TangoTango’s blog
The role of disassociation in the cross
A number of techniques are taught as explanations to how the cross is lead. Perhaps most common is to explain that the cross is lead from a position of disassociation, and what makes the cross happen is that the disassociation is dissolved. More precisely, the situation is most commonly as follows: the man walks on the left side of the woman seen from his perspective (this would be step three and four in the basic step). Their torsos are turned on top of their hips and legs so that the dancers’ chests are facing each other (both turn right to meet each other). To lead the cross the man dissolves the disassociation. She follows his chest and crosses her legs. Also, as she crosses they will now face each other directly.
We agree with what happens here, but the explanation is off the mark.The disassociation is less important than in the above description. This short blog post is a discussion about which role the disassociation actually has in the cross.
The nature of the cross
There is only one task that must be accomplished to make the woman cross, and that is to change her line of walk. Why? (more…)
Tango for both the blind and the sighted – a meeting place
May 4th, 2011 begins a five-week tango course for both visually impaired and sighted dancers. In this special course we will be teaching more sophisticated ways to lead and to follow in tango. It will be a place where we can appreciate our differences instead of letting them get in our way. For the body to speak, it doesn’t matter if you have razor-sharp vision or if your glasses are thick as a telephone directory. In dancing we are all equal.
Contemporary Dance as a bonus
This course is organized by Kjersti Engebrigtsen. (more…)
Help us give Christmas gifts!
Christmas gift to the Breast Cancer Society (Brystkreftforeningen)
As of today, 23/11/2011, we have 146 fans of our Facebook Page. For every new fan we get in the days leading up to Christmas, we will donate 5 kroner to Brystkreftforeningen (with a maximum of 8,000 kroner).
As tango teachers we interact closely with people. We hear many personal stories. This year we were blessed with hearing two stories about breast cancer that moved us deeply. With respect and love for these people, we want to give this Christmas gift together with all of you. We are also giving it in honour of those who never thought they would need the support of Brystkreftforeningen.
Christmas at The Rainforest Foundation (Regnskogfondet)
Leading up to Christmas we are donating ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of gift certificates. (more…)
Our first international academic conference
As researchers we try to find a scrutinizing gaze.
We have made a conscious decision that when we teach we do not care whether our students are CEOs, councelors or cleaners. At our dance floor, you are a dancer – period. The same should apply to us, and unless you ask you will not get to know what we do besides being dancers (even if you ask we may be reluctant to answer). This blog post is different. We will here openly share one other career we have besides teaching and performing tango. (more…)
Stepping Away From the Floor
The YouTube clip under scrutiny today is doubtless the one that I have watched the most times.
If you know me, you would not be surprised to see my favourites Pablo and Dana in the clip, but you will perhaps be surprised to see them in a very modest dance. Here is no extravaganza, no flying legs, no jumping or any innovative choreography. What you see are two advanced dancers in what looks like social down to earth dance. I must say that the first time I saw the clip, my mind told me that that was all there was to it. Even so, some intuitive part of me was mesmerized. (more…)
A Tango with Annelie
About the poet
Kambiz Iranpour is one of Oslo’s most beloved tango dancers. We are proud to present his love poem on our site.
How much can I dance with my partner during the tango course?
If you are a beginner you are strongly encouraged to dance with many different dancers. Tango is an improvised way of moving across the floor. This is enriched when you learn to move with a variety of people. We often change partners during lessons but you have a main partner that you return to, so you will dance most of all with the one you came with or were partnered with. Although we encourage trying different partners, who you dance with is ultimately your choice. We understand that for a variety of reasons – spanning from being newlyweds or having social anxiety – you might only want to dance with the person you came with.
What should I wear when I come to tango courses?
You should wear comfortable clothes. Our atmosphere is inclusive. You are welcome in jeans, mesh stockings, a suit or even pajamas (no one has dared the latter yet!). Whatever you feel comfortable in and allows you to move freely. Most students wear everyday clothes when they come to class. Women should not wear dresses/skirts that are ankle-length or too tight. Such garments will prevent your free movement. You should also wear shoes with soles that will slide and allow your feet to move quickly. You should avoid rubber soles that stick to the floor. We have written a lot more about shoes here LINK TO COME!.
I can’t carry a tune and my partner has no sense of rhythm. Is there any point in even trying a tango course?
Yes! Even people with strong musical backgrounds often have trouble adjusting to new songs and rhythms as they learn to dance tango. As you practice and become familiar with the music, you will learn to be more rhythmic. Believe it or not, anything can be learned as long as you’re eager!
I feel very unmusical. Am I still welcome the tango lessons?
Of course! As we said above dancing can be learned by anyone. For us, tango means listening to the music and trying to express what we hear in our dancing. However, do not let that deter you. We do not expect you to be perfect when you arrive. Part of the course is to teach you to listen to tango music with your body.
Gift card
Tango is a gift. Bless someone you love with a course.
TangoTango on Norwegian Television
We danced in Norwegian prime time news together with Thomas Raic. We illustrated aspects of relationships where there are more than two people involved.
TangoTango in Dagsavisen
