Tango Space is a fabulous resource for tango dancers of all stages.
One thing we know about you…
…is that you want clarity in your tango journey.
And, we also know you’re always looking to be more in the flow and stop thinking when you’re dancing.
So, to help you do just that, in this week’s video lesson we’re sharing the 5 fundamental movements of tango dancing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced dancer, these steps are the foundation of your dancing.
They're the only steps you'll ever need to learn!
Simply combining them will allow you to create full, beautiful dances that match perfectly with the music (as we show you at the end of the video).
Click on the video to learn:
- The 5 fundamental elements of tango dancing
- Their Argentinian names
- How combining them allows you to dance full tango songs, without learning more
IF you haven't seen Tango Space yet, have a look at their youtube channel... here is one of their videos.
When I was studying theatre, one of our teachers always make us do gruelling physical exercises before working on a scene.
We arrived on stage so exhausted that it was sometimes difficult to simply stand up and speak.
We’d stand in front of all of the other actors…. sweating, shaking from the intense effort, holding our monologues on a sheet of paper…
And didn’t even have the time to think about the emotions we wanted to portray before getting into character.
And, often, the results were breathtaking: moments of grace with simple, raw acting coming from the heart.
The teacher said that the physical challenge brought us back to our bodies and forced us to be in the present.
We find that the same happens with tango dancing.
Sometimes, taking it a notch further than what you are used to changes how you approach dancing and makes you more connected with your body and with your partner.
This is what we invite you to explore with us today.
In this week’s video lesson, we’re teaching you a fun movement that combines a turn with some enrosque decorations for the leader.
It requires great control of the posture and the embrace by both dancers, so it’s a fun challenge to add to your tango practice!
Don’t worry though: we break down the movement and you will see that it is actually easier than it looks.
Click on this week’s video to learn:
- How to combine a lapiz turn with an enrrosque so you have more possibilities for the melodic moments of the music
- When in the turn to add a lapiz so you keep your connection with your partner
- 2 important technique elements for followers in order to make all circular movements work
Just before lockdown there was the Frostbite Festival in Finland. I don't know about you, but after lockdown I'm sure we'll be dancing as though we've had a bad dose of frostbite! I hope we all get to dance together soon.
La Gran Milonga is on again... run by Luis Gomez and Karina Viegas. Here is a video of Luis and Karina dancing.
80-year old Tango Maestro Luis Gomez and his daughter Karina Viegas dance a Tango followed by a Tango Vals at their ‘La Gran Milonga’ milonga held on Easter Saturday night 26th March 2016 at the Southport Community Centre, Southport, Queensland, Australia to celebrate their 30 years of Tango-teaching in Australia.
(Tango - ‘Recuerdo Malevo’ by Ricardo Tanturi) (Tango Vals – ‘Temo’ by Orquesta Tipica Victor – Singer Mario Corrales) Video – Steve Hockey, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia.
The Solo Tango Orquesta team was founded in the summer of 2010 and in incredibly short time has gained international recognition.
It is the only European tango-orchestra that was nominated to the First international “Premios Tango” (Buenos Aires / March 2018).
A special version of the tango “Los Mareados” from Solo Tango Orquesta became victorious on XV world games in Buenos Aires (Mundial de Tango 2018).
Below you will find a selection of dancers performing with Solo Tango Orquesta.
Solo Tango Orquesta, "La Milonga de Buenos Aire", Javier Rodriguez & Fatima Vitale
Solo Tango orquesta, Jonathan Saavedra & Clarisa Aragon "Arrabalera"
Solo Tango Orquesta, Alexander & Maria Frolovy "Vals de Invierno"
Solo Tango Orquesta, "La Cumparsita", Javier Rodriguez & Fatima Vitale
Mindfulness the practice of bringing awareness to the present moment over and over again.
I wonder what it would take for us all to create a Mindful Tango Community?
Many years ago now, when I went to my first milonga (tango dance) the host of the milonga, explained to we newbies the etiquette and 'rules' of the dance floor. We had introduced ourselves as new students from the country, and were delighted to learn all the new information.
We were shown how dancers were meant to enter and leave the dance floor and why. We were invited to do our form of beginner tango, in the centre of the group so as not to impede the flow. The group was beautiful to watch as it moved, the dancers flowing in a circular pattern.
However of late, I've become aware of many conversations centered around increasingly poor floorcraft on the Tango dance floor.
I wonder what happened to that lovely early Tango scene with the beautifully flowing line of dance? It has been replaced with a dishevelled floor craft and etiquette. Has it something to do with our shortening attention spans? Over the last few weeks, I've been sliced with high heels, trodden on by leaders walking backwards, and knocked sideways by dancers barging onto the floor without looking. If dancers walked onto a busy road, the same way they walk onto a dance floor, many of them would either be dead or critically injured and in hospital by now.
If you have experienced any of the above, you will know that it is not pleasant, and can turn an otherwise lovely evening into one you want to leave. I've even seen people nearly in a fight!
How do we turn this trend around? A few ideas - please share yours.
1 - by teachers taking the time to teach floor craft and etiquette regularly in class
2 - by dancers taking responsibility to practice what their teachers have shown them
3 - stop and take a few breaths before walking onto the dance floor
4 - by being mindful of your actions and the consequences
It's exciting to hear a piece of music that stirs the spirit, that has you on your feet and wanting to dance. However we all need to take care of each other on the dance floor, so we really enjoy the beauty that is Tango. I believe that is where mindfulness comes in.
What is Mindfulness? I'll let Diana Winston explain...
How can we all improve our mindfulness for Argentine Tango?
Firstly - STOP and take a few breaths before walking onto a dance floor.
Wait - for a space, don't just barge in.
Leaders - wait for a signal from the oncoming leader before walking in front of them.
Followers - you've been sitting down and are excited to dance, I get it!
Don't rush onto the floor, again, stop and pause, and wait with the leader to guide you.
Work with the floor not against it. If the floor is crowded, don't do large moves.
Dotted through this post and below you'll find some excellent videos on floor craft by Murat and Michelle Erdemsel.
We've all had bumps on the dance floor, accidents happen, lets do our utmost to reduce these and take care of one another. What are your thoughts on how we can bring mindfulness to the dance floor?
Neo Tango Australia's Tango weekend happens at Runaway Bay, The Gold Coast Queensland Australia 24-26th May 2019. Below you will find some information and their link.
"Tradition is a guide not a jailer." W. Somerset Maughan
"We aim to provide a fun, friendly and happy atmosphere where you can feel relaxed to explore your creativity on a spacious dance floor."
THE DANCING
...at the Neo Tango Rage is for curious and explorative Tango dancers, open to different musical styles and genres other than those played at traditional milongas. Whilst essentially keeping the strength of the traditional Tango connection with your partner, couples can decide to enrich the dance by moves and attitudes taken from modern Tango and other dance styles. What matters is to express yourself, respect the other dancers and dance counter clock wise.
THE MUSIC
...is alternative and not Nuevo or Electro Tango!
Although Nuevo and Electro Tango may be played in limited quantity during the Rage, the focus is much more about exploring a rich diversity of musical styles and genres. The music will drive participants to dance Tango whilst arousing their curiosity and willingness to explore unexpected musical domains. The tunes will primarily be alternative music that will still enable Tango dancers to integrate Tango steps and movements from traditional Tango.
THE VISUALS
...will have you dancing in a unique three-dimensional atmosphere.
Unlike traditional Tango festivals, the staging of Neo Tango Rage will award you with 360° colourful visual effects, enhanced by floating drapery through which you can navigate with your partner.
