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Strictly Tango

 

Beginners

To introduce the basic principles of the dance, the concepts of leading and following... you can begin to dance.

Recent Beginners

To continue developing your tango this course will develop your vocabulary and fluency.

Strictly Tango course book here

Study Afternoons

For elementary and intermediate dancers, three hours studying the principles of one aspect of the dance.

Study Afternoon book here

Classifying Classes

Classes will be classified using a specific level or range of levels, a class showing, for example,  3+ indicates that it is suitable for that level and above, 3-6 means levels 3,4,5 & 6.

It is important to select classes at an appropriate level for your ability and current experience. This will ensure that you get the most out of the class in terms of your own development and also that you will not be placing a constraint on your fellow students. If you are unsure please ask your teacher.

Teachers reserve the right to advise you on suitable classes to maximise your development and to maintain the integrity and value of the class to all students. They may ask you to move to a different class if they consider you will benefit more from this.
 

The Levels

0

general/all   suitable for all levels including beginners.

1

complete beginners   you have not yet attempted tango, these classes will begin from first principles.

2

recent beginners  you have learnt a little and understand the principles of side, forward & backwards steps and how to lead and follow, you have developed fluency when using these basic steps.

3

elementary   you are confident with the basic steps (side, backwards & forwards), you can pivot confidently and have some experience with the cross, ochos and changes of direction; you are able to dance with responsibility for your own balance. Many dancers will not progress much further than this but continue to enjoy and explore the dance.

4

intermediate 1   you are now comfortable with simple turns (giros),  you can introduce decorations without interrupting the flow and with respect to the musicality of the dance.

5

intermediate 2   you can incorporate complex turns (giros) e.g. with sacadas and you are confident in your role as a leader or follower; you are able to hold your own balance, improvise freely and assume the “other role”, you want to develop style, technique & precision and explore possibilities.

6

advanced   you are technically accomplished dancing with quality and precision; you can exchange lead and follow roles and create new movements and dynamics, you are looking greater technical diversity and control, and for new opportunities in the dance.

7

professionals   for professional tango dancers.

8

teachers   for those wanting to develop their teaching skills.

 

 

 2008 Programme

 

This include our popular beginners and recent beginner course; some study afternoons on subjects such as barridas, sacadas and boleos; and, some other surprises.

Download the 2008 programme:

Select the size: A4 or A3

Keep up to date by joining the mailing list here

 

The Practical Stuff

 Address

The Tango Club
8 Hop Gardens
St Martin's Lane
London WC2

 3 week courses

£60 per person, £110 per couple

Included in the price and after the third class you are invited to come to the next  Tango Tea on the first Saturday of the following month to try out what you know and meet some of our regular dancers. This will allow you to practice in a more social environment, with other dancers and where you are already familiar with the surroundings.
For details of the tea click here

 Study Afternoons

Members
£25 per person, £45 per couple
pre-study hour £10

Non-Members
£28 per person, £50 per couple
pre-study hour £10

Classes & Definitions

Understanding Music

A class with Anita Strevens exploring how music is structured. Practising how we can listen and respond with movement to develop our sensitivity to music and express the music better. The previous classes with Anita have been very popular and great fun. Anita is a qualified Dalcrose Eurhythmics teacher.

Barridas

These are “sweeps” that look as though he or she is pushing their partner’s foot. These can be initiated by both leader and follower and introduce a capacity for play once the basic principles have been mastered.

Boleos

“Flying Legs” these are usually performed by the follower although it is possible for the leader to introduce them into his dance. If you aren’t sure what they are watch out for fast whippy legs behind the follower.

Sacadas

“Displacements” these appear to be one partner walking through the other and pushing their leg out of the way. This optical illusion is achieved using a technique that makes it totally safe and comfortable.

Ganchos

“Hooks” – these are where one partner’s moving leg goes through the other partner’s legs. This is achieved by interrupting a step with a leg such that it can’t be completed.

Your Questions....

I've never danced in my life... will it be hard?

No. If you can walk you can tango. 
We make the classes fun and friendly and we encourage students to help each other.

The pleasure of tango is all to do with responding to the music - however simply -  and your partner, who may be a complete stranger, and the music is fantastic!

Do I have to wear agonising shoes?

No, no, no! Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that will not fall off. Leather soles are easier than crepe or rubber - try them out on a wooden floor, can you do the twist? Ladies you don't have to wear heels and something with a strap is a good idea.

What about clothes?

Please come to all classes in comfortable clothes. Ladies, if you wear a skirt make sure you can do a big side step in it without being constrained. Please bring low supple shoes (or socks), as well as your normal
dance shoes

Do I need a Partner?

No. You will dance with everyone, all students have a chance to do everything, leading and following, and we are careful to ensure that no one is left out.

We use a booking method that limits the numbers in a class so that you will get the best possible instruction. We also try to ensure that the roles are equal in number. However even when we have equal bookings from both leaders and followers we cannot guarantee that, on the day, this will be the case. If role numbers are not equal you will still get good instruction and a chance to dance with everyone.

 July - August

 

Study Afternoon - 12th July
class level time
Sacadas I 3+ 14:00 - 17:30

book here


Strictly Tango

16th August for three weeks
class level time

Beginners Course 

1

13:00 - 15:00 

Recent Beginners Course 

2 & 3

15:30 - 17:30 

book here

 September - October

 

Study Afternoon - 13th September
class level time
Pre-Study Hour 4+ 12:30 - 13:30
Boleos II* 4+ 14:00 - 17:30

book here

November - December

 

Study Afternoon - 8th November
class level time
Pre-Study Hour 4+ 12:30 - 13:30
Sacadas II* 4+ 14:00 - 17:30

book here


Strictly Tango

15th November for three weeks
class level time

Beginners Course 

1

13:00 - 15:00 

Recent Beginners Course 

2 & 3

15:30 - 17:30 

book here

last updated 1 July 2008

home | about us | calendar | thursdays | fridays | saturdays |  levels  | tango for musicians | other activities | membership | join the club  | join email list | email us