One of the unique characteristics of Nito and Elba’s teaching style is that it stresses the improvisational nature of the Tango. Nito good-naturedly resisted all attempts to have him provide detailed descriptions of his classes in 1½-hour segments, insisting only that they would follow a natural progression, with particular emphasis on technique. Interesting variations and figures would be presented that illustrate the technique.

Saturday and Sunday’s workshops will be relatively independent of each other. Saturday, April 25 will be geared towards the beginning and intermediate dancers (less than 2 years of Argentine Tango experience) and Sunday, April 26 towards the intermediate and advanced dancers (more than 2 years). The three workshops on each day will build on each other, so if you cannot take all 3 on a day, you should take the earliest ones on that day.

A special note on "B3: A Class for Women … and Their Partners": This class is for women and men, but the instruction will be directed particularly towards the woman’s role in the dance. A little secret for the men: There is nothing that will improve your dancing more than an appreciation of the woman’s role—don’t miss this class!

Finally, we are offering, on Wednesday April 29th (the Wednesday following the weekend workshops), a unique opportunity to review and develop the material from the weekend, in 2 limited-enrollment classes (10 men + 10 women) of 1½ hours each, at the Boston Dance Company, 585 Mass Av (4th floor) in Central Square Cambridge. Nito and Elba will teach these, of course, but with more individual attention and directed critiquing than will be possible at the weekend workshops. Session S1 (7:30-9:00 pm) is based on the Saturday workshops (A1-A3) and Session S2 (9:00-10:30 pm) is based on the Sunday workshops (B1-B3).

Workshop Summary

Beginner (less than 1 year): Take all Saturday classes: A1, A2 and A3. Consider the Sunday classes if you have been studying Tango intensively during that year. Consider taking S1 of the special class on Wednesday, April 29th if you are a serious dancer.

Intermediate (1 to 2 years): You’re at the perfect level to get the most out of these workshops! Take all weekend workshops, and consider S1 (and possibly S2) of the special classes on Wednesday, April 29th.

Advanced (2 years or more): Definitely take all the Sunday classes and consider Session 2 of the special class on Wednesday, April 29th. Consider the Saturday classes seriously too—the fundamentals that truly improve your dancing are usually those you learn at a more "basic" class!

The best prices are the advance prices for members that combine all workshops on one or both days with the Milonga on Sunday night ($50 for one day with the Milonga, or $90 for both days with the Milonga). If you are not a member, you can become one for $10 more. That is well under $10 per hour of instruction. Full-time college students get an unprecedented 50% discount on these prices! See the registration form for full details and à la carte rates. To get the advanced rate, please fill out and mail the attached registration form with your cheque or money order to: The Tango Society of Boston, Inc., P.O. Box 390055, Cambridge, MA 02139-0055.

Private Lessons

Nito and Elba jointly teach a private lesson for one or two people for a total of $60 per hour. That’s like getting two privates for the price of one—they both dance with you and your partner individually, and also jointly critique you as you dance with your partner. Contact our private lesson scheduler, Laura Shragowitz at 617-876-4646 (home) or by e-mail at lauras@atex.com to schedule private lessons. A deposit with your registration gives you priority scheduling consideration (and is refundable if we cannot schedule one at a time suitable for you). Privates will be taught during the day on Monday through Wednesday, April 27-29, and on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Out-of-Towners

We have a special hospitality coordinator, Laura Shragowitz, who will help you arrange free or low-cost accommodation with local tangueros. Contact her at 617-876-4646 or by e-mail at lauras@atex.com.

Directions and Parking: VFW Mount Auburn Post, 688 Huron Avenue, Cambridge (near Watertown line). See large-scale and detailed maps. Look for the rocket(!) outside the building. Limited parking in lot behind building.