Janet Lott, Guest Artist

Pascal Eveillard (Janet)

Bonjour Mes Amies!  Je suis un architect avec Gustave Eiffel.
I was born outside Limoges in a small village to parents who were poor and worked very hard maintaining a small charcuterie. They were not well educated but were very intelligent and read everything they could:  literature, history, philosophy, art history and whatever science and spiritual books were available.

When I was 12, in 1890, they took me to Paris to see the Great Exhibition.  When I saw the Tour Eiffel (so magnifique!), I set my heart on becoming an architect.  Now, 20 years later, after much study and hard work, I am in the employ of Gustave Eiffel, creator of the great tower bearing his name. 

I am not yet married and began attending Tango salons because I heard there were women of easy virtue.  So far that has proven true, and I am always on the lookout for more variety.

À bientot,
 Pascal

Student Cast Members

Jill Aggersbury

La Mogador (Jill)

My childhood was difficult, I was temporarily abandoned by my mother and by the time she came to get me, it was too late.  By then I had changed my name to Celeste and was registered in that ’vile book’ as a prostitute.  I longed to be an actress but my fame came as a dancer and equestrian. 

One day, I heard there was a new dance in town. I went to a very fashionable establishment to see what it was all about and this stunningly handsome young man invited me to dance the tango. He was the Count de Chabrillan.   He asked if he could accompany me home, and that was the beginning of our tempestuous relationship. He was from one of France’s oldest families -- rich, educated and part of high societé.  His parents were horrified that he would love someone of my station. 

Soon after we married, disaster struck.  His gambling debts caught up with him and he was financially ruined; his family disowned him. 

The Count sailed for Australia leaving me behind, devastated and having to fend for myself.  I studied all day and wrote all night, and by the end of the year I bought back all Lionel’s possessions.  He returned from Australia, and we were blissfully happy, but alas – only five years later he died.

Once again, I had to live by my wits.  I turned to the theatre as manager and playwright.  Occasionally I would take a young man under my wings – I would initiate him into the life of Paris.  

That is how I met Noël.  He is from Shanghai, tall, exotic, and a beautiful dancer.  Tonight at the milonga I am going to present him to Parisian society.  This is the biggest tango event of the year and I will introduce him to M. Dali and Mme Valadon. I doubt if I will introduce him to Maurice La Beau.

Sammie Ellis

Rene Philippe Gaston Dubois

I am proud to say I can trace my lineage back to the royal Valois Dynasty of early France, when King Charles d’Angouleme provided several half-siblings to the royal family. Among these was my Great-Great-Great (etc) Grandmama Jeanne d’Angouleme.  
 By the time I arrived in 1852, our family business was established as THE Place to go in Paris for fine jewelry, art, and fashion. 
I graduated from the Sorbonne with a degree in business, and now I work in the family business as Chief Financial Officer and Buyer, often traveling to our two diamond mines in South Africa, to Chile for Copper and Lapis Lazuli, and to Argentina to sell our wares.
When in Buenos Aires, I have always made it a point to visit with my family’s long time friend, Fernando Cruz Cordero. It was on one of these visits ‘Nando introduced me to the music and subculture of Argentine Tango.  Oh, I cannot tell you how intoxicating and captivating is this art form! I simply inhale the romance and mystery of the dance and listen in ecstasy to the sound of the bandoneón.  
I find it perplexing that in Buenos Aires tango is considered nothing but a part of society’s underbelly, while in Paris it has become très chic.  I have become friends with several of the playboy sons of upper class Argentinean families, and when they visit me in France I take them to soirees where Argentine Tango is all the rage.
In fact, tonight one of my young friends, the poet Ricardo Guiraldes, is accompanying me to a private soiree. These evenings are always so exhilarating…heaven only knows who one might meet!  At one recent Parisian salon, he read aloud an ode-like poem he had written called “Tango.” Then, offering a cabeceo to a stunning femme fatale, he gave a performance that mesmerized the crowd.  He has now informed me that he will be going on a tour of Europe with this performance. Vive le Tango!

Sylvia Goodman

Salvador Dali (Sylvia)

I was born in a small agricultural town in the foothills of the Pyrenees not far from France.  We were a prosperous family and I was the second son.  My older brother died when a baby and my mother doted on me.  But at age 16, I lost her too.  My parents were amused by my quirky behavior and artistic ability, and they built my first studio in the coastal village of Cadaques where we spent our summers.

I attended the San Fernando Academy of Fine Art in Madrid but was kicked out for scandalous behavior.  Look, people are way too conventional.  All art is spirit in form and to know my art is to know me.  I had my first show at age 21 and a year later I had a one man show in Paris.  There I met my wife Gala, the love of my life. She was married at the time, but she became my lover, my muse, and my inspiration.  We lived together in Port Light, making love and making art.  

