Tangoxchange

Ever since I saw Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman tango it up, I've wanted to give it a try...I mean how hard can it be, after all, "if you make a mistake, get all tangled up, just tango on..."Well, it's a much more technical and complex dance than some might think, and this is the perfect place to learn what it's all about!! Svetlana is a fantastic instructor, she is so pragmatic and uses illustrations that really help you make the connection with body, mind, spirit & the beat. She gave us sticks to help us learn technique, master our balance, and keep our alignment - I am amazed at how much we learned in such a short period of time, and let me tell you, it really is a work out! This was our very first time learning Tango, and by the time the first hour was up, we were already putting so much into practice...what a magical evening! So much fun, SUCH great music, we really and truly enjoyed every minute of it.We absolutely intend to return as soon as we can pin down the babysitting ;) Oh, and Friday nights they have Milonga, so after class you can stay and enjoy the party!

"Tango is like a nine minute love affair." "It should be stretchy like pizza dough." "Walk like you are a cat on a fence."These gems of information are just a few of the tips I have learned from students and instructors at the TangoXchange in downtown Albuquerque during a few recent visits.I have had the pleasure of attending a few Milongas (dance parties) at the space hosted by the studio and Q-tango (our incredible local band of tango musicians). My friend and fellow yelper Jeremy S. is in the band and I originally went to support him. I quickly learned that having a little knowledge of the dance is an important and perhaps crucial part of enjoying the party. The music is AMAZING...but if you do not know the steps when you are asked to dance...and you will be asked...then perhaps the old awkward feelings of high school dances may creep back into mind. The party is a very sweet event in Albuquerque, mostly it is a casual affair, but there is room to dress up and dance the night away too!This morning I took my first official class at the studio and am itching for more...Svetlana and Erskine (the primary instructors, though many of the long time students are happy to offer advice) are personable and very approachable and welcoming to all levels of dancers. I have to say...when a fellow student started passing broom sticks around, I raised my eyebrows...but as soon as the class started, Svetlana quickly had us using the sticks as a tool for finding balance, alignment and direction while introducing us to some basic principles of the dance form. The class moved quickly and smoothly for all levels. I am a uber beginner when it comes to tango and was a little overwhelmed by the amount of information. I'm guessing much of the dance is picked up in the "Practicas" and "Milonga"....but for now, I am happy to break out my own broom stick in my kitchen to practice like a stretchy cat walking on a fence toward a love affair with a new dance form! Cost:Saturday class of two hours cost $15Milonga (short class and practice and LIVE music is also $15) Usually this event is every Friday, but you may want to call ahead if your heart is set on music...the band tours regularly and sometimes are not available for the Friday Milonga.For more information on the band:http://www.qtango.com

Great salon tango classes! Svetlana is absolutely fantastic! Great technique and fundamentals.