SERIES 3

Focus on molinete

APRIL 2024 - 7, 14, 21, 28

PLEASE NOTE that this class is held at
349 Washington St, Malden, MA 02148

The basic structure of Tango language

Molinete and its mantra-like repetitiveness create a basic structure for Tango language and all tango steps. You may hear it being called the code of walking or the code of Tango.

You want to be sure you know and understand the difference between open and cross step and you can recite in your sleep the mantra of back - forward - side - back - side - forward - side, from any starting point forward and backward.

Weight change plus 3 directions on each leg plus 2 pivots on each leg are the basic structural element of Tango and the absolute necessity for improvisation. This series will help you out with controlling the precise direction and distance/length of the steps as well as the amount of pivot.

Deciphering connection, making lead, and follow more clear and precise that’s our goal for this series.

You will learn:

*Open step versus cross step.

*Difference in leading weight change and side-step.

*Consequences of replacing weight change with the side-step.

*Leading continuous side step – is it possible?

*Isolating lead from Leader’s step.

*Forward-Side-Back – Tango mantra.

*Adding pivot to each direction – possibilities.

*Mixing directions in any possible configuration as an intro to improvisation.

SERIES 4

Focus on musicality

MAY, 2024 - 5, 12, 19, 26

The Fundamentals of Musicality

This pre-intermediate Argentine Tango course focuses on Tango musicality. We will discuss time, double time, and half time from the dancer's perspective. Learn how to introduce the pauses. and how to play with the phrasing.

We will explain and practice hands-on (or rather feet-on) how to count the Tango music, tango choreography o Tango steps.

You will learn the difference between 1 and 3, and why one is stronger than the other.

What it means off-beat or contratiempo, and what is syncopation.

We will practice how to modify the sequence to fit the phrase and become a musical dancer.

You will learn:

*1 versus 3

*Count to 4, count to 8, or count to 16 - which one is correct.

*Time, double time, half time

*Contratiempo versus off-beat

*Syncopation

*Pauses

*Phrasing

*Becoming a musical dancer

* Cadencia

SERIES 1

Focus on cross-system

JUNE 2024 - 2, 9, 16, 23

Deciphering parallel and cross-system

A parallel system is when a partner’s left leg works in front of your right, and your partner’s right leg walks in front of your left. Cross-system allows the right leg to walk with the partner’s right leg and the left leg with the partner’s left leg. Everything is possible in tango!

The little twist of cross-system introduces an infinite amount of possibilities as a spatial relationship between partners is changed and modified by adding or suspending just one step.

Just walking in a parallel system gives 4-8 possibilities. Adding a cross-system generates an additional 4-8.

We will be deciphering parallel and cross-system. When and how does the system change, and what are the consequences. How to smoothly transition from one to the other. What figures become possible once the cross-system opens up for us.

By mastering cross-system, you are opening the door to never-ending possibilities. No other dance uses cross-system, opposition, and circular lead to that extent. Welcome to the secret world of Tango.

READ MORE HERE

You will learn:

*Understanding the difference between parallel and cross-system.

*Getting into cross-system: weight change, additional step, or suspension.

*Leading self versus leading your Follower.

*Walking outside partner left, outside partner right, and transition between the two (all in cross-system).

*Back crosses and forward crosses during the caminata/walk.

*Basic to the cross in cross-system.

*Sample variations and modifications of basic to the cross.

*Baldoza in cross-system. Possibilities.

*Musicality: double time.