Festivalito Rural 2011

Classes

This year we offer two blocks of "regular" classes, one focusing on communication and the other on musicality, and a don't-miss novelty: a "discussion" class about social aspects of tango.

Friday

Active and respectful participation in a Milonga

(interactive class & discussion)

Duration: 1.5h

Tango is all about communication and many classes deal with the interaction in the couple. But we often forget that the dancing already starts before the Abrazo and goes beyond it. For us, every dancer bears responsibility for creating a harmonic athmosphere at a Milonga: the way you invite each other, the way you move on the dancefloor, the way you interact with other couples...

We'll discuss and practice crucial situations and find means to help us in this process of communication. Special attention goes to the role of the women, who too often comprehend themselves as passive beings "lead" by a strong man. We are striving for an equal collaboration, in which both partners are in charge of their actions and thus gain the respect that they deserve. Prepare for a lively discussion and fun exercises.

No partner required!

Saturday

Interaction in movement

Duration: 3x1.5h

This class is all about the communication in the couple. After reviewing our basic principles of circular chest-movements, we'll be having a look of how to maintain the connection in changes of direction and walking turns. These very often create situations where the partners "lose" each other. We'll examine how to do better and thus navigate freely and in harmony. In the last part of this afternoon we'll break down known structures to enhance our abilities to improvise freely and to communicate "uncommon" moments in the dance.

Sunday

Powerful musicality - expression and dynamics

Duration: 2x1.5h

In this class we'll have a look at different periods of Tango music - the old & golden age rhythmic Tangos and dramatic Tangos of the later golden age. We'll discover that these Tangos have very different dynamics, which could be expressed in our dance. We'll also contrast this powerful music to the much softer "lyrical" music which requires an elegant fluidity of movement. After working on basic principles of musical expression and listening to a lot of different orchestras, we'll adapt one or two movements to the different styles of music. It's not about the "what", it's about the "how".

The rules ;-)

Register in a couple. You want to work with someone you like, right?

Register for the whole day. You can only register for a block as a whole. On Saturday and Sunday, we don't offer separate classes. We want you to get to know the teachers and the teachers to get to know you! This way you will get the most out of the experience.

Register for more than one day ;-) We'd really like that! Actually, we're sure you will like it, too ;-)

Don't be an absolute beginner! Sorry, but at least some dancing experience is required for the classes.

Register early! The number of participants is limited. And this year we really mean it.

Friday is an exception to these rules. You are welcome with or without a partner. And you can be an absolute beginner. :-)