Argentine Tango's topics - tribe.net

Cool places in Buenos Aires?

2008-05-06T09:55:59Z

Hi everybody,

a friend of mine is going to Buenos Aires, soon. He dances Argentine tango and it would be cool for him to have a few addresses and to know what is going to expect him there. Entrance fees, dress codes, hierarchies and invisible rules (f.e. don't sit at tables that are "owned" by "the elders"), places that are friendly to foreigners and maybe places that make it more difficult for "strangers" (but you get to see some cool dancing or to hear some cool music in there). Unfortunately he doesn't speak Spanish, he will have to resort to visual communication (his English is rather bad, too). So it would be cool for him to know some stuff beforehand.

posted in Argentine Tango - 3 replies

Fashion?

2008-04-27T19:11:42Z

So do you notice any fasion trends in your milongas?

I think there is a trend towards rather colorful shoes...

posted in Argentine Tango - 5 replies

Bay Area Tango

2008-04-24T04:43:10Z

Hi!

I am going to be in SF last weekend of September, and I am wondering if anyone knows of a good milonga that is on? I have checked out the Bay Area Tango website, but of course while this lists Milongas, it doesn't really tell me if they are any good or not. What is your favorite Milonga in the area, what would you recommend? I have been told the tango scene in the Bay Area is better than LA, and I would be particularly bouncy if I can find somewhere where they play more modern stuff and not just traditional tango music. Any suggestions?

Irena

posted in Argentine Tango - 5 replies

Tango blues fusion

2008-01-22T01:45:48Z

Any of you out there who are into dancing this? I've danced both iindependently for a while, but just this month went to the Houston Fusion Exchange where we put them together (along with lindy, which I dance little of, and other swing.) Anyway, I was finding some very interesting things happening. Since both tango and blues are COMPLETELY lead-follow dances, it's very easy use both vocabularies interchangeably as the music calls for. I LOVE the creative spirit of this dance play. Though Austin has some great dance scenes, I don't know a single tango dance here who integrates from other genres, and though there are blues dancers in town who have a bit of tango, none are really solid, traditional tango dancers. I'm wondering many things, two of which are: what are your experiences fusing tango and blues? do you live somewhere where more than 2 other people choose to dance/play like this?

posted in Argentine Tango - 5 replies

Seattle tango

2008-01-17T02:08:36Z

For all the Seattle tangueros out there, I'll be in Seattle at the end of this month and have seen that there is a milonga both Sunday and Monday nights (Jan 27 and 28). I'll probably get out to both of these. Are they both good milongas and worth getting out for? Anything else I should know about dancing tango in Seattle these days? Like I'll be quarantined if I wear purple shoes? Or everyone has begun using "thank you" to mean it rather than to end a dance? ;-) Tips and tricks appreciated, and maybe I'll see some of you on a dance floor soon!

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Setting boundaries

2007-10-15T00:49:47Z

Ladies, how do you deal with dancers you genuinely enjoy dancing a tanda or two with, who try to keep you all night? It seems awkward to say 'no' and then just sit there for half an hour waiting for another dance. I want to dance with new leaders too.

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

classes event in Eugene Oregon?

2007-10-10T18:03:04Z

I'm established in Eugene for a good stint and wanting to DANCE.>>>any suggestions, still looking for some classes though especially with tango, but I'm a good partner to improvise and follow...and love being on my feet then swept off them.

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Tango at Burning Man

2007-09-18T15:31:35Z

Hi, I'm new and I was just reading the posts. For those of you going to the burn, a group of tangueros from Portland are bringing a dance floor and dome and hosting milongas and a few other assorted dance events. Its all online at tangobeso.com. See you there!

posted in Argentine Tango - 14 replies

Tango addiction

2007-09-11T01:39:26Z

Having danced ballroom for some years, I found argentine tango much more addicting. Assuming that this was true for you what are the elements that you think contribute to this "special effect" that tango has on people?

posted in Argentine Tango - 12 replies

Advanced followers?

2007-08-21T08:51:20Z

There is a category of advanced follower that I have problems with. The movement leads that are being read quite well by all intermediate ++ dancers, suddenly seem to go nowhere. She will stop in the middle of a movement that normally proceeds with no problem, and I get this "I don't know what I want me to do" attitude. Now, I realize that it is much better to stop and wait for a clear lead than trying to "guess" what the leader wants. I am the first one to explain that to beginners, but I *know* that in tthis case my leads pose no problem for just about every follower I dance with. I don't consider myself "advanced" but I have been dancing in classes and milongas for a full year almost every night of the week, so I have hd enough experience and positive feedback to know that I have the basics down.

So, what is this about? The result for me is that I feel thrown back to complete beginner mode, and my dancing is just about paralized, Forget "musicality" and all the good stuff. As I try to puzzle out why I am suddenly speaking a "foreign language" , neither one of us has any fun at all, and of course I quickly get the killer "thank you".

Has anyone here had a similar experience, from either side?

-- Silvano

http://tango-silvano.blogspot.com/

posted in Argentine Tango - 14 replies

Milonga or regular tango? Which one do you find easier?

2007-08-17T16:29:35Z

After learning the first basic milonga steps, I find that I have been able to build up patterns and a good lead in a fairly organic and spontaneous way. I have other comments on a blog I just started

http://tango-silvano.blogspot.com/

posted in Argentine Tango - 10 replies

Favorite YouTube links

2007-07-30T00:56:47Z

we just had oscar mandagaran & georgina vargas come through portland teaching workshops and doing some performances.
one of the qualities about their dancing was the simplicity of their dance when dancing at the milonga. it was all about attitude and the tangible energetic connection bwt the two. they were mesmerizing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNjCaRb-aac

any other favorite links?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Hi from Tucson, AZ

2007-07-07T19:31:20Z

Hi everyone,

I joined tribe.net because I came across this tribe and I was really excited to meet so many people interested in Argentine Tango. Hooray! So I would like to introduce myself to everyone here. Hello. My name is Iva and I live in Tucson, Arizona. I have been dancing tango for ~6 months and I am having so much fun (too much maybe). It's been grand to discover the "underground" tango societies all over the country. Now I look for a milonga everywhere I go - NY, Chicago, SF.
Is there anyone from Tucson here?

