Tango in the Spring: 1-4 October 2010 Canberra Australia

DJ interview: Jarny Choi

Jarny started dancing tango more than a decade ago, and started DJing when he began organising tango events in Melbourne from 2002. He has always been interested in many different aspects of tango, from pedagogy to community developments.

Trying to find a combination of songs and tandas which match that particular milonga and how it progresses during the evening

“One of my first mentors who has made a lasting impression is Eric Jeurissen of El Corte in Holland, who is a renowned teacher and organiser, with an innate understanding of the crucial factors in many aspects of tango. I’ve attended some of his milongas where 300 people dance non-stop for 12 hours, and he certainly knows how to play the right sort of music to make this possible. Understanding context, for example, is something that I picked up from attending El Corte and seems especially pertinent to all of us enjoying tango outside Buenos Aires. In terms of being a DJ, this means trying to find a combination of songs and tandas which match that particular milonga and how it progresses during the evening. But at the same time, it’s not rocket science: one can’t go wrong with a foundation of well-known and respected songs, combined with appropriate changes in the dynamic.”

What first made you interested in tango DJing?

Lamenting a lack of properly DJed local milongas years ago and wanting to make a difference.

What do you like best about DJing?

Seeing dancers ‘force’ themselves back on the floor despite tiredness.

What do you consider when selecting music to play?

The dynamic of the tanda and how it fits into the current mood.

What music won’t you play at a milonga?

Poor, difficult-to-dance-to versions of famous pieces.

What’s your worst DJing experience?

Perhaps when I accidentally pressed the wrong button during a tanda at a recent milonga so that 50 people dancing had to start again to the same song.

How much do you dance when you DJ?

Not very much, as I’m too concerned about the DJing to fully enjoy my dancing.

How did you find DJing at Tango in the Spring 2008?

I DJ’ed at the opening night milonga and really enjoyed the experience. I remember feeling the weight of responsibility before I started, then feeling really very relaxed as the night went on, as I found the dancers very responsive and not difficult to please at the same time. I also remember carrying this relaxed feeling for the rest of the event and hence having a great time.

What are you looking forward to as a DJ at this year’s Tango in the Spring?

I look forward to making a small contribution to an event that is really well conceived and organised. I really love the idea of a festival focusing on pure social dancing, and am just happy to be asked to be a DJ.

What is your current favourite tango piece?

One of them is Tigre Viejo by Fresedo. The opening few bars feel like an invitation, then you walk through the doorway to find playful moments and nostalgia, materialised through its beautiful melodies and strong pulses. What more can you ask for in a tango song.