TCLA
SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE of TANGO CLASSES:
LEVEL ONE
Monday 7:30-8:30 pm
Wednesday 7:45-8:45 pm
1st Month Level 1A
Week One………………….The importance of Walking, Posture & Balance.
Week Two…………………. Salida basica (basic step) and leading into the cross.
Week Three………………. Paradas (different ways to stop)
Week Four……………….. Box step, walking the box step.
2nd Month Level 1B
Week One…………………Walking with rhythm of quick quick slow slow.
Week Two………………… Basic Ochos, parallel & walking Ochos.
Week Three……………… Pasadas and different ways to do them.
Week Four………………. Rock steps and Media Luna turns.
3rd Month Level 1C
Week One………………… Dissociation concept & exercises.
Week Two………………….Ocho cortado.
Week Three…………….. Sanquichitos.
Week Four………….…… Floor navigation rules. Review of everything from previous 11 weeks.
Each class (with the exception of Week One) begins with a 15 minute review of the material covered in the previous week.
Students must schedule an assessment review before moving on to Level Two. In order to advance to Level Two, students need to demonstrate knowledge of the terminology and a basic ability to execute each element.
LEVEL TWO
Musicality and an introduction to the different orchestras will be included in each Level Two class
Tuesday 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Thursday 7:45 – 9:00
1st Month Level 2A
Week One…………..........Basic Molinetes and Giros
Week Two…………………. Molinete possibilities.
Week Three………………. Sacadas, simple and easy.
Week Four………………… Molinetes with Sacadas.
2nd Month Level 2B
Week One………………..Gancho introduction and exercises.
Week Two………………… Gancho possibilities
Week Three……………….Barrida introduction and exercises.
Week Four…………………Barrida possibilities.
3rd Month Level 2C
Week One………………… Boleo introduction and exercises.
Week Two…………………. Adornos, when and how to use them
Week Three…………….…Milonga – basic rhythm and steps
Week Four………………...Vals – basic rhythm and steps
Students must schedule an assessment review before moving on to Level Three. In order to advance to Level Three, students need to demonstrate a knowledge of all terminology and be comfortably proficient in executing each element.
LEVEL THREE
Monday 8:45- 10:00pm Practica 10:00-Midnight
Thursday 9:00-10:00pm Practica 10:00pm - Midnight
In Level Three classes students study all the elements and techniques covered in Levels One and Two but with a more sophisticated understanding and with the emphasis on being able to improvise. Again, tango is an improvised dance and that is why the Level Three program is intended to introduce the student to the reality that tango is not a dance to be learned by rote. Each teacher(s) in the Level Three classes brings a different personality and distinct style to the dance. Rotating teachers also helps the student realize that the goal of Tango is to find and create their own personal style and not copy or imitate any one teacher. In Level Three students are also given a deeper introduction to the different orchestras, their distinct musical style, their distinct sound and how to dance to them.
There are two Level Three classes per week. Level Three students may take both.
When a student feels ready to move beyond Level Three, they must schedule an assessment review. The purpose of this review is to insure that the student has attained a level of proficiency on the dance floor and an understanding of the code of behavior on the social floor. All of this is sure insure the student’s enjoyment and the enjoyment of the student’s partners. Nothing is more discouraging and embarrassing for a student to be told they are ready for the “milonga” (tango dance party) only to find they can neither lead nor follow the other dancers they will encounter. The goal of TCLA is to offer to the tango world well-prepared students who are graceful and respectful dancers.
Once a student has completed three full months in Level Three classes and has passed the assessment review, they then may choose any class to continue their on-going Tango education.
STUDENT/TEACHER SHOWCASE – Spring & Fall
For all students who have successfully completed LEVEL THREE there is the option to participate with the teacher of their choice in our Spring and Fall Sunday evening SHOWCASE. This is a wonderful opportunity to share with family and friends your tango achievements!