August 2015

Saturday, August 29, 2015 -- Vals:  Cadencia & Crosses

Fun ways to incorporate the cross to accentuate the cadence of 3:4 timing; Using the cadencia movement (incomplete weight change on the up beat) to relieve the stress factor; Alternate ways to cross on the curve; Continuous expression within a theme.

Saturday, August 22, 2015 -- Vals:  Timing & Cadencia

What does it mean when a leader is accused of dancing Tango to Vals?  To the accomplished dancer the interpretation of Vals rhythm is entirely different from Tango so there is an element missing if we find ourselves stepping exclusively on the stronger down beat in Vals.  Using an adaptation of familiar Tango moves Vals incorporates the unaccented upbeat(s).  To achieve this we must move quickly, lightly and rhythmically.

Saturday, August 15, 2015 -- Exploring the Dark Side (OSPL)

Getting creative with the slightly more challenging starting position outside-partner-left, sometimes referred to as ‘the dark side’. This workshop will provide alternative openings and opportunities to add interest. Shaping is a little more strenuous so consequently maintaining axis and connection demands greater focus. Involving sacadas, ochos, crosses and more.

Saturday, August 8, 2015 -- Parada for Improv'

Improvisation requires taking some risks. Paradas provide a plethora of opportunities to change your dance and be creative. This class is to encourage exploration but there is one catch: The golden rule (huh?)

Saturday, August 1, 2015 -- Barrida & Llevada

The glorious sensation of being swept off one's feet in a beautiful dance is epitomized in the literal 'sweep and lift' or barrida and llevada.  There are multiple elements of technique for both leader and follower to effect these sumptuous visual delights.

July 2015

July 25, 2015 Circular Boleo/Castigada

The importance of balance and precision made evident!  This difficult combination is our objective so we will review all the skills necessary to succeed.

July 18, 2015 Create & Develop

Regular students of my classes will appreciate the complexity of the class based on this explanation - I hope!   Others may want to find out what it is all about.

We will attempt to integrate:  ‘wheelbarrows’, ‘pepper grinders', ‘piano pushers', ‘marionette strings', ‘champagne’, ‘fulcrum', ‘walnuts', ‘the containment field’, ‘coffee’, ‘light sabers', ‘dusting’, 'crocodiles’, ‘brandy’ and ‘steel pipe’ into a combination(s) that contains all of them.

July 11, 2015 Off-Axis

There are two identified off-axis experiences that are given names in Argentine Tango:  Colgada (to hang) and Volcada (to spill over).  Any amount of off-axis deviates from the classical position of the autonomous vertical axis.  We will explore how these off-axis movements are achieved, safely.  Not all moves can be safely accomplished by all combinations of dancers – it greatly depends on height differences between the partners – so we must start out very gently and see what is possible with each partner we encounter.  This class is Intermediate Level.