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Argentine Tango School

Discover the Passion of Tango: A Special Performance with Fiamma Clozza

Discover the Passion of Tango: A Special Performance with Fiamma Clozza

Marcelo Solis and Fiamma Clozza dancing in San Francisco, Septiembre 2024.

In the heart of San Francisco, following our very first Tango workshop, I had the privilege of sharing an improvised performance with the extraordinary Fiamma Clozza. This spontaneous dance, captured on video, is more than just steps. It’s a raw expression of passion, connection, and the elegance that Argentine Tango embodies. Every moment of this performance reflects years of dedication, practice, and a shared love for this beautiful art form.

Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just starting out, Tango offers something special. It’s more than just technique; it’s a conversation between partners, a rhythm that connects us on a deeper level. In this blog post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of our performance, revealing what makes Tango such a unique and captivating dance, and how my private lessons and small group classes can help you master it.

What Makes Tango Special?

Argentine Tango stands out from other dance styles because of its focus on connection. It’s not just about memorizing steps but feeling the music and your partner. The improvisation you see in our performance with Fiamma is a perfect example of this connection. Tango is about trust, fluidity, and being present in the moment. Each movement is a response to the music and your partner, making every dance experience unique.

The elegance and passion you see in Tango also stem from its rich cultural history. Born in the late 19th century in Buenos Aires, Tango was a dance of the people—a way for individuals from different backgrounds to connect. Today, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, appreciated by dancers and enthusiasts all over the world.

What You Can Expect from My Private Lessons and Small Group Classes

My private lessons and small group classes are designed to help you unlock the essence of Tango, no matter your experience level. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Focus on Technique
    I’ll guide you through the core movements that define Tango. But more than just teaching steps, I emphasize how to make those movements smooth, elegant, and expressive. Technique is the foundation, but it’s how you use it that brings Tango to life.
  2. Building Connection
    Tango is often referred to as a “walking embrace,” and it’s that embrace that creates a connection between partners. In my lessons, we focus on how to develop that connection, both physically and emotionally. You’ll learn to trust your partner, listen to the music, and move as one.
  3. Exploring Tango’s Cultural Roots
    Understanding where Tango comes from adds depth to your dance. I’ll dive into the history and traditions behind the dance, giving you a deeper appreciation for its significance. By the end, you’ll feel more connected to the art form, and your dancing will reflect that understanding.

Why Improvisation Matters in Tango

Unlike many other dance styles where routines are choreographed, Tango relies heavily on improvisation. Every performance is a new experience, shaped by the music, the dancers’ moods, and the environment. This improvisation keeps Tango fresh and exciting, even for seasoned dancers. In our performance, Fiamma and I hadn’t planned our steps ahead of time, which allowed the dance to unfold naturally and beautifully.

Learning to improvise in Tango is a skill that comes with time, but it’s incredibly rewarding. It pushes you to trust yourself and your partner, allowing for a deeper connection. In my private lessons and small group classes, we incorporate improvisation exercises that encourage you to let go of rigid thinking and embrace the spontaneity of Tango.

A Dance for Everyone

Tango is not just for professionals or those who have been dancing for years. It’s a dance for everyone. The beauty of Tango is that anyone can learn it, and there’s always room to grow. Whether you’re attending my lessons to learn the basics or to refine your skills, you’ll find that Tango welcomes you at every level.

My private lessons and small group classes are about more than just teaching you steps. They’re about helping you experience the joy of Tango, the connection with your partner, and the rich history behind the dance. By the end of your lessons, you’ll walk away not only with new skills but with a deeper love for the art form.

Join My Next Class

I hope this performance and a behind-the-scenes look into Tango inspire you to take the next step in your own Tango journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, my private lessons and small group classes offer a unique opportunity to explore this passionate and elegant dance.

For more information about upcoming classes and how to get involved, visit my calendar of classes and private lessons or contact me directly at 📧 [email protected] | 📱 (415) 412-1866.

Thank you for watching our performance, and I look forward to dancing with you soon!

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What Makes Dancing Milonga So Special?

What Makes Milonga Dance So Special?

Marcelo Solis and Mimi dancing milonga at San Mateo Event Center, June 2024.

Milonga, a distinctive variation of Argentine tango, stands out for its vibrant tempo and unique rhythm. Unlike the more dramatic tango, milonga is lively, lighthearted, and infused with a playful spirit. This dance variation not only showcases the technical prowess of tango dancers but also emphasizes the joy and spontaneity of the dance.

The Dance of Mastery and Playfulness

Milonga is often considered the dance where a tango dancer’s skills are truly tested and displayed. The fast-paced nature of milonga requires dancers to execute quick, sharp movements with precision, making it a challenging yet exhilarating form of dance. This is beautifully captured in the lyrics of “Señores, yo soy del centro” by Ángel D’Agostino y su Orquesta Típica with Ángel Vargas, recorded in 1945: “otros creen que en la milonga / se aprecia la calidad,” which translates to “others believe that in the milonga / quality is appreciated.” This lyric highlights the belief that milonga is the true measure of a dancer’s ability.

The Rhythm and Technique of Milonga

Milonga differs from tango not just in tempo but also in rhythm and technique. Milonga follows a 2/4 beat, which is more upbeat compared to the 4/4 rhythm of tango. This tempo demands agility and a different approach to movement. Unlike tango, which often involves intricate footwork and dramatic pauses, milonga is characterized by continuous movement and a more relaxed, playful style.

Expressing Emotions Through Milonga

While tango is often associated with deep emotions and intensity, milonga allows dancers to explore a different set of feelings. It’s a dance that encourages humor, lightness, and an overall sense of fun. This makes milonga not only a technical challenge but also a medium for dancers to express a wider range of emotions, making their dance more dynamic and engaging.

The Cultural Significance of Milonga

Milonga has deep roots in Argentine culture and serves as a testament to the rich history of tango. It is a dance that has evolved over time, blending influences from various dance forms and cultures. This evolution is reflected in the dance’s lively tempo and playful nature, which continue to captivate audiences and dancers alike. By mastering milonga, dancers pay homage to the historical and cultural significance of tango while pushing the boundaries of their own abilities.

Conclusion

Milonga is a special variation of tango that highlights the skill, agility, and emotional range of dancers. It is a dance that celebrates the playful and joyful aspects of tango, providing a dynamic contrast to the more intense and dramatic traditional tango. Whether through its unique rhythm, technical demands, or cultural roots, milonga remains a cherished and vibrant part of the tango tradition.

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Argentine Tango performances with Maria Olivera

Argentine Tango performances with Maria Olivera



It was a pleasure and honor to perform with great Maestra and milonguera from Buenos Aires María Olivera.

Thank you, Maria Olivera and the organizers of Sunnyvale Moose Lodge Milonga.

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Argentine Tango waltz dancing with Mimi at Milonga Parakultural Salón Canning

Argentine Tango waltz dancing with Mimi at Milonga Parakultural Salón Canning

Being a good dancer implies a search for greater balance, control, and ease in your movements, both physically and spiritually.

Dancing leads to a greater awareness of your own body.

This has repercussions on a concern to develop increasingly healthy habits and thus develop a more balanced relationship with the people around you and yourself.

Dancing means getting to know yourself and people in general better.

Dancing Argentine Tango is continually learning to see life from the perspective of a person who dances.

Dancing Argentine Tango is dancing your life.

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Marcelo Solis dancing Argentine Tango with Mimi at Escuela de Tango de Buenos Aires virtual classes.

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Argentine Tango dancing with Mimi at Milonga Parakultural Salón Canning 1

Argentine Tango dancing with Mimi at Milonga Parakultural Salón Canning 1

Interview by Andrea Barron, a college student in Edinburg, TX, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

  • First and Foremost, Where are you from? Why do you teach Argentinian Tango?

I was born in Argentina. Tango has been part of my life since my childhood. I became an excellent Argentine Tango dancer, and since teaching is a natural skill, I became an Argentine Tango teacher.

  • How did you come across this dance style? How long have you been practicing this style of dance?

As I mentioned, I grew up in an environment where Argentine Tango is always present. Therefore, I started formal learning of the Argentine Tango in 1984.

  • What does Argentinian Tango mean to you? Does it play an essential role in your culture?

Argentine Tango means to me, the highest wisdom you can achieve. I understand Argentine Tango as a practice that helps me improve in all aspects of being human.

  • Do you know the origins of the Argentinian Tango?

The origins of Argentine Tango are highly debated. However, we are confident that it developed in the marginalized sectors of the populations inhabiting Buenos Aires and other urban conglomerates in the Rio de la Plata area during the second half of the 1800s.

  • I understand that you teach Argentinian Tango in the United States; how do you preserve the authenticity of this dance style while introducing it in a different country?

I travel back to my country very often, visit and take classes with my teachers and friends, and dance at the milongas (Tango dance parties) in Buenos Aires to maintain a solid connection to the roots of Argentine Tango.

  • There are eight known styles of Tango, such as Ballroom Tango and Tango Nuevo, to name a few. So how does the Argentinian Tango differ from other types of Tango? This could refer to culture, movement, maybe both, or any other differences that you may think of.

Argentine Tango differs from other dances in the fact that Argentine Tango is a way of life, an approach to existence. In that sense, Argentine Tango is the purest form of dancing. It makes you see life from the point of view of being a dancer.

  • In Argentinian Tango, do performers create any contact or communication with their audience? This could pertain to touch; it can be done vocally or through eye contact.

When you perform Argentine Tango, you dance in the same way that you dance in the milongas (social Tango dance parties): you connect with your partner to form a kind of subjectivity that is of the body of both partners becoming one. From there, you become aware of the surrounding world and adapt your dance to either performance or social dancing situations.

  • What dress wear do dancers wear while performing this style of dance?

I like to dress up, like going to a formal party to teach, dance, socialize, and perform.

  • I am entirely unfamiliar with the Argentinian Tango. To be trained in this dance style, what advice can you provide for beginners before jumping into practices?

My advice to beginners is this: enjoy the pleasure of dancing. Your curiosity will take you to deepen your knowledge of Argentine Tango step by step.

  • Is it challenging to develop the lines of an Argentinian Dancer? How long does it take for a dancer to adapt to the Argentinian Tango’s movement style physically? In ballet, dancers must maintain a straight, strong back and execute graceful motions. In addition, modern dancers are taught to utilize the curvature of the spine and to remain grounded with their movements. Regarding the physical display of the Argentinian Tango, are there any essential tips you can provide for us?

Argentine Tango is infinite. You can continually improve. If you feel you have nothing to improve, you are dead as a dancer. You must train Argentine Tango as a fighter. It would be best if you were solid, versatile, adaptable, and secure. Whatever you achieve with your body implies a spiritual transformation.

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Marcelo Solis dancing Argentine Tango with Mimi at Escuela de Tango de Buenos Aires virtual classes.

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