Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # TangoForge Powerful Creative Argentine Tango ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://tangoforge.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Guide to tango for Ballet Dancers](https://tangoforge.com/guide-tango-ballet-dancers/) - Tango will use all your ballet skills for concentration and muscle control, but requires less strength and flexibility, so it's kinder to your body. - [Arnheim 2026 Notes and Demonstrations](https://tangoforge.com/2026arnheim/) - [Brugges 2026 Demonstrations](https://tangoforge.com/brugges2026demos/) - [The Perfect Tanguera](https://tangoforge.com/the-perfect-tanguera/) - To create "The Perfect Tanguera" I wrote to my 10 favourite Milongueros of all time to ask for their advice. These aren't professionals, or my dance partners, or my friends. They are actually the 10 most delicious men I've danced with anywhere in the world over the last 10 years. Most of them are guys I was too shy to even have a conversation with. - [23 Adorno](https://tangoforge.com/23-adorno/) - Adornos are unmarked decorative elements executed at will both partners. - [21 22 Volcada Colgada](https://tangoforge.com/21-22-volcada-colgada/) - Volcada and Colgada are movements in which the partners go off balance, leaning or hanging on one another. - [Consumption, creativity, celebrity](https://tangoforge.com/consumption-creativity-celebrity/) - This is the beginning of a theory, about life, about dancing, about asking the big questions. I think we are faced with some choices about where to aim. The culture tells us that consumption will satisfy us, and money is what we need to make it happen. It doesn't. We know we were put here - [The