Beginners Intensive Workshop 4: Continuity and embellishments

Time flies when we are having a blast!  Last workshop of the 4-day series.  Joe Yang reviewed the practical ways to combine the figures you have learned last three days.  Emphasis on connections, the balance, followers embellishments, and the music.  Now, you are ready to explore your creative side and have fun on the dance floor.

Great job everyone!  Thank you all for joining the workshops. It has been a pleasure meeting you and working with you! Keep dancing and enjoying TANGO.  Till next time!!

Special Thanks to Joe Yang for trusting me to co-teach the workshops!!!  Loved working with you!

Much appreciation to NOLA Tango Festival for the opportunity to join your warm tango community.

Tangazo,

Yumiko

Beginners Intensive Workshop 3:  Rhythmic variations with Circular Movements

The class started with a brief review of Workshop 1 and 2: connection and rock steps, & cruzada. From cruzada, we moved on to figure 8 (ocho). Forward ocho with parada (stop) & pasada (pass) combination. Then, finally, using circular movements, we tried gancho (leg hook)!!  JOE introduced the class with a swinging leg exercise to prepare for the gancho. By the end of the workshop, we could do parada, pasada and exit or gancho and exit combination with the music. Now, we did not get to MOLINETE (turn). But enough excitement for one day!  Great job, everyone. We will continue on to our last workshop on Sunday from 11am.

Look forward to seeing you!

Workshop 3:  Rhythmic variations with Circular Movements – Excellent! 

In this workshop you will learn the foundations of turning technique, starting with the “ocho” (Figure 8).  From there, you’ll learn the “molinete,” an elegant turning figure, and ways of combining it with the material introduced in the previous classes.

Workshop 4:  Continuity and embellishments – TODAY! Sunday 11am.

For our last class, we will go over some of the many ways in which you can combine the figures you have learned.  With an emphasis on interpreting the music, you’ll have a chance to explore your creative side and have fun!

Excellent first day of the 4-day workshops. Enjoyed working with Joe Yang. Way to go!  Clear and simple instruction to get the students moving in the line of dance. No figure or basic 8 counts, but most importantly, students could dance with the music by the end of the class.  Wonderful group of students. Immensely enjoying the experience. Thank you, Joe and Nola Tango Festival for the opportunity.

Tomorrow, we will teach Workshop 2 from 2pm-3:15pm.

Workshop 1:  Introduction to Fundamentals – DONE!  

The goal is to start getting you comfortable dancing socially as soon as possible!  This first workshop will focus on the fundamentals of connecting and moving with your partner.  We’ll cover basic men and women’s technique, moving to the music, improvisation, and we will give you a fun introduction to dance floor etiquette.

Workshop 2:  Rhythmic Variations with Linear Movements – TOMORROW:-)

During this session you will learn the “cruzada” (cross), one of the most important steps in tango.  We will use this figure to introduce more detailed leading/following technique, body awareness, and ways to creatively interpret the music.  We’ll also cover more floor craft strategies to avoid collisions and to walk smoothly during a milonga.