On January 30th, there's going to be a special event: a one-time-only benefit milonga, with all the proceeds going to the Children's Cancer Association. The Children's Cancer Association is a wonderful organization, with multiple programs that provide logistic, financial, and emotional support for kids with cancer, as well as the families that care for them.
Preparations are already underway, and with the support of some prominent tangueros and tangueras, we have some surprises in store for you!
But to raise as much as possible for the Children's Cancer Association, we're also going to be holding a silent auction. And that's where you come in! We all know that Portland's tango aficionados are a talented bunch, both on and off the dance floor. So what's YOUR special talent? Well, now's your chance to use that talent to help out kids with cancer!
Are you a therapeutic massage artist? An acupuncturist? A pilates instructor? Are you an expert in styling hair, or landscape design, or gourmet cooking? Do you fashion beautiful jewelry or artwork?
If you can provide some service that other people would love, you can donate a gift certificate for an hour of that service. If you have some cool skill, you can donate a gift certificate for a lesson to teach that skill. And if you make things that other people would love to have themselves, you can donate a sample of your work. Be creative! Whatever your talent, if it's something others might bid on, you can put that talent towards a good cause.
As a little bonus, next to whatever you donate, you'll have an opportunity to write a small paragraph about yourself, your talent, and if you have one, your business. This is both as a small amount of recognition for your generous donation, and a little advertising for you and your skills. And of course, we'll provide all the necessary paperwork to make sure your donation is fully tax deductible.
If you're curious about what the Children's Cancer Association does, and want to make sure you're contributing to a good cause, you can go to http://www.childrenscancerassociation.org
And if you have any questions, or if you have something you want to contribute, you can contact Chris Hale at monstertango@gmail.com.
Children's Cancer Association Benefit: Jan 30, 2009
Save Your Female Feet! for Argentine Tango Followers
Sunday Nov 2nd: 11:45Am - 12:45PM.
Lilah Perry (certified rolfer) and Megan Pingree (certifiably nutso tango teacher) offer info -- including exercises -- to help you care for your feet, so you can dance happily for a life time!. It's right before the tango practica so you have all afternoon to incorporate what you've learned -- and just in time for TangoFest! $12 at the Viscount Dance Studio B, 724 E. Burnside St, Portland.
Graciela at Corazon de Tango
Friday September 26th,
come, join us
at
CORAZON de TANGO
6305 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR
Special intro workshop
by
Graciela Gonzalez
from 8:00 - 9:00
$10
(The flyers say it's 7:30 - 8:30. Actually, we will start promptly at 8:00, so come at 7:45 to register, change shoes, etc.)
+
Great tunes by our September DJ
Mike McCarrel
from 9:00 - 12:30
$7 ($5 for students)
and -- special bonus -- Graciela will perform for us, probably ~ 10:30.
good snacks, good folks, good fun!
May 30th and June 13th + 27th at Corazon de Tango
June is
J ABLING month
at
CORAZON de TANGO
6305 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR
And he's gonna get a jump on the month by DJing for us
on the 5th Friday in May (30) too !
That's this Friday, comin' up. Don't miss it.
Drop-in beginners lesson
8:00 - 9:00 (with J.)
DJ: J Abling (9:00 - 12:30)
* good music * good snacks * good folks * good fun *
$7 (or $5 for students)
includes lesson + dance
Contact Megan at meganpingree@comcast.net for more info if you really need more.
Leaving Monday Nite Classes at the Viscount
May was my last month of teaching regular Monday evening group classes at the Viscount Studios. As it turned out, I actually had just half of the month before I was called back to Maine for family reasons . So my withdrawal from the Viscount has been unexpectedly lurching. I am so relieved that Carrie was already in place as my co-teacher for this transition month!
Although I instigated my departure, I have mixed emotions about it.
On one hand, I have been teaching big group classes for a long time, starting back in the late 90's with Clay. So it will feel strange not to be doing that on a weekly basis.
And I have loved working at the Viscount, first under Jeff and Janine's ownership, then with Kevin, Sarah, and the extended family of Viscount teachers. They are a very special assortment of talented individuals and I feel lucky to have been part of the teaching team.
