Let's face it, Argentine Tango is not an easy dance to learn. In the beginning it can be very frustrating. It takes time and diligence to become competent and a strong ego to deal with rejection. The better dancer you become, more people will seek you out to dance with you. You will also enjoy yourself more as your skill level increases. Not everyone goes into Tango, or … [Read more...]
Language of Tango
One of the things I love most about dancing Tango is finding my “tribe” in almost any city in the world. It’s listening for the sound of familiar notes floating trough the air when wandering unfamiliar streets. It’s entering the room, to the etiquette all Tango dancers learn, from taking off the coats, changing the shoes, watching the floor, then surveying the crowd to find a … [Read more...]
The Beginner’s Mind in Tango
Greetings for the New Year! A new year is a great time to renew or begin your passion for Argentine Tango. This post was first published in July of 2015, yet still provides great advice for Tango dancers of all levels. Shoshin (初心) is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning "beginner's mind". It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when … [Read more...]
Luciana Valle returns to San Francisco
Here is your opportunity to learn Tango from one of the best! Luciana Valle returns to San Francisco: September 8-18, 2017 Luciana began tango in the early 1990s studying under Gustavo Naviera, Fabian Salas, Pepito Avellaneda, Mingo Pugliese and Graciela Gonzales. Between 1995 and 1997 she collaborated with Gustavo Naviera and Fabian Salas in an ambitous project to codify and … [Read more...]
Tango and the Feminist
A new guest post By Sasha Cagen “You’re not getting the lead,” he tells me. Gruff, mid-fifties, beady eyes, a ponytail dwindling halfway down his back, Ponytail Man chose me as his partner for this advanced tango class at Floreal, a traditional milonga in Buenos Aires. It’s nice to be chosen, but now I’m not sure. Two famous teachers, los Totis, are teaching an unusual … [Read more...]