Tango in the Spring: 5-8 October 2012 Canberra Australia

DJ interview: Pat Petronio

“Ever since our first trip to Buenos Aires in 1999, I have been increasingly influenced by the great DJs there: Carlos Rey, Danny Borelli, Mario Orlando, and other lesser known names who create a fantastic atmosphere in traditional suburban milongas, such as La Baldosa and Sin Rumbo. They generously share their knowledge, if you show an interest. With each annual visit, I like to pick up more ideas and inspiration. In Adelaide, my partner Bob Youngson and I like to share some of the porteño tango culture though our teaching and milongas.”

…inspired by DJs who create a fantastic atmosphere in traditional suburban milongas, such as La Baldosa and Sin Rumbo

What first made you interested in Tango DJing?

Necessity. In our very early days of tango about a decade ago, Bob and I felt that there was little point in taking lessons, without opportunities to dance socially (a bit like going to football training and rarely playing a game!). So we started organising regular milongas, and with that came the DJing, of course.

What do you like best about DJing?

Seeing people transported emotionally and physically by the music I’ve selected.

What do you consider when selecting music to play?

This is a huge topic, but for me, there are three general considerations. I only choose music I like a lot and would want to dance to. It almost goes without saying that it’s mainly from the Golden Age. Next, the dancers at the milonga are a big consideration, especially if I know them: their tango experience, their preferences, their responses during the event. And finally there’s the energy of the milonga at any given point – something you feel, but is hard to quantify.

What music won’t you play at a milonga?

I won’t play music I wouldn’t like to dance to. By the way, if someone requests a piece I don’t like or find unsuitable, then I reserve the right to decline, or perhaps think about it for a future milonga.

How much do you dance when you DJ?

Not as much as I would like, because I’m preoccupied with DJing. So mostly, I settle for the vicarious pleasure of watching the dancers, and simply listening to the music.

What is your current favourite tango piece?

I have many current favourites. One of them is Que falta me haces – Miguel Caló with Alberto Podestá.