Classes

Welcome to the dance, the story and the language I love to share with you!

Singles and couples are all welcome. For groups of friends, this a wonderful way to share a new experience together!

My teaching style is technical, which I believe is best learned correctly at first. Changing old habits are far more difficult. As Argentine Tango requires quite a bit of time to learn, I ask of my students to be very patient with themselves and their classmates, not be judgmental of themselves and others, and to always stay in beginners mind. I strongly believe no one has two left feet (except the character in "Best of Show") and when you let go of all the "I can't, I'm not good enough, I don't know how, etc" thoughts, your learning curve will decrease rapidly.

Repetition and practice are the keys to learning, we repeat and review often. While I take this dance seriously, I strongly believe that learning tango can be fun. We joke, fool around, make friends, and have a good time!

I pay attention to everyone during class, helping you as I see need. I'm always open for questions, help and comments.

Tango is a walking dance that moves around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction. The steps are based on walking, weight changes and pivoting by using a subtle, yet strong connection between the partners. There is no choreography, the dance is improvised with the music, based on some basic movements and the practically unlimited ways to put them together.

• FOOTWEAR
  :: Please wear leather or suede soled shoes, jazz shoes or dance sneakers.
  :: You must be able to pivot easily.
  :: For women with no previous experience: start with a low heel or flats.
  :: No open backed shoes.
  :: If you don't have proper shoes you can slip a pair of old socks or nylons over your shoes. This can be very slippery, so please be careful.
  :: Try thrift, re-sale and vintage wear stores to find leather soled shoes. Dance wear shops carry dance shoes, dance sneakers and jazz shoes (the latter being the most inexpensive and a good way to start).
  :: If you have a pair of shoes you love, you can have a suede or leather sole glued on to them at a shoemakers shop.

In the beginners class:
You will learn the basic tango technique and steps for social dancing, instilling the body awareness necessary to this dance. I keep it simple and to the point, building on each lesson as we progress. We review on a regular basis to allow your muscle memory to learn the movement. This class is designed for, but not limited to, brand new beginners. Anyone wanting to review and tighten up their basics, learn the opposite role (leaders wanting to follow or followers wanting to lead) are welcome to join in this class.

In the level 2/intermediate class:
We progress into more complex movements and technique, body awareness, deepening the understanding of the dance, musicality, and perfecting the lead and follow.

Please be on time for classes! Come a little earlier to pay and change shoes and warm up.

A Tango Embrace to you, Donna