I'm a teacher of Argentine Tango who specializes in the social style of Tango, that is, "the way tango is danced in the dance halls of Buenos Aires." This style is easier than more performance-oriented styles.
Over the years I've discovered more and more inspiration from the music of tango rather than than the "cool moves".
I have 20 years of experience teaaching Argentine Tango in Colorado, as well as in other parts of the US and occasionally internationally. For 15 years I organized the Denver Tango Festivals, which brought hundreds of tango dancers to Denver twice a year.
I offer private lessons, workshops and occasional class series.
At its best Argentine Tango is a trance, danced so closely that you feel your partner's heart beat and share the rhythm of their breathing. Tango looks complex, but it's easier to get if you learn the dance as a combination of short, simple patterns.
Come enjoy a one hour Introduction to Social Style Argentine Tango class oriented to experienced ballroom dancers. Musicality and Connection will be emphasized throughout, and we will present some interesting historical and cultural aspects of Argentine Tango.
When we say "social style", we mean Argentine Tango as danced by normal social dancers in the nightclubs of Buenos Aires today, i.e. more of a "complicated foxtrot" rather than a bunch of cool moves typical of performance tango.
By the end of the evening you will be able to walk your partner around the room with an elegant, improvisational tango built out of basic Argentine Tango vocabulary.
The Wednesday "Waltz, Etcetera" is a fun, casual dance event sponsored by Jim Borzym and Frank Vernon at the Avalon Ballroom in Boulder. The Waltz, Etcetera dances are well-attended by enthusiastic dancers from across the Boulder and Denver metro area.
Special upcoming event: "Introduction to Argentine Tango for Experienced Ballroowm Dancers", sponsored by Jim Borzym on December 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm. This event will take place at the Avalon Ballroom Wednesday night "Waltz, Etcetera" dance. Stay after the class for dancing to an eclectic mix of ballroom dances from
Sign up now for a new beginner series on Monday nights
Tango has a variety of styles. The two basic categories are dramatic, athletic stage dancing, and close, subtle social dance. We emphasize the social-style tango (not performance) typical of 1940s Argentina, "as danced today in the milongas of Buenos Aires". Our style is adaptable, however, easily moving from close to open embrace. Social tango is easier to take out
We teach Argentine Tango as building blocks of small elements. Each element is easily mixed and matched with others as you build up your dance skills. You come to tango with basic walking ability, and that is the foundation of all our steps, so you avoid struggling and feel comfortable from Day One. Most teachers work with longer sequences
Tango is danced to orchestras from Buenos Aires of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. This was the "Golden Era" of tango, matching the best decades of swing music in the US. Modern tango music like Astor Piazzola is not used for tango dancing (except perhaps for performances). So, it may be difficult to find or choose appropriate tango music
Private Lessons give you one on one focused attention with your work in Tango according to your learning style and needs. Whether you are a beginner wanting to "get good fast" or an advanced student needing to get feedback on what to work on next, we will move you quickly forward in your Tango journey.
Private Lessons give you one on one focused attention with just the teacher. This is a great low pressure way to introduce yourself or a partner to Tango who might be a little nervous to start, or would feel more comfortable joining a class with more knowledge under their belt.
Grab a couple friends and take a semi-private 4 person group lesson and save money! The hourly rate is the same, so everyone pays less and gets individualized attention.
