Followers: Seen But Not Heard?

Followers: Seen But Not Heard?

When learning decorations*, followers often ask me worriedly: ”But won’t the leader feel that?” The question takes me back nearly 20 years, when I was studying tango in Buenos Aires. I recall being taught that I should do adornments in such a way that they...
Super Giros

Super Giros

This Saturday, in our online tango classes, we’ll be working on our “giros” or tango turns. Giros (pronounced “hero”) are not an easiest movement to master. The follower walks around the leader and the leader does elegant movements in the...
What Makes A Good Leader?

What Makes A Good Leader?

Who are the best leaders on the dance floor and what is it that sets them apart from the rest? You could argue that this is a subjective thing, but there is some consensus in the tango world on overall qualities to be aspired to. If you are new to the tango scene, you...
The Magic of the Number 8

The Magic of the Number 8

Yesterday was a special day. It was our daughter’s eighth birthday. Eight is an important number in tango. The Basic Eight, the “Ocho” and this delicate little decoration, which draws a number eight on the floor. Here I am yesterday drawing this...
Video Angst II

Video Angst II

A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog about watching yourself dancing on video. In the time of the Coronavirus, it seems more relevant than ever. Every Zoom class we teach is automatically recorded and sent out to every student, so they can keep practicing and...
The “B” Word

The “B” Word

This blog post is all about the “B” word. Don’t worry, it’s not the word you’re thinking of! You’re safely inside a pure tango, Brexit-free zone. It’s another “B” word that I’d like to write about, and it has been a long time coming. Hardly a week goes by without...