Best wishes,
-Iva

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Tango Events in NYC

2007-07-06T23:57:18Z

For those taking interested in the Art of Tango or Learning Tango, here is an event for everyone. As of July 15th there is a Tango week happening here in NYC. For more information visit http://www.celebratetango.com/

Hope this is useful to everyone.
FB

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Sweet Sunset... colors that you can smell

2007-07-06T16:38:20Z

we just had an outdoor milonga in a gazebo in the middle of thousands of blooming roses. some moments are hard to come by, but when they do, it's just spectacular !!
hey, are there any portland folks here?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

I'd like to introduce myself...

2007-07-02T16:49:18Z

Hello all~ I'd like to introduce myself, as I've just joined this tribe! :)

I'm Yasmin, and I am new to the world of Argentine Tango. I've studied American tango for a few months, and prior to that, I've studied bellydancing for almost 5 years.

I spent some time in Argentina last summer, and LOVED it there...heard gads of Tango music and fell in love.

I want to learn Argentine tango, as I feel it is much more romantic and sensual that American tango...I'm trying to find time, and a class here in Vegas that will fit my crazy schedule.

Nice to meet you all! :)

~Yasmin

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

On being turned down...

2007-06-05T17:12:33Z

I have been dancing tango for close to a year now... several times a week, and sometime I get the odd feeling that I am going backwards w/r to being accepted by followers.

I think that I am past the "beginner status" where even advanced dancer will take you for a ride just to be nice. Now they figure that I dance how I dance, and they may or may not enjoy it and feel free to say no. That's good in a way, but it's confusing to me. I find that I can have some good dances with, and good feedback from, experienced dancers. At the same time some who are less experienced will turn me down, and some who used to dance with me now turn me down as well. Maybe their own perception of their dancing has changed and now they want to dance just with the very advanced leaders... I'm just not sure. Has anybody else felt the same way?

Overall this reinforces my goal to get really good at this. These types of feelings are probably some of the addictive elements of tango (a friend of mine calls tango a "meritocracy")... or good reasons to quit and do something else...

posted in Argentine Tango - 12 replies

somatic tango

2007-05-18T06:52:20Z

I am taking a beginner's class with Sonja Rijket. It IS SOOOO GREAT!
I can't even explain. Here is the link: http://www.intimateembracetango.com/

She's also a Feldenkris healer so she's presenting Tango a a form of healing.

posted in Argentine Tango - 4 replies

Tango in Massachusetts - South Shore/Cape Cod?

2007-05-16T19:35:28Z

Hello,

I've seen a few places in Boston that teach tango and have Milongas but does anyone know of tango classes and events in the South Shore or Cape Cod area?

Thanks

posted in Argentine Tango - 8 replies

Tango and our hearts

2007-05-15T18:34:28Z

Our hearts (heart chakras) have three rings:

The 1st is the very close to the body; a nursing baby.

The 2nd is the distance of an embrace between two people.

The 3rd is about 10 feet away. When we dance in a circle in a Milonga, all the dancers are dancing in each other's heart space!

:)

No wonder I like this dance so much!!!

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

"Let me show you what I can do!"

2007-05-15T06:57:44Z

As I mentionned in another topic, I think men shouldn't try to impress us ladies with all their moves in just a song - especially if they should notice that the woman is not proficient enough to follow what they lead.

I was in a Milonga recently where I observed two interesting things.

a) I danced with a man who during the first 1 or 2 songs did very minimal dancing and a lot of pauses (fitting with the music). It was however clear that this was not because he was a beginner but he did it on purpose. It was kind of fascinating. Then he slowly built up and added more and more moves and steps.
I never felt under pressure to "run along" and it was a really good experience.
Something I would suggest you to try!

b) There was an elderly couple and as it seemed the lady was not at the same level as her partner, although they danced together a lot. He was constantly doing wild stuff and she was struggling sooo hard to follow.
It looked as if he had a lot of dance experience and wanted to teach her all he knew (yes, teaching on a Milonga dancefloor, baaaaad manners!) in one night.
The poor woman was clearly overhelmed and if I may say, some of the movements were just to hard (physically) for an untrained lady over 50....
It did NOT look like fun, I rather pitied her.
I do not suggest to try this....

Any more experiences/observations?

posted in Argentine Tango - 12 replies

A Milonga Mess

2007-05-12T01:57:16Z

Ok, so I experienced my very first tango social and I was a mess. I know my moves, but I couldn't decipher when my partner tells me to do the moves and then I don't even do the right move. I was embarassingly enough all over the place.

So what I am asking is, how can I get over my first social disaster? Please help. All tips would be welcomed.

posted in Argentine Tango - 11 replies

A lovely tango moment

2007-05-03T21:06:13Z

At Nora's class on Tuesday nights at the Allegro (here in the SF Bay Area) there is a couple who have been bringing their newborn to the practica and dancing with the baby in a sling. it is simultaneously very sweet and very very sexy.

if you are reading this, thanks for sharing your new family with the milonga.

posted in Argentine Tango - 3 replies

Tango in the Square ... Union Square Park, San Francisco on the 1st of each month

2007-04-30T01:17:05Z

Tango in the Square
Sunday
May 6, 2007
&
each 1st Sunday through the summer
Union Square Park, San Francisco
Tango is for More Than Just Two...

