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
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Classifying Classes |
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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.
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The Levels |
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0 |
general/all
suitable for all levels including beginners. |
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1 |
complete beginners
you have not yet attempted tango, these classes will begin
from first principles. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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7 |
professionals
for professional tango dancers. |
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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 |
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The Practical Stuff
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The Tango Club
8 Hop Gardens
St Martin's Lane
London WC2 |
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£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 |
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Members
£25 per person, £45 per couple
pre-study hour £10
Non-Members
£28 per person, £50 per couple
pre-study hour £10 |
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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?
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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!
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Do I have to wear agonising
shoes?
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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?
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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?
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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. |
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July
- August
Study Afternoon - 12th July
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class |
level |
time |
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Sacadas I |
3+ |
14:00 - 17:30 |
book here
Strictly Tango
16th August for three weeks
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class |
level |
time |
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Beginners Course |
1 |
13:00 - 15:00 |
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Recent Beginners Course |
2 & 3 |
15:30 - 17:30 |
book here
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September
- October
Study Afternoon - 13th
September
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class |
level |
time |
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Pre-Study Hour |
4+ |
12:30 - 13:30 |
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Boleos II* |
4+ |
14:00 - 17:30 |
book here |
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November -
December
Study Afternoon - 8th November
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class |
level |
time |
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Pre-Study Hour |
4+ |
12:30 - 13:30 |
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Sacadas
II* |
4+ |
14:00 - 17:30 |
book here
Strictly Tango
15th
November for three weeks
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class |
level |
time |
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Beginners Course |
1 |
13:00 - 15:00 |
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Recent Beginners Course |
2 & 3 |
15:30 - 17:30 |
book here |
last
updated 1 July 2008 |
