April 28, May 5th, 12th and 19th, 2008.
Viscount Studio B, 726 E. Burnside St. Portland
6:30 - 7:30 ARGENTINE TANGO Level 1B (BEGINNERS) with Megan.
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.
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. Each of the months has different material. It does not matter whether you start with A or B. No previous experience or partner required.
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7:30 - 8:30 ARGENTINE TANGO Level 2B (BEYOND BEGINNERS) with Megan & Carrie Whipple.
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.
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. Each of the months has different material. It does not matter whether you start with A or B. Pre-requisites: Level 1A & 1B, or instructor pre-approval. No partner required.
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8:30 - 9:30 ARGENTINE TANGO LEVEL 3 (INTERMEDIATE) with Megan and Carrie Whipple.
Most leaders have a repertoire of 6 - 8 moves with which they are especially comfortable. They use them frequently, and are good at leading them. But without variation, leaders and followers get bored. So, how to keep it interesting? By changing the QUALITY of the movements. We'll be exploring the 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water, to see how moving and connecting differently with your partner can be so much more interesting than the latest new move!
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: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A, & 2B, at least 4 months of classes, practices, and social dancing - 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.
Each series is $40 pre-registered, or $45 if you do not pre-register.