BATango ( www.batango.com ) presents :

There are free introductory lessons in milonga, tango & vals (tango waltz) starting at 2pm. And performances...

Scheduled to appear:
Nora Dinzelbacher & Ed and her troupe
Luz Castiñeiras & Alex Allende
Gigi & Warren Jensen
DJ Emilio Flores

And some suprises...

Boombox milonga to follows in the stage area at 4pm. DJ Emilo Flores and dancing until the batteries did give out on the boom box.

It was your chance to dance outside!!!
This is a part of San Francisco Parks & Trust's "Jewels in the Square" program for Union Square Park. (www.unionsquarepark.us )

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Looking for classes SW London/Surrey

2007-04-26T08:50:37Z

Hi!
Does anyone know of a good Tango class in Surrey or SW London please? I would prefer not to travel into the centre of London for classes, but if there are good ones which I could try out on a drop in basis please let me know. I am a complete beginner, but quick learner, with some ballroom, latin, and ME experience.
Thanks
Anjuli

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

I need a dance partner...any suggestions?

2007-04-26T00:53:58Z

Hello!
I am a 5'9" tall (6' in heels, guys...) woman in need of a tango dance partner in NYC. I recieved a gift cert. a while back for four tango lessons for two, but my guy friend has had to bail due to work demands and I am not dating anyone that would be interested. I am not looking for a romantic connection, so it makes no difference to me if you are black/white/married/gay.....it's just not that easy to find a man taller than myself, that wants to dance. I only ask that you be 6' or over, with a desire to learn tango or improve what you know.

Oh, and if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Tango in LA

2007-04-22T09:30:51Z

Hey!

So, I'm completely new to LA. Does anyone dance tango there? What is your favorite Milonga? Why? And where and when is it, so I can try it out?

Any tips for dancing tango in LA will be greatly appreciated! :)

Irena

posted in Argentine Tango - 5 replies

Seeking latin dance instructors for group classes at work

2007-03-28T00:36:22Z

Hi there,

I am interested in organizing a group dance lesson at work for our Hispanic Employee Association. Interested in a 6 week series, with somewhere around 10 students. We are located in San Francisco, at Van Ness & Hayes. Times could be at noon or at 5PM, any weekday. Please send me a private message to let me know if you know anyone who would be interested in teaching. Thanks!

Lulu

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Where to take lessons in San Francisco

2007-03-15T14:18:25Z

Wondering where to start for group lessons in tango, in SF? I have taken a lot of ballroom classes but new to tango and the different styles there within. I appreciate the advice!

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Favorite Tango videos on YouTube?

2007-02-17T05:51:28Z

There is a plethora of tango videos on YouTube. Which are your favorite ones?
As performances? For teaching patterns and techniques?

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

What makes followers "easy" to lead?

2007-02-09T19:49:33Z

I have been dancing for a few months (after some years of ballroom) and I am really intreagued by what makes a "connection" and what makes a follower easy to lead. I would have expected that more experienced dancers would be easier to lead, but that is not always so. Maybe if the "touch" is not "just right" they kind of "freeze" - I'm not sure - on the other hand other followers, sometimes even inexperienced one, are light as feathers and a real pleasure to dance with. What do you think?

posted in Argentine Tango - 6 replies

Homer Ladas?

2007-02-08T22:31:35Z

I got a recoomendation to see him for his Organic Tango style. Anyone danced with him, have something else to say?
He's based in San Francisco, but travels all over the world, apparently...

thanks!

posted in Argentine Tango - 4 replies

Ideal size of dance partners?

2007-02-04T09:47:24Z

So, what's your preferred size of dance parters? Same hight? Man much taller than woman?
Interestingly, in the classes I am in, there seem to be many couples where the woman is actually taller than the man (and not because of the high heels we are discussing about right now *grin*).

Personally, I prefer a dance partner who is only slightly taller than me. That's the most comfortable.

posted in Argentine Tango - 10 replies

What's your favourite brand of shoes?

2007-01-22T02:25:38Z

So I hear that there are high class shoes like Neo Tango and Comme Il Faut.
Do you own a pair and how are they?

Personally, I had my shoes measure made in Istanbul, but a girl can never have enough shoes, right? :-)

posted in Argentine Tango - 22 replies

Anybody going to Burning Man?

2007-01-05T22:04:33Z

I'm thinking of hosting a milonga on the playa, but first trying to figure out if there will even be anybody there to dance with...

posted in Argentine Tango - 21 replies

All female Tango Troupe! -- World Premiere performances this week

2006-12-13T21:15:08Z

Leading Ladies of Tango
December 13 -- 16
Wednesday -- Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm & 8pm
San Francisco's Herbst Theatre
401 Van Ness Avenue
www.leadingladiesoftango.com

Leading Ladies of Tango is a world-class tango dance and musical review like no other. Featuring 20 women representing 9 different counties and an unprecedented international all-female orchestra. Headlined by two acclaimed troupes -- San Francisco's Tango Con*Fusión and New York's Tango Mujer -- Leading Ladies of Tango is under the musical direction of Uruguay's virtuoso pianist Polly Ferman with stage direction by Allyson Manta, former artistic coordinator for Cirque du Soleil.

Tickets: www. cityboxoffice.com / (415) 392-4400
$45 / $40 / $35 Reserved Seating (Evenings);
$36 / $32 / $28 Reserved Seating (Saturday Matinee);
15% Discount for groups of 20

Creative Team:
Polly Ferman: Music Director;
Allyson Manta (formerly With Cirque du Soleil): Artistic Coordinator;
Starring San Francisco's Own Tango Con*Fusión: Christy Cote, Chelsea Eng, Debbie Goodwin and Pier Voulkos.

