Tango Classes

Current Classes

Spring Intermediate Tango Series

Instructor(s): 
Jerry Perez & Christine Urgell
When: 
6 Sundays, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, starting April 28 to June 02
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

This 6 week Intermediate Series will place a strong emphasis on essential positions and "Feel Good Combinations" in both Close and Open Embrace creating comfort, clarity and confidence with just about anyone. Each class will include technique exercises and drills creating awareness of body mechanics, musicality and alignment. This course will help you develop fluidity within transitions, contrast through linear and circular movements and texture by applying musical concepts.

About the Instructor: 

Building upon their extensive and diverse professional dance careers, Jerry & Christine formed a partnership back in 2001. Possessing a mix of Modern and Classic style and known for their razor sharp technique as well as their earthy and expressive performance style, they draw in audiences with their storytelling choreographies as well as their dynamic improvisational skills. As teachers they are clear and concise with a knack for simplifying the most complex information while building layers of technical understanding as well emphasizing improvisation, dynamics and aesthetic. They are highly recognized for their infectious enthusiasm, passionate energy and their genuine interest in the development of their students. Jerry and Christine have taught and performed in major cities such as: NYC, Miami, Los Angeles and Paris-France. Both have been cast as principal dancers in theatre shows including Tango Connections/Mariela Franganillo Company, Gypsy Tango, Amor De Tango and Eras Del Tango. In addition, they have performed alongside some of the world’s top partnership dance couples and artists such as: Jorge Torres, Graciela Gonzalez, Karina Smirnoff from (DWTS), World Theatre Arts Champions Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow.

Video:
http://youtu.be/8vhxWtA1TXI
http://youtu.be/Nw680V5BHfg

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID) and Caltech SURF students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $25/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $40/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

No partner needed!

Past Classes

Spring Intermediate Tango Series

Instructor(s): 
Jerry Perez & Christine Urgell
When: 
6 Sundays, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, starting April 28 to June 02
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

This 6 week Intermediate Series will place a strong emphasis on essential positions and "Feel Good Combinations" in both Close and Open Embrace creating comfort, clarity and confidence with just about anyone. Each class will include technique exercises and drills creating awareness of body mechanics, musicality and alignment. This course will help you develop fluidity within transitions, contrast through linear and circular movements and texture by applying musical concepts.

About the Instructor: 

Building upon their extensive and diverse professional dance careers, Jerry & Christine formed a partnership back in 2001. Possessing a mix of Modern and Classic style and known for their razor sharp technique as well as their earthy and expressive performance style, they draw in audiences with their storytelling choreographies as well as their dynamic improvisational skills. As teachers they are clear and concise with a knack for simplifying the most complex information while building layers of technical understanding as well emphasizing improvisation, dynamics and aesthetic. They are highly recognized for their infectious enthusiasm, passionate energy and their genuine interest in the development of their students. Jerry and Christine have taught and performed in major cities such as: NYC, Miami, Los Angeles and Paris-France. Both have been cast as principal dancers in theatre shows including Tango Connections/Mariela Franganillo Company, Gypsy Tango, Amor De Tango and Eras Del Tango. In addition, they have performed alongside some of the world’s top partnership dance couples and artists such as: Jorge Torres, Graciela Gonzalez, Karina Smirnoff from (DWTS), World Theatre Arts Champions Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow.

Video:
http://youtu.be/8vhxWtA1TXI
http://youtu.be/Nw680V5BHfg

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID) and Caltech SURF students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $25/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $40/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

No partner needed!

Winter Beginner II Tango Series

Instructor(s): 
Edmundo & Elizabeth Thomas
When: 
8 Thursdays, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, starting January 24 to March 14
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

This 8-week beginner series will build upon last term's introduction to the fundamental elements of Argentine Tango

About the Instructor: 

Edmundo and Elizabeth were both born and raised in Buenos Aires. Anyone growing up in Argentina hears a lot of tango music from an early age. They have been teaching together since 2004 and currently live and work in Los Angeles. Edmundo was introduced to Tango in 1988 by Héctor Mayoral, the original star of the first "Tango Argentino" stage production. Since then, he has studied under the likes of instructors such as Carlos Gavito, Raul Bravo,Carlos Borquez, Jorge Firpo, Ernesto Balmaceda, Julio Balmaceda, Gustavo Naveira, Chicho Frumboli, Omar Vega and Alejandro Suaya, among others. Edmundo is known for his distinctive teaching of technique, precision, clear leading and vast knowledge of the music.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID) and Caltech SURF students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $35/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $56/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

Beginners welcome! No partner needed.

