QnA

Q: What is the difference between classes and workshops?

A: Tango classes are regular and ongoing. Every class has a review of the previous material, an introduction of a new element, some technique, general (e.g. balance) exercises, and practice time. Workshops, on another hand, are held less frequently, are thematic, address the topic more in depth, are longer than a class. There are two types of Tango workshops – an introductory workshop, where a lot of material is presented without going in depth on it, and workshops that present a certain element of Tango and address it in great depth. They are special events and are announced ahead of time.

Q: What is a Tango festival?

A: In short – several hundred Argentine Tango dancers come to a host city to take workshops, meet old and new friends, and, most importantly, to dance, dance, dance. A festival usually lasts 3 to 4 days including a weekend. An average schedule has 2 to 3 workshops in the daytime and milongas (Tango dance parties) in the afternoons and evenings. Some milongas go till late and end at 4, 5, or even 6 am. Great time is had by all.

Q: How do I find information on Tango events in Atlanta?

A: You can look at individual sites or join the best resource of everything Tango Atlanta and the Southeast – Tango_GA Yahoo Group. Here is the URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tango_GA/
Join the group and and be ‘in the know’.

Q: Do I need to have special shoes and clothes?

A: Special shoes – yes for the ladies, not so much for the guys. For more information please visit |Tango Shoes and Clothes| page under Tango Lessons.

Q: Where can I get Tango music?

A: You can find it in some stores that sell CD’s, as well as there are quite a few sources online. The following are better know ones: amazon.com, cduniverse.com, tangostore.com, tangocd.com, the tangocatalogue.com, and others.

Q: Where can I dance Argentine Tango socially?

A: At milongas (Argentine Tango dance parties). Atlanta has a nice and growing social dance scene. You can find all of them listed on the Tango_GA Yahoo group (see above). Also check out our page on what to do on a Monday night in Atlanta.

Q: What is Milonga?

A: The word Milonga has three meanings: it is a type of music (see below for more), a dance to this music, and a Tango dance party. Read more on milonga as a dance on our |Classes on Vals and Milonga in Atlanta| page.

Q: Is  all Tango music the same?

A: A typical music play list for a Tango dance event like practica (practice time) or milonga consists of 3 types of tango music: Tango, Milonga and Vals. Tango has 4/4 (count 1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4…) time; usually in walking speed; melancholy, grief, pride. Milonga has 2/4 timing; it is more rhythmic, lively, playful. Vals has 3/4 timing (count 1-2-3, 1-2-3…) time; faster than regular waltz and very romantic.  There is also Canyenge and Candombe, tho this music is not so common, yet beautiful as well.

Q: What if I don’t have a partner?

A: It is not required, although encouraged – the more people dance Tango the better.  We rotate partners in classes and make sure that everyone gets to dance. If you have a partner and prefer to stay with him or her, it is fine too.

Q: How long does it take to learn Tango?

A: After a few classes you are already able to dance Tango fundamentals, and each week you will continue to progress. Just keep in mind that like any activity Tango requires practice to get and stay proficient. We hope you will enjoy working on your tango and dancing it for the rest of your life.

Q: What if I have no dance experience?

A: Perfect! Often it is even easier for people who have never danced before to learn Argentine Tango.

Q: I have some health concerns, can I still Tango?

A: Quite often dancing Tango could improve your health. Please contact me with any concerns and we’ll discuss the best way for you to approach learning Tango.

If you have  questions not found here, please go to our blog and see if it was covered in some of the posts, write a comment, or send an email with your question.

Look forward to seeing you in our Tango classes. To learn about the Tango Instructor in Atlanta click on this link.