Sometimes live becomes strange. For example if you intend to visit a tango festival. In general it is no problem to register and to visit at least the evening milongas. But, it might become complicated. An example……

Planing a visit to a magnificent town in Poland, were the old kings a burried, the idea was to visit a tango festival taking place at the same time. So we can visit two classes and the milongas at night, because regular milongas have been cancelled therefor. Quickly the application form was identified and, left us puzzled. We would have to apply – ok – but registration of couples does not mean that both will be admitted, and quoting a partner for practicas does not mean to visit them with this partner  – ??? – and there will be 3 (!) levels of applications. So we filled in forms that investigating as if we would apply for a chair position in MI 5 with several references and opening facebook accounts for the organziers to check up the crowd. And we had to quote the workshops we liked. In fact there have been no more than two for our level and, we are advanced – not more.

After weeks the answer to our first request droped in: no, you are not on the list. In a view days next application round will start. After a discussions also with friends and days of hesitation we applied a second time. Everything to fill in again. And – surprise surprise – after days a next email: no, your out, festival is booked completely but, we might book workshops, no chance to visit the milongas.

Not necessary to say, we answered that this procedure ist stupid, and no, we are not going to workshops only.

One may speculate about the organizers motivation, wether to bring in buddies first and sell classes then and look for some stupids to pay only for this. Parallel is another fistival in Serbia, high class and well booked. Anyhow – some organizers seem to overestimate the importance of their festivals and are far away from professional set up. Visiting a festival always means that you might queue or wait – no problem but, pre selection in a public event (not a private party at home) is not acceptable.

We certainly will no apply again for Festivals like this. Fortunately we are not alone. A couple we are friends with was also rejected: she is from Montevideo, he is from Moscow, both long year practising and high skilled tango teachers…… no more comments.