DJ Horacio Godoy has had people around the world dancing the tango to his eclectic sets for more than two decades. Next stop? Dubai, this weekend. The Argentine tango master from Buenos Aires co-founded La Viruta dance school, hosts milongas (dance festivals) and continues to teach and spin tunes. Godoy and his dance partner, Cecilia Berra, will hit The Meydan Hotel’s dance floor for the Dubai Tango Festival from May 28.
When did you pick up the Argentine tango?
I started learning tango 24 years ago after visiting the milongas that featured old tango dancers. And I’m talking about dancers in their 60s, 70s and 80s. I always had such a good time with them. I would be there every night and try to imitate their movements, no different from that of a cat or a graceful animal. That’s probably why I like traditional tango, because they made it look so beautiful.
What about the tango appeals to you?
Most dance forms depend on one or all of these three factors: language, age and fitness. Tango doesn’t need that. You don’t need to speak the language because we talk with our bodies. And even if you are overweight you can be a great tango dancer.
Is there a particular choreography you are known for?
We often improvise and go with the flow in tango. We let the music guide us in that moment and second. More than 80 per cent of tango dancers make moves as they go along with their partners.
Is there a celebrity that you think can match your steps in a tango routine?
I’ve not thought about it. Normally at milongas, it’s not about how famous you are. You are a celebrity if you are good dancer at these festivals. When I dance, I close my eyes and forget who is in front of me. It’s all about how their body moves.
Are you seeing a growing interest in the dance form around the world?
Tango is popular even in places you’d least expect it to be. There is a big tango community in Europe and Canada, but at the same time its appeal has reached places like South Korea and China, too. The last 10 years has seen a spike in its popularity.
Do you have a favourite country to perform in?
I perform at 20 international festivals every year. It’s not about the city, but often about the people we meet and the theatres we perform at that makes the place special. I had a good experience performing in Paris.
What moves will you bring to the Dubai Tango Festival this year?
This is my second trip to Dubai. The last one was four years back and the community was a small one then. I’ll be showcasing a mix of what I’ve learnt from the old tango dancers and contemporary moves. I try to marry the traditional tango of the 1940s with 2015 styles. I’m also looking forward to meeting people from different parts of the world in Dubai.
•The Dubai Tango Festival runs from May 28 to May 30 at The Meydan Hotel. For information on sessions, tickets and timings, visit www.tangodubai.org
aahmed@thenational.ae