Featuring dancers from New York City's internationally-acclaimed TangoMujer: Fabienne Bongard, Angelika Fischer, Sharna Fabianom, Rebecca Shulman, Valeria Solomonoff and Brigitta Winkler.

An all female seven member orchestra:
Polly Ferman (Uruguay's premier pianist)
Viviana Guzmán (Chilean flutist and world music diva)
Anna Maria Mendieta (principal harpist with the Sacramento Philharmonic)
Bettina Hartl (Berlin, Germany - Bandoneon)
Eleonora Ferreyra (Buenos Aires, Argentina - Bandoneon)
Yung Chiao Wei (ROC Taiwan virtuoso Double Bassist)
Ina Paris (Cuban violinist)
Special Guest Artist: Silvana DeLuigi, Argentinean Jazz/Tango Singing Star

Musical Arrangements By:
Daniel Binelli, Tango's Foremost Contemporary Composer;
Pablo Ziegler, 2005 Latin Grammy Best Tango CD;
Jovano Santos Netom 2004 Latin Grammy Awards Best Latin Jazz Album.

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Tuesday Tango in Palo Alto

2006-11-29T14:04:40Z

Weekly Tango classes, beginning from 7 to 8, intermediate from 8 to 9.
Practica from 9 to 11

$10 for classes and practica.
$3 for practica only

Leslie Gordon instructor and DJ

Upstairs Ballroom, First United Methodist Church 625 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto CA 94301

more information: ScottFNW@pway.com
http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Tango in Orlando?

2006-11-29T01:57:20Z

I am a bellydancer very interested in taking Tango. I live in Orlando, Florida, and I can't find anything on tango in my area!!!! I know there must be a school or instructor somewhere in the central Florida area, but I can't find anything online or in the phone book or at other dance schools. Some ballroom dance schools teach tango, but only as part of their curriculum including many different types of ballroom dance. Any ideas?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

nu tango tribe

2006-10-11T23:41:32Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/nu-tango

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Tango Videos

2006-10-06T16:05:48Z

Hi everyone..I have recently started to create a site containing nothing but tango videos. I want to build a collection of the nicest ones, so any of your faves you can think of, feel free to let me know;)

http://tangovideos.blogspot.com

thanks
Michelle;)

posted in Argentine Tango - 4 replies

Feet, shoes, feet, shoes....

2006-09-03T01:27:15Z

it is now the start of the second month of pain in my right arch, right in front of the bone of my heel... this enforced break from dancing and running is driving me crazy. I threw out my favorite shoes that have gotten too loose, since they seem to be the start of the trouble.

icing, taping, advil - any hints? thoughts? how do you keep your feet happy?

posted in Argentine Tango - 3 replies

Tango Week in Zurich - July 29 to August 6 2006

2006-06-28T11:38:52Z

Loads of teachers and live orchestras in a beautiful town :-)

http://www.tangowoche.ch/cms/index.php

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Please comment on Seattle tango instruction

2006-06-27T19:16:33Z

I'm trying to choose a school--please share with me your experiences with Seattle area instructors. Posted or private replies are fine. For reference, here's the list of instructors I've compiled so far:

Clay Nelson
Deena Burke
Eva Lucero
Evan Wallace
Greg Rolnick
Greg Thomsen
Ilana Rubin
Jaimes Friedgen
Kathryn Krueger
Larry Martin
Lera Thompson
Mario Consiglieri
Michelle Badion
Nancy Newman
Patricio Touceda
Patty Leverett
Rachel Smith
Sara Thomsen
Sonny Newman
Steve Harding
Tony Fan

Thank you for your time.

posted in Argentine Tango - 6 replies

Friend to go with me in Emeryville, CA

2006-04-25T16:37:12Z

I would like to start going regularly to the Tues evening dance class in Emeryville, but tend to slack off because I am going by myself.

Anyone else want to join up and go together?

One Tuesday a month I won't be able to make it-work related...

posted in Argentine Tango - 5 replies

Tango in Berlin

2006-03-29T04:28:49Z

Hello hello tribies people
I m leaving for Berlin soon, do anybody know if there is good teacher of traditional agentine tango over there
thanks..xx

posted in Argentine Tango - 5 replies

we are going to argentina

2006-02-08T06:28:16Z

hey everyone we are getting ready to go to buenes aires and would love any tips on good tango classes and fun things to do!

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Valentango

2006-01-23T18:48:49Z

Anyone going to Portland for Valentango?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

where

2006-01-23T06:34:19Z

can i learn to dance in chicago?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Why Students Stop Dancing... by Batt Johnson

2005-12-27T23:02:06Z

Hello everyone,

I found this article on the web at http://coweb.cc.gatech.edu/tango/36

Why Students Stop Dancing: A Theory
A Student Perspective by Batt Johnson
(Reproduced from the February 2003 issue of ReporTango magazine)

Not everyone wants to become a professional dancer or even a great
social dancer. It is no secret that we all dance for different
reasons. Some of us dance as a form of physical therapy from injuries,
weight control, weight loss, love of music, getting married and you
don't want to look like a geek for the wedding dance, saw the milonga
in Central Park, just something you always wanted to do, inspiration
from old Fred Astaire movies, saw Forever Tango on Broadway, nothing
better to do on a Friday evening, as a way to a better social life,
love life, married life, who knows why we dance?

My question is: Why do we stop dancing? No time, no baby sitter, no
money, no energy, no dates, no skills, no interest, no balance, no
luck, your mate won't allow you. The reasons are numerous, but I
submit to you one reason that is not often discussed...Frustration!

