REGULAR CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BEGINNER LEVEL
This is the level recommended for people who have never taken tango (or any dance lessons) before, of for people with little experience in tango. To complete the level you need to take both classes offered: Beginning Open Embrace and Beginning Close Embrace. After completing both classes you may re-take any class in this level at a 50% discount.
 BEGINNING OPEN EMBRACE
Argentine Tango can generally be danced either in “Open Embrace” or “Close Embrace.“ Whereas in open embrace there is some (usually a foot or less) distance between the partners, in close embrace tango is danced chest to chest (this is very close!). In the Beginning Open Embrace class we will develop the fundamental concepts for dancing in open embrace. Specifically we will work on the following:
- Leading and following fundamentals
- Embrace fundamentals
- Walking and changing weight
- Pivots
- Ochos
- Cruzada (cross)
- Parallel versus Cross-system
- Molinete
BEGINNING CLOSE EMBRACE
In this class we will work on the same material as in Beginning Open Embrace, however, in this class all the steps and figures will be taught in close embrace (chest-to-chest). We will concentrate on proper posture, balance, and comfortable embrace (abrazo) necessary to have fun, lively, and exciting dances in close embrace.
ADVANCED BEGINNER LEVEL
To take classes at the Advanced Beginner level, students must complete the two required Beginner level
classes. With the completion of Advanced Beginner A and Advanced Beginner B,
students may take Intermediate level classes. Advanced Beginner C is not required, but is highly recommended, and may be taken only
after completing the other two Advanced Beginner level courses. As with Beginner level,
after a student has completed all the Advanced Beginner courses, she or he may re-take any Advanced Beginner course (which we encourage) at a 50% discount.
 ADVANCED BEGINNING A
In this class students will build on the steps, concepts and skills developed at the Beginner level. In this class we will work on the following:
- Check steps
- Check step turn
- Calesita
- Molinete and variations
- Changing directions (esp. in turns)
- Low boleos
- Ocho Cortado
- Introduction to Paradas
As always, musicality, connection, and partnering will be emphasized with all concepts and steps.
ADVANCED BEGINNING B
Like the companion class (Advanced Beginner A) this class will build on the steps, concepts and skills developed at the Beginner level. Note that you
do not have to take Advanced Beginner A to take this class. In this class we will work on the following:
- Refined walking technique
- Exploring cross and parallel systems
- Cross variations
- Corrida
- Ocho variations, including no-pivot (a.k.a. "hooking") ochos
- Getting into/out of the Molinete
- Introduction to Tango Rhythms: Vals, Milonga, Tango.
With all the steps and concepts musicality, connection, and partnering will be emphasized.
ADVANCED BEGINNING C
This class reviews and refines concepts developed during Advanced Beginner A and Advanced Beginner B courses, both of which are prerequisites.
Students will develop a better understanding of the structure of tango
and work more with combining elements to build improvisational skills for the social dance floor.
Rhythmic variation for musicality will also be discussed. Throughout we will
work on improving skills for creating a comfortable embrace,
freedom of movement, and clear partnering.
Prerequisites: Advanced Beginner A and B or you must be familiar with all of the general concepts listed in those classes. Please contact the instructors if you have questions.
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