NOT YOUR AVERAGE TANGO
Tango: a dance with European, Argentinian and Cuban influences, born in the impoverished backstreets of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay, raised in smoky bars and brothels, and now, in all its seductive, high-voltage glory, has come a long way from these humble beginnings, and is now burning up the stage at the Joyce Theater. Germán Cornejo’s Tango After Dark, which opened last night, Feb. 25, is not just a dance show—it’s a full-throttle, pulse-quickening spectacle of passion, precision, and pure, unfiltered heat.
Cornejo, the mastermind behind the production, doesn’t just direct—he leads the charge, sharing the spotlight with the electrifying Gisela Galeassi. Their company of world-class dancers doesn’t merely move; they glide, whip, flick, and ignite the stage with every step. Bathed in Charlie Morgan Jones‘s moody red and blue lighting, they dance modern Argentinian tango to the intoxicating strains of Astor Piazzolla, brought to life by a powerhouse five-piece band: Tomas Falasca (double bass), musical director Diego Ramas (piano), Matias Rubino (bandoneon), Gemma Scalia (violin), and Jeronimo Izarrualde (drums).
And then, there are the costumes. Courtesy of Cornejo and Alberto Mauri, the dancers shimmer, swirl, and sizzle. The women’s legs slice through the air like lightning, their skirts spinning in a kaleidoscope of color. The men? They’re not just dancing; they’re human catapults, launching their partners skyward in feats of gravity-defying brilliance. Their heavy lifting as they twirl their partners over their heads and around their bodies contains some of the most breathtaking moves ever seen on the dance stage.
Adding another layer of raw intensity is the powerhouse vocalist Antonela Cirillo, whose voice drips with longing and fire. She sings in Spanish, but trust me—you don’t need a translation to know she sings of passion and heartbreak.
From fiery male/female duets, alone or in commanding group numbers—even an all-male ensemble that practically crackles with energy—Tango After Dark doesn’t just tell a story; it pulls you into its world of love, loss, and desire. One moment, the dancers are exuberant; the next, they’re defiant or locked in a smoldering embrace. The result? An evening that’s equal parts fascinating, hypnotic, exhilarating, and downright irresistible.
photos courtesy of Joyce Theater
Germán Cornejo’s Tango After Dark
Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Avenue
two hours with one intermission
see schedule here
ends on March 9, 2025
for tickets, visit Joyce