Many students stop dancing because of frustration. Students often
don't think they are good dancers, and one of the reasons is they try
to go too fast, learn too much too soon. They are in a hurry to get to
the advanced class or the next level up so they can dance like their
favorite hero tango instructor. We have to be aware of the fact that
the NAME of the class does not make you that level of dancer. Only
learning technique and practicing your basics will do that. It is easy
to be seduced by the ease and effortlessness with which high-level
professional tango dancers walk.

Remember, this incredible dance is based on a walk, that's all. You
might be saying to yourself, "A walk? I can walk, but when I walk, it
doesn't look like THAT." To be able to dance tango is to be able to
walk tango, and that takes time.

I once had a teacher who had us walking around the studio in line of
dance for months before he started working in any "steps." Students
were dropping out left and right. That is something the school owners
don't want to hear.

But I must say that because of that constant walking and understanding
of the technique, we were able to understand and apply more complex
steps later because we had a foundation. Learning the walk is not
exciting, but it is necessary. You can't do this dance without it. I
know that the beginner students who are in the intermediate and above
classes are not going to go back to their true level because they read
this article, but they should. What good does it do to be able to say
that you are in the intermediate level class if you dance like you are
in the beginner class? Please don't misunderstand me. There is nothing
wrong with being a beginner. That is where we all started. But, you
can't fool people, they can see, or while dancing with you they can
feel it. If more dance schools had a screening system for students to
graduate to the next level, there would be a lot more skilled dancers
at the milongas. I get the feeling that not many are teaching floor
crafting, line of dance and simple dance etiquette. Last week I was at
a crowded milonga and was stepped on, kicked, bumped and knocked
around more times than I care to mention. Why? Is it because the
leaders weren't looking where they were taking their partners, or was
I just in the wrong place at the right time too many times?

This article is being written for my fellow students who are in a
hurry to get to the advanced class. If you want to increase your level
of stress, frustration and embarrassment, rush to the classes that are
above your true level. Believe me, the advanced class is not all it's
cracked up to be, but the beginner class is. How can that be? The
beginner and beginner/intermediate classes are where you learn your
foundation, learn to walk, the importance of your feet, your frame,
your posture, your head, your shoulders, your shoulder blades, the
separation of your upper body from your lower body. Without a good
foundation you can grow as a dancer but you'll be a dancer with many
very bad, difficult to break habits. For those of us who have
attempted to break any habit of any kind, you know how difficult it is.

I was once in a class when maestro Carlos Gavito walked through on his
way to another studio. My teacher stopped him and asked him in a voice
loud enough for all to hear, "Carlos, what is the most important, most
useful, fancy step a student could learn?" Without hesitation he said,
"The basic, you have got to really learn your basics. NOTHING can work
if you don't have that. Forget about dancing if you don't know the
basics. Without the basics, what you are doing is not dancing."

A word to the wise: Don't throw away your money on
intermediate/advanced and advanced classes that you are not ready for.
The dance school you are studying in will GLADLY take your money and
only teach you steps...steps, and more steps. But remember steps
without foundation is bad dancing, steps without style is ugly
dancing. So why do many students stop dancing? Many of them stop
because they didn't learn the basics or build a foundation, got
frustrated, and quit. It is not possible to write a novel before you
know the alphabet. Stop throwing away your money...learn the alphabet.

Batt Johnson - Lover of Dance

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Correction: Tango #9 this Sunday, the 9th!

2005-10-07T00:56:06Z

Thanks for the feedback folks!

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Tango #9 this Sunday, 10/13 in SF

2005-10-06T19:57:29Z

This Sunday it’s a return of one of our favorite nights of sizzling music and spicy dance floor excitement. Come down to Amnesia this Sunday for an international tour of the dancefloor beginning with a stop in the romantic dancehalls of Argentina with our favorite milonga maestros TANGO #9 and then RUBY IRON and THE K.O. COMBO will get your toes tapping with swinging tunes from the sepia toned dance crazy days of the USA.

Do you think you have two left hoofers? Do not dismay! Top-flight metronome Ballroom instructor Christy Cote will be on hand for a “pass the hat” introductory tango lesson at 8 pm to get you acquainted with the intimate mysteries of the world’s mot passionate dance. Don’t miss this one of a kind double bill this Sunday at Amnesia!

Vibrant, voluptuous and touched with timelessness, the wryly-sophisticated quartet Tango No. 9 truly embraces the sensuous rhythms and tangents of the tango. With tangos from vintage Piazzola to the present, they will transport you to a steamy black and red streaked Argentinean night.

Ruby Iron and her K.O. Combo deliver a knockout set of invigorating tunes from the 30’s and 40’s that are sure to put the jump back into your jive. Put on your fancy pants or your best dress and be prepared to have your socks knocked off by a K.O. combo that goes the distance.

What!?
Tango #9 with lesson at 8pm with Christy Cote
Ruby Iron and the K.O Combo

When!?
This Sunday, October 13st

Where!?
Amnesia
853 Valencia @ 20th

How Much!?
$7 – Wowza, what a deal!

posted in Argentine Tango - 4 replies

Music of Tango

2005-10-06T16:40:28Z

I have been dancing argentine Tango for a while now, and am very interested in the culture of it. I am attending an ethnomusicology course, and was wondering if anyone knew any good websites on Tango music (not the dance).

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

petaluma milonga

2005-10-05T18:27:32Z

Yes really. For those of us who have to drive an hour to the milonga, one night a month that we don't have to cross a bridge to dance!
Please come out and help us make Petaluma the Tango capital of the North Bay.

