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.
