THE STORY OF TANGO ADAMOR

Adam is a boy afflicted with autism, a neurological communication disorder, which raises in alarming proportions. The upcoming production, Tango Adamor, is not simply a beautiful dance production, but a highly inspirational event for everyone involved because it brings the message of unity to the most disconnected of us. All net proceeds from this production will be used to bring dance, music and art programs to the lives of those like Adam.

The name of the production Tango Adamor is a fusion of four words: Adam, Or, Amor, and Tango. W'll explain you meaning below. The production is based on the archetypal fairy-tale Dance Into Unity Through the Heart of Tango. Our first production El Corazon del Tango (based on the same story) took place in November 2006. When we started to plan this new production, our artistic director asked us to include the name Adam in the title because, she told us it would be inspirational for her and the other cast members to support a cause, which would benefit  children like Adam. We also felt that the new name would better highlight the theme of our story.

At the heart of our story, Dance Into Unity Through the Heart of Tango, lies the exploration of the unity concept - the ultimate connection of us all. Our story is about Truth and Light, who travel to the Land of Separation, where Snake rules, and where they meet Dreamer, Split, Disconnect & the Tango Dancers on their quest to find the Land of Unity. The prototype of the character Disconnect is Adam, a family member afflicted with autism. So the question is how can Adam, who is so disconnected from everyone, be an inspiration? Well, if you read our story, you will find out! But here's how it ends: Truth finds her Light, Snake transforms into a beautiful dancer and it is Disconnect who connects it all.

Before we proceed, we would like you to see a piece from our 2006 production El Corazon del Tango, a dance, which is named Split (Split is a name of a character in our story). Narrated by Elena Alexandra. Dancers are Paola Jean Jean and Nicolas Cobos - renowned Argentinian dancers.

 

Now let us tell you what the name Tango Adamor means. As we mentioned earlier, it is a fusion of four words: Adam, Or, Amor , and Tango. As you already guessed Adam is a name of the boy with autism, but not only that, the origin of the word Adam also means "man", "earth" or "dust". Therefore we all have Adam in us - that Disconnect, who is so longing for connection. Or literally means "light" in Hebrew - we are always looking for light to illuminate darkness, to help us find our way. Tango represents the spectrum of human emotions, one of the most painful which, is jealousy - represented by the "Snake" character in our story, which keeps everyone separated. But Amor, which means "love" in Spanish, overpowers everything. Through the power of love we find our Light and our way to Unity.

Note:
The first publication of our story, Dance Into Unity through the Heart of Tango will come out in November 2008.

 

THE STORY OF ADAM'S RANCH

We have another story yet to tell, the story of Adam's Ranch, which is very much connected with the story of Tango Adamor. It is our dream, but as you know dreams do come true.

Before we continue, we would like you to watch a video clip, Imagine the World, which touchingly illustrates the theme of those living with autism displaying poignant facts about the disease and introduce you to our Adam's Ranch vision. It is narrated by actor and producer Craig Sheffer. Text by Dan Rosenfeld.

 

Adam’s beloved teacher and her dream

A co-founder of the Elliot Institute for children with autism, Leslie Watkins... a teacher, behaviorist, mentor... a wonderful human being was willing to reach into the world of her students... her kids... because she knew full well that it was unreasonable to expect them to climb out of theirs. Leslie saw opportunity where others saw hopelessness. She worked to bring these marvelous children into the world... into our world... and brought magic into their lives through the music, dance and life performances.

And reaching beyond the confines of classroom, she had a dream to build a home, a large estate in a natural setting, where her kids, these children isolated by autism, could live together in a family managed atmosphere and evolve beyond the limited expectations that have been in place and held as absolute for so long. A place that would promote personal growth and encourage independence among the residents.

A teacher lost to the winds of change

A fluffy White Cloud , An Airplane overhead
These things stand for you... A teacher lost to the winds of change
You held their hands, You shaped their minds
You cut their hair, You molded their minds

 

A wonderful person and a wonderful story. But, as so often occurs in life, Adam’s beloved teacher and her tireless efforts burned out all too quickly. Leslie Watkins, age 43, died suddenly and unexpectedly... and, unfortunately, so did the magic for Adam and all the rest of her students. And as Leslie died, so too died her dream of a special innovative home for “her kids”... or so everyone thought.

Dream will come True

Leslie’s dream did not die. This place... this dream... will be ADAM’s RANCH and it will become a reality. Dance Into Unity was conceived as a means to bring back the dance and music into life of children with autism and to fulfill Leslie’s heart-felt dream of a family managed home for autistic children... what we are now calling ADAM’s RANCH.

In November 22-23, 2008 in Los Angeles, Dance Into Unity will present a special dance production Tango Adamor. There will be nights of spectacular music, incredible dance and many surprise guests. And all net proceeds will go towards bringing music and dance back to autistic children. The show will serve to raise awareness about autism and bring force our vision of Adam's Ranch.

Thank you for the dreams, Thank you for the flowers
Thank you for the logic, Thank you for the love
Today is a new dawn, A day to celebrate life
To take ownership of your dreams, To lead our children to new heights of success