First Friday of the month
(a couple may be cancelled due to previous bookings!)

Premier: Friday Feb. 4

Hermann Son's Hall Milonga
860 Western Ave
Petaluma

Roberto Riobo will DJ
You know the music will be great!

$13 with class
$10 only the milonga

Beginning class with Donna 7 to 8pm

Milonga starts at 8pm to about 11:30

Light refreshments will be served, feel free to bring your own wine.

Located just west of downtown Petaluma
From Hwy 101 take the Washington Ave exit.
Northbound turn left, southbound turn right, west towards downtown Petaluma.
Go through downtown, through intersection and light at Howard St. Turn left
at the next light at N. Webster (it is about 1.5 miles from 101). Go two
long blocks and the hall will be on your left at corner of Webster and
Western. Plenty of parking available.
Need directions from another location? Give me a call.

posted in Argentine Tango - 7 replies

Tango in Bali :))

2005-09-25T07:00:29Z

www.tangobali.com

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Tango #9 and Ruby Iron Sunday SF

2005-07-28T20:23:46Z

This Sunday it’s a return of one of our favorite nights of sizzling music and spicy dance floor excitement. Come down to Amnesia this Sunday for an international tour of the dancefloor beginning with a stop in the romantic dancehalls of Argentina with our favorite milonga maestros TANGO #9 and then RUBY IRON and THE K.O. COMBO will get your toes tapping with swinging tunes from the sepia toned dance crazy days of the USA.

Do you think you have two left hoofers? Do not dismay! Top-flight metronome Ballroom instructors Daniel Peters and Pier Voulkos will be on hand for a “pass the hat” introductory tango lesson at 8 pm to get you acquainted with the intimate mysteries of the world’s mot passionate dance. Don’t miss this one of a kind double bill this Sunday at Amnesia!

Vibrant, voluptuous and touched with timelessness, the wryly-sophisticated quartet Tango No. 9 truly embraces the sensuous rhythms and tangents of the tango. With tangos from vintage Piazzola to the present, they will transport you to a steamy black and red streaked Argentinean night.

Ruby Iron and her K.O. Combo deliver a knockout set of invigorating tunes from the 30’s and 40’s that are sure to put the jump back into your jive. Put on your fancy pants or your best dress and be prepared to have your socks knocked off by a K.O. combo that goes the distance.

What!?
Tango #9 with lesson at 8pm with Daniel Peters and Pier Voulkos
Ruby Iron and the K.O Combo

When!?
This Sunday, July 31st

Where!?
Amnesia
853 Valencia @ 20th

How Much!?
$7 – Wowza, what a deal!

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

performance Op, 2nd try

2005-07-25T20:42:30Z

Doesn't anybody want to perform a couple of informal evenings with me at the Sonoma County Fair? Available dates are the 27th, & 8/2,3,5 & 8.
I have ten years experiance dancing tango an am just looking for someone who wouldn't mind spending a couple of evenings hanging out & dancing at the world's smallest milonga. You just have to be able to lead, this is not about Show Dancing!

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Seeking Argentine Tango practice partner in SF

2005-07-25T04:22:35Z

I've started taking Argentine Tango, and while I am by no means an expert, I am also beyond beginner. That being said, I still have lots to learn and class twice a week just isn't going to cut it. So I'm looking for a dance/practice partner. I work at a dance studio in SF so we have free practice time, and if you want to take my Tango classes with me (Saturdays at 12 and I will usually attend a practica on Tuesdays at 9) it will be free for you as well.

I'm 5'11" and I dance in heels, so I'm probably looking for a tall guy who can lead well. I laugh a lot, but I am very serious about learning this dance. That being said, let me make one more thing clear: I am looking for a dance partner, not a date.

I listen to a lot of Nuevo tango, that's a flavor of music I find incredibly fun to move to.
Sound interesting? Let's talk!

posted in Argentine Tango - 11 replies

looking for chromatic bandoneon.

2005-07-05T08:20:59Z

anyone have one for sale?
-Isabel

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

San Diego Milongas

2005-06-19T07:32:53Z

Anyone know of any?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Portland, OR

2005-06-04T22:20:48Z

Anyone here from Portland, OR? I would like to know where to go to learn to Tango around here. Just saw a movie called "The Tango Lesson" and how could someone NOT want to tango after seeing that?

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Beginner Tango lesson by Christy Cote at Dance Sampler June 4th

2005-05-11T20:17:42Z

Beginner Tango lesson by Christy Cote at Dance Sampler

The Dance Sampler is a day long series of 35 introductory social dance classes in 5 tracks- Swing, Latin, Ballroom, Vintage, and World/Folk.There are 7 hours of classes in each track.

Saturday June 4 2005
Oakland Veterans Hall
200 Grand Avenue X Harrison, Oakland CA
10am to 6 pm $40 at door

doors open at 9:30 am

SWING: East Coast, Shag, Lindy, Balboa, Charleston, Cajun, West Coast Swing

LATIN: Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha, Samba, Merengue, Argentine Tango, Cumbia

BALLROOM: Foxtrot, Polka, Viennese Waltz, Night Club Two step,Bolero,Quickstep, Hustle

VINTAGE: Rotary Waltz, Cross Step Waltz,One Step, Mazurka,50's Rock and Roll, Disco, and Bal Musette

FOLK/WORLD: Scottish Country, Contra,Swedish Hambo, English Country, Country and Western Two step,International Folk Dancing,and Zydeco

Some comments by people who have registered:

"So many choices! hard to decide which class to take"

"I have always been curious about Zydeco"

"This is a great idea!"

"This should be fun. I know some of my friends are going also."

