Tango in San Francisco?
- Thread starter Musique
- Start date
Ampster
Active Member
Here's a list of instructors, places, tango resources I use when I go Tango-ing in SF and environs:
http://www.virtuar.com/tango/ongoing.htm
(**btw, there is a person in SF who is soooo self-absorbed and blogs about his prowess and his "partners..." it would be good to avoid this person. pm me for details)
http://www.virtuar.com/tango/ongoing.htm
(**btw, there is a person in SF who is soooo self-absorbed and blogs about his prowess and his "partners..." it would be good to avoid this person. pm me for details)
Lilly_of_the_valley
Well-Known Member
That person is not in San Francisco anymore, so nothing to worry about 
Tango activities:
http://tangomango.org/
If you need more details, your questions are welcome.
Tango activities:
http://tangomango.org/
If you need more details, your questions are welcome.
Musique
New Member
Ampster and Lilly, thanks a lot for the information. Could you comment on the clubs and lessons based on your own experience? I'm a little overwhelmed.
To give more information about what I'm looking for, I've studied ballroom (standard and latin) for several years, and I frequently salsa. So partner dance is not new. I really like tango music (classical and neo, nuevo) and the authentic argentine tango. I've only taken few group lessons, but I learn very fast, and I feel I learned a lot by going to milongas and dancing with experienced dancers. In short, I'm looking for good intermediate group lessons, and milongas with experienced dancers.
btw. I've been to Just Dance for some ballroom lesson at the time of their tango lesson and milonga. The lesson was very small, and the milonga was basically empty. So I'd like your comments and based on your own experience.
Happy dancing weekend, everyone!
To give more information about what I'm looking for, I've studied ballroom (standard and latin) for several years, and I frequently salsa. So partner dance is not new. I really like tango music (classical and neo, nuevo) and the authentic argentine tango. I've only taken few group lessons, but I learn very fast, and I feel I learned a lot by going to milongas and dancing with experienced dancers. In short, I'm looking for good intermediate group lessons, and milongas with experienced dancers.
btw. I've been to Just Dance for some ballroom lesson at the time of their tango lesson and milonga. The lesson was very small, and the milonga was basically empty. So I'd like your comments and based on your own experience.
Happy dancing weekend, everyone!
Lilly_of_the_valley
Well-Known Member
Musique, where in SF Bay Area are you? And how far you'd be willing to travel for lessons? Are you local or just visiting? I am asking because some very good teachers are currently out of town. So, the question is, do you need somebody right away, or in the long run will be OK, too?
Lilly_of_the_valley
Well-Known Member
Oh, then you are very well situated for Tango
So, here goes:
Monday: Orange practica at The Beat, Berkeley.
I highly recommend this place. It is a public practica, not a milonga. But you can practice with a partner (don't need to bring your own, as there are always people to practice with), or just switch and dance, and have fun.
They give a lesson beforehand. Didn't do it to me, personally. Try, though, you may like it. It's more about teaching style and readiness in my case, I guess.
Tuesday. La Pista. Ney Melo's lesson. Just great. Very useful, and fun. Highly recommended. He is out of town for the rest of the year though.
Will resume in January.
The group is usually going to El Valenciano milonga afterward. Nice place to dance, but you have to be comfortable dancing in close embrace, and tight spaces.
Wednesday. Marcelo Solis' class at Vima dance studio. Not effective right now, please check back in January.
Alternative milonga at Cellspace. Very informal. Music sometimes non-tango. Dancers of all levels.
Thursday. There are milongas at Verdi club (gorgeous place, good dancers, you can dress up... not as well attended lately as before, though), and La Pista (small crowd, but very cosy, and high level of dancing).
Friday. Milongas:Club Monte Cristo. The hosts give great lesson beforehand.
Also Diamond Heights once a month. The latter is one of my favorites. A chapel on the top of the hill, beautiful place, great floor.
Intermediate followers dance a lot in both places.
Public practica at ODC. Show up if you feel like practicing, but here, the situation with partners might be iffy, as people often come with their own.
Saturday: Glenn Corteza's class at SMA. I highly recommend this teacher.
Also, milonga at aMuse gallery. Nice place. Gets very crowded at times, and if you are new, you might be waiting a while before people start asking you.
Sunday, club Gracia. Not my favorite for the number of reason, but worth trying. Lots of intermediate dancers.
Once a month -- an all-night milonga at The Beat. Great dancing for all levels, excellent floor, music, lots of fun.
Here is for starters. As you go, you will meet people, and find out about other classes and places to dance that you might like. Have fun!