Hello Future Tango Student,
I am excited you’re here! Because this letter has been written for YOU.
YOU, who have decided or maybe you’re still thinking about taking your first Argentine Tango step. And you already have by coming to this page. Congratulations!
I want to take a moment to explain a little bit about how learning Argentine Tango works!
Learning how to dance Argentine Tango is a little different than learning other ballroom or social dances because it is a sexy dance about how to communicate effectively with your partner. Wait! – don’t stop here.
Argentine tango is a dance that is improvised, created in the moment, to the music, inspired by and collaborated with that partner. This means that it is not choreographed. It is not about memorizing steps and then trying to remember them. It is a social dance. (If you want to learn Stage or Tango for Performances, known as Tango Escenario, contact me for more information.)
The building blocks of tango are walking, stopping and turning; understanding the roles; the connection and embrace; the music; and navigating the dance floor.
And I think the hardest part of being a new student is understanding that every little piece you learn, every breath, every bend of the knee, every foot forward, ties into the bigger picture of dancing and sharing with a partner. It really is NOT only about what we call “steps” or “patterns”. It is so much more!
So if you’re still reading – that’s great!
Argentine Tango is about connection. It is about listening and sharing. And it’s fun!!! I invite you to leave any preconceived notions behind and open yourself to possibilities, to explore. Tango is an amazing journey!
My classes consist of concepts, technique, and how to link steps to improvise, eventually, on your own.
So how to begin.
There are many ways to get started. Do you want to dip your toes in the pool (test the waters) or jump from the high dive right in? Either way here are some ways to begin.
Weekend Immersions are usually a hit. These are offered several times throughout the year and are over the course of 1 or more weekends. They are a true immersion into the dance. If you are interested please send me a message and I will be sure to let you know of the next one.
[spoiler title=”What do I wear?” open=”0″ style=”2″]Something comfortable and that you can move in, shoes that stay on your foot and ideally have a leather or worn-out sole. You want to be able to feel the floor versus sticking to the floor. NO flip-flops or clogs, strappy sandals, or open-toed shoes. It is not required to purchase shoes at first. Don’t worry too much about looking stylish, dance shoes have to be functional first. Consider clothes that are conducive to dancing: no long skirts or too short skirts, no baggy pants.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=”Do I need a partner?” open=”0″ style=”2″]In theory no. We encourage students to invite friends or acquaintances to join them at their first classes as the dance is also about community. We know that most people come to social dances to meet people and that is wonderful as the dance sometimes is only as good as the people around you. And if you like them, you will enjoy dancing with them too.[/spoiler]
A word about practicing and Practicas
Practicing is essential to anything new. Like a language it is good to put your skills into practice. It doesn’t matter how many skills you have, they need to be tested, measured, and tried! It is best to come practice before you enter the social dance floor at a milonga (where you will social dance).
The fast track to learning Argentine Tango would be a recommended immersion: minimum 2 hours of lessons/ week (privately and group) and practice time. My students who train in this way are navigating the dance floors after 16 weeks. Interested? send me a message .
Music? Here are some of my recommendations for music to begin to expand your Argentine Tango music library. *
Carlos di Sarli Instrumental
Francisco Canaro La Melodia De Nuestro Adios
Juan D’Arienzo Tango Collection
I look forward to your tango journey. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. And peruse my blog for more information on tango.
Sincerely,
Daniela Borgialli