"Great teachers"

"Argentine Tango has always been a bit intimidating. This might make it easier to try it out"

Teachers confirmed:

Richard Powers: Cross step waltz, Rotary Waltz, Viennese Waltz, 50's rock and roll, Disco, Bal Musette

Joan Walton: Charleston, Foxtrot, Mazurka, One Step, Polka

Raul Ante: Hustle

Dana DeSimone: Cajun, Zydeco

Alan Winston: English Country

Michael Marangio and Persephone: Shag and East Coast Swing

Andy Wilson: Contra

Christy Cote: Argentine Tango

Eric Isacson: Swedish Hambo

Bruce Herbold: Scottish Country Dancing

Jake and Techi: Salsa and Mambo

Richard Kear: Night Club Two Step, Country and Western Two Step

Marcel Vinokur: International Folk Dance

You are welcome to take any class.

You can register at the door or pay in advance

$40 for the entire day

pay by paypal:
www.fridaynightwaltz.com

or mail check to :
Scott Gamble
P.O. Box 1555
Palo Alto CA 94302

Scott.g@pway.com
650 326 6265

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

planning a trip to Argentina, advice needed...

2005-04-30T18:00:46Z

Hi,

I don’t yet know how to tango, but I’ve always wanted to learn. Currently I’m serving in the peace corps in Bolivia, which is conveniently close to Argentina. I’m thinking of taking a vacation to Buenos Aires, or going there after I finish my service.

Does anyone have any advice on good places to stay/learn tango? Is there any particular time of year (festivals, etc) that would be an especially good time to visit? Does anyone know of a package deal I should consider? Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Alice

posted in Argentine Tango - 6 replies

Hello from London

2005-04-25T16:08:07Z

Have just discovered this tribe. How many of you are based in London? Finding a teacher here has been an nightmare! It's taken me 6 months, 1 trip to Seville and 6 weird classes to track down one great teacher.

Hooked? Yes, I'll admit it.

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

buenos aires milongas

2005-04-25T14:35:44Z

if you´re coming down here for the dance, don´t miss the milonga tuesday nights at la catedral. it´s the avant guard bohemian underground of milongas.

ciao
m

posted in Argentine Tango - 3 replies

new to tango in SF?

2005-04-18T22:45:28Z

Hi,

I've just started taking tango lessons, and I've got the bug...

It seems that lessons and milongas would be even more fun if I found a few other beginners to go with. I noticed there are several other SF people in this tribe, so I thought I'd post the subject where everyone will see it and see what happens.

Anyone want to go to lessons/practicas/milangas with me?

posted in Argentine Tango - 3 replies

Tango #9 plus lesson with Christy Cote this Sunday 4/17!

2005-04-14T21:36:53Z

Holy Toledo do we have a double bill for you lovers and jumpin’ jive kids alike! Come down to Amnesia this Sunday for an international tour of the dancefloor beginning with a stop in the romantic dancehalls of Argentina with our favorite milonga maestros TANGO #9 and then RUBY IRON and THE K.O. COMBO will get your toes tapping with swinging tunes from the sepia toned dance crazy days of the USA.

Do you think you have two left hoofers? Do not dismay! International tango star and local expert instructor CHRISTY COTE will be on hand for a friendly $3 introductory tango lesson at 8pm to get you acquainted with the intimate mysteries of the world’s mot passionate dance. Don’t miss this one of a kind double bill this Sunday at Amnesia!

Vibrant, voluptuous and touched with timelessness, the wryly-sophisticated quartet Tango No. 9 truly embraces the sensuous rhythms and tangents of the tango. With tangos from vintage Piazzola to the present, they will transport you to a steamy black and red streaked Argentinean night.

Ruby Iron and her K.O. Combo deliver a knockout set of invigorating tunes from the 30’s and 40’s that are sure to put the jump back into your jive. Put on your fancy pants or your best dress and be prepared to have your socks knocked off by a K.O. combo that goes the distance.

What!?
Tango #9 with lesson at 8pm with Christy Cote
Ruby Iron and the K.O Combo

When!?
This Sunday, April 17th

Where!?
Amnesia
853 Valencia @ 20th

How Much!?
$7 – Wowza, what a deal!

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

Ok quiet people...

2005-04-13T19:28:22Z

I know Tango doesn't have a lot of topics to discuss, but this has got to be the quietest group I've seen out there. What country and/or town was the greatest place you've danced tango? I for one would love to visit Argentina when I learn the dance more.

posted in Argentine Tango - 11 replies

Studying SPANISH abroad

2005-04-06T19:33:09Z

Hi. This isnt so much related, but does anyone know of any good Schools or Programs for learnign spanish? Im interested in going to spain, to barcelona, granada and/or seville. Ive been to buenos aires, and i loved it, but I dont know if i want to study spanish there. But if there are good schools there, then maybe. Any, any suggestions, names or experiences you would like to share would be much appreciated! Its so hard nagivating through the million or so language schools out there (and some are sooo! expensive)Thanks, and happy dancing!

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

teach the tango in the woods??

2005-03-14T16:17:40Z

hi all....
i am a total beginner [just a couple beginning lessons] but i am absolutely head over heals about the tango...watch every movie that has it....just saw Forever Tango in Portland...so here's the deal....i live far from the maddening crowd in a resort called Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort & Conference Center...
about an hour and a half east of salem in the cascades of oregon....
if you are looking for a cheap vacation and willing to teach i can offer possible free and possible cheap possibilities of a great place in the ancient forest with hot springs and steam sauna etc. which has a big hard wood dance floor [but no shoes allowed] ....in exchange for just a bit of furthering my tango education...

more details if you have an inclination.....