Fall Beginner Tango Series

Instructor(s): 
Edmundo & Elizabeth Thomas
When: 
8 Thursdays, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, starting October 04 to November 29. There will be no class on: Nov 22
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

This 8-week beginner series will introduce the fundamental elements of Argentine Tango. Each class is followed by a 30-minute practica with the instructors.

About the Instructor: 

Edmundo and Elizabeth were both born and raised in Buenos Aires. Anyone growing up in Argentina hears a lot of tango music from an early age. They have been teaching together since 2004 and currently live and work in Los Angeles. Edmundo was introduced to Tango in 1988 by Héctor Mayoral, the original star of the first "Tango Argentino" stage production. Since then, he has studied under the likes of instructors such as Carlos Gavito, Raul Bravo,Carlos Borquez, Jorge Firpo, Ernesto Balmaceda, Julio Balmaceda, Gustavo Naveira, Chicho Frumboli, Omar Vega and Alejandro Suaya, among others. Edmundo is known for his distinctive teaching of technique, precision, clear leading and vast knowledge of the music.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID) and Caltech SURF students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $25/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $40/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

Beginners welcome! No partner needed.

Summer Beginner Tango Series

Instructor(s): 
Jerry & Christine Perez
When: 
6 Thursdays, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, starting June 28 to August 02
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

This 6 week Beginner Series will introduce the Fundamental Elements of Argentine Tango as well as focus on balance, foot placement, basic timing and partner connection. In addition, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how to connect the dots with a strong focus placed on lead and follow, navigation, the use of the line of dance as well as an introduction to the two main systems: Parallel and Cross System, to then begin combining the core elements in order to create their own improvisational dances for the social dance floor. Lastly, students will also be introduced to the dance etiquette preparing them for the tango socials (Milongas).

About the Instructor: 

Building upon their extensive and diverse professional dance careers, Jerry & Christine formed a partnership back in 2001. Possessing a mix of Modern and Classic style and known for their razor sharp technique as well as their earthy and expressive performance style, they draw in audiences with their storytelling choreographies as well as their dynamic improvisational skills. As teachers they are clear and concise with a knack for simplifying the most complex information while building layers of technical understanding as well emphasizing improvisation, dynamics and aesthetic. They are highly recognized for their infectious enthusiasm, passionate energy and their genuine interest in the development of their students. Jerry and Christine have taught and performed in major cities such as: NYC, Miami, Los Angeles and Paris-France. Both have been cast as principal dancers in theatre shows including Tango Connections/Mariela Franganillo Company, Gypsy Tango, Amor De Tango and Eras Del Tango. In addition, they have performed alongside some of the world’s top partnership dance couples and artists such as: Jorge Torres, Graciela Gonzalez, Karina Smirnoff from (DWTS), World Theatre Arts Champions Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow.

Video:
http://youtu.be/8vhxWtA1TXI
http://youtu.be/Nw680V5BHfg

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID) and Caltech SURF students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $25/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $40/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

Beginners welcome! No partner needed.

Intermediate I Tango, Vals & Milonga

Instructor(s): 
Jerry & Christine Perez
When: 
6 Thursdays, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM, starting May 03 to June 07
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

2 weeks Tango: 2 weeks Vals: 2 weeks Milonga: This series will place a strong emphasis on timing/musicality, improvisation and change of dynamics while exploring and deconstructing fun and challenging sequences of each distinct genre. The classes will build first on strong tango technique then delve into special topics and sequences appropriate to vals and milonga.

