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Teacher Spotlight: Meet Jennifer

August 28, 2012

Jennifer Olson Leading
Jennifer is skilled at leading and following.

Dear SF Loves Tango fans,

Please join me in welcoming Jennifer Olson to the Bay Area. Jennifer is an accomplished tango teacher, performer and DJ who rose up quickly her Tango career.  She is originally from Portland, Oregon, and through her passion for Tango, has taught and danced all over the world.

Jennifer has recently moved to San Francisco and was generous enough to agree to an interview, so we can all get to know her better.  Through this interview and meeting her in person, I’ve learned she is not only a very talented dancer (check out her pivots and excellent musicality) but also a very sweet and open person. We are lucky to have her.

Interview with Jennifer Olson August 23, 2102

SFLovesTango:  I understand you have traveled a lot in your Tango career. Where in the world is your favorite place to dance?

Jennifer: Buenos Aires, Argentina of course! It comes down to a numbers game – not only are there more people dancing in Bs. As., there are more people traveling through Bs. As. on a regular basis as well! You have all the major tango circuits running through the city – obviously the Argentinians, but also the Europeans and Americans as well. The interesting thing to me is that they all dance very differently. No one way is necessarily better than another, but they all have certain elements that are emphasized in their dance. It’s the best of all worlds when one is in a location that mixes people from all over the world.

SFLovesTango:  Where in the United States have you lived?

Jennifer: I have lived in Portland, OR; New York City, NY; Seattle, WA; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and now, San Francisco, CA.

SFLovesTango:  Which of these is your favorite US city for Tango?

Jennifer: This is a difficult question, but if I had to choose just one, I would say Portland, OR. I would choose Portland because I feel that the community there fosters an environment that does not involve too many politics and really emphasizes the important things (such as comfort, connection, and musicality). Of course, there are always little beefs in every tango scene, but by and large, the Portland community does a great job with putting things aside for the benefit of everyone in the community. For example, when I first started dancing in Portland, all of the instructors really encouraged their students to take classes from other instructors as well. I think this is fabulous as it leads to a greater understanding of tango (which keeps people in tango and grows the scene) and it also encourages creativity of one’s own, instead of simple replication – the individual, confronted with sometimes conflicting information, needs to decide what tango means to him/her.

SFLovesTango:  How did your journey begin? What was your profession before you got involved in Tango?

Jennifer: My journey began on a first date. Sean had been taking an Argentine Tango class at the local community college with Alex Krebs and wanted to do something unique for our first date. I remember going to the Sunday practica in Clay Nelson’s old studio on the west side in Portland, OR. Megan Pingree and Bill Alsup were the teachers. Soon afterwards, Sean and I were going to group classes together. I remember going to a intermediate class that was in close embrace only and being slightly confused as I only knew how to dance open embrace up to that point. I remember feeling slightly awkward about how close I was to these random men that I didn’t know. Ha! Seems like a lifetime ago…

Before I started dancing tango, I was in high school. My first encounter with tango was literally the weekend after I graduated from high school. The only other job that I have ever had aside from teaching tango was as a swim instructor and lifeguard while in school.

SFLovesTango:  What have you been doing in the past 5 years?

Jennifer: In the past 5 years, I have been traveling around the world teaching and dancing up a storm! Up to this point, I have taught in 19 countries and lived in Buenos Aires for a total of two years. As for a few moments in history: In 2008, I actually achieved one of the pinnacles of my career – teaching at the Mallorca Tango Festival in Palma de Mallorca, Spain with Damian Lobato. It was a momentous occasion for me as I was teaching at a festival with the likes of Chicho Frumboli and Juana Sepulveda, Sebastian Arce and Mariana Montes, and Fabian Salas! On top of that, in 2011, I also taught at the Agosto Festivalito put on by El Yeite Tango Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Martín Bel. I was the only foreigner to teach at the festival.

 

SFLovesTango:  Which maestros have inspired your style?

