These 200 level classes provide foundational concepts and techniques in order to progress to the more advanced ideas of Tango. Each series is arranged into 3 1-hour weekly classes starting with the most basic technique and then progressing in difficulty the following weeks. We will also look at simple figures using the class topic and how to work it into your improvised social dancing. In addition to the class topic, we always focus on musicality and proper dance floor etiquette (floorcraft) as well as perfecting the embrace (un abrazo) and posture.

To get credit for each series you must come to all 3 weeks. Each series is accompanied online with class notes and demonstration videos.

T - Tango    V - Vals    M - Milonga

T201 - Cross Steps: The 4th & 5th Steps of Tango
In this class, we take a very exhaustive look at the Forward Cross Step and Back Cross Step. We examine the difference between Forward & Back Open Steps versus Forward & Back Cross Steps and all 32 combinations of steps that can be created in Parallel and Cross Systems. This is a special 2 hour class each week.

T202 - Close Embrace I
Close Embrace Tango is danced with the torsos of both partners resting against one another. It offers a unique connection between the dancers and is a very common way of dancing on crowded dance floors at Milongas (Tango Dance Parties). We will look at transitions between Close and Open Embrace and examine some common moves and how they differ between the embraces.

T203 - Cross System
In normal Parallel, system, when Dancer A steps with their left leg, Dancer B steps with their right leg. In Cross System, when Dancer A steps with their left leg, Dancer B steps with their left leg. This is fairly unique to Tango and many movements in Tango are executed in Cross System.

T204 - Sacadas I: Forward Sacadas
A Sacada (displacement) is when one dancer steps into the space that their partner just vacated. In this class, we will look at Internal and External Forward Sacadas for both men and women. We will also look at the difference between Low and High Sacadas.

T205 - Barridas, Pasadas y Paradas
A Barrida (a sweep, a drag) is the dragging of a partner’s free leg during a Caminata (walk) or Giro (turn). During this series, we will examine the proper technique for leading and following both external and internal Barridas in both open and close embrace. During the class we will also look at Paradas (stops) and Pasadas (passovers). Also known as, Arrastre (sweep, sweeping) and Llevada (carried, carrying).

T206 - Boleos I: Circular Boleos
A Circular Boleo (voleo: to volley) is when a woman is sent around her own vertical axis resulting in her free leg moving behind or in front of her supporting leg in a circular movement. In this series, we will look at both high and low Boleos as well as Contra-Boleos.

T207 - Ganchos I: Basic Ganchos
A Gancho (hook) is when a woman or man lifts their free leg while wrapping (hooking) it around their partner’s leg. During this series, we will look at Ganchos for women, men and both simultaneously. Also known as, Enganche (hooking).

T208 - Ochos I
This class will help us develop a higher understanding of Ochos such as Parallel Ochos for both leaders and followers and adding musicality to our Ochos.

T209 - Giros I: The Molinete & Alterations
Giros (turns) are circular movements where one dancer goes around the other dancer or they both go around a common axis. Typically, the Moliente (windmill) is a turn in which the woman goes around the man using this sequence of 4 steps: open side step, a forward cross, an open side step, and a back cross. Alterations are when we change the direction of our movement. Alterations are also called Cambio de Frente (change of front).

T210 - Giros II: Popular Turns
Giros (turns) are circular movements where one dancer goes around the other dancer or they both go around a common axis.

V201 - Vals I
Vals is one of the rhythms that we dance to at Milongas (Tango Dance Parties). This class will focus on understanding the rhythm of Vals, how to incorporate your existing steps into Vals and new steps that fit nicely into Vals.

T212- Musicality: Double Time Rhythm (Quick Quick Slow Slow)
The Double Time Rhythm is used extensively in Tango, Vals and Milonga to accentuate the dance. Understanding and being able to incorporate this rhythm into your dance is imperative to good Tango.

M201 - Milonga I
Milonga is one of the rhythms that we dance to at Milongas (Tango Dance Parties). This class will focus on understanding the rhythm of  Milonga, how to incorporate your existing steps into Milonga and new steps that fit nicely into Milonga.