To see video clip, click here>Back Ocho’s to 360 degree Pivot demo

BACK OCHO’S TO A 360 PIVOT

Joel’s habit of introducing at least one intermediate element of tango to the Thursday class, (see the CLIP;  ‘back ocho’s to a 360 pivot’),  which includes beginners to Argentine Tango, as well as dancers with some experience, is a winning strategy, as evidenced by the continuing participation of  a fun mixture of dancers of different generations, each Thursday at the Heirloom.   This week (9/2/10) saw an attendance of 14 dancers for the class, a few less than last week, but with a  perfect gender balance.  The practica afterwards saw very little sitting, and a lot of dancing.  (Sitting was optional)

One dancer, new to tango,  expressed a reaction to the tango phenomenon which is worth sharing.  In fact, to me,  it is,  the essence of Argentine Tango.  Basically it is that each dance is different, each two individuals contribute to a unique experience, which involves an intimate connection,  even with a stranger, without any further expectations.

At least one dancer left to find her car “missing”.  Local road construction entities took it upon themselves to remove cars, with no prior notice, or charge, to a location some blocks away, while they applied some new asphalt to the street.  The car was recovered without  a terrible delay.   Hopefully no one else was caught up in this miss management of road construction planning.

Joel, with his lovely assistant Janie, continue his practice of teaching basic Argentine Tango principles, and then introducing at least one advanced step, pushing the boundaries for beginners while keeping the more experienced stimulated.  To be continued next Thursday at the Heirloom Studio, 765 Idaho St., Downtown Boise.   Lesson starts at 8:00 and goes till 9:00, after which is a practica (practice) during which more instruction and practice goes on till about 11:00, all for $5.00.  The  only prerequisites are to show up and be interested.  We are always looking for new dancers as it is a social dance, more of a journey than a destination.

Thursday Practica 5/27/10

This weeks Thursday Lesson/Practica at Joel’s Heirloom Dance Studio grew in attendance to 18, including a perfect balance of 9 men and 9 women of all ages.  The emphasis this week was “Fusion Tango”….spicing it up with elements of other dance forms to add to the intrigue.   The lesson was a success as measured by the the fact that the whole class stayed to participate in the Practica.

Thursday Argentine Tango Lesson/Practica hosted by Joel Hunter at Heirloom Dance Studio, 765 Idaho Street, downtown Boise. Lesson 8-9 pm, open dancing 9-11 pm. Beginners welcome; no partner necessary. Contact Joel at 871-6352 for more information.  Lesson and Practica; $5.00.

Thursday Argentine Tango Practicas continue, hosted by Joel Hunter at Heirloom Dance Studio, 765 Idaho Street, downtown Boise. Lesson 8-9 pm, open dancing 9-11 pm. Beginners welcome; no partner necessary. Contact Joel at 871-6352 for more information. Beer & wine available through Twig’s Cellar. $5.00 fee.

FELIPE & ROSA SPRING WORKSHOP March 26-28, 2010

This dynamic duo returns to Boise, sponsored by Marge Dobie and Boise Tango Society.

Class Schedule & Fees

FRIDAY 3.26 — Boise Cafe, 10th & Bannock, downtown Boise

Boise Cafe special for Friday night only attendees:  $15.00 — includes Argentine Tango class, Salsa & Tango Lesson, and Salsa dancing until 2 am.

Boise Cafe entrance at 9 pm (includes one drink):  $8.00

• 7:30-9 pm      The Tango Embrace “Delicious Dancing”

• 9-10 pm          Intro to Tango & Salsa Lesson

• 10-11 pm        Salsa & Tango Mixer

• 11 pm              Argentine Tango Performance by FELIPE & ROSA

• 11 pm – 2 am  Salsa Dancing

SATURDAY  3.27 — Pat Harris Dance Studio, 1225 N McKinney, Boise

• 11 am – 1 pm    Rosa’s Technique Class: Ladies & Men

• 2-3:15 pm        Acceleration & Elastic Movement

• 3:30-4:45 pm  Sacadas Made Easy for Lead & Follow

• 9:30 pm – 1 am   MILONGA! With DJ Felipe — at the Worsley House ($10.00)
  

SUNDAY 3.28 — Pat Harris Dance Studio

• 12-1:15 pm      Classy Moves to Challenge Technique

• 1:30-2:45 pm  Guided Practica: Total Recall

Individual Class Price:  $20.00

Milonga Price:  $10.00

Full Pass paid by March 20th:  Only $96.00!!

Full Pass after March 20th:  $120.00

To purchase Full Pass and book private lessons, please contact organizer Marge Dobie, at 208-761-3954 or email her. Wood River Valley residents, please contact Linda Reiss at 208-788-6686 or email her.

