Tango marathon to support Parkinson’s cause

Two Princeton-area residents organize Feb. 3 fundraiser

By: Courtney Gross
   Princeton area residents can participate in an entire 11 hours dedicated to the tango next month — and all for a good cause.
   Organized by Lawrence resident Mike Littwin and PJ’s Pancake House owner Herb Tuchman, Tango for Parkinson’s comprises workshops, lessons and eventually a "Milonga" — a tango social — to benefit research for the debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system.
   Scheduled for 1 p.m. to midnight Feb. 3, all of the event’s proceeds will be donated directly to the Princeton-based nonprofit organization The Parkinson Alliance. Tickets are $20 at the door and the event will be held at the Suzanne Patterson Center, located behind Princeton Borough Hall.
   Describing how Parkinson’s Disease and the tango are related, Mr. Littwin said the event would not only encourage those debilitated by the disease to move, but also inspire Princeton residents to participate in an entertaining activity for a purpose.
   "I can see when two things fit together and become a bigger thing," Mr. Littwin noted. "It’s a really good community builder and a great way to get the information out there."
   A dabbler in the tango for eight years, Mr. Littwin was initially drawn to the dance through a martial arts class he took in Princeton. When his instructor explained to his class that tango and tai chi can employ the same types of interaction and movement, especially the emphasis on partnerships, balance and focus, Mr. Littwin became intrigued.
   Admitting he is the sole member from his class who stuck with tango, Mr. Littwin initially wanted to find a venue to honor his fellow tango dancers in a productive way.
   "We’re melding our pastime with a worthy cause," Mr. Littwin said of the upcoming fundraiser.
   Mr. Littwin said he and Mr. Tuchman were drawn to a Parkinson’s fundraiser specifically because a member of Mr. Tuchman’s family suffers from the disease.
   They have invited professional dancers from the New Jersey area to teach classes and perform throughout the tango event.
   
Mr. Littwin said he expects more than 100 attendees at the fundraiser. So far, Mr. Littwin said thousands of dollars in corporate sponsorships have been raised in cooperation with the event.
   
Food will be served during the event, which is open to all ages and skills.