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The Tango Embrace

8/31/2012

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The tango embrace is one of the most defining features of the Argentine tango. If the tango is anything, it is an embrace- a hug. It is a way of being accepted, acknowledged and connected in the dance. Many dancers focus their attention on footwork when they dance tango but the embrace, in my opinion, is more important. It can be lovely do dance tango with very few steps but it is not lovely to dance tango in an embrace that is not working.

There are a few different types of embraces in the Argentine tango. The embrace will also differ slightly according to the relative heights of the couples and the shape of the dancers' bodies. I teach an embrace that is in a V-shape, with the closed side of the V on the side of the shoulders. I like it because I find it most comfortable and it allows the woman more rotation of her hips than if both sides of the chest are making equal contact with her partner.

Here are some tips on the tango embrace that should make your tango experience delightful.

1. The embrace should be circular. The leader determines the shape of the embrace. Leaders - avoid temptation to press your hands inwards as this negatively affects the womans abiity to connect her arm with muscles in her back that she needs to use.
2. I like the sliding embrace - this allows the mans right arm to be in permanent contact with his partners back without stopping her movement when trying to rotate. Leaders- try not to grip the womans back with your right hand while you are dancing. Rather let it slide slightly on her  back while she is rotating.
3.. Leaders and followers - keep your embracing arm in constant contact with your partner, even if you are opening the embrace. Some people like to lift up their arm at points in the dance but I think this leads to loss of connection and communication, especially if you are in motion.
4.. Leaders - you should stand straight up in your embrace. If you are tall, the woman should accommodate herself to suit your body. She may do this by adjusting her left arm. If you stoop to be closer to your partner, your movement is less efficient and your shoulders are putting pressure downwards.
5. Leaders and followers- avoid temptations to lift your shoulders. Shoulders should always be relaxed.
6. Leaders- take care of the pressure that you are exerting forwards and muscles in the front of your arm. It is difficult to dance if this pressure is too much. The power in your embrace should rather come from your triceps (muscles under your arm) and where they connect with the muscles in your back.

Whew!!! Anyone for a hug?
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Tango News

8/25/2012

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Hi Tangueros

In Buenos Aires that the moment it is the Tango Mundial - a big dance festival and tango competition. The city is packed with tango tourists from across the globe. Take a look at what's going on: http://www.tangobuenosaires.gob.ar/festivalymundial/web/en/index.html. For those of you who really want to get to the heart of Argentine tango, I suggest a pilgrimage to Buenos Aires. Unfortunately it is not so convenient any more because we have to go via Joburg but still worth the trip.

Back in Cape Town, I am looking forward to dancing with the Cape Town Tango Ensemble on Saturday 8 September at iKhaya Lodge. The ensemble was nominated for a SA Music Award last year and they will be playing their well known and some new tunes. Bring along your friends to the beginners lesson.

See you at Friedas on Bree on Tuesday! We will be dancing at Rhapsodys and Friedas every alternate Tuesday.

An Evening with the Cape Town Tango Ensemble SATURDAY  8 September

  Date: Saturday 8 September
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 lesson for absolute beginners
8:30 - midnight milonga
Venue: iKhaya Lodge, Dunkley Square, Gardens
Cost: R110 inclusive

Electrotango Zone at Friedas

This is a praktica for those of you you want to practise your moves in a fun cosy atmosphere.

Date: Tuesday 28 August 2012
Time: 6pm - 8:30 pm
Cost: R30
Upcoming Lessons

Level 2: Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Level 3: Wednesdays 6:45 - 7:45 Free praktica after class on 5 September

All lessons at the Observatory Community Centre

Payment options:
R70 per individual lesson
R200 for block of 4 continuous lessons
R300 (membership) 6 lessons over 8 week period.

Other Social Dancing Cape Town Saturday: every alternate Saturday, 6 Spin Street, 5- 8pm
Sundays: Milonga Abrazo, Cru Cafe, Cape Quarter 7:30 till late - 26 August

Dancing, dancing, dancing is the only route to becoming a good tango dancer!!

Other Opportunities
  • Private Lessons  - R300 person or R320 per couple. A great opportunity to have focuses feedback on your dancing
  • Choreographies - A great opportunity to improve your dancing. Not only will you learn a range of new steps to a song, you will also learn the correct lead and follow, with focus on the technique of the movements. This is a fun project for a couple who may want to perform at a social event or one of the Milonga Africanas

Tango Abrazos!
 Rachael
082 255 7829

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Tango News

8/18/2012

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Hi Tangueros

i hope to see you at the milonga tonight at iKhaya Lodge. There will be a premilonga lesson from 7:30 - 8:30 for Level 2 dancers. On Tuesday we will be having another early evening milonga at Rhapsodys in Greenpoint and on Saturday 8 September we will be dancing to the tunes of the Cape Town Tango Ensemble. See more below....


Milonga Africana TONIGHT!

  Time: 7:30 - 8:30 lesson for people who have taken some beginners classes or post beginners who want to hone their skills
8:30 - midnight milonga
Venue: iKhaya Lodge, Dunkley Square, Gardens
Cost: milonga R40, Lesson and milonga R70

Tango Rhapsody on Tuesday Rhapsodys is an elegant upmarket venue with a full restaurant menu. I received very good feedback from the first milonga there and we will be continuing to dance there every other Tuesday.

Date: Tuesday 21 August
Time: 6 - 9 pm
Venue: Rhapsodys, 81 Somerset Road, Greenpoint (next to the circle)
Cost: R40 - includes a welcome drink and 10% off other food and drink

I play alternate tandas of traditional Golden Age orchestras and alternative music


Tango with the Cape Town Tango Ensemble SATURDAY 8 September


Date : SATURDAY  8 September
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 pm lesson for ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
Venue: iKhaya Lodge, Dunkley Square Gardens
Cost: R110

The evening is for everyone interested in tango and tango music. Tell your friends!

Not only Tango: Spring Ball at the Alliance Francais in Stellenbosch
Join the famous French tanguera Marienne at the Alliance Francais Spring Ball. There will be live music and delicious French food.

Date: Friday 7 September
Time: 7 pm until late
Cost: R120 incuding one glass of wine and French food (corkage R20)

Bookings: 078 520 7963


    Upcoming Lessons
Level 2: Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Level 3: Wednesdays 6:45 - 7:45

All lessons at the Observatory Community Centre

Payment options:
R70 per individual lesson
R200 for block of 4 continuous lessons
R300 (membership) 6 lessons over 8 week period.

Other Social Dancing Cape Town Saturday: every alternate Saturday, 6 Spin Street, 5- 8pm
Sundays: Milonga Abrazo, Cru Cafe, Cape Quarter 7:30 till late, R40

Dancing, dancing, dancing is the only route to becoming a good tango dancer!!

Other Opportunities
  • Private Lessons  - R300 person or R320 per couple. A great opportunity to have focuses feedback on your dancing
  • Choreographies - A great opportunity to improve your dancing. Not only will you learn a range of new steps to a song, you will also learn the correct lead and follow, with focus on the technique of the movements. This is a fun project for a couple who may want to perform at a social event or one of the Milonga Africanas

Tango Abrazos!
 Rachael
082 255 7829

 
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Tango News

8/2/2012

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Picture
Hi Tangueros

We have an exciting event to look forward to next week in the tango calendar. Tango Rhapsody will take place on 7 August at Rhapsodys in Greenpoint. Rhapsodys is a trendy upmarket venue in the heart of Greenpoint. Your cover charge gives you three hours of dancing pleasure and a welcome cocktail (such as martini etc). You will also have a 10% discount on other drinks and food at Rhapsodys. They have a full dinner menu and bar. Come and check out the space and enjoy the evening. I will be playing alternate tandas of traditional Golden Era orchestras and alternative music so that everyone has a chance to dance to the music that they like (Alternative tandas may only be 2 songs if they are loooong).

Save the space in your diary for the Milonga Africana coming up 17 August at iKhaya Lodge

Tango Rhapsody

Date: 7 August 2012
Time: 6 - 9 pm
Cover: R40 includes welome cocktail and 10% off other food and drinks


Milonga Africana Friday 17 August

Date: Friday 17 August
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 lesson for people who have taken some beginners classes or post beginners who want to hone their skills
8:30 - midnight milonga
Venue: iKhaya Lodge, Dunkley Square, Gardens
Cost: milonga R40, Lesson and milonga R70
 
New Beginners course starting 16 August:

Dates and Times:

Thursdays:  16, 23, 30 August:  7:30 - 9:00 pm
Saturdays: 18, 25 August ; 1 September: 5- 6:30 pm

Venue: Observatory Community Centre, Corner Collingwood and Rawson Roads, Observatory - FREE SECURE PARKING. See map

Cost: R450 per person

Level 2: Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Level 3: Wednesdays 6:45 - 7:45

All lessons at the Observatory Community Centre

Payment options:
R70 per individual lesson
R200 for block of 4 continuous lessons
R300 (membership) 6 lessons over 8 week period.

Other Social Dancing Cape Town Saturday: every alternate Saturday, 6 Spin Street, 5- 8pm
Sundays: Milonga Abrazo, Cru Cafe, Cape Quarter 7:30 till late, R40

Dancing, dancing, dancing is the only route to becoming a good tango dancer!!

Other Opportunities
  • Private Lessons  - R300 person or R320 per couple. A great opportunity to have focuses feedback on your dancing
  • Choreographies - A great opportunity to improve your dancing. Not only will you learn a range of new steps to a song, you will also learn the correct lead and follow, with focus on the technique of the movements. This is a fun project for a couple who may want to perform at a social event or one of the Milonga Africanas

Tango Abrazos!
 Rachael

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    Author

    Rachael Glaser: tango junkie, teacher, diva, sourceress

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