Jennifer: Alex Krebs has, by far, had the most influence in my dancing and teaching but I have also been greatly influenced by all of my dance partners: Robin Thomas, Damian Lobato, and Martín Bel. Damian and Martín have both been influenced greatly by Chicho and Gustavo, and so a lot of how I understand the dance and my philosophy of the dance actually originates from them.

SFLovesTango:  What is your favorite Tango Orchestra?

Jennifer: My favorite tango orchestra, by far, would be that of Carlos Di Sarli. The music of Carlos Di Sarli is incredibly varied depending on the decade in which the piece was recorded. It would be possible to play half a night of Di Sarli and still keep the flow going strong – from “Big” Di Sarli instrumentals recorded in the late ’50s, to “Romantic” Di Sarli with Podesta in the the mid ’40s, there is really something for everyone with an orchestra like Carlos Di Sarli.

SFLovesTango:  From the perspective of a dancer, what is crucial for a dance (in a milonga) to be fulfilling?

Jennifer:  For a dance to be fulfilling for me, the embrace must first be comfortable and connected. After that, it is all about musicality. Musicality is what makes the dance interesting. It holds my attention. A metronome is not interesting no matter what complicated movements one is doing.

SFLovesTango:  How often do you social dance?

Jennifer: I actually still really enjoy going out social dancing as I love getting to know new people. While at times my body can’t physically keep up, I like the energy in the dances and hearing people’s stories. Because of this, I try to go out dancing as much as possible. I would say that I end up going out about 3-4 times per week.

SFLovesTango:  What are the most important fundamentals you hope your students learn from your classes/workshops?

Jennifer: I think the most important thing that I can try to communicate to my students is how to “dance” and not simply “move.” I frequently look out on the dance floor and see people “moving” and not “dancing”…dancing is a whole other ballgame. It’s not easy and it takes a lot of vulnerability, especially as a follower. Of course, it is incredibly draining and is not possible to do all the time, but I would like to see more of this. It is not necessary to know “steps” to do this. Some of the most amazing dances that I have had were not much more than walking and weight shifts as far as the movements were concerned.

SFLovesTango:  In the future, do you picture your life dedicated to Argentine Tango?

Jennifer:  What else would you like to achieve as a professional Argentine Tango dancer/teacher? I definitely see tango in my future although I can imagine that it might take more of a backseat once I start a family, etc. I really love tango people – they tend to be very open-minded, intelligent, and a culturally diverse bunch, so I appreciate these kind of people in my life. As far as the future is concerned with respect to teaching tango, I really just want to inspire more people/introduce people to tango. I love teaching beginners for this reason. I remember a former student of mine that recently contacted me… She started tango with me in Seattle and emailed me as she wanted to let me know that she moved to Rome and is completely addicted to tango. I like that…I have influenced her life. That makes me happy.

SFLovesTango:  You will be teaching with Felipe Martinez TWO special workshops on Saturday, September 8th at La Pista. Tell us more about it.

Jennifer: Felipe and I will be teaching two workshops, Pivots and Boleos from 1 – 2:30 pm and Turns, Sacadas, and Ganchos from 2:45 – 4:15 pm. Each workshop will consist of a brief review of some foundational technique that will then segue into the highlighted movements – boleos in the first workshop, and sacadas and ganchos in the second. The foundational technique that we will review will be integral in the achievement of the movements. The classes are for an advanced level, so expect them to be challenging!

Pre-register for workshops with Jennifer and Felipe and learn more here: http://tangojennifer.weebly.com/group-classes.html

Thank you Jennifer!

Filed Under: Learning Tango, Teacher Spotlight Tagged With: Argentine Tango, Felipe Martinez, Jennifer Olson, Tango classes, Tango workshop

Tango scenes in SF

sflovestango

Celebrate #bayareatango community, support everyone involved & share ♥️ of #tango with San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

sflovestango
🦃 Thanksgiving is only one week away!! If you a 🦃 Thanksgiving is only one week away!! If you are in town and up for a weekend of post-turkey (ham/steak/veggies/stuffing or whatever dishes you're having) embraces, 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 ~ 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨 at @verdiclubsf is ready for you!!