Which brings me to my co-teachers -- Bill Alsup and Chris Perkins. Bill and I have taught together for longer than I can remember –since Clay left Portland, I guess. We've grown up as teachers together, played off each other's strengths and weaknesses -- maturing (?) into our current relationships with each other and with the compelling dance of Argentine tango.
Bill's immersion in another absorbing activity (bicycling), plus the ongoing Sunday practicas, plus an actual full-time day job, had him needing an occasional break from Monday teaching. So Chris, thank goodness, filled in, contributing to me and to our students more variations in the seemingly endless palette of tango flavors, energies and styles. I owe so much to the dancers with whom I teach as they teach me so much!
I also appreciate the women who've assisted me thru the years – most recently and most often, Cynthia Stillwell. It's a mostly under-praised role, but it's important to me, when teaching solo, to have a helper who can demonstrate good technique, lead me occasionally, dance with students in either role, and be an extra set of sensors for what's happening in the classroom.
All the students who have passed through the Studio B doors have been a challenge and a gift – motivating me to find ever better ways to help them discover and unfold their own tango selves, and providing me with a perpetual prod for my own journey.
So I am sad to go.
On the other hand, I do want more flexibility in my schedule for tango tramping and personal travel.
And my own home studio is ready now. I've been using it for private lessons since June 07, and I am eager to create new ways to stay active as a tango teacher -- pursuing a vision of smaller classes and mini-specials (workshops) -- sometimes solo, sometimes with a co-teacher. I don't have details about this yet, but I am very excited, and will be letting anyone interested know about it thru flyers, email and www. portlandtango.com. Or feel free to check this blog, or contact me at 503 222-4691 or meganpingree@comcast.net to ask what I'm up to.
Meanwhile, I feel really good about passing the VDS baton to Carrie. May the Viscount classes continue to be an irresistible Argentine tango pathway for a very long time to come!
April - May 2008 CLASSES at the VISCOUNT with MEGAN
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.
-------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------
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.
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.
-------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------
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.
LUCIANA IS HERE! - Version 20 updated Monday 5/5 at 19:40am PDT
Changes in blue.
The workshops are over. Wow! She's a force of nature :-) Thank you to all you folks who filled up the workshops with your enthusiastic energy and focus.
We are already thinking about next year, and really welcome your suggestions and comments.
No more time for private lessons. It's worth it to call 503 781-6690 or email tho, if you're interested, cuz things happen. She has slots that are currently full, (but who knows?) from 11 to 7:00pm Monday and 10:00 to 3:00 on Tuesday.
Private Lessons: Luciana will be available for private/semi-private lessons at $100/hour + $8/hr floor fee. Please bring a partner if possible, even if you are not sharing the hour. Pay her by cash or check. Floor fee also by cash or (separate) checks.
Revised remaining hours for privates are:
NONE!
Check back or call tho, cuz things keep changing.
call Megan Pingree at (503) 222-4691 or email meganpingree@comcast.net.
call Megan Pingree at (503) 222-4691 or email meganpingree@comcast.net.
April - May TANGO CLASS SERIES at The Viscount
MARCH 31, APRIL 7, 14, & 21st
Viscount Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland
6:30 – 7:30 Level 1A – Beginners (with MEGAN)
Fundamental lead and follow technique, rocking checks, a check turn, & the beautiful "signature step"of tango, La Cruzada – all in the parallel system.
(No pre-requisite. Levels 1A & 1B are both pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30, though they do not have to be taken in that order.)
7:30 – 8:30 Level 2A – Beyond Beginners (BILL & MEGAN)
Introduction to 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-requisite: minimum of Level 1A and 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. (meganpingree@comcast.net).
8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 - Intermediate (BILL & MEGAN)
Building movements from the foundation of good lead/follow molinete techinque. Exploring ganchos, leg wraps, and the concept of "free leg as a pendulum". We'll continuously refine turns, build upon them, and investigate various forms of leg- play & axis-shifting, exploring techniques that make these movements feel organic.
Pre-requisite: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A + 2B; or at least 6 months of classes, practices, & social dancing; or pre-approval (meganpingree@comcast.net).