About the Instructor: 

Building upon their extensive and diverse professional dance careers, Jerry & Christine formed a
partnership back in 2001. Possessing a mix of Modern and Classic style and known for their razor sharp technique as well
as their earthy and expressive performance style, they draw in audiences with their storytelling
choreographies as well as their dynamic improvisational skills. As teachers they are clear and concise
with a knack for simplifying the most complex information while building layers of technical
understanding as well emphasizing improvisation, dynamics and aesthetic. They are
highly recognized for their infectious enthusiasm, passionate energy and their genuine interest in the
development of their students. Jerry and Christine have taught and performed in major cities such as: NYC, Miami, Los Angeles and Paris-France. Both have been cast as principal dancers in theatre shows
including Tango Connections/Mariela Franganillo Company, Gypsy Tango, Amor De Tango and Eras Del
Tango. In addition, they have performed alongside some of the world’s top partnership dance couples
and artists such as: Jorge Torres, Graciela Gonzalez, Karina Smirnoff from (DWTS), World Theatre Arts
Champions Billy Fajardo and Katie Marlow.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $25/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $40/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

Attendees should have completed at least two beginner tango series, such as Beg I and Beg II Argentine Tango, or be comfortable enough with dancing tango to experiment with new, unfamiliar rhythms and cadences while leading or following. Dancers who have already seen vals and milonga are encouraged to attend to practice their technique and gain confidence in the vals and milonga genres.

Beginner II Argentine Tango

Instructor(s): 
Mitra Martin
When: 
8 Sundays, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, starting January 15 to March 04
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

Tango is a social dance originating from Argentina which emphasizes
improvisation and a strong connection between leader & follower.

This series will develop the fundamental elements of tango from Beginner I
-- the embrace, walking in parallel & alternate systems, amagues or rock
steps, the cruzada, ochos or crosses, ocho cortado or cut ocho, navigating
the floor, and introduce giros or turns to right & left in parallel
and
alternate system, pauses and stepping in double time in relation to the
music, and several basic intermediate elements like paradas, sacadas and
barridas, and basic alterations.

About the Instructor: 

In the course of her 11 years' devotion to Tango, Mitra has taught and inspired hundreds of Tango dancers in LA and beyond. Dance and teaching run deep in her blood: her grandparents danced Tango in France in the 40s, and founded one of the first private schools for women in Iran.

Since childhood, Mitra was engrossed in poetry, languages, music, and theater. In 1997 she graduated with honors from Princeton with a degree in Comparative Literature and a minor in Theater and Dance. The following year, during a visit to Buenos Aires, she discovered the beautiful discipline that was a natural frame for all her interests and has been captivated with Tango’s enigmas ever since. She has explored Alexander Technique and Contact Improvisation to deepen and refine her Tango, and has an active Yoga practice.

Mitra’s experiences teaching and learning in Montessori settings, combined with her four years of group facilitation training, make her an extraordinarily effective, lucid, and playful teacher.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $35/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $56/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

Beginner I Argentine Tango or equivalent class series

Beginner Tango with Mitra Martin

Instructor(s): 
Mitra Martin
When: 
8 Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, starting October 06 to December 01. There will be no class on: Nov 24
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

Tango is a social dance originating from Argentina which emphasizes improvisation and a strong connection between leader & follower.

This series will teach students the basic elements of tango -- the embrace, walking in and switching between parallel & alternate systems, amagues or rock steps, the cruzada, ochos or crosses, ocho cortado or cut ocho, stepping in double time and the basics of navigating the floor, as well as introduce the possibilities that come about from combining these elements and interpreting the music.

About the Instructor: 

In the course of her 11 years' devotion to Tango, Mitra has taught and inspired hundreds of Tango dancers in LA and all over the U.S. In 2008 with Stefan Fabry she founded the third Tango school in the country, Oxygen Tango.

A highly versatile dancer, skilled in both lead and follow, Mitra performs Tango in classic improvisations that draw on Milonguero, Villa Urquiza, and Nuevo principles, as well as highly experimental theatrical and performance art work. She is also a respected traditional Tango DJ at regional festivals and events.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $35/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $56/series Regular
Prerequisites: 

This class is designed for complete beginners, no dance experience or partner necessary!

More Info: 

Shoes for Tango: Suede or smooth leather soles are recommended, smooth rubber is ok. Ladies can wear comfortable heels or flats, but the heel should not be loose. Casual wear sneakers with smoother soles are also fine, but bulkier athletic sneakers with high traction are NOT recommended.

