Inspiring the beginners

Alex and I will be teaching the beginner level 1 & 2 classes on our return from Buenos Aires. Just until Ross and Sandra return. A slightly daunting task. On Monday night, our teachers walked us through the lesson plans and we found ourselves questioning how to do the most basic of beginner moves. How quickly you forget! I'm feeling a little stressed even though I have mountains of experience teaching choreography and movement. Alex on the other hand is not one bit worried. It's going to be a very interesting sharing the responsibility with Alex. I'll have the big stick out and Alex will be cracking jokes. I hope we make the perfect combination :)

Very grateful for the experience. My aim: to inspire the students to want to learn more!

Five more sleeps until Buenos Aires.

Last social dance before BA

Alex and I attended the Friends of Tango milonga on Sat 20 June at the beautiful old Queenslander halll at East Brisbane State School. Our last opportunity to dance in a social setting before experiencing the real thing in Buenos Aires.

Apart from Alex, I danced with four other men. I know this is the best way to improve my dancing. It's challenging. Each man has his own distinct style of communicating what he wants and it often takes three or four dances before you actually feel like you are connecting on some level. When I finally come back to dance with Alex, it always feels like I have come home :)

This photo is Alex dancing with Jennifer. I had hoped to ask someone to take some video of Alex and I dancing but I forgot... opps.

Thank you Sandra and Ross for a beautiful night. One more lesson on Monday night, then next stop, Buenos Aires.

How to dance tango in a very small space!

Fabrizio and Celi

I've attached a video of Fabrizio and Celi dancing. I took this at the milonga where they performed for a very appreciative audience on Sunday 7 June.

They have such an easy, playful style. A blend between the most modern development of tango and the traditional style. Watching them inspires me to dance. Like our teachers, Sandra and Ross, Fabrizio and Celi have a wonderful way of communicating the language of movement.

Alex and I will be staying with Fabrizio when we travel to Buenos Aires later this month, so I look forward to getting to know both of them better.

Enjoy!

Tango en la Costa Milonga 7 June 2009

A turning point for Alex and I.

To make up the numbers we entered the Qld Tango championships qualifying rounds to compete in Sydney. Really, just a favour for our teachers, Sandra and Ross, to make the competition more interesting for the spectators. A little stressful, as the judges were Fabrizio Forti and Celi Arias. Beautiful dancers from Argentina who have been here for a week teaching workshops.

The first tango had a very steady beat. Alex carefully led me into a simple walk with perfect technique. I knew it was important that we both relax. I knew it was important that our walking technique was spot on. I think our walk is one of our best features.

The second tango was little faster in tempo and Alex easily led otcho contadas and milenguro turns and I worked hard to decorate as much as I could. The third tango had several tempo changes and I could feel Alex working very hard on his musicality.

At the end we both looked at each other in amazement. We had just danced three songs in silence, without stopping to analyise or discuss or tiff with each other. After dancing seriously for 12 months, I think it was a turning point.

We placed 2nd. A little boost in confidence before we travel to Argentina in 19 days.

Volcadas

Took class tonight with Fabrizio & Celi. Want to learn the intricate details of the very beautiful volcadas. They look easy but take great control.