$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
To pre-register, contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-DANCE.
Viscount Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland
6:30 – 7:30 Level 1A – Beginners (with MEGAN)
Fundamental lead and follow technique, rocking checks, a check turn, & the beautiful "signature step"of tango, La Cruzada – all in the parallel system.
(No pre-requisite. Levels 1A & 1B are both pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30, though they do not have to be taken in that order.)
7:30 – 8:30 Level 2A – Beyond Beginners (BILL & MEGAN)
Introduction to 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-requisite: minimum of Level 1A and 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. (meganpingree@comcast.net).
8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 - Intermediate (BILL & MEGAN)
Building movements from the foundation of good lead/follow molinete techinque. Exploring ganchos, leg wraps, and the concept of "free leg as a pendulum". We'll continuously refine turns, build upon them, and investigate various forms of leg- play & axis-shifting, exploring techniques that make these movements feel organic.
Pre-requisite: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A + 2B; or at least 6 months of classes, practices, & social dancing; or pre-approval (meganpingree@comcast.net).
$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
To pre-register, contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-DANCE.
MARCH TANGO with MEGAN & BILL
Mondays – March 3, 10, 17, and 24
at Viscount Dance Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland
6:30 – 7:30 Level 1B – Beginners (with MEGAN )
The fundamentals of lead-follow, connection, frame, playing with the music, returning check steps, a check turn, and the classic Tango phrase, the Ocho Cortado. All in the parallel system, and using both tango & milonga rhythms.
No pre-requisite. No partner necessary.
7:30 – 8:30 Level 2B – Beyond Beginners (with BILL & MEGAN )
Turns, Turns, Turns!: Essential components that add more fun, variety, navigational flexibility and musical expressiveness. We'll learn the molinete pattern, getting in and out of turns, and how to maintain good connection with your partner while you turn. No partner necessary.
Pre-requisite: minimum of Level 1A + 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval meganpingree@comcast.net.
8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 -- Intermediate (BILL & MEGAN )
Turns with Sacadas, Ganchos & Leg Wraps. We’ll refine turns and build upon them, investigating various forms of leg- play & axis-shifting, and exploring the techniques to make these movements feel organic.
Pre-requisite: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A + 2B; or at least 6 months of classes, practices, & social dancing;
or pre-approval meganpingree@comcast.net..
$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
Contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-dance to pre-register.
at Viscount Dance Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland
6:30 – 7:30 Level 1B – Beginners (with MEGAN )
The fundamentals of lead-follow, connection, frame, playing with the music, returning check steps, a check turn, and the classic Tango phrase, the Ocho Cortado. All in the parallel system, and using both tango & milonga rhythms.
No pre-requisite. No partner necessary.
7:30 – 8:30 Level 2B – Beyond Beginners (with BILL & MEGAN )
Turns, Turns, Turns!: Essential components that add more fun, variety, navigational flexibility and musical expressiveness. We'll learn the molinete pattern, getting in and out of turns, and how to maintain good connection with your partner while you turn. No partner necessary.
Pre-requisite: minimum of Level 1A + 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval meganpingree@comcast.net.
8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 -- Intermediate (BILL & MEGAN )
Turns with Sacadas, Ganchos & Leg Wraps. We’ll refine turns and build upon them, investigating various forms of leg- play & axis-shifting, and exploring the techniques to make these movements feel organic.
Pre-requisite: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A + 2B; or at least 6 months of classes, practices, & social dancing;
or pre-approval meganpingree@comcast.net..
$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
Contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-dance to pre-register.
SADIE HAWKINS CORAZON DE TANGO
It's a Leap Year, my friends!
And the 5th Friday of the month is Feb 29th.
So, of course --
a SADIE HAWKINS version of CORAZON de TANGO
8:00pm - 12:30am
6305 SE Foster RD, Portland, OR
FEATURING:
"What Do Women Want?": the Dropin beginners lesson (by Megan) from 8:00 - 9:00.
+
a wonderful DJ, Suba, recently returned to the Portland fold after her sojourn in Hawaii.
+
Conjunto Berretin, Alex's kiss-ass tango band.