You have to understand, I am a clown at heart, loving the center of attention. I create from my subconscious, from my dreams.  Even before I was born I had this talent.  In 1910, Paris was under water.  I had sent some of my paintings to my friend, Pablo Picasso, and I went to Paris to see what had happened to them. In spite of this horrible disaster, Paris was alive with art, music, and the tango!  I am here at the fabulous Paris Milonga, adoring these beautiful women (and the men aren't bad either!).  

If you like my mustache, I am writing a book about it -- look for it!

Lorna Hagg

Herminie Cadolle (Lorna)

Inventor of the modern bra and founder of the Cadolle lingerie house, Herminie was a close friend of the French Insurrectionist Louise Michel.  It was this connection that led her to leave Paris for the safety of Buenos Aires where, in 1887, Herminie opened a shop selling made-to-measure ladies underwear. This is her story:

During this time I met a handsome Argentinian polo player Roberto, who introduced me to tango. He was as skilled on the dance floor as he was on the polo field, and he swept me off my feet.  We had a passionate affair and he accompanied me to Paris. We arrived just as tango mania  was taking hold, and we were invited to many parties and milongas.   Sadly, our relationship did not endure the rigors of business life and Robert returned to Buenos Aires without me.

In 1889 I opened my lingerie workshop on 24 Chaussee d’Antin, where I invented a two-piece undergarment called le bien-etre (the wellbeing). The lower part was a corset for the waist, the upper supporting the reasts by means of shoulder straps. I exhibited at the Great Exposition where it caused tremendous excitement among les facconables.  By 1905 the upper half was being sold separately as a soutien-gorge (breast support).

My fame led me to become a fitter of bras to queens, princesses, dancers and actresses. Mata Hari was among my renowned customers.  They loved my luxurious lingerie, fashioned from Noël’s silks. And  always, I had tango music playing in the boutique.

Deborah Loft

Mauricio LeBeau (Deborah)

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Maurice LeBeau.  I come from Poitiers, a small provincial city in Western France.  My father was a civil servant.  It must be said that I was a good-looking youth; the name, LeBeau, rather went to my head, and as soon as I could, I left for Paris.

There, I found employment at a firm which sold sophisticated decorating fabrics.  My work brought me into contact with the haut monde; one day, Marcel Proust came in to enjoy our Venetian velvets!  I have never forgotten this, and I never let my friends forget it, either.  I also had a flourishing career as a professional escort for ladies of fashion. However, now that I have reached A Certain Age, and a younger generation has taken over my former role, I have found Argentine Tango.

 In the world of high society, I had to appear to be “someone,” when I was not.  In the tango world, I really am someone!  My skill at dancing, combined with my appeal for the ladies, make me a desirable partner, and I make the most of it.  In fact, in the tango world, I have been known to introduce myself as “Mauricio,” hinting at a past in Buenos Aires... Delighted to meet you—enchanté.

Lyudmila Morry

Vera de Bosset (Lyudmila)

A dancer and musician, I was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, but took a French name since I was fascinated with all things French. My mother was a ballerina at the Imperial Ballet (Mariinsky) Theatre and my father was an opera singer. I spent most of my time as a child in the theatre, exploring the stage and behind-the-stage life. I loved it.

I grew up, married, but was still a child inside -- playful, flirty, unpredictable, living in my fantasy world and playing roles. (I am still not sure if my husband really knows who I am!). I like teasing people, especially the men. That’s why I love Argentine Tango, the extravagant, sweeping, passionate and seductive dance.  The men are in your hands, even though they think it's vice-versa!

We went to Argentina last summer where I learned to dance tango. (O-la-la! Juan was a wonderful teacher!) Back in Paris now with my husband, Sergei Sudeikin, who is a stage designer for the Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes to work on a magnificent production of The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky (later he will become my second husband!).

Yesterday I met Coco Chanel and Salvador Dali. They stopped by for the sets and costumes discussion for The Firebird. The fabulous colors of bright orange, yellows and gold popped up from their sketches. A new era in colors is coming. I will use this palette for my harem pants!

Then we went to the Silk Shoppe to look for the exotic fabrics. We were met by a handsome young man from Shanghai, Noël. I noticed a poster on the wall with the smiling Carlos Gardel, announcing a Champagne Tango Party. “Gardel est ici?”  “Oui, madam,” said Noël with a charming smile, “and I am attending the party tonight.”

Michele Richards

Jean Jacques LeBleu

As a member of the French Military Intelligence unit, my personal story must remain somewhat anonymous due to the “sensitive” nature of my work.  However, I can share some of my story:

I am the oldest of four children born in a small village in the southern part of France called St.  Paul-de-Vence.  I left home at a young age to pursue my dream of serving my country by enrolling into an elite military school called École Polytechnique.  After graduating at the top of my class I was accepted into the École Supérieure de Guerre, or War College. 

