I think I’ve said before that I have two tango teachers. One is Ale, and I’ve published a video with him before. The other is a couple called Beto and Lis. Lis is currently on the disabled list, having broken a foot, so I’m missing my lessons focusing very closely on foot movements. Beto, however, stepped up to the plate and I’m currently have a lesson with him every week.
Ale teaches “tango milonguero“, which is the kind of 3-minute hug style that most people dance in the milonga. Beto, on the other hand, teaches “salon tango”, which is a bit more of a performance. It’s still danced pretty close—still not like the ballroom dance that we don’t even acknowledge as tango, but a little more open. This allows for different steps and movements. Although I prefer milonguero style, I do enjoy this too.
While my video with Ale was planned in advance and we both got dressed up, this video is simply a dance at the end of last week’s lesson — he comes to my place for the lesson. I thought it might be interesting for you to see the difference, so here you go — enjoy!
Awesome Helen!!!!!
Thanks Ali!
Love the shoes. I was giggling watching this as I’d be tripping over my own feet and stepping on his.
Well done OBO! All your practice is showing!
We’ll get you a lesson when you’re here in May, OBO!
Every time I see a video of you dancing I am taken by the grace of the tango and also left wondering how you know ahead of time what steps to take – how to move your feet.
Well the thing is, Sharon, you don’t know. One of the joys of tango is that it’s not choreographed, and you never know where it will take you. I don’t have to know where to move my feet. I have to learn to follow so that I go where he is inviting me to go. And then I can add my “adornos” (decorations) when I feel they fit. That’s one of the things I’m learning from Ale. Every tanda is an adventure!