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

level 2 class in SF Tuesday, March 15

2005-03-14T03:24:47Z

I paid in advance for a month's worth of level 2 classes at Metronome ballroom, but I have to work this week and can't make it.
The class is from 8pm-9pm, with a practica afterward that's free if you're in the class.
This week George Garcia is the guest teacher visiting from Hawaii.
He's amazing!
The class is $16, and I'd like to sell my spot this week to a budding tanguera.
Contact me if interested.

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

'Tango Pasion'

2005-03-07T19:32:28Z

Has anyone gotten the CD or VHS of this show?
I know it was on sale at the performance I saw years ago.
Anyone?
They're due in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Wed. 03/09/05.
It was a most beautiful performance.

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

milongas.blogspot.com

2005-03-06T19:09:06Z

Send your favorite Argentine Tango photos to neil_liveakos@yahoo.com for posting on the oldest, biggest and best Argentine Tango Web Log: milongas.blogspot.com. Thanks and enjoy! Neil

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply

social classes tonight in berkeley

2005-03-04T02:27:30Z

hey all, just letting you know that this wednesday and next wednesday the uc ballroom dance club is doing argentine tango beginning social lessons (and open dance). they're open to the public and i think that they are $7 each. they run from 7:30pm-9:30pm with open dancing until 10:30 in 234 hearst gym, which is the hearst gymnasium on bancroft near bowditch. hope to see some of you there :)

posted in Argentine Tango - 8 replies

new to tango

2004-10-18T20:21:25Z

Hello! I'm Jess and my husband and I are just starting tango lessons and I'm in heaven and my husband is in hell. Would you all have some adivce for begining dancers? He's having to learn how to "walk" all over again, along with everything else, and after the 3rd lesson is super frustrated and grumpy about it all.
Any insight would be wonderful!!
JG

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Mimi Santapa in San Francisco!

2004-10-18T20:13:50Z

For those of you who don't know Mimi...she's simply the best. She's taught the best. Even the best of the best. If you want to learn Milonguero style, she's the one to go to for it. I'm going to be helping chauffer her about the Bay Area in conjunction with Deby...so feel free to ask me questions.

Here's a basic schedule: http://www.lavidacondeby.com/events/Mimi.htm

Contact Deby directly for private lessons with Mimi. Ladies--this is a great way to learn the lead from someone without inhibition.

-R

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

Ferry Milonga

2004-10-17T23:20:19Z

Crossposted from The Dance Card:

> TANGO!
> The Ferry Building Marketplace Milonga
> Friday, October 15
> 5:30 - 8:00 PM
>
> Celebrate the Harvest Festival in the main hall of the new Ferry
> Building Marketplace in San Francisco, on the Embarcadero at the foot of
> Market Street.
>
> Wines from Frog's Leap, Ceago Vinegarden, Yorkville Cellars, Frey
> Vineyards and Robert Sinskey Vineyards will be served at $5.00 per
> glass. See this fabulous building, enjoy terrific wines, visit all the
> shops in the Marketplace, and dance (or watch) your finest tango. The
> milonga is sponsored by Terence Clarke, Beatrice Bowles and El Morocho
> Films. Admission is free.

I can't go but it sounds like a Blast! And plenty of time to go to another one after...

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Tango in the bay area

2004-10-08T02:59:18Z

Any and all knowledge of classes and clubs where this fabulous dance taught and danced would be most welcome...I have been dying to learn the true tango for some time now, so I thought this would be the place to ask.

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Tango in Los Angeles?

2004-07-21T21:25:19Z

OK,I'm looking to take classes in LA, preferably not in a typical dance studio, perhaps a club/restaurant atmosphere. Can anyone reccommend?

posted in Argentine Tango - 3 replies

Nora's Tango Week - July 2-10 in SF

2004-06-23T20:16:33Z

Hi Folks,

Anyone going to Nora's?

http://www.tangoweek.com

you should consider it, if you haven't in the past...

--Rainy

posted in Argentine Tango - 4 replies

Photos...

2004-06-23T20:14:31Z

Hey all - it would be neat if there were photos posted of the folks in this tribe dancing, in their various locales. I see there is an "add" photo feature, but only one exists.

Anyone have stuff to upload?

--R

posted in Argentine Tango - 2 replies

Tango Shoes

2004-06-18T17:05:09Z

I have been searching around the net to buy a pair of tango shoes and they are kinda expensive. That's fine I just wonder if there are any brands better than others before I drop money? Also if anyone knows of any used for sale (US size 7) I'd be interested in that too. I just started tango lessons and LOVE IT. I've had three lessons and I'm already finding myself renting tango movies and listening to the music at work :). There's a great restaurant where I live (seattle) called Buenos Aires Grill - Argentine Restaurant & Bar and they have tango dancers in the restaurant around the tables and on bar tops Friday's and Saturdays - how fun.

posted in Argentine Tango - 12 replies

New Website for Angel Clemente & Rosa Collantes

2004-06-07T23:24:31Z

Rosa is back and performing again - for those of you who contributed to her Breast Cancer Fund. You can see her in a very new, innovative performance with Angel this coming weekend in NYC; details provided on Angel's website under "Schedule":

http://www.angeltango.com

There are also some great clips of them dancing in the performances section. Any tango lover would enjoy watching these.

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

New Tribe!! Tango Music

2004-04-21T22:13:09Z

For those interested in Tango Music, check out the new tribe about Tango Music only. It's still in its initial phase, but it'll soon be a place of discussion about musicians, styles, releases, events, etc. Enjoy!

-Karakter.

posted in Argentine Tango - 0 replies

tango music

2004-03-15T23:27:45Z

I am starting with tango lessons
I would like to find some music on the web to practice
any ideas?

posted in Argentine Tango - 1 reply