Milonga Fundamentals

Instructor(s): 
Monica Orozco
When: 
4 Thursdays, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, starting August 18 to September 08
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

The series will have a workshop format, on the following topics, all related to milonga, which is one of the three dances of Argentine tango: "One Maestro/Maestra", "Creating first consciousness, then memory and means, and lastly expectation". When the students have the necessary tools and know how to use them, what they choose to do is up to each individual. This is not a series about steps but about method and building one's dance up to overcome the dreaded tango plateau.

About the Instructor: 

Monica is one of the most influential people spreading the Passion for Tango in Los Angeles. She is the creative force behind various recent tango shows and presentations. Her vast experience, deeply rooted in Argentina, has developed into a style that mixes traditional form with the modern jazz influence of Piazzolla. A consummate performer, she has shared her passion and technique in South America, the US, Europe, and Asia.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID)
  • $5/class for SURF Students (Non-Caltech)
  • $5/class for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class for regular
Prerequisites: 

Beginner, students who have attended at least one tango class series will benefit most from these seminar-style classes with Monica.

Associated Practices: 
Summer Class Practica
Caltech Open Practica: DJ Vincent

Beginner Tango Class Series

Instructor(s): 
Vladimir Estrin and Emily Ortiz
When: 
6 Sundays, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, starting June 26 to July 31
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

Tango is a social dance originating from Argentina which emphasizes
improvisation and a strong connection between leader & follower.

This series will teach students the basic elements of tango -- the
embrace, walking in parallel & alternate systems, ochos -- as well as the
basics of navigating the floor, and introduce the possibilities that come
about from combining these elements and interpreting the music.

About the Instructor: 

An acclaimed Argentine Tango Instructor, performer, organizer, and producer, Vladimir Estrin has been an integral part of the LA’s tango community since 2001. His detailed approach to tango education, in-depth understanding of both leader’s and follower’s roles and techniques, kinesiology and musicality, have earned him great respect among his students and peers.

Emily Ortiz has studied with many great maestros including Carlitos Perez, Gabriel Misse, Javier Rodriguez, Geraldin Rojas, and Milena Plebs. In 2009 and 2010, Emily had the honor and pleasure of working with and assisting Maestro Pablo Veron, star of the award-winning film ‘The Tango Lesson’. Emily has also assisted renowned maestros such as Raul Bravo, Ricardo Barrios, Jorge Firpo, Eduardo Capussi, Hugo Patyn, and Graciela Gonzalez “La Leona Del Tango” for festivals and workshops in Buenos Aires and the United States.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $20/series for SURF Students (Non-Caltech)
  • $5/class or $25/series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $40/series for regular
Prerequisites: 

None. No experience necessary!

Associated Practices: 
Summer Class Practica

Intermediate Milonga & Argentine Tango

Instructor(s): 
Edmundo and Elizabeth Thomas
When: 
8 Sundays, 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM, starting April 10 to June 19. There will be no class on: Apr 24, May 15, May 29
Where: 
Winnett Lounge
Description: 

The first 4 weeks of the intermediate series covers Milonga: musicality and execution in Milonga Lisa and Milonga con Traspie, rebounds and combinations, lateral and frontal traspies, direction changes and combinations. The next 4 weeks covers intermediate elements of Tango: musicality applied to movements, gancho general technique, sacada general technique, gancho and sacada combinations.

About the Instructor: 

Edmundo & Elizabeth's style has been developed during 18 years of dancing in the dance halls of Buenos Aires, putting the accent on technique. They have a fusion of the milonguero close embrace, the informal open embrace and the elegance of salon styles, making the dance a relaxed and funny experience, thus allowing a lot of variations, changing distances, directions and structures.

Cost: 
  • FREE for Caltech students (with ID)
  • $5/class or $17/each 4 week series for Caltech affiliates & other full time students (with ID)
  • $8/class or $28/each 4 week series regular
Prerequisites: 

Basics of tango -- embrace, walking in parallel & alternate systems, cross, forward & back ochos, giros (molinete/turns) -- covered in the Beginner I and II series

About Classes & Levels

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