Snow is forecast this Wednesday in Hanmer Springs - Winter Tango Festival starts Friday

 

Welcome to the 7th Winter Tango in Hanmer

Winter Tango is just one week away, and I couldn't be more thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you in this charming little village, nestled amongst the freshly snow-clad mountains! The winter wonderland awaits, and we're all set to make this festival an unforgettable experience.

Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall 1961

As we gear up for the festivities a few things to consider!

• The snow has arrived so pack your woollies. The magic of tango will keep you warm in the hall, but prepare for the chilly beauty of our surroundings as you step outside.
• A special thank you to everyone who expressed their interest in having dinner at Fire and Ice on the Fri night. They will be offering a lunchtime menu for those who prefer a "smaller portion" meal or the option to choose à la carte. So, you can fuel up with delicious food and be ready to dance the night away!  Due to varying arrival times, Fire and Ice has kindly reserved a few tables for our festival attendees. While you might need to wait briefly for a seat, fret not – you can join other tangueros for a heartwarming mulled wine at the bar.
• Calling all theme enthusiasts! Each event at Winter Tango brings a unique theme to add to the excitement. Get ready to shine as we ‘Go Disco’ on Friday night, splash ‘vibrant colours’ on Saturday afternoon, embrace elegance in ‘Black and White’ on Saturday night, and sport a casual yet stylish look with ‘Denim and Diamonds’ on Sunday. Let your creativity soar, and let's make each night a celebration of tango and joy!

Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall

I want you all to have the time of your lives at Winter Tango, so travel safe and arrive with hearts full of excitement. Whether I see you on the dance floor or at Fire and Ice, let's dance, laugh, and make memories together.

If you haven't booked your spot yet, there's still time! Don't miss out on this wonderful event – secure your place now and be part of this magical tango celebration.  Couples and leaders, we need you on the dance floor! It's going to be an incredible experience filled with dance, music, and the joy of tango. So, don't wait any longer – secure your spot and join us for an unforgettable time at Winter Tango.  Let's create some more magical moments together!

See you very soon!

Yours in tango

Anne-Maree

www.tangolibre.com

Event Date: 4-6 August 2023

In the heart of the pristine alpine village of Hanmer Springs, New Zealand, tango enthusiasts from all corners of the world are eagerly preparing to embark on a truly enchanting experience – the 7th Winter Tango Festival. Under the majestic backdrop of the snow-clad Southern Alps, this event promises three days of pure delight, as tangueros come together for the pleasure of social dancing like never before.

At the forefront of this remarkable festival stands the indomitable Anne-Maree Therkleson, the visionary Director and Tango Dance Teacher of Nelson/Tasman ‘Tango Libre’. With her tireless efforts and passion for tango, Anne-Maree orchestrates this annual gathering, leaving no stone unturned to ensure its grand success. 

A whole year's planning and meticulous coordination are woven behind the scenes, and it is the dedication of the Nelson/Tasman Tango community volunteers and others from across New Zealand that breathe life into this splendid event.

The Winter Tango Festival in Hanmer Springs has firmly established itself on the global Tango calendar, alluring tangueros to the enchanting winter wonderland of Hanmer Springs year after year. This cherished tradition draws enthusiasts from far and wide, as they come together to revel in the exquisite art of tango amidst a truly magical setting.

Over the course of three days, the festival will host four milongas (social dancing events), including a unique Breakfast Milonga – that promises a delicious morning filled with croissants, fruit, meat, cheese, coffee, tea and tango. For each Milonga, expert Tango DJs have meticulously compiled music, ensuring that every event possesses its own distinct flavour, setting the stage for an unforgettable dancing experience.

The venue for all the milongas is none other than the iconic Hanmer War Memorial Hall, splendidly decorated to reflect the majestic snow-capped ranges, where the magic of tango will come alive. The festivities commence with the Welcome Milonga, a relaxed and joyous affair to greet newcomers and set the tone for an incredible weekend. The Afternoon Tea Milonga offers a delightful interlude to indulge in cups of tea and cake, while the iconic Black and White Milonga promises an evening of elegance and wintery delights.

Anne-Maree's vision extends beyond the dance floor. She fosters a sense of community, where people from all walks of life come together to share their love for music and dance. Her efforts go beyond Winter Tango, as she organises four festivals throughout the year in different parts of New Zealand, facilitating connections and weaving a tapestry of joy through tango.

For tango virgins, the concept of dancing in tandas (sets of three or four tangos) to different pieces of music may seem intriguing. It creates an opportunity to dance with the same partner for a while before inviting someone new to join in the rhythm for the next tanda. This unique social aspect of tango embodies the spirit of Winter Tango, bringing people closer together in a dance of joy and camaraderie.

For those yearning to be a part of this magical event, reservations can be made on Anne-Maree's website, www.tangolibre.com, where details about Winter Tango and her other exciting festivals and classes can be found.

So mark your calendars and let Anne-Maree Therkleson's Winter Tango in Hanmer sweep you off your feet, as you embark on a journey of tango and camaraderie in a winter wonderland like no other. Let the music guide your steps and the warmth of the tango community envelop your soul as you dance the nights away under the glistening stars of Hanmer Springs.

Hanmer Springs, a charming town nestled in the mountains of New Zealand's South Island, boasts a captivating blend of Maori and European history. For thousands of years, Maori travellers visited the thermal springs on their journeys to the West Coast in search of pounamu. The European history of Hanmer Springs traces back to the 1800s when the village was named after the early settler, Thomas Hanmer. Since the late 19th century, the town's thermal pools have been a magnet for travellers from around the world. Today, Hanmer Springs presents an array of activities catering to both relaxed and adventurous travellers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

For those seeking relaxation between milongas, the thermal pools and spa provide a soothing escape for this tired feet, while the surrounding landscape offers opportunities for leisurely walks, golfing, and shopping.

For the more adventurous, skiing at Hanmer Springs Ski Area and Mt. Lyford presents thrilling experiences. Bungee jumping and jet boating add excitement to the journey.

In conclusion, once a year, the Winter Tango festival in Hanmer War Memorial Hall brings together tango enthusiasts from around the world. This captivating event offers four milongas (social events), creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all participants. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps, the festival adds an artistic and cultural dimension to Hanmer Springs, making it even more appealing to visitors during this special time of the year.

Hanmer Springs is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal getaway for travellers looking to relax, explore, and embrace the magic of tango.

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