ZLATCO AND TANYA ( Z & TANYA)

 

We started general ballroom dancing in 2008 (Latin, Swing, Waltz etc) and in 2018 we were looking to improve and explore. We tried a more advanced West Coast Swing class in Dance Boulevard but it didn't go. The same studio offered Argentine Tango and we first walked into an intermediate class and milonga thinking it would be similar to ballroom tango. Apparently it was a completely different dance! So, we found a fundamentals class + intermediate with Martin Nobida and Earl Allen in the same studio.

The technique was different from our ballroom classes, improvisational instead of teaching a routine. We stayed there for about 14 months but then the small class became very gender imbalanced and I was pushed into constantly dancing as a leader, with some students being rude.

We were looking for another place with the same technique but ended up in Nora & Ed intermediate class for about 9-10 months, routine oriented. But it still had an advantage, the class was big with many experienced dancers, so it was a lot of practice. Occasionally, we would take pre-milonga intermediate classes with other instructors.

When it was all shut down in March 2020, we did some practice at home, with a shot of vodka helping Z's creativity and musicality. In 2020 we tried to dance in various places, on a beach with protest songs, at a Salsa improvised spot where we came with friends and then played some music on our own, including tango. Some dance studios reopened in spring 2021 but we refused to follow their lunatic protocols. Music is freedom!

 

Then in April-May 2021 I looked at the TangoMango site and discovered Tango Magdalena lessons in Sonoma county where some keywords suggested that it might be free of silly restrictions. And it also taught improvisational technique! We spend almost 2 hours driving there, and decided that if the place does require masking, we're going back. We arrived a bit late and joined Jean-Pierre and other students for a pleasantly normal lesson.

We went there another time and were greeted by a woman with a shiny face (Oshalla) "welcome!". Then we discovered that there was a second, small studio closer in Richmond and started taking lessons there regularly for over 1 year, in an easy going environment. No silly requirements, no rude students, everyone is very nice and supportive. Z greatly improved his musicality and lead. I feel that my steps have become longer and look better. 

 The classes are arranged with the beginning part as a means to work on
things that people want to perfect or are having trouble with,
followed by concentrating on a particular technique of the week.
Jean-Piere is a patient and very knowledgeable teacher; when something
is not going right, he will work on it with you to solve the problem.
He doesn't just teach steps, but teaches you how to dance and how to
develop your techniques. All this makes learning fun, not just a
chore. Great teacher.

 

 

 

BRAVO, Z AND TANYA!!!

 

Jean-Pierre & Oshalla