“Where else can you find a place where you can learn and be so close to a large professional stage?” asks Sandra Antognazzi, a dance instructor, choreographer, and international performer of the tango dance form. Classes for adults at the Park Performing Arts Center, based on 32nd Street in Union City, start Oct. 3 and Oct. 12.
The center, which also teaches children, is trying to revamp their adult program. “We’re a non-profit organization. Our teachers are paid well; after all, they have to make a living,” said John Lewis, executive director at the PAC, who then added that the classes are taught for only a small fee, especially when compared to other dance centers of similar caliber.
Built in 1931, the building’s main stage can stand as a testament of the architecture of its time. The grand theatre houses 1,400 seats. “We’re hoping to one day make renovations to the building,” said Lewis, “but that would take approximately $3 million.”
“Being involved with the arts also means being involved with going farther.” – Sandra Antognazzi.
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Tango, music, and jazz ensemble are taught by a husband and wife duo from Argentina who have been with the center for nearly five years. Both have a long list of personal accomplishments, including being reviewed by the New York Times, directing their own dance company, and even becoming part of a Latin Grammy-winning jazz album.
Sounds of jazz
“The best part about teaching is transmitting our passion as creative people,” said Oscar Feldman, who is a saxophonist, composer, and instructor at the center. He will be launching his new CD this year. “Our final goal is to help people fall in love with art.”
Feldman has been perfecting his craft for over 20 years. In 1994, he graduated with a degree in Professional Music from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, after having won their Achievement Scholarship Award. He has collaborated with musical greats such as Paquito D’Rivera and Bebo Valdez.
Feldman said that because he himself has been a student of music, he understands what students are looking for and how to guide them to find the talent within them. “Many people play their instruments at home but may not know how to interact with that of others,” said Feldman, “but in this case, I’m there as their guide during the jam session.”
The jazz ensemble classes taught by Feldman are 10 two-hour sessions. “We put together a repertoire so we can present it at the end of the semester,” said Feldman.
For more information on Feldman and his jazz career, visit his website at: www.oscarfeldman.com.ar
Setting foot in a Milonga
A Milonga is a place where the Argentinean dance of tango is performed. What a nightclub is to modern dance is what a Milonga is to tango, but stepping foot into one can be a bit tricky without at least having some basic understanding of the dance moves.
“In tango you’re able to keep that incredible intimacy in the torso of the dancers, while the legs and the feet are doing this incredible footwork,” said Sandra Antognazzi, tango instructor at the PAC. She is a dancer with over 20 years of experience. “To me it’s the ultimate expression of leading and following,” she said. “You need a very relaxed and creative leader and a sensitive follower.”
Antognazzi said that in the past, her students have surprised her with their improvement, which has helped her push forward in developing her own craft. “Being involved with the arts also means being involved with going farther,” said Antognazzi. “My students always tell me that it looks so beautiful from the outside, but once you’re doing it, the experience is so much deeper.”
Only shoes that are easy to pivot are necessary. Though couples are welcome, those without partners can pair up with other singles in class.
For more information, Antognazzi’s website can be reached at: www.antognazzi.com.
The PPAC in Union City can be reached via phone: (201) 865-6980 or through their website at www.parkpac.org
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com