Jean-Pierre Sighé
Jean-Pierre Sighé of West Central Africa’s Cameroon nation grew up in a cultural environment where dancing was part of normal living. Equipped with his African dancing background, he later discovered the Latin dances and immediately felt their appeal. Living in Europe, he delighted in Salsa. In the U.S. he pursued his passion for Salsa dancing and decided to further explore Latin dances, such as Rumba and Cha-Cha in the
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Ballroom context. In 1998, he was invited to discover the Argentine Tango. He intensely and exclusively studied with his first teacher s Alberto Paz and his partner Valorie Hart for several months.
Solidly grounded by Alberto and Valorie's instructions, he later intensified his learning with other Tango Masters, such as Carlos Gavito (and Marcela), Fabian Salas, Chicho (Frumboli), Julio (and Corina); and occasional classes with Eduardo and Gloria, Fernanda and Guillermo, El Indio, Todd and Marizabel. Jean-Pierre has been dancing Tango since 1998 and believes everyone of these Tango Masters opened an enriching window in his mind. Another Tango Master who has enriched Jean-Pierre’s experience is Facundo Posadas who generously shared his knowledge and extended his friendship.
Jean-Pierre is a founding member of A.R.T.S. (Afro Roots in Tango Society). The group was created under the active inspiration of Facundo Posadas, the living Tango Master from Argentina. A.R.T.S. is dedicated to spreading the little known information about the Afro roots in Argentine Tango, dating all the way back from the Candombe of the African slaves and their descendents.
His motivation for teaching Tango derives from his desire to share with others the beauty of this wonderful gift to the world from the Argentinean people. He does not want to simply teach a set of steps following some futile pattern. Jean-Pierre desires to faithfully transmit to others what he has had the privilege to receive directly from the Tango Masters - the spirit of Tango.
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Irina Goudkoff
Born in the Republic of Georgia, with her early years in Ukraine and Poland, Irina has always enjoyed music, piano and dance. Here in the United States, Irina's joy of dance came via East /West-Coast-Swing and Lindy-Hop programs at City College of San Francisco. Additionally, Jazz and Belly Dance classes also expanded her dance abilities.
Later, learning Tango brought her a new dance experience. Involvement in Tango made her life more colorful through the various tango classes/workshops, beautiful tango outfits and shoes, and a new circle of Tango friends. Trips to Argentina to enhance her Tango skills also encouraged Irina to learn Spanish. In turn, learning Spanish became yet another passion opening up a new door to a whole new culture.
Knowing from her own experience, the challenge learning Tango would bring, she is happy to be a teacher’s assistant and help in any possible way. She is very thankful to her teachers, all of whom have contributed to nurturing and maturing her dance skills.
“While dancing Tango nothing matters! Returning home from Milonga, Tango music still reverberates in my heart, and I know the moments of absolute happiness do exist in this world. Tomorrow, it will be easier to go through the busy daily routine at my job as a Program Coordinator.” |
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Rotating Assisting Teaching Partners
We are here innovating in a new formula where Jean-Pierre will be partnering with more than one talented dancers in their role of Assistant Instructors.
The "Assistant" in front of the "Instructor" should not mislead anyone as these Ladies do have a deeper understanding of Tango and Kizomba. They DO qualify for helping with the instruction of the Dance and the spirit of Tango... and Kizomba.
They will be rotating in a way that will insure their continuous presence. Please, check the Tango calendar to know who is on schedule.
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OSHALLA DIANA MARCUS
Oshalla has been an inspiration to the learner of the Magdalena Technique.
Oshalla grew up dancing, experimenting with Modern Dance. She was attracted to the African Dance, mots notably the Senegalese dance.
When se discovered the Argentine Tango, she decided to devote time and energy to learn it. She has been a very studious learner, surmounting the difficulties of the Tango learning, one at the time. Her devotion inspired her to commit to be an Assistant to the class, thus helping others become Tango dancers.
In this regard, her presence has been an inspiration to the students, as she has patiently helped the beginners by dancing with them and encouraging them to improve in their journey. Her dedication is a blessing to our community! |
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