Caltech Tangueros

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last Updated:
2006 WORKSHOPS
 
Advance Beginner-Intermediate Level
VALS I & II
 
With MIGUEL CARDOSO & CLAUDIA GARCIA
  There will also be a special guest performance by Miguel & Claudia at
the November All-Night Milonga!
2 Sundays, November 12 & 26, 8-10 pm.
In Winnett Lounge (2nd floor).
Miguel & Claudia will teach a 2 part advance beginner/intermediate vals cruzado (tango waltz) workshop that will introduce students to the vals cruzado through fun exercises, instruction and examples. A great emphasis will be placed on interpreting and following the music (for both men and women). The different rhythms of vals will be explored in order to unite the music to steps.
   
 
The itinerary for the workshops will be as follows:

Workshop 1

Small demonstration
Understanding the 3/4 timing of vals
1-2-3 timing and finding the 1 count, exercises
Rhythm and placing it to steps

Workshop 2

Small demonstration
Stepping outside the 1 count
Looking for the elusive 2 & 3 count, exercises
Rhythm and placing it to steps

You do not have to take the first workshop in order to participate in the second but it is highly recommended.
This is an advance beginner - intermediate level workshop. Students should have prior experience leading/following the basic elements of Argentine Tango.
Cost:
$5 for Caltech Grads & Undergrads (with ID);
$10 for Caltech affiliates & other college/university students (with ID);
$15 regular.
 
 
Advance Beginner-Intermediate Level
Milonga Traspie
 
With EDMUNDO & ELIZABETH THOMAS
  There will also be a special guest performance by Edmundo & Elizabeth at
the October All-Night Milonga!
Sunday, October 22, 8:00 - 10:00 pm.
In Winnett Lounge (2nd floor).
Edmundo & Elizabeth will be teaching a 2-hour workshop on their specialty, Milonga con Traspie (techniques for dancing triple-step milonga style).

Syllabus:

  • Milonga Rythmical fundaments
  • Traspie stepping
  • How to lead traspie
  • Variations between milonga with traspie and milonga lisa
  • Traspie: Walking it - Amagues (feints) - turns and sacadas - adornments
This is an advance beginner - intermediate level workshop. Students should have prior experience and solid basics in Argentine Tango (e.g. have taken a prior beginner series).
$5 for Caltech Undergrad & Grad students (with ID)
$10 for Caltech affiliates & other college/university students (with ID)
$15 regular
   
 
Advance Beginner-Intermediate Level
Workshop: Flow like the river, stay anchored like the mountain.
   
With MOTI BUCHBOOT
  Moti will also be performing at the September All-Night Milonga with Chelsea Eng.

Watch demos by Moti at:
http://organictango.info/video.htm

Wednesday, September 20, 8:30 - 10:30 pm.
The room is open for practice after the workshop.
In  Winnett Lounge (2nd floor).
Flow like the river, stay anchored like the mountain.
How to use basic principles to execute advanced moves while maintaining fluidity, and grounding.
Cost:
$15 general;
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID).
 
 
Advance Beginner-Intermediate Level: "LOLLIPOP, LOLLIPOP"
Deconstructing & Recreating the Ocho Cortado
 
With MITRA MARTIN & STEFAN FABRY
  Watch a demo by Mitra & Stefan :
{ Please right click & save link as; viewable in DivX Player }
|
Performance 1 | Performance 2 |
Monday, August 28, 8:30 - 10:30 pm.
In  Winnett Lounge (2nd floor).
This workshop will introduce the ocho cortado with a focus on technique, musicality, and making it really fun!
Cost:
$15 general;
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID).
 
 
Level II Intermediate: EXPLORING
Ganchos & Boleos
 
With ALEXIS WHITE & BARBARA THOMAS
  Alexis & Barbara will be the featured performers at our All-Night Milonga.
Come see their dynamic style live. Find out more here.
Level II. Monday, August 21, 8:30 - 10:30 pm.
The room is open for practice after the workshop.
In Winnett Lounge (2nd floor).
This workshop will further explore ganchos & boleos, focusing on proper technique for leaders & followers, and introducing embellishments and variations. This workshop is designed for intermediate-level dancers.
Cost:
$15 general;
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID).
 