Visit Felipe & Rosa’s Website

THURSDAY PRACTICA, March 25th, 8-10 pm. Heirloom Dance Studio, 765 Idaho St., downtown Boise. Practice new or fundamental skills in a friendly atmosphere with classic and nuevo tango music to dance to. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. Carl will DJ.  Practica Fee $5.00, or $3.00 for seniors or with student ID.

Demonstrating a graceful expertise in teaching tango to students from Boise and beyond, DETLEF ENGEL & MELINA SEDO inspired and encouraged fortunate workshop participants to learn challenging ideas and concepts during their 4-day workshop in Boise. The workshop also included several guided practicas in which Melina and Detlef worked closely and individually to reinforce class concepts and help students use their newfound skills. Melina created a enthralling atmosphere at the Saturday Milonga by serving as DJ for the evening, and inserted a playful element with her choice of amusing cortinas. During the Milonga, she and Detlef  brought elegance and grace to the floor during their performance, concluded by unanimous applause. Thanks go to the Wood River Valley tango enthusiasts, five of whom joined us for the workshop, and to Marjorie & Michael who joined us from Washington state. Thank you especially to Pat Harris for her continued support of Boise Tango Society, to Kim and Linda for hospitality, to Debbie who handled registration, to Elizabeth who set the stage for the Milonga, and to Tim, Ken C, Debbie, Elizabeth, and Ken A for assistance afterwards. If I’ve forgotten anyone, my apologies. Check the Photos tab for pictures from the workshop.

ALEX KREBS WORKSHOP, May 21 – 23, 2010. Helena, Montana. Sponsored by TangoHelena.

Alex is a brilliant teacher — Please save the dates! All classes and the milonga will be held at the beautiful Allegro DanceStudio, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Free housing with Helena tangueros available for participants from out of town.Full workshop registration, including the Milonga: $130 (a savings of $40 compared to paying by the class) or: Individual classes: $20 each, Milonga : $10. — From Grace Hodges for TangoHelena www.tangohelena.com

DETLEF ENGEL & MELINA SEDO WORKSHOP

February 18-21, 2010. BOISE

CLICK FOR WORKSHOP FLYER

On tour from Germany, renowned tango instructors and dancers Detlef & Melina make their first visit to Boise. From their website: “Everybody can learn tango, independent of age, previous experience or physique. The prerequisite is only the desire to immerse yourself in this unique dance.” Stylistically, they are at home in the traditional tango de salón, as it is danced in Buenos Aires, and which they interpret in a very personal and modern way. At the core of their lessons, which are always geared towards improvisational capability, are intensive body work and analysis of tangos structures. But technical understanding is just a means to concentrate better on the essential: developing one´s own style and relishing the embrace in unison with the music.

Classes are offered in progressive order, with the first class on Thursday introducing concepts upon which the following classes will be built, so intended for dancers at All Levels, including beginners and other dancers new to Tango.

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, February 18th, Boise Cafe, 10th & Bannock

8-9 p                  Tango is Walking in an Embrace  $10

During this workshop we’ll work on the different aspects and variations of walking in an embrace, which can be very challenging. We’ll focus on the appropriate inner and outer posture, the expression of each step and elegant movements without the limitations of “clinging to someone.”

9-10 p                Guided Practica   $5

FRIDAY, February 19th, Pat Harris Dance Studio, 1225 N McKinney

7:30-10 p          Elegant Variations of the Caminar, with Guided Practica $25

In this class, we‘ll develop some elegant and sophisticated variations of the Caminar that play with the crossed system through a subtle communication. We‘ll make these even more challenging by inserting decorations.

SATURDAY, February 20th, Pat Harris Dance Studio

10:30 a – 12 p   Tango Milonguero: Variations of the Ocho Cortado $15

We’ll introduce and then vary the traditional Milonguero-step “Ocho Cortado” in a lot of interesting new ways that will enhance your improvisational skills and break up fixed patterns.

1:30-3 p            Improvisation with Ochos & Linear Turns  $15

We’ll start this class with the technique of dancing and leading pivots and ochos. Our focus will be on bodywork and elegance as well as on organic movement. We‘ll go on with combining the basic elements to linear turns. Have fun while exploring the numerous possibilities.

3:15-4:45 p       Milonga Lisa: Small & Rhythmic Movements  $15

You don’t need complex steps to dance a good Milonga – a unique dynamic and your connection to the music is what makes this dance so special! We’ll explore rhythmical variations of the walk and combine simple elements to small and playful movements.

9 p – 1 a             MILONGA!   $20

Melina will DJ for the evening. And don’t miss the performance by Detlef & Melina!

SUNDAY, February 21st, Pat Harris Dance Studio

12:30-2 p         Milonga con Cruses: Playing with Crazy Crosses  $15

In this class we’ll vary the cross of the women in such a way that we can use it nicely in the Milonga. We will also examine a couple of “new” cross variations that might seem unusual, but are great fun once you’ve got the idea!

