Every Friday
Chapter Arts Centre, Canton, Cardiff
Downstairs in First Space
- Doors open: 7:30pm
- Improvers / intermediates: 8:00-10:00pm
- Practice (all levels): 10:00-11:45pm
Upstairs in SWAS room
- Beginners: 8:00-9:00pm followed by dancing (we migrate downstairs once the improvers’ lesson finishes)
Cost: £7 / (£4) all night; £3 / (£2) practice only
Essentials
Lessons at Tango Edge are relaxed and friendly. Everyone is there to enjoy learning, and everyone matters. There is a lot of individual attention and our teachers are always approachable. There’s no need to come with a partner as we swap round frequently – this is great for learning and promotes a friendly atmosphere. Tango Edge lessons are different to many other dance classes in that we don’t teach choreography – instead we teach you the tools and body awareness you need to create your own dances, which will increase in elegance and complexity as you improve. If you are looking to learn a flashy routine in a short space of time then this is not for you. It takes years to dance really well. That said, you will be up and dancing by the end of the first lesson. For more about what tango is and how it works, click here.
You can dress smart or casual as you wish, just make sure your clothes don’t restrict movement. You’ll need comfortable, smooth-soled shoes so avoid rubber-soled trainers, ultra high heels and flimsy things like flip flops.
There is no need to book in advance – contact us first if you like or join us on the day.
Content
The beginners’ lesson is suitable for those with little or no knowledge of Argentine tango. We’ll teach you about posture, the embrace and how to connect / communicate with your partners. You’ll also learn how to walk together in the embrace which isn’t as easy as it sounds.
The objectives of the beginners’ class are to enable you- – men: to be able to lead a basic improvisation involving forward steps, side steps and weight changes. To develop a basic awareness of good tango embrace and posture and the effect your embrace and posture have on your partner. To be able to walk rhythmically to the music. To be able to navigate around the dance floor without colliding with other dancers – women: to be able to follow a basic improvisation without anticipating the lead. To begin to develop balance and stability to give you control over your movements. To develop a basic awareness of good tango embrace and posture and the effect your embrace and posture have on your partner. To understand the importance of ‘presence’ in creating a good connection and be able to apply it consistently in your dance. To learn the basics of walking backwards without breaking connection.
The time needed to progress to the improvers’ classes varies from person to person. We aim to give lots of individual attention during our classes to make sure that everyone’s needs are considered.
In the improvers’ classes we continue to review the basics such as walking, posture, the embrace and using the body well. Basics are like scales in music – simple in principle but hard to do well, and no matter how good you are there is always room to refine and improve. The focus for the first hour of classes is on fundamental tango elements such as cross / parallel system, ochos, crosses and… SORRY THIS IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION – I’VE GONE OUT DANCING AND WILL CONTINUE SOON
In the practice sessions we turn the lights down, the music up and dance. It’s a vital part of learning that new ideas are fully explored and practiced, and this is the time for experiments, mistakes and discussions. Becoming a good dancer is hard work!
Venue
Lessons are held in First Space and the SWAS room of Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1QE.
It has dedicated parking, a bar and restaurant, not to mention cinemas, theatres exhibitions and more.