 
Level I Advance Beginner-Intermediate: EXPLORING
Giros, Sacadas, Paradas & Barridas
 
With ALEXIS WHITE & BARBARA THOMAS
  Alexis & Barbara will be the featured performers at our All-Night Milonga.
Come see their dynamic style live. Find out more here.
Level I. Sunday, August 20, 8:30 - 10:30 pm.
The room is open for practice after the workshop.
In Winnett Lounge (2nd floor).
This workshop will further explore giros, sacadas, paradas & barridas, focusing on proper technique for leaders & followers, and introducing embellishments and variations. This workshop is designed for advance beginner to intermediate-level dancers.
Cost:
$15 general;
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID).
 

Definitions:

Giro — Turn; a turning step or figure.
Sacada — To displace.
Parada — To stop.
Barrida — To sweep.

 

 
 
ADV BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Colgada/Volcada Foundation
 

Homer Ladas is visiting the Los Angeles area July 14-16 and will be here at Caltech on July 14 to teach a workshop, and to DJ & perform at our Alternative Milonga! So don't miss out!! Discover Homer's exciting unique style, watch his performance demos at :

http://organictangosf.info/
videos_SF.htm

 
With HOMER LADAS
Special guest instructor from Organic Tango SF
Assisted by ANDREA FUCHILIERI
This special two-hour intensive workshop will focus on developing the groundwork for exploration of off-axis tango movements. From forward tilts (Volcadas) to counter-weights (Colgadas) the transitions and dynamics of each will be explored.

Creative games and exercises will be used along with introducing basic figures to help understand the concepts of each movement. More experienced dancers will solidify their abilities while more beginner students will begin to appreciate the full potential of these tango movements.

Some basic idea of tango structure and movement is required. No partner is required but is encouraged.
Friday, July 14, 8:00 - 10:00 pm, right before our July Alternative Milonga feat. guest DJ & performance by Homer!
in Dabney Hall, with beautiful hardwood floors
Cost:
Workshop Only:
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID);
$15 for non-students.

Alternative Milonga Only:
$5 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID);
$7 for non-students.

~*~ Special Discount ~*~
Both Workshop & Alternative Milonga:
$13 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID);
$20 for non-students.
 

Definitions from
A Guide to Tango Terminology:

Colgada — A { shared-axis } spinning move executed by a couple at the end of an inside barrida in which both dancers lean out away { in counter weight } from each other and spin rapidly.
Volcada — A falling step: The leader causes the follower to tilt or lean forward and fall off her axis before he catches her again.  The process produces a beautiful leg drop from her.  This { shared-axis } movement requires the support of a close embrace.

 
 
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
The Giros & the Sacadas
 
With VLADIMIR ESTRIN
  Watch a demo by Vladimir & Claudia :
{ Please right click & save link as; viewable in DivX Player }
| Performance 1 | Performance 2 |
This workshop will focus on the 8-count giro (turn) and its variations. Different turn combinations and possibilities will be discussed, along with the corresponding sacadas. The class will also focus on the dynamics of the embrace during the giro, body positioning and balance exercises.

The material presented is geared towards intermediate or intermediate-advanced level dancers.
Sunday, July 2. Workshop instruction: 8:00 -10:00 pm.
Mini-practica after workshop.
in Winnett Lounge (2nd floor)
Cost:
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID);
$15 for non-students.

Special discount for students & Caltech affiliates:
$15 for Vladimir's 2 workshops, June 25 & July 2 (paid in whole
on June 25).
  Definitions from
A Guide to Tango Terminology:

Giro — Turn; a turning step or figure.
Sacada — The most common term for a displacement of a leg or foot by the partner’s leg or foot. Occurs when a dancer places their foot or leg against a leg of their partner and transfers weight to their leg so that it moves into the space of and displaces the partner’s leg.

