Dancers of Argentinian Tango, Samba, Latin dance brought the passion of Latin America to the guests of "Latin Night" which was held here Tuesday.

"Latin Night," an event of the month-long "Latin America in Hong Kong" festival, set the stage for the traditional dance originated in Latin America.

Besides offering a platform for performers to showcase their dancing skills, the event also showcased the fruitful results of cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Latin America.

Lee Ka Mong and his partner Edith Ho, who have practiced Argentinian Tango for nearly four years, said that learning Tango further aroused their interest in learning more about the culture and history of Argentina.

"I think through activities like 'Latin Night,' Hong Kong people will be able to know more about the culture of Latin America," said Lee.

"In general, Hong Kong people's knowledge of Tango is limited to what we called 'ball room Tango,' but may not know the real, traditional Argentinian Tango," added Lee.

Lee said that the characteristics of Argentinian Tango was its sadness sentiment. The dance was originally a way that immigrants of Argentina of around 100 years ago expressed their emotion of leaving their home town.

The "Latin America in Hong Kong" festival was co-launched by GRULAC members, which are the consulates of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela in Hong Kong.

On-going and coming events of the festival include colorful rhythm, arts and crafts exhibition, rooted music, flea market, film showing and some other cultural events.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2004)