2:15-3:15 p      Once More with Feeling:  Our Favourite Steps  $15

In this class, we’ll show a choice of our favourite steps and vary them according to your experience and to the progression of the participants during the earlier classes. During our stay, we’ll also try to find out your preferences so that the suggested movements might also become YOUR favourite steps.

Special All-Access Pass just $125.00

Detlef & Melina will be available for private lessons during their visit. To schedule a private lesson or for more information about the workshop, email Camille Wood or call 208-989-0239.

Visit Detlef & Melina’s Website.

FELIPE & ROSA WORKSHOP, March 25-28, 2010. Boise. Visit their Website

ALEX KREBS WORKSHOP, May 21 – 23, 2010. Helena, Montana. Sponsored by TangoHelena.

Alex is a brilliant teacher — Please save the dates! All classes and the milonga will be held at the beautiful Allegro Dance
Studio, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Free housing with Helena tangueros available for participants from out of town.

Full workshop registration, including the Milonga: $130 (a savings of $40 compared to paying by the class) or: Individual classes: $20 each, Milonga : $10. — From Grace Hodges for TangoHelena www.tangohelena.com

DETLEF ENGEL & MELINA SEDO WORKSHOP

February 18-21, 2010, BOISE

CLICK FOR WORKSHOP FLYER!

Visit Detlef & Melina’s Website.

The Somer Surgit Workshop was very successful! Boise and Wood River Valley tango dancers converged in Ketchum for an intense 6 classes, practica, and milonga that offered something for everyone. Participants reported that complex concepts were presented in an understandable way at a comfortable, though challenging pace. Somer presented what appeared to be basic sequences but when tried were found to require diligence and mindfulness. He often focused on circular patterns requiring  disassociation of upper and lower body. Boleos, ganchos, and volcadas were covered with specific awareness of how the upper bodies connect and how leaders can make the follower feel comfortable completing the movement. The Saturday evening Milonga was truly special, hosted by Pat Weaver in her beautiful home, and DJ’d with flair by Somer. Finally, thanks go to Linda Reiss for organizing the workshop and bringing us all together for an incredible tango weekend. Check out pictures from the event.

Practica Thursday, January 21st, 8-10pm. Boise Cafe, 10th & Bannock, downtown Boise. Join fellow dancers to practice, enjoy a glass of beer or wine, and listen to tango music. $5, or $3 for seniors or with student ID. Beginners welcome; no partner necessary.

Argentine Tango Classes now being offered at the Idaho Ballroom Dance Company (Limelight Dance Center, 3575 East Copper Point Way, Meridian 83642) with instructor Marge Dobie.  This intoxicating, improvisational, steamy dance transports you instantly into another world.  Moving through sweet connections bathed in beautiful music just encourages a longing for more.  Discover the music, enjoy the embrace, explore the movements and make new friends.Group and private lessons are offered on the following schedule starting January. Group Lessons (Monthly) $40/4 sessions with Guided Practica.

• Beginner Group Session:  Tuesdays 7-7:45pm with Guided Practica 7:45-8:15pm

• Progressing Group Session:  Tuesdays 8:15-9:00pm with Guided Practica 9:00-9:30pm

• Private Lessons:        45 minutes. First private lesson is free.  $75/lesson

Privates are available on request.  Please schedule with Marge Dobie directly at 761-3954 or with Veronica at the Idaho Ballroom Dance Company front desk.

FELIPE MARTINEZ WORKSHOP, March 25-28, 2010. Boise. Visit his Website

SOMER SURGIT WORKSHOP, January 8-10, 2010. Classes held at The Courtyard, 360 E Ave, Ketchum, Idaho.

Friday, January 8th

• CLASS I : 7:30 – 8:45 pm
• PRACTICA : 9:00 – 11:00 pm

Saturday, January 9th

• CLASS II : 11:00 am -12:15 pm. For Beginners; only $20.00.
• CLASS III : 1:30 – 2:45 pm
• CLASS IV : 3:00 – 4:15 pm
• MILONGA : 9:00 pm – 1:00 am  (Location TBA)

Sunday, January 10th

• CLASS V : 12:00 – 1:15 pm
• CLASS VI : 1:30 – 2:45 pm

$100 Workshop (6 classes and practica)

$20 for Beginning class; $25 for all other classes.

$80/hr Private Lessons (priority to workshop participants)

If you are coming from out of town and would like assistance with housing please contact Pat Weaver at patstango@hotmail.com or 208-788-4942. If you have any questions about the workshop or to request a private lesson, please contact Linda Reiss at reissort@cox.net or 208-788-6686.

Watch Somer’s recent performance with Cecelia Gonzalez –  Austin Performance

DETLEF & MELINA WORKSHOP, February 18-21, 2010. Boise.  Visit their Website

FELIPE MARTINEZ WORKSHOP, March 25-28, 2010. Boise. Visit his Website