🍁 Brought to you by @tanguera_e, @jesram_sf, and Adolfo C.
🔗 event link in our bio!👆
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#tango #argentinetango #tangoargentino #specialevent #tangoevent #milonga #alternativetango #afternoonmilonga #eveningmilonga #thanksgivingweekend #bayareatango #sflovestango
@bandonegrotango 2023 Autumn USA and Canada Tour s @bandonegrotango 2023 Autumn USA and Canada Tour started with a 💥 at @thetangodome last Saturday in Oakland, CA!! They blew off the roof and also took our breath away❤️‍🔥 Enjoy snippets from that magical night and don’t miss their 2nd and final stop in the SF Bay Area TOMORROW at @tangolabruja ❣️🎶🎵🎻🪗
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#tango #argentinetango #tangoargentino #specialevent #onenightonly #TangoConcert #contemporarymusic #tangomusician #tangoorchestra #bandonegro #ontour #milonga #tangoevent #socialdancing #bayareatango #sflovestango
✨TANGO THIS SATURDAY Oct 28✨ 𝕆𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝟛 for Tango Aficionados in SF Bay Area… 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚, October Edition at @thebeatberk in Berkeley!! Longest running All-nighter in the North America since 2000~ Share your warmest embrace with out of towners and welcome new dancers from @stanfordtango and @berkeleytangoclub ~

Hosted by @tangonnection and @ayano.yoneda.tango
9:00p - 10:00p Special Chacarera Class with guest teacher Helene Eriksen
10:00p - 4:00a Milonga with guest DJ @prashantiyer 
Chacarera break around 1:00am

event details link in bio👆
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#tango #argentinetango #tangoargentino #allnighter #milonga #tangoevent #socialdancing #bayareatango #sflovestango
✨TANGO THIS SATURDAY Oct 28✨ 𝕆𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝟚  for Tango Aficionados in SF Bay Area… @bandonegrotango is kicking off their 2023 Autumn USA & Canada Tour at the one and only @thetangodome in Oakland!! 🎵🎶🎼🪗 Nightclub Style Tango at its best! DJ @jonas.aqui will keep you dancing in between live music sets.

Brought to you by @macaronifinearts and @voulkosfoundation with ❤️ event link in bio👆contact tangodome@gmail.com for ticket info 🎟️🎫
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#tango #argentinetango #tangoargentino #specialevent #onenightonly #TangoConcert #contemporarymusic #tangomusician #ontour #milonga #tangoevent #socialdancing #bayareatango #sflovestango
🍁The last weekend of October is quickly approac 🍁The last weekend of October is quickly approaching and it’s popping!🥳 

✨FRIDAY✨ 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 in San Francisco with DJ Dan Boccia visiting from Anchorage, Alaska! Hosted by @tangosabor 

🎵ABOUT DJ DAN🎵
The music is what first drew Dan to tango in 2000, and he still loves the music deeply. His DJ journey began with college dances using vinyl in the late 80s, continuing on to DJ for several kinds of social dances through the 90s, and he has been DJing tango events throughout North America since 2001, including an epic all-nighter at the Beat in Berkeley CA in 2003 that lasted 9 1/2 hours, ending around 7:30am! He enjoys studying the crowd and selecting songs in the moment, with seamless transitions between tandas, taking the dancers on a dynamic journey with the music.
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#tango #argentinetango #tangoargentino #milonga #tangoevent #socialdancing #bayareatango #sflovestango
✨Not to be missed this week✨ learning from one ✨Not to be missed this week✨ learning from one of the best tango artists and teachers, Moira Castellano❣️ event details link in bio👆
October is a busy month for Tango in San Francisco October is a busy month for Tango in San Francisco!🍁 Starting off… Charles Gorczynski returned to the Bay Area and WEST COAST TANGO ENSEMBLE world premiere at @thetangodome last Saturday, October 14, 2023!!🎶❤️‍🔥 hosted by @macaronifinearts & @voulkosfoundation 

