit thrift stores Diversity Thrift and Habitat Restore, Governor’s Antiques in Mechanicsville, and more.

Vitals:

Class & Trash / Diversity Thrift / Habitat Restore / Governor’s Antiques

More About Virginia Tango and Haus of Leon..

Learn to Tango This Summer!

Jump into learning tango in 2024 with Virginia Tango's intensive two-week program. No experience or partner needed — you’ll master the basics of this Argentine social dance. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, taught by Anna and Cristian. After two weeks, join Virginia Tango's "Que Onda Milonga!" social dance, featuring a guest DJ and homemade Argentine food. Sessions run June 24 to July 6 and July 22 to August 3 at Tangueros, 10049 Midlothian Turnpike. Learn more + Sign up Here!

A Designed Life

Anna is also an interior designer who blends function, style, and a sense of home. She studied interior design, architecture, wood-working, and printmaking at the University of Missouri - Columbia, and in Florence, Italy. Her worldly yet personal aesthetic aligns with clients' tastes, budgets, and personal treasures. She creates spaces for side conversations, dinner parties, warmth, laughter, creativity, and tranquility, working on projects from single rooms to entire homes, including landscaping plans. Learn more about her design company Haus of León.

Richmondclaire prendergastJune 14, 2024see, eat, shop