As tensions continue with Germany I have been engaged in the most interesting of assignments.  Recently questions of espionage have arisen concerning a popular entertainer named Mata Hari.  She became an immediate success after her exotic dance debut at the Musée Guiment.  Her rise to fame has provided her access to many high-ranking military officers, politicians and others in positions of influence. I have been tasked with an undercover assignment to extract information from Mata Hari concerning any potential connections to the Germans. To do this I am taking part in private dance events where a new dance called “Tango” is all the rage. Sources tell me Mata Hari is a favorite at these dances. 

I look forward to dancing with all of you although I will be working undercover. 
Vive La France!

Dottye J. Rinefort

La Petite Flambé (Dottye)

I was born in Saumur, France to an itinerant peddler and local laundrywoman. After Mamma's death, Pappa placed me with the sisters at the convent orphanage in Aubazine. Armed with excellent sewing skills and a strict catholic education, I left Aubazine at 18 for Paris to focus on my growing interest in the sewing arts.

By day I studied at the Martine, a school for the decorative arts founded by Paul Poiret. 
As I was a gifted student, he took special interest in my artistic talents by day and added to my nocturnal education giving me a name that would remain: "Paulette La Rousse."

Paul opened Maison Poiret at 5 Rue Auber and I accepted his offer of head designer. Our goal was to simplify women's garments.  For our designs, the corset became obsolete giving women more freedom of movement and comfort. The designs, motifs and color palettes were inspired by Eastern culture. The harem pant was an exotic addition to the Poiret Collection.

As Paul moved toward the artistic, unstructured garment, I decided to leave Maison
 Poiret and open my own boutique catering to a special clientele devoted to the current
 addiction taking Paris by storm – Argentine Tango. By day I designed, by night I danced the tango with my current companion, Eduardo.

Despite my exposure to many men in aristocratic circles, I will always be prohibited from
marrying one of them due to my peasant lineage. So, I will continue to search for my
 "los ninos bien" (Argentine playboy) as I pursue my career and my love of tango.  Until
 then, I  remain Paulette La Rousse.

Tanya Rokhlin

Miriam (Tanya)

I was born in St Petersburg and was fortunate to be born into money.  My father is one of the largest manufacturers of soap and perfumery in Russia, one of those brilliant Jewish men who was able to overcome the obstacles of official anti-Semitism and escape The Pale by being the best in everything he did. We lived a lavish lifestyle, and as his favorite I was sent to London for my education, as my father believed that women have brains too.

Oh, he was right and wrong.  I was a gifted student, but I had a passionate heart as well.
I went to Sorbonne after London and met Juan Sapaterro at a party where Parisians were dancing the current rage – Argentine Tango. The rest, as they say, is history. I fell madly in love with him and tango.  I gave myself to him, disgraced my family, and my father cut me off.  That was the price I paid for my choice of passion in life and in dance.  Now I am a kept woman, following Juan as a dance partner through the milongas, helping him to entice other female victims to fall under his charms.

Tonight we are invited to one of those 'in vogue' tango parties. I am all dolled up and ready to be where my lover is. You will recognize me as Miriam 'the solemn'.

Dorota Rozycka

Sorina (Dorota)

Because of my striking blonde hair, I was named Sorina: Rumanian for “sun.” I am the beloved daughter of Xavier Petulengro, a British Romani known as “King of the Gypsies.”  He is a well-educated businessman, a horse trader, writer, and violinist.

My mother is a more mysterious matter. She died when I was a small child, but in her pictures she was not blonde like me.  Later I heard my father say that I was not his natural daughter, that he found me as a baby, abandoned at the stable.

I grew up in harmony with nature, surrounded by people who loved me.  My childhood was an endless adventure, full of love and delight. Every day we danced and sang, and I got the joy of dancing under my skin. But in the end, to avoid being married against my will, I decided to escape to America.  On my way, I stopped in Paris.  Here, I heard about a new dance that was taking the town by storm:  ArgentineTango.  Since I was fond of dancing—and short of money --  I chose to stay on in Paris and became a regular at the milongas. 

With my innocent appearance masking my urge to survive, I was soon able to pocket enough money to move on.  I’m not sure where I will go next, but I know it will be a place where I can dance the Tango!

Noelle Wang

Noël Marchand (Noelle)

In 19th Century France, silk production cannot meet the demand for luxury silk goods, craved by the French nobility and later by the middle classes that emerge during the industrial revolution. The French State therefore decides to buy directly from China, and from 1848 to 1873 fifteen French silk merchants set up in Shanghai. By 1900, Shanghai has sixteen silk mills, and the industry attracts more foreign investors than any other.

Noël, single and handsome, manages five Shanghai mills that produce high quality silk. He frequently visits Paris to find wholesale buyers and attract additional investors. There, he encounters La Mogador who introduces him to the right people at the milonga. Her female friends want to get their hands on the silken treasures he produces…especially stockings. They have learned that the best vehicle to get his attention is by dancing Argentine Tango.