For Beginners
All Other Classes
Curriculum
Local Instructors
Visiting Instructors
Tuesday Milonga
Upcoming Events
Mercurio FAQ
Argentine Tango Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed with thought and attention to the varied and personal development of the social dancer. Our basic program runs 24 weeks and balances four essential skill areas that successful tango dancers embody:
Mechanics - tango structure, grammar, and vocabulary
Technique - body awareness and conditioning for tango movement
Connection - the art of improvising with a partner
Musicality - expressing music through movement
Our team of instructors meets frequently to adjust and revise this program, and we always welcome your feedback. Each 100 level course runs 6 consecutive weeks, 90-minutes per session.
Drop-in Basics/Review - An introduction to social tango for the curious and cautious! A taste of partner connection, tango vocabulary, dance floor navigation and tango musicality. This is a single one-hour session offered weekly before the Tuesday ESL Milonga and we encourage all students enrolled in 100 level courses to attend. Reinforcing the basics will help you make a smooth transition into social dancing.
100 LEVEL: The first part of our curriculum covers classic tango social dancing as it is enjoyed in Buenos Aires and around the globe. The material learned in the first six months prepares you to dance at both local events and in tango communities around the world.
101 "Foundations" - For those completely new to tango and for those with prior experience who would like to refine the fundamentals. You'll learn walking steps, cunitas, the follower's cross, ochos and grapevine turns. All students will spend some time learning both leading and following roles. Flat shoes with leather soles, jazz shoes, or dance sneakers recommended for all. (Beg)
102 "Close Embrace Technique" - This class introduces the intimate "close embrace" or "milonguero" style of tango which originated in the crowded downtown milongas of Buenos Aires. You'll primarily develop your technique and connection skills. (Beg)
103 "Close Embrace Turns" - This course focuses on dancing grapevine turns (also called giros or molinetes), calecitas, and other turning elements for tango in the close embrace style. (Int)
104 "Milonga & Vals" - An exploration of the character and aesthetic of milonga and Argentine vals as distinct entities. Explore the playful rhythmic footwork of "milonga traspie," the repetitive double-time and hesitation steps that make milonga artful and complex. You'll also apply the 3/4 rhythm of waltz to our vocabulary of improvisation. (Int)
200 LEVEL: Currently being revised. For the first part of 2010, we'll be offering a series of thematic intermediate/advanced level classes and workshops to develop your dance.