Featuring:
@redwoodtango 
@devan.moran 
@basmaedreesviolin 
@keikocadby 
@charithp 
@antonestaniel 
Stella Bonilla
@amiblami13 
@fabricanfabricant 
@steelnhammers 

#sanfrancisco #bayarea #tango #argentinetango #contemporarytango #tangomusic #tangomusicians #livemusic #milonganight #tangodancers #specialevent #onenightonly #sflovestango
On October 10th, 1902, one of the greatest bandone On October 10th, 1902, one of the greatest bandoneon virtuoso was born in La Boca, PEDRO LAURENZ (10/10/1902-7/7/1972). His birthday was celebrated at @el_valenciano1153 with an interactive lecture by @ayano.yoneda.tango so many of us got to know what makes his music special, how he became who he was, and the stories of his career told by his rivals and colleagues. Of course, the usual Tuesday night social dancing at El V was only complete when plenty of Laurenz’ music were danced to throughout the night!

Brought to you by @tangosabor
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#specialevent #bayareatango #sanfrancisco #bailemostango #tangoislife #morethandancing #tangomusic
Las Chicas del Tango @thetangodome Oakland, Califo Las Chicas del Tango
@thetangodome
Oakland, California
26 de agosto de 2023

Piano @sfsumi
Violín @basmaedreesviolin
Contrabajo @hannahmacgilv
Bandoneones @sinai_rim y @clarastern_bandoneon
Cello Vicky Ehrlich

#repost 📸 @clarastern_bandoneon 
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#tango #argentinetango #specialevent #onenightonly #sanfrancisco #oakland #bayareatango #femalemusicians #livemusic #thedome #womenintango #chambermusic #contemporarytango #bayareaconcert #powerhouse #sflovestango
It's been a while since we do a spotlight on any t It's been a while since we do a spotlight on any teacher. But someone like @lucianavallel who has been a regular visiting teacher for over 20 years, we are very glad to welcome her back to San Francisco for the first time post-pandemic! (link in bio!👆)

Starting with pre-Milonga class this Thursday Aug 10 at @milongamalevaje, Friday Aug 11 at Milonga Genesis (hosted by @tangosabor) and two weekends of Intensive Tango Workshops at Monte Cristo Social Club (event link in bio👆)!
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#tango #argentinetango #tangoargentino #tangoclass #tangoworkshop #tangoteacher #tangoartist #sanfrancisco #sflovestango #bayareatango
Any time at @tangamente.sf is a great time to revi Any time at @tangamente.sf is a great time to review the social tango etiquette, a.k.a. The Rules of the Road, courtesy of @tangonnection & @ayano.yoneda.tango ♥️
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#tango #tangoargentino #argentinetango #tangoevent #tangofestival #tangomarathon #etiquette #floorcraft
❤️‍🔥 @tango_with_winnie and @hugosatorre ❤️‍🔥 @tango_with_winnie and @hugosatorre continued their SF Tour with a weekend of Adventures in Tango Land at @tangodome !

They first blew us away with Saturday Tango Nightclub joining forces with The Dome's house band, Orquesta Tipica Domo, including a special guest artist Aude Bresson.👏 Then they kept the adventures going with a Sunday afternoon Live Music Practica for Dancers! 🎶❣️🎵🎹

If you miss out The Dome events completely, check out our stories for a few highlights!👆 Want to feel the magic of their music in person? Don't miss the rest of their SF tour!👇
~Tuesday 6/27 at El Valenciano (hosted by @tangosabor w/ Julian)
~Saturday 7/1 at @tangamente.sf (hosted by @tanguera_e and @jesram_sf)

☝️Links in bio!
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#tango #tangoargentino #argentinetango #tangoevent #specialevent #livemusic #tangomusic #contemporarytango #tangodancers #bailemostango
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