November-December Monday Evening Tango Series at the Viscount

November 5th, 12th, 26th and December 3rd, 10th, and 17th.
The unusual 6 week (instead of 4 week) series will allow us to work with the material of each level in greater depth and detail. There will be more time to help you really "get it", and it may allow for bringing in some related material that we don't get to in a 4 week series.
Studio B, 726 E. Burnside St., Portland

6:30 - 7:30 PM ARGENTINE TANGO Level 1A (BEGINNERS) with Megan.
Level 1 is for total beginners, folks with just a smattering of drop-in classes, and students who want to start learning "the other" role. The goals are to familiarize students with basic tango concepts and movements, to provide a solid foundation for more complex or subtle tango, and to have fun!
In Nov-Dec, we work on the fundamentals of lead:follow, connection, the embrace, playing with the music, rocking check steps, a check turn, and the signature step of tango, La Cruzada (the Cross). All in the parallel system, and using both tango & milonga rhythms. No partner required. No pre-requisites.

7:30 - 8:30 PM ARGENTINE TANGO Level 2A (BEYOND BEGINNERS) with Megan & Bill Alsup.
Level 2 builds on the skills established in Level 1 and adds another layer of foundational material. We refine lead:follow principles, introduce the 3rd of the basic rhythms (vals), and add key new concepts and vocabulary.
November-Dec is all aout The Crossed Foot System -- a whole new universe in which no one is ever "on the wrong foot". We will cover a couple ways of changing systems, and some "steps" that easily flow from the changes. (e.g., back ochos, walking on 3 tracks, La Cruzada). It opens up new ways to be musical, expressive and creative, and expands the flexibility of connection with your partner. And we will add the tango vals rhythms. Pre-requisite: minimum of Level 1A and 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. 503 222-4691. No partner required.

8:30 - 9:30: PM ARGENTINE TANGO Level 3 (INTERMEDIATE) with Megan & Bill. Level 3 focuses on taking lead: follow techniques to a higher level, strengthening the connection between partners, expanding and polishing the step repertoire, and deepening responsiveness to the music itself. Emphasis is always placed on clear, attuned lead and follow skills, as well as usability.
In this 6 weeks, we will focus on La Cruzada and the various fun and expressive ways in which it can be varied. Going in, coming out, different timings, Megan’s way, Bill’s way, the “almost cross”, the” not cross”, the repeated cross, the “tipsy cross”, the cadena cross, the vals cruzada … you get the idea. Pre-requisites: minimum of Levels 1A, 1B, 2A, & 2B , or teacher pre- approval.

For info or pre-approval, contact meganpingree@comcast.net.

Costs: $60 pre-registered series, $70 series at door, $12/class drop-in
Call: 503-226-DANCE or email: info@viscountstudios.com to pre-register.

CLASSES with MEGAN at THE VISCOUNT STUDIO - OVERVIEW

6:30 - 7:30 ARGENTINE TANGO Level 1 (BEGINNERS) with Megan.

Level 1 is for total beginners, folks with just a smattering of drop-in classes, and students who want to start learning "the other" role. The goals are to familiarize students with basic tango concepts and movements, to provide a solid foundation for more complex or subtle tango, and to have fun!  

There are 2 months of Level 1.  Odd numbered months (Sept, Nov, etc) are 1A.  Even numbered months (Oct, Dec, etc) are 1B.  It does not matter whether you start with A or B.  No previous experience or partner required.

1A. The fundamentals of lead:follow, connection, frame, dancing in place,  using the music, rocking check steps,  the beautiful signature step of Argentine Tango called La Cruzada .  All in the parallel system and using both tango & milonga rhythms.

1B. The fundamentals of lead:follow, connection, frame, playing with the music, a different kind of check steps, a check turn,  and another classic Tango phrase, the Ocho Cortado.  All in the parallel system, and using both tango & milonga rhythms.

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7:30 - 8:30 ARGENTINE TANGO Level 2 (BEYOND BEGINNERS) with Megan & either Chris or Bill.

Level 2 builds on the skills established in Level 1 and adds another layer of foundational material.  We refine lead:follow principles, introduce the 3rd of the basic rhythms (vals), and add key new concepts and vocabulary.

There are 2 months of Level 2.  Odd numbered months (Sept, Nov, etc) are 2A.  Even numbered months (Oct, Dec, etc) are 2B.  It does not matter whether you start with A or B.  Pre-requisites: Level 1A & 1B, or instructor pre-approval. No partner required.

2A. This month we introduce the Crossed Foot System of dancing -- a whole new universe in which no one is ever "on the wrong foot".   We will cover a couple ways of changing systems, and some "steps" that easily flow from the changes. (eg., back ochos, walking on 3 tracks, La  Cruzada). It opens up new ways to be musical, expressive and creative, and expands the flexibility of connection with your partner. And we will add the tango vals rhythms.

2B. Turns, turns, turns!  They are essential components that add more fun, variety, navigational flexibility and musical expressiveness.  We'll learn the molinete pattern, how enter and exit in both  crossed and parallel systems, and how to maintain good connection with your partner while you turn.

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8:30 - 9:30 ARGENTINE TANGO Level 3 (INTERMEDIATE) with Megan & either Chris or Bill.

 Level 3 focuses on taking lead: follow techniques to a higher level, strengthening the connection between partners, expanding and polishing the step repertoire, and deepening responsiveness to the music itself.  Each monthly topic (such as "socially acceptable boleos", "making milonga your friend", "safe and sane sacadas", refining close embrace,  "turns of all types", and "cadenas") allows students to refine their fundamental technique, which ultimately allows for more improvisatory possibilities. Emphasis is always placed on clear, attuned lead and follow skills, as well as usability.

 Pre-requisite:  a minimum of Levels 1A, 1B, 2A & 2B - or instructor pre-approval.


 For info or pre-approval, contact meganpingree@comcast.net

To pre-register, contact info@viscountstudios.com or call 503-226-3262.

October Monday Evening Tango Series at the Viscount

October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
726 E. Burnside St., Portland

6:30 - 7:30 PM ARGENTINE TANGO Level 1B (BEGINNERS) with Megan.
Level 1 is for total beginners, folks with just a smattering of drop-in classes, and students who want to start learning "the other" role. The goals are to familiarize students with basic tango concepts and movements, to provide a solid foundation for more complex or subtle tango, and to have fun!
In October, we work on the fundamentals of lead:follow, connection, the embrace, playing with the music, returning check steps, a check turn, and a classic Tango phrase, the Ocho Cortado. All in the parallel system, and using both tango & milonga rhythms. No partner required. No pre-requisites.

7:30 - 8:30 PM ARGENTINE TANGO Level 2B (BEYOND BEGINNERS) with Megan & Bill Alsup.
Level 2 builds on the skills established in Level 1 and adds another layer of foundational material. We refine lead:follow principles, introduce the 3rd of the basic rhythms (vals), and add key new concepts and vocabulary.
This month is Turns, Turns, Turns! They are essential components that add more fun, variety, navigational flexibility and musical expressiveness. We'll learn the molinete pattern, how enter and exit in both crossed and parallel systems, and how to maintain good connection with your partner while you turn. Pre-requisites: Level 1A & 1B, or instructor pre-approval. No partner required.

8:30 - 9:30: PM ARGENTINE TANGO Level 3 (INTERMEDIATE) with Megan & Bill. Level 3 focuses on taking lead: follow techniques to a higher level, strengthening the connection between partners, expanding and polishing the step repertoire, and deepening responsiveness to the music itself. Emphasis is always placed on clear, attuned lead and follow skills, as well as usability.
In October, the topic is Sacadas & Volcadas (Playing with the Follower’s Free Leg): Leading & following gentle, clear displacements, and off-axis leg swings. Pre-requisite: a minimum of Levels 1A, 1B, 2A & 2B - or instructor pre-approval.

For info or pre-approval, contact meganpingree@comcast.net.

To pre-register, contact info@viscountstudios.com or call 503-226-3262.

WHAT A TANGUERA'S BODY NEEDS: Sept 30th

WHAT A TANGUERA'S BODY NEEDS -- a workshop for followers

11:00AM - 12:30, Sunday Sept 30 with Johanna Cummings & Megan PIngree.
Viscount Studio B, 726 E. Burnside St., Portland
COST: $15

"Whether you’re casual about fitness or an accomplished athlete, learning to dance tango may tax unfamiliar parts of the body. And “tangospeak” can sound like a foreign language! Johanna and Megan have put together a class to help tangueras find their tango bodies, toe to head. Here's what we'll cover:

• How to use and protect your feet. Special “footsaver” exercise!
• What is meant by “core” and how does it work to establish “axis?”
• Your tango posture: How to find it and keep it pain-free.
• What is meant by “disassociation” and how do we make it happen?
• What about shoes and inserts?

This is the class that will help you take full advantage of followers' technique classes, visiting hotshot workshops and Tangofest!

No pre-registration required. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a yoga mat or something else to lie on, and a water bottle. Bare feet or socks. If you have shoes you wonder about, bring them!

Megan's SEPT CLASSES at the VISCOUNT

1A. 6:30 - 7:30. BEGINNERS. Instructor: Megan. The fundamentals of lead:follow, connection, frame, dancing in place, using the music, rocking check steps, the beautiful signature step of Argentine Tango called La Cruzada. All in the parallel system and using both tango & milonga rhythms.
It does not matter whether you start with 1A or 1B. No partner required.

2A. 7:30 - 8:30. BEYOND BEGINNERS. Instructors: Megan & Chris Perkins. This month we introduce the Crossed Foot System of dancing -- a whole new universe in which no one is ever "on the wrong foot". We will cover a couple ways of changing systems, and some "steps" that easily flow from the changes. (eg., back ochos, walking on 3 tracks, La Cruzada). It opens up new ways to be musical, expressive and creative, and expands the flexibility of connection with your partner. And we will add the tango vals rhythms. Pre-requisites: Level 1A & 1B, or instructor pre-approval. No partner required.

3. 8:30 - 9:30. INTERMEDIATE. Instructors: Megan & Chris Perkins. Boleos and Other Fancy & Delicious Moves! Pre-requisites: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B; or instructor pre-approval. No partner necessary.

All at Viscount Studio B, 726 E. Burnside St., Portland.
Cost: $40 pre-registered series, $45 series at the door, $12 drop-in.
To pre-register, contact the Vscount at 503 226- DANCE or email info@viscountstudios.com.

AUGUST 10th CORAZON for CRISTINA

Friday August 10th will be a pretty special evening at CORAZÓN de TANGO, 6305 SE Foster Rd, Portland. We will be donating 100% of the net to help Cristina Ladas cover her extensive, uninsured medical expenses. For back story and current info about her experience with a serious and rare kidney disease, go to the website: www.freshlaundrytango.info.

8:00- 9:00 Beginners Dropin Lesson with Megan

9:00 - 12:30 Milonga with Jennifer Olson DJing.

Minimum donation: $7 ($5 for high-school & college students) for the lesson + dance.

All ages (and potluck contributions) are welcome.

For more info, contact your host, Megan at meganpingree@comcast.net or 503 222-4691

Megan's AUGUST MONDAY CLASS SERIES at the VISCOUNT STUDIOS

Mondays -- August 6, 13, 20, 27
at Viscount Dance Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland

6:30 – 7:30 Level 1B – Beginners (with MEGAN only)

Fundamental lead & follow technique, check steps (including a side check) with “returns,” a couple of variations on a check right turn and finally, the classic Ocho Cortado –- all in the parallel system.
(No pre-requisite. Levels 1A, 1B & 1C are all pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30, though they do not have to be taken in that order.)


7:30 – 8:30 Level 2 – AS THE CROSS TURNS: MOLIINETES and the CROSS Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate (with BILL & MEGAN)
Often called the signature step of Argentine tango, the “cross” (la cruzada) has endless opportunities for expression and nuance. A timely follow-up for those who have completed 3 months of Level 1, including last month’s introduction to the cross. We will also work on developing clean lead & follow techniques in the all-important molinetes (turns). (Pre-requisite: minimum of Level 1A, 1B & 1C [in any order], or teacher pre-approvaL. 503 222-4691.)


8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 - CHANGES of DIRECTION: INCREASING EXPRESSIVE and NAVIGATIONAL OPTIONS. Intermediate/Advanced (with MEGAN & BILL)
From ochos, check steps, rewinds and basic (low) boleos, all the way to unexpected changes of trajectory. This class works on timing, balance, and body placement in relation to your partner to increase navigational, expressive, and musical options. (Pre-requisite: at least 6 months of classes, practicas, and social dancing, or teacher pre-approval. 503 222-4691)

$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
Contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-DANCE to pre-register.

June 22 Corazon

Friday June 22nd will be a very special evening at

CORAZÓN de TANGO, 6305 SE Foster Rd, Portland. 

Trio Folias (Avik Basu on bandoneon, Andrew Bergeronon on guitar, and  Carmen Maret on flute –all tango dancers themselves) will play a couple of  sets of irresistible music for social dancing. And Avik will DJ seamlessly between the live sets.   This trio of Michigan musicians, teachers, and dancers is in high demand, playing 14 cities in June alone!

8:00- 9:00 Special All Levels Lesson w/ Avik & Carmen

9:00 - 12:30 Milonga  w/ Trio Folias and Avik  

$10  ($7 for high-school & college students)  for the lesson + dance.

All ages (and potluck contributions) are welcome.

 

For more info, contact your host, Megan

meganpingree@comcast.net or 503 222-4691

Megan's TANGO CLASSES at Viscount Dance Studios - JUNE 2007

Mondays -- June 4 , 11, 18, 25
at Viscount Dance Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland

6:30 – 7:30 Level 1C – Beginners (with MEGAN only)

This month we'll introduce the Crossed Foot System of dancing -- a whole new universe in which no one is ever "on the wrong foot". We will cover a couple ways of changing systems, and some "steps" that easily flow from (& with) the changes. It opens up new ways to be musical, expressive and creative, and it expands the flexibility of connection with your partner.
(No pre-requisite. Levels 1A, 1B & 1C are all pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30, though they do not have to be taken in that order.)

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Bill Alsup is opting for a hiatus from teaching on Mondays for now, wanting to spread his energy a little less widely -- "just" work, bicycling, and the Sunday practica. After several years of teaching with me, I'd say he's earned a rest :-)

You probably know Chris Perkins by sight at least -- tall, slender, smooooth dancer, was Luciana's leader of choice in her more advanced workshops last month.

Please join us as we teach our first series (Levels 2 & 3) together!

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7:30 – 8:30 Level 2 – Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate (with CHRIS & MEGAN)

Close Embrace. June is the month to begin (or refine) your tango in close embrace. We’ll work on the details of posture & connection with comfort and fluidity –- adapting your current tango skills & learning new pieces that are especially yummy in close.
Pre-requisite: minimum of Level 1A, 1B and 1C (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. 503 222-4691.


8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 - Intermediate/Advanced (with CHRIS & MEGAN)

Milonga! Fun, relaxed & rhythmic (not the scary “I can’t stop running” version). We’ll work with the connection, counter-body motion, step qualities, embellishments, vocabulary & phrasings that make milonga irresistible.
Pre-requisite: at least 6 months of classes, practices, and social dancing.

$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
Contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-dance to pre-register.
Luciana Valle
Tango Workshops in Portland, Oregon
Thursday, May 3 through Wednesday, May 9, 2007


A fabulous dancer, a great leader, and a superb teacher, Luciana uses fluent English to explain concisely and clearly how to improve your tango.
Luciana is well versed in both traditional and “tango nuevo” styles. She was in Gustavo Naveira’s and Fabian Salas’ “Tango Investigation” group from 1995-97, and has partnered many of the world’s elite tangueros, including Omar Vega, Puppy Castello, and Fabian Salas.
Students have used words such as funny, inventive, energetic, interactive, challenging, humorous, and direct to describe Luciana.
Portland’s own internationally known Alex Krebs says, “She’s organized; she explains and demonstrates concepts clearly, and the stuff she teaches is all immediately usable on the social floor. She’s an awesome teacher.”

Thursday, May 3, at the Northstar Ballroom at 635 N. Killingsworth Ct.
  • Beginning drop-in class from 8:00-9:00 PM. $8 for class + milonga, $5 for milonga only. Luciana and Alex will dance a demo at ~ 11:00.


LIMIT ON WORKSHOP SIZE (# 1 - 6) on FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY = 15 LEADERS, 15 FOLLOWERS. PRE-PAYMENT RESERVES YOUR PLACE. (Mail check payable to Megan Pingree to 2804 SW Hillsboro St, Portland, OR 97239)

The notes (below) stating the number of openings remaining was last updated Saturday May 5 at 1:12AM.

Friday, May 4, at Tango Berretin at 6305 SE Foster Rd., Portland.
  • Fundamentals of Tango #1. Leading & following, walking, developing natural organic body movements. (Strongly recommended for all levels, especially for those planning to take more workshops). Registration 7:45, Workshop 8:00 - 9:30. $25. FULL. I COULD PUT YOU ON THE WAIT LIST, in case someone cancels or no-shows.

Saturday, May 5, at Tango Berretin, 6305 SE Foster Rd.
  • Ochos & Pivots. #2. (Beginner/Intermediate) Registration 11:45, Workshop 12:00-1:30. $25. ROOM FOR 1 LEAD, 1 FOLLOW.
  • Basic Turns. #3. Technique for turns and how to use them to navigate.(Beginner/Intermediate) 1:45-3:15. $25. ROOM FOR 3 FOLLOWS.
  • Turns with Sacadas. #4. One of the most useful tango turns and how to use it to move around the dance floor (Intermediate) 3:30-5:00. $25. FULL.

Sunday, May 6, at Viscount Dance Studios, 724 - 726 E. Burnside, Portland
  • Shared Axis Turns. #5. Luciana loves to teach this! (Intermediate/Advanced) 11:15 - 12:45. Studio A. $25. ROOM FOR 1 LEAD.
  • Learning to Walk Again. Walking technique, balance & footwork of the most important step in tango: the walk (All Levels) 1:00-2:00, Studio A, $7 includes class & practica (till 5:30)
  • How to Play with the Free Leg. #6. Dynamics & qualities of the free leg, including linear boleos & other beauties. (Advanced) Studio B. 5:00-6:30. $25. ROOM FOR 5 LEADS, 1 FOLLOW
Pricing Package: More is Less! $45/2 workshops;$65/3 workshops; $85/4 workshops; $105/5 workshops; $120/6 workshops. Free M&Ms.
Checks (payable to Megan Pingree) can be sent to 2804 SW Hillsboro St., Portland, OR 97239. Please note: the Thursday evening and Sunday 1:00 classes are NOT workshops and are not eliglible for pre-payment or pre-registration.

For info, pre-registration, and privates, contact Megan Pingree at (503) 222-4691 or
meganpingree@comcast.net.
MINI-SPECIALS with LUCIANA
I think Mini-Specials are one of the very best ways to get lots of bang for your buck with a visiting tango hotshot.

The idea is to put together your own group of 3 (or 4) leaders and 3 (or 4) followers -- folks at about your own tango level, with whom you like to learn.

Choose any topic you'd all like to work on (the cross? connection? colgadas? musicality?) and get Luciana's help with it for 2 hours. It costs $35/person.

You'll get lots of hands on, individualized attention.
And you'll have a group of mates with whom to review and practice when she's long-gone.

Check the "Calendar" posting for currently available openings for Mini's.

To arrange mini-specials and/or private lessons with Luciana, contact Megan at 503 222-4691 or meganpingree@comcast.net
CALENDAR of REMAINING SLOTS for MINI'S AND PRIVATES with LUCIANA
(This will be updated frequently, as the slots are taken. Last update: Monday 5/7 at 4:55 pm)

POTENTIAL TIME SLOTS REMAINING FOR PRIVATE LESSONS
At this pont (Monday 4:55 pm) there are more folks looking for slots than there are slots. So if you aren't already on my list, I am sorry. It's too late for this visit. Try earlier next time she's here -- probably in 2009.

PRIVATE LESSONS with LUCIANA -- Luciana will be available for private/semi-private lessons at $100 cash or check/hour.
+ $8/hr floor fee -- at Tango Berretin, 6305 SE Foster Rd.
Please bring a partner if possible, even if you are not sharing the hour.

Megan's TANGO CLASSES at Viscount Dance Studios - APRIL - MAY 2007

MONDAYS April 30, May 7, 14, 21

Viscount Dance Studios, 724 E. Burnside St, Studio B

6:30 – 7:30 Level 1B – Beginners (with MEGAN )
Fundamental lead and follow technique, check steps (Including a side check) with "returns", a couple of variations on a check right turn, and finally, the classic Ocho Cortado -- all in the parallel system.
Levels 1A, 1B and 1C (in any order) are all pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30.


7:30 – 8:30 Level 2 – Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate (with BILL & MEGAN )
Building on Classic Material. Well polish and refine the ocho cortado in many variations, and then use it as a springboard for play with the follower's free leg, various timings, sacadas, barridas and paradas.
Pre-requisite: minimum of Level 1A, 1B and 1C (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. 503 222-4691.


8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 -- Intermediate and Beyond (with BILL & MEGAN )
Musicality and Movement. It's the lead:follow connection, the couple's connection with the music, and their quality of movement that makes tango memorable . Each week this month we'll build a specific short sequence of steps, making the mechanics clear and comfortable, and then adapt the movements to contrasting orchestras.
Pre-requisite: at least 6 months of classes, practices, and social dancing.


$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.

To pre-register: Contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-dance .