 
 
ALL LEVELS
Basics Beyond Basics
   
With VLADIMIR ESTRIN
Watch a demo by Vladimir & Claudia :
{ Please right click & save link as; viewable in DivX Player }
| Performance 1 | Performance 2 |
In this two-hour workshop Vladimir will cover the essential aspects and details of:

- balance
- separating each body-part to bring dynamics to the individual dance expression
- intricacies of the embrace and partner communication
- lead and follow
- awareness exercises
- fluidity and continuity of the movements
- close vs. open embrace and variations of the two
- improvisation and interpretation of the music

This workshop is geared towards dancers of all levels! Some of the concepts that are going to be covered in the workshop will pave the road to the material discussed in the July 2nd workshop - "Giro and the Sacadas".
Sunday, June 25. Dancing & instructor observation:
8:00 - 8:30 pm; Workshop instruction: 8:30 -10:30 pm.
Mini-practica after workshop.
in Winnett Lounge (2nd floor)
Cost:
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID);
$15 for non-students.

Special discount for students & Caltech affiliates:
$15 for Vladimir's 2 workshops, June 25 & July 2 (paid in whole
on June 25).
 
 
 
Introduction to Leading & Executing
Boleos & Ganchos
  Definitions from
A Guide to Tango Terminology:

Boleo — From bolear - To throw; a boleo may be executed either high or low.  Keeping the knees together, with one leg back, swivel and return on the supporting leg with a whipping action of the working leg.
Gancho — Hook; occurs when a dancer hooks a leg sharply around and in contact with their partners leg by flexing the knee and releasing.  May be performed to the inside or outside of either leg and by either partner.

 
With MIGUEL CARDOSO & CLAUDIA GARCIA
  Watch a demo by Miguel & Claudia :
{ Please right click & save link as; viewable in DivX Player }
| Performance 1 | Performance 2 |
Boleos and ganchos are hallmark figures of Argentine Tango.
If you've seen a tango performance, you will recognize these elements as the dynamic whipping motion of the dancer's leg.

This 2-hour beginning/intermediate workshop will focus on boleos and ganchos for the beginning and intermediate level student. Not only will boleos and ganchos be explained with proper technique but also when to apply them or not to apply them in a social dance situation as well as how to interpret the music with the figures. As always, we welcome beginners, no partner is required and as those who have taken our classes can attest, we not only stress learning but also having fun! Come and experience the wonderful and sensual world of Argentine Tango!
Sunday, May 28, 8:00 - 10:00 pm.
in Winnett Lounge (2nd floor)
Cost:
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID).
$15 for non-students;
 
 
 
Musical Rhythms of
Tango, Milonga & Vals
 
With MIGUEL CARDOSO & CLAUDIA GARCIA
A 2-hour beginning/intermediate workshop that will introduce students to the basic fundamental steps of Argentine Tango for social dancing at milongas. A great emphasis will be placed on interpreting and following the music (both for men and women).

The different rhythms of tango, milonga and vals will be explored in order for the student to get a better understanding of combining steps and figures to the wonderful music of tango. As always, we welcome beginners, no partner is required and we not only stress learning but also having fun! Come and experience the wonderful and sensual world of Argentine Tango!
Sunday, April 30, 8:00 - 10:00 pm.
in Winnett Lounge (2nd floor)
Cost:
$10 for all students & Caltech affiliates (with proper ID);
$15 for non-students.
   
 
 
Fundamentals & Basics of
Paiva Salon-style Tango
 
With MIGUEL CARDOSO & CLAUDIA GARCIA
For intermediate and more advance level dancers.

The 2 hour workshop will pay special attention to posture, body positioning, musicality and transitioning between close and open embrace while maintaining elegance and smoothness. No partner is necessary and as always, our focus is learning but more importantly, having fun! Come and join us for our classes and practice afterwards.
Sunday, April 2, 8:00 - 10:00 pm.
in Winnett Lounge (2nd floor)
Cost: $5 for students (student ID required); $15 for non-students.