Where to start?

[Ampster]

I totally understand and agree!

My boyfriend and I do practice feeling each other (hah!) and connecting this way. That's exactly why we're looking at Argentine... we like to mess around at socials, making up steps and the like, in a very close frame - similar (I think!) to Argentine. We're actually more successful with int/continuity foxtrot, because it has more changes in position where we can feel each others' weight change. We try to do the same thing with tango, but the ballroom tango steps we know seem to be a little too flashy.

So, yeah, this is exactly why I'm looking for something a little more fast-paced. From the start, but fast-paced. I've had some bad experiences with ballroom classes where we end up learning 1-2 steps in an hour and little to no technique, no connection, followers just backleading or leading themselves and everyone just looking to get through the pattern...

Most intro classes I've attended focus on just getting through the steps, and worrying about connection and technique once they've learned to alternate feet and not go clomping around flat-footed... the way I'm sure I was when I started But that's why I'm looking for something more fast-paced. But hey, maybe the intro classes I've been to in the past just stink.

dbk:

Here are some pieces of advice from me. It's more geared towards the lead, but should help you understand better.

I'm including links to my blog as there is so much to learn in AT:

• Basics that beginners need to know
• What Argentine tango leaders should know
• My meanderings through tango music
• The intricacy of simplicity
  

There's a lot more, so please feel free to browse. Don't make the mistakes I've made.

 

[ant]

So, yeah, this is exactly why I'm looking for something a little more fast-paced. From the start, but fast-paced. I've had some bad experiences with ballroom classes where we end up learning 1-2 steps in an hour and little to no technique, no connection, followers just backleading or leading themselves and everyone just looking to get through the pattern...

IMO you should spend all your time at the beginning finding the best teacher you possibally can that is within a reasonable driving distance of where you live. The pace of a class is not important.

The only way I have found good teachers is to look on the list of Tango Festivals that are well respected by experienced Tango dancers and track down anybody on those lists that teach in your area.

After that look for workshop weekends where the good teachers are attending and go to them.

I have also found that attending technique classes, where for the first hour say you work on individual technique, walking, disociation and pivoting and for the next hour you go over classic moves or just walk with a partner are very helpful. You will find that such classes go over same things each week but what I hear more from fellow students in that class compared to any other is "this is the only class I learn anything".

I look for workshops to compliment the technique classes; the embrace, musicality and small steps of The Salon.

Good luck.

 

[opendoor]

feeling i/s of listening

.. splurge on some private lessons to really learn the basic techniques. You're probably not going to get the level of detail you need from groups...

Hi dbk, do so, skip the classes, 2 or 3 privates (if you can afford, perhaps better in a big town), and you will have a different look at it, because the teachers will speak clear text and give it to you straight! And, not only words count: you could feel the differences directly !

 

[tangobro]

If you can get to New Haven check out the Yale Tango Club

http://www.yaletangoclub.org/

 

[barrefly]

dbk,
You may want to look into getting with an amature Tango dance troupe as well. Amature troupes are really fun. You learn while you rehearse. (However,...not for the beginner beginner).
Anyway, I thought I would mention it since no one brought it up.

 

[dbk]

Thanks everyone for your help!

Workshops sound like they'll be what I'm looking for... then probably a bunch of privates. Thanks for the reading material to!

 

[tangobro]

Some excellent advice has been given. I suggest you & your BF not fall into the trap of dancing only with each other in workshops or classes. I've seen some couples who have spent a lot of time & money learning to compensate for each other. They can dance with each other and do something that looks AT-ish, but neither can dance AT very well.

 

[dchester]

dbk,

Since you said you are in Connecticut, this might be worth checking out. I will tell you that I've heard this band (InfiniTango) before, and they can play.

ARGENTINE TANGO DANCING IN BLUE BACK SQUARE
65 MEMORIAL RD.
WEST HARTFORD, CT. 06107

HARTS is pleased to announce that we have been invited by the management of Blue Back Square to dance from 7:30 – 9:30 PM in the “Square” (weather permitting) on:
Thursday, August 13th (THIS Thursday, LIVE MUSIC ... read below)

August 13th will be special because all of you will be treated to Live Music provided by InfiniTango! Angelo will DJ between sets. The evening will go like this:

7:30-8:00 (ish) PM: Angelo DJs Traditional Tangos
8:00-9:00 (ish) PM: Live Music by InfiniTango
9:00-9:30 PM: Angelo DJs Alternative Tangos

 

[SmilingMan]

Michael Stavola

Why don't you start with Michael Stavola. Michael is responsible for the ballroom dancing clubs in Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University. Michael has instructed at Norwalk Community College, numerous schools throughout Connecticut as well as the adult continuing education programs for Fairfield and other locales. Locally, he teaches the summer ballroom dance classes for the Fairfield Parks and recreation and runs after school ballroom programs for the Easton Recreation Department. Try to find something for him in web and you won't be disappointed.