Sipping exquisite single malt scotches, wines and craft brews and pairing up with fine foods and two of the world’s hottest tango dancers makes for evening of entertainment.
And it’s all in support of Nanaimo’s contemporary dance community.
That’s the idea behind Crimson Coast Dance Society’s eighth annual Wee Tipple Party held Friday (March 11).
“Wee Tipple attracts an entirely different audience than our dance presentations. It’s a good chance for us to show the high quality and variety of entertainment we offer,” said Holly Bright, Crimson Coast artistic director. “We always include dance entertainment in the evening and thought something as fun and sexy as tango would heat up the atmosphere and tingle the senses almost as much as the fine foods and drinks.”
Tango first surfaced in Argentina at the turn of the 20th century. It is best known for its intimate movements and sensual stylings.
Wee Tipple’s performance features the dance duo Tangoearth with Carlos Barrionuevo and Mayte Valdes, who both began working toward a professional career in tango as youths in Argentina.
They have performed around the world appearing in films and forming part of the cast of Forever Tango in 2007.
Sumptuous food is also a big part of the evening with Vancouver Island University Institute of Culinary Arts’ students preparing local delicacies under the direction of Chef Craig Rogers. The culinary team is designing a menu to pair perfectly with the samplings by purveyors of international spirits alongside local wineries and craft breweries – including Nanaimo’s own Longwood and Fat Cat labels.
Other participants will be featured on the website www.crimsoncoastdance.org and on the Wee Tipple Facebook page.
Sipping, sampling and tasting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Bowen Park Auditorium with the performance at 7:45 p.m. Demonstrations by local tango aficionados and free lessons for the adventurous follow. The event also features a silent auction and raffles to round out the fundraising endeavour for Crimson Coast.
Tickets are available in advance at 250-716-3230 or www.crimsoncoastdance.org.