The Champaign-Urbana tango community is fortunate to have an exciting weekend
of tango activities at the Phillips Recreation Center (Springfield &
McCullough, Urbana) on Sat-Sun Apr 28-29. We will welcome the return of
professional tango instructors Federico Costantino and Erica Sutton from
Tango Para Todos - The Chicago Tango School. The schedule of activities is as
follows:
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Sat Apr 28
7:30 - 9:00 PM: Workshop - Introduction to Milonga
Milonga is the historical predecessor of tango. It is a faster, livelier
dance. There is some overlap in the steps used between 'milonga' and 'salon
tango'. This workshop covers the fundamentals of milonga including rhythm,
posture and connection between the partners through various salidas. We will
work closely with the 'style' of dancing milonga - how to look good, lead and
follow well and catch the unique flavor of milonga even with basic sequences.
9 - 12 PM : milonga (i.e., the social dance)
Admission: Workshop on Milonga: $10 (includes admission to social dance); $3
(social dance only)
Dance the night away!
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Sun Apr 29
1:00 - 2:30 PM: Tango - Level I
No prior experience in tango required. Introduction to the fundamentals of
tango, including the embrace, walking, posture, balance and relationship with
a partner. Variations on the salida will be introduced with other
fundamental steps.
2:45 - 4:15 PM: Tango - Level II
For people with some tango experience. Workshop #1 is sufficient.
Continuation of technique from Class 1. Exploration of the embrace and
communication between partners. Use of the pivot. More complicated steps will
be taught as a way to reinforce leading and following technique.
Embellishment and decoration for both men and women.
4:30 - 6:00 PM: Tango - Level III
This workshop assumes knowledge of the material in Workshop #2. Change of
direction and turns. Discovering the rhythm and how to dance more musically.
Embellishing with a purpose. More complicated sequences will be taught with
the goal that students will create their own through possibility and
improvisation.
Cost of Sunday workshops: 1 workshop $25 (students: $20)
2 workshops $45 (students: $35)
3 workshops $60 (students: $45)
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Private Lessons are also available during the following times:
Sat Apr 28: 5:15 - 7:15 PM
Sun Apr 29: 10 AM - Noon;
8 - 11 PM
Cost: $50 / hr per instructor (single or couple)
Semi-private lessons (2 couples) are also available for $30 hr / couple (one
instructor)
Private lesson times must be reserved by Noon Thurs Apr 26.
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For registration or further information, contact Leonardo at
TangoLeon@aol.com or Susana at susana@uiuc.edu, or call either at
217-328-1309. Leonardo will out of town from Fri Apr 13 to Sun Apr 22, during
which time it would be best to contact Susana.
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About Federico and Erica:
Federico is a native of Buenos Aires. He has studied tango in Argentina with
Fabian Salas, Daniel Samsota, Francisco Santapa', and Luis Solanas. He has
performed tango in numerous productions, including the movie 'Pequeños
Milagros' and theatrical productions of El Calendario and La Espera. He has
also choreographed for a theatrical company in Argentina. He won 1st place in
Argentine tango at the Harvest Moon ballroom competition in 1999. He taught
tango at the Cultural Center in Buenos Aires for 2 years.
Erica is a Texan and founding member of Tango Argentino Dallas. As an
actress, her exploration with Alexander Technique and modern dance offer an
understanding of body positioning and balance that is beneficial for tango.
Her most influential teachers have been Florencia Taccetti and Nito & Elba.
Erica has also been active in creating choreography for tango, including
performances for the Najwa Dance Corporation in Chicago.
Federico and Erica are founders of Tango Para Todos - The Chicago Tango
School. They have been teaching together for over one year. They have
extensive experience together as tango performers, both in Chicago and in
Buenos Aires, including an international television commercial.
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Their Approach to Teaching:
Most of all, Federico and Erica believe tango should be fun. This was readily
apparent when they made their first trip to teach in Urbana in October 2000.
Federico has a vivaciousness that is contagious and enhances group learning.
Erica is quieter but her elegant style of dancing offers a wonderful model
for learning, particularly for women. She emphasizes that woman are not just
followers in tango, but have numerous opportunities for active
self-expression. In their teaching Federico and Erica focus on dancing with
the music and communication with your partner. They also emphasize how
understanding balance and connection with your partner improve your dancing
and thus your enjoyment of tango.
For more information on Federico and Erica and the Chicago School of Tango,
consult their web site: www.TangoParaTodos.com.
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Join us in this fun weekend of Argentine tango at the Phillips Recreation
Center. You won't regret it. And you will become a better tango dancer.
Leonardo
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