+
your own role-bending (role - reversing?) interpretations of Leap Year implications
+
Gray's & Megan's role-bending (role - reversing?) interpretations of Leap Year implications
+
good snacks, good folks, good fun.
$10 (or $8 for students)
(Alex listed the regular price in his email notice, forgetting that we do want to pay the band!)
Contact Megan at meganpingree@comcast.net or Gray at graymattermoen@gmail.com
for more info if you really need more.
And the 5th Friday of the month is Feb 29th.
So, of course --
a SADIE HAWKINS version of CORAZON de TANGO
8:00pm - 12:30am
6305 SE Foster RD, Portland, OR
FEATURING:
"What Do Women Want?": the Dropin beginners lesson (by Megan) from 8:00 - 9:00.
+
a wonderful DJ, Suba, recently returned to the Portland fold after her sojourn in Hawaii.
+
Conjunto Berretin, Alex's kiss-ass tango band.
+
your own role-bending (role - reversing?) interpretations of Leap Year implications
+
Gray's & Megan's role-bending (role - reversing?) interpretations of Leap Year implications
+
good snacks, good folks, good fun.
$10 (or $8 for students)
(Alex listed the regular price in his email notice, forgetting that we do want to pay the band!)
Contact Megan at meganpingree@comcast.net or Gray at graymattermoen@gmail.com
for more info if you really need more.
February Tango with Megan
TANGO with MEGAN PINGREE & CHRIS PERKINS
Mondays – Feb 4, 11, 18, + 25th
at Viscount Dance Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland
6:30 – 7:30 Level 1A – Beginners (with MEGAN)
February will focus on fundamental lead and follow technique, rocking checks, a check turn, + the beautiful “signature step” of tango, La Cruzada – all in the parallel system.
(No pre-requisite. Levels 1A & 1B are both pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30, though they do not have to be taken in that order.)
7:30 – 8:30 Level 2A – Beyond Beginners (with CHRIS & MEGAN )
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 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-requisite: minimum of Level 1A and 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. (meganpingree@comcast.net).
8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 -- Intermediate (with CHRIS & MEGAN)
TANGO PLAY. This Leap Year month, we will look at some especially fun, interactive possibilities between partners. We’ll be doing paradas (stops), morditas (little bites), barridas (sweeps), pasadas (step-overs), leg wraps, etc – 1st the most straight-forward versions, and then teaching both leaders & followers how to recognize & use these choice moments for followers to initiate + participate more pro-actively.
Pre-requisite: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A + 2B; or at least 6 months of classes, practices, & social dancing;
or pre-approval (meganpingree@comcast.net).
$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
To pre-register, contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-DANCe.
Mondays – Feb 4, 11, 18, + 25th
at Viscount Dance Studio B, 726 E. Burnside, Portland
6:30 – 7:30 Level 1A – Beginners (with MEGAN)
February will focus on fundamental lead and follow technique, rocking checks, a check turn, + the beautiful “signature step” of tango, La Cruzada – all in the parallel system.
(No pre-requisite. Levels 1A & 1B are both pre-requisites for Level 2 at 7:30, though they do not have to be taken in that order.)
7:30 – 8:30 Level 2A – Beyond Beginners (with CHRIS & MEGAN )
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 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-requisite: minimum of Level 1A and 1B (in any order), or teacher pre-approval. (meganpingree@comcast.net).
8:30 – 9:30 Level 3 -- Intermediate (with CHRIS & MEGAN)
TANGO PLAY. This Leap Year month, we will look at some especially fun, interactive possibilities between partners. We’ll be doing paradas (stops), morditas (little bites), barridas (sweeps), pasadas (step-overs), leg wraps, etc – 1st the most straight-forward versions, and then teaching both leaders & followers how to recognize & use these choice moments for followers to initiate + participate more pro-actively.
Pre-requisite: Levels 1A, 1B, 2A + 2B; or at least 6 months of classes, practices, & social dancing;
or pre-approval (meganpingree@comcast.net).
$40 pre-registered series/$45 series at door/$12 drop-in.
To pre-register, contact info@viscountstudios.com, or (503) 226-DANCe.
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