In September 2007 we wrote about the Cambalache Club in Launceston, Tasmania. It was the first of a series of stories about the Tango Clubs around Australia,

   
Cambalache Tango Club (CTC) in Launceston, Tasmania is a thriving, dynamic Club - their by line is  a ‘'celebration of the senses", see the picture on the left of the Pirate Party held in January 2007.

The club began in 2005 under the direction of Rinaldo Coniglio and was originally started to reduce the gap between Tango in the North West and the South of Tasmania.

"Tango appeals to a particular type of audience," replied Rodrigo Arriagada when TangoAustralia asked him about how the club was received by Tasmanian Tangueros. "Following Rinaldo's departure and the creation of the CTC Committee, Tango in Launceston has grown steadily reaching at present, unprecedented numbers like never before.

"At the beginning Tango was tinted by an over sexed image that is now part of the past. It was necessary to create a safe and welcoming environment and move away from the sexual notion, to a more sensual notion... more related to the senses than with sex itself."

Tango booms in Tasmania

Cambalache Tango Club currently has around 120 members on their list, plus over 980 people on their mailing list - "from all around the globe" Considering the group began with five members just two years ago, the growth indicates that the awareness and enjoyment of tango is growing as much in the Apple Isle as it is on the Australian mainland.

"Everyone is welcome to join the CTC," said Rodrigo, "All they need to do is complete a membership form (free) and come along to support the arts in Tasmania.

How the Club operates

"We have the CTC management committee which includes a president, vice president, secretary, two public officers and one treasurer. Also there are two ex officio members and five tango teachers (two men and three women).

"All decision involving tango related activities are discussed amongst the committee with external input from all members. We are a non for profit not incorporated association and we base our rules according with the legal standards rules of any incorporated association. All revenue goes back into the CTC's bank account. No money goes into private hands.

" The Cambalache Tango Club (CTC) is the only entity in Launceston. There are three other Tango Clubs in Tasmania (including South and NorthWest Tasmania)."

Tango with a purpose 

"Our role and mission are best described in our website," said Rodrigo about Cambalache which is clearly a passion," but in a nutshell we are developing a vibrant dancing community in Launceston (our mission) and expanding on cultural diversity and tolerance." And the future of tango?

"Tango appeals to basic emotions and hence the growth all around the globe. We envisage Tango as a united yet passionate community where everyone feels welcome regardless of their background or their history. Tango in Launceston is a true reflection of this melting pot of cultures."

 The picture at left was taken at the Albert Hall Milonga in August 2007.

To visit the Cambalache Tango Club go to: http://www.iinet.net.au/~monrod
Address: PO Box 1028 Launceston TAS 7250; Fax (03) 6334 8646; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Tel: 0420 517 849. This article is copyright TangoAustralia 2007. It may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher