Tango Lessons Ottawa

Come and enjoy what hundreds of others in Ottawa are doing already! Within a few short lessons, you’ll notice a new you at social functions. Get a great workout, relieve stress and have fun.

The Tango is one of the most beautiful of all the dances. It is characterized by earthy and dramatic movements. We teach both ballroom and Argentine Tango, which have some distinct differences.

We invite you to take advantage of a first free lesson today! Click Here

History

The Tango began in the West Indies and found its way to Argentina where it was stylized by the Gauchos. It became the rage in 1921 after the silent screen star Rudolph Valentino brought this romantic dance to millions in “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. More recently, it has been seen in movies such as “True Lies” and “Scent Of A Woman”. Today, the Tango is considered the “dancer’s dance” and becomes a favourite of all who learn it.

Music

The music is usually written in 2/4 or 4/4 timing. The first teaching rhythm in Tango is slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.

Characteristics

The hold is more compact than in other moving dances. The walk differs from walks in other dances in that it is a staccato action obtained by delaying the follow through of the free leg and foot.

The Differences of Argentine and Ballroom Tango

A striking difference between the two Tangos is in the shape and feel of the embrace. Ballroom technique dictates that partners arch their upper bodies away from each other, while maintaining contact at the hip, in an offset frame.

In Argentine Tango, it is nearly the opposite: the dancers’ chests are closer to each other than are their hips, and often there is contact at about the level of the chest (the contact point differing, depending on the height of the leader and the closeness of the embrace). In close embrace, the leader and the follower’s chests are in complete contact and they are dancing with their heads touching or very near each other. In open embrace, there can be as much space as desired between the partners, but there should always be complete contact along the embracing arms to give optimum communication. Since Argentine Tango is almost entirely improvisational, there needs to be clear communication between partners. Even when dancing in a very open embrace, dancers do not hold their upper bodies arched away from each other; each partner is over their own axis. Whether open or closed, an embrace is not rigid, but relaxed, like a hug.

Teaching Elements

Basics – Work on level progression
Dancing Positions – Closed position for better lead and follow
Amalgamations – Link patterns easily for smooth transitions
Control – Learn to control momentum
Variety (Interrelation) – Build vocabulary of patterns for style, movement & adaptation
Footwork – Develop foot coordination. Flares and Fans are exercises of balance in rotation
Compare/Contrast – Fox Trot, Argentine, International Latin

In order to achieve the distinctive style of the Tango, it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork, along with fluid graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango practice is essential towards becoming a good dancer.

Arthur Murray Ottawa offers complete social and competitive curriculums allowing the student to select the type of classes that suits their individual needs.

Songs & Artists include:

Hernando’s Hideaway – from “The Pajama Game”
Whatever Lola Wants – from “Damn Yankees”
La Cumparsita – Julio Iglesias
Por Una Cabeza – from “Scent Of A Woman”

Private Dance Classes

During your one-on-one private lessons, you’ll receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction.

For over 20 years Arthur Murray Dance Studios Ottawa has been one of Ottawa’s leading dance schools. Award-winning instructors and owners Marilisa Granzotto and Steve Martin are members of the World Professional Dance Teachers Association.