ARGENTINE tango and the arts will meet next Saturday (28 March) for a night which will once again bring Latin passion to Alloa.

The one-of-a-kind Tango Art Project, pioneered by Alloa artist Karen Strang and Stirling Argentine tango master Ariel Sanchez, will be hosting their second milonga (social dance evening) at Peppe’s Bar from 6pm.

Their first event in January was a complete sell-out as the evening successfully introduced tango-lovers and beginners to the artists who were busy sketching moves and poses of the expressive dance.

According to Karen and Ariel, the idea of the project is beyond just organising one-off nights, they hope to introduce and promote the cultural and social dance to this part of Scotland.

The project aims to bring people; dancers, artists and the local populace; together promoting art forms based on improvisation.

Ariel told the Advertiser: “I’m interested in the cultural impact of tango and it has the capacity to integrate into different cultures. It is based on body language and is a very handy way to socialise.

“I think the idea is to have an artistic meeting. Tango is the background, but it is about meeting people and communication.” Karen added: “It’s something that’s elegant, beautiful, but also has an edge to it and it is cultural.” The dress code for the evening is ‘expressive bohemian’ and like at the last event, Ariel will be giving a tango lesson to newcomers.

There will be an exhibition of sketches and paintings from the previous night, which people can visit for free prior to the event.

Other forms of art at the event will include music and the spoken word with local artists like May Queen, Suzanne Williams, Catherine King, Claire Burton, Lesley McDermott, David Fagan and others.

It has been also confirmed that local Douglas Cutt will read his very own ‘story with a twist’.

Musicians who would want to be involved in the project should contact Karen Strang on 07504471534 or via email kstrang@spotted.net.

Ariel is hosting a similar, but not quite as unique, tango practice afternoon and milonga in Stirling on Sunday (29 March) at the Mediterranea from 2pm-7pm.