Shoe stretching
Happened to catch this after the Dog and Mother-in-law clip. In theory this should work, and solve those nagging problems from buying ready-made shoes? Perhaps any ladies out there can let me know how it goes? 
Popularity: 7%
Post-championship performance
Over at Simba Tango, there are videos of (within the last week as a matter of fact) performances by the reigning Salon Champions hailing from Japan from the recently concluded Tango Championships. I actually prefer these few dances compared to what they were doing on the big stage. I suppose here they are simply more relaxed and also get to choose music they are most comfortable with? By the way, if one’s personality and character is revealed by the way he/she dances, I’d describe this couple as being “down to earth”.
Popularity: 8%
Interview with Gavito
Thanks to Ray Rudowski from Hong Kong and with his permission, here is part of the transcript (will update once he has translated all) of an interview (in Spanish) of Gavito by Miguel Zotto. Here Gavito shares some of his views on tango, role of women and his “struggles” during his early days of teaching. Sadly he died not long after the interview. For me the central message is:
“I say that any man who dances tango and doesn’t look at the woman as a queen, will never be a king. For me it’s all about respect for the woman.”
Popularity: 11%
Old but stylish
Tango vals is something that I have always enjoyed, since the beginning of my tango journey.
Here is a clip of “some old-timers” (well, they are Osvaldo and Coca who incidentally are the winners of Tango Salon category in the Tango championship in 2004) dancing to a Canaro vals, showing many of the typical qualities of milongueros in Buenos Aires. As a matter of fact, I can confirm that they dance with just with as much zest and playfulness as in this demonstration in a regular milonga, as seen in the wee hours of the morning at Gricel. Age may have slowed some of the milongueros down, but it certainly has not dulled their playful spirits or creativity. In fact, I can definitely pick out hints of the sacadas and deft footwork that are part of the repertoire from the likes of Julio Balmaceda or Javier Rodriguez… 
Popularity: 10%