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Argentine Tango School

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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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“Entre dos fuegos” by Juan D’Arienzo y su Orquesta Tipica, 1940.

“Entre dos fuegos” by Juan D’Arienzo y su Orquesta Tipica, 1940.

The cover of a tango music sheet titled

Alberto López Buchardo

Pianist and composer (August 21, 1882 -May 28, 1948)

In 1903, Alberto López Buchardo left Buenos Aires for Paris, abandoning his medical studies to immerse himself in the bohemian lifestyle of the French capital.

Upon his arrival, he was captivated by the city’s vibrant arts scene, which was flourishing with creativity and innovation.

Alberto played a pivotal role in introducing tango to Paris.

He taught tango dancing and performed the early melodies, helping establish the genre’s presence in Europe.

Read more about Alberto López Buchardo at www.todotango.com

Listen and buy:

We are happy to have a collaboration with the people from tangotunes.com from whom some of you may have heard, they do high-quality transfers from original tango shellacs.

It is the number 1 source for professional Tango DJs all over the world.

  • Now they started a new project that addresses the dancers and the website is https://en.mytango.online
    You will find two compilations at the beginning, one tango and one vals compilation in amazing quality.
    The price is 50€ each (for 32 songs each compilation) and now the good news!

If you enter the promo code 8343 when you register at this site you will get a 20% discount!

Thanks for supporting this project, you will find other useful information on the site, a great initiative.

Ver este artículo en español

More Argentine Tango music selected for you:

We have lots more music and history

How to dance to this music?

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“Tres amigos” by Anibal Troilo y su Orquesta Tipica with Alberto Marino in vocals, 1944 (English translation of the lyrics).

“Tres amigos” by Anibal Troilo y su Orquesta Tipica with Alberto Marino in vocals, 1944 (English translation of the lyrics).

Néstor Pellicciaro, Blas Catrenau and Marcelo Solís at Milonga Parakultural in Buenos Aires.

Tres amigos

Music and lyrics: Enrique Cadícamo.

From my lived pages, I always carry a great memory
my emotions do not forget them; time passes, and I remember them more.

Three friends always went
in that youth…
It was the most talked about trio
who could have walked
through those southern streets.

Where will you go, Pancho Alsina?
Where will you go, Balmaceda?
I wait for you on the corner
from Suárez and Necochea…
Today, no one keeps this appointment.
Already, my life has taken a detour.
Today, the old guard yells at me:
“Who has scattered that trio?”
But I still remember 
my two friends yesterday…

Once, back in Portones, they saved me from death.
Encounters are never lacking when a poor person has fun.
And again, back in Barracas,
I paid them that debt…
They always saw us together…
That friendship had us.
It’s always tied to all three.

Find more Argentine Tango lyrics

Listen and buy:

We are happy to have a collaboration with the people from tangotunes.com from whom some of you may have heard, they do high-quality transfers from original tango shellacs.

It is the number 1 source for professional Tango DJs all over the world.

  • Now they started a new project that addresses the dancers and the website is https://en.mytango.online
    You will find two compilations at the beginning, one tango and one vals compilation in amazing quality.
    The price is 50€ each (for 32 songs each compilation) and now the good news!

If you enter the promo code 8343 when you register at this site you will get a 20% discount!

Thanks for supporting this project, you will find other useful information on the site, a great initiative.

We have lots more music and history

Ver este artículo en español

[social_warfare]

Learn to dance Argentine Tango

Continue reading

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.

Leer este artículo en español

More  about Argentine Tango

Learn to dance Argentine Tango

Learn to Dance Argentine Tango

Continue reading

“El Entrerriano” by Juan D’Arienzo y su Orquesta Típica, 1946.

“El Entrerriano” by Juan D’Arienzo y su Orquesta Típica, 1946.

The story of “El entrerriano” and its main recordings

With this number the three-section structure that prevailed in the old trend tango began to spread and, more than a hundred years later, “El entrerriano” is still one of the greatest classics of the genre.

The canyengue liveliness of the melody amazed the audience from the first bar.

The dancer José Guidobono, who was present, could not dance as he used to because the spell of those musical notes paralyzed him.

When the number was finished, he approached the composer and suggested,” Why don’t you dedicate it to Segovia?”

He was referring to Ricardo Segovia, a landowner from Entre Ríos, who was making whoopee in the Buenos Aires nights.

Mendizábal told him he would honor him by naming “El entrerriano” his new tango.

Read more about “El entrerriano” at www.todotango.com

Listen and buy:

We are happy to have a collaboration with the people from tangotunes.com from whom some of you may have heard, they do high-quality transfers from original tango shellacs.

It is the number 1 source for professional Tango DJs all over the world.

  • Now they started a new project that addresses the dancers and the website is https://en.mytango.online
    You will find two compilations at the beginning, one tango and one vals compilation in amazing quality.
    The price is 50€ each (for 32 songs each compilation) and now the good news!

If you enter the promo code 8343 when you register at this site you will get a 20% discount!

Thanks for supporting this project, you will find other useful information on the site, a great initiative.

Ver este artículo en español

More Argentine Tango music selected for you:

We have lots more music and history

How to dance to this music?

[social_warfare]

Continue reading