Each class presents tango technique and building blocks for navigation and interpreting the music. On-going Intermediate classes rotate through various topics for dancing social Argentine Tango "the way tango is danced SOCIALLY in Buenos Aires". Intermediates attend the beginner class to help the newcomers and to review musicality and practice fundamentals.
Tom is a teacher of Argentine Tango who specializes in the social style of Tango. That means: "the way tango is danced in the dance halls of Buenos Aires." This style is easier than more performance-oriented styles.
Argentine Tango requires learning to dance AND learning tango. Our curriculum is a progressive series of skill building and vocabulary (steps) for navigating the dance floor and interpreting the music. Each musical element can be learned separately and integrated into previously mastered material like playing with lego-blocks. This gives you a logical set of dance moves that "mix & match".
“Exploring Tango Multiplicity: Variations & Possibilities”
- Technique, drills & building precision- Improve your whole body sensitivity and access to respond.
- Close embrace to open embrace - Utilize spirals within your body to allow smooth transition between styles.
- Tango, Waltz, and the Doorway to Syncopation - Rhythmic variations and musicality.
- Milonga (the dance) - Achieve the precision of body mechanics to access Milonga rhythm which also Informs and deepens your Tango Skills.
- Dynamic Rhythm and Dramatic Pauses - Broaden your ability to express variations through timing of your musicality and movement.
Wednesday Class Details
Denver Turnverein Basement
1570 N Clarkson, Denver 80218
Plenty of free parking!
In our beginner classes you will learn basic tango steps, and how to mix-and-match them to navigate around the dance floor. No partner necessary!
6:00 - 6:30 New Beginner Orientation
Half-hour check-in, intro and warmup before the beginner class
6:30 - 7:30 Beginner Tango - New 4-week series each month
Topic: Fundamentals & Essentials - $45/4wks
7:30 - 8:30 Intermediate Tango. (Close-embrace)
Topic: Monthly Topics (See curriculum below) $65/4wks ($20 drop-in)
8:30 - Practice/Dance.
We consistently have a good group hard-working leaders, and we can always use additional followers. Women leaders and Men followers are welcomed. If you are new to our classes or want to warm up or practice the basics, come early at 6:00.
Dancing Tango after a One Hour Beginner Class
Tango Curriculum:
Argentine Tango requires both learning to dance and learning tango. Our curriculum is a progressive series of skill building and vocabulary (steps) for navigating the dance floor and interpreting the music. Each musical element can be learned separately and integrated into previously mastered material. This gives you a logical set of dance moves that "mix & match".
(1) Beginner material (Music, Lead-follow and Improvisation):
- 4-count Walks: Suspension and Acceleration.
- Double-time Rhythms: the Quick-Quick-Slow,
- Dramatic Pause
- Walks to the cross: Inline-cross; Weave to the cross; Weave to the "not-cross".
- Mini Front Ochos at the Cross
- Lead-follow and Improvisation
- Navigation on the Dance Floor
(2) Adv-Beginner material:
- Cross-Basic and the “Compass Rose” pattern.
- Front & Back Ochos: Getting in and out, 4-Count Ocho Pattern
- Mix and Match these patterns for navigation
(3) Intermediate Material
- "101 Ocho Cortado variations"
- Spiral & Shell, Balance & and Float
- Musicality and Rhythm
- Navigation and Improvisation
(4) 101 Back Ochos
- Pivot vs No-pivot Ochos
- Mini-back Ochos with pivot
- Ochos for navigating
(5) Advanced Topics
- Milonguero Salida
- "U-ies" and Volcadas
- Milonguero Turn
(6) Milonga
- Three fundamental steps: "Step, step, inch, inch"; 4-count Zig-Zag; 6-count Box
- Pre-Leading about half beat ahead: the “AND” moment.
- Sashay/Chassé
- Sand-paper feet
- Pendulum legs and Lazy-Infinity Hips
- Hover-pivot
- Milonga informs Tango (but Tango does not go to Milonga)
(7) Waltz
- Waltz rhythm on the 1-2 or the 3-1
- Apply waltz to typical vocabulary: Cross Basic, Ocho Cortados, Back Ochos
- Doorway to syncopation
Homework:
Read up on the customs and history of tango in Buenos Aires at Rick McGarrey's website, Tango and Chaos.
Immerse yourself in the Golden Era tango music, such as the orchestras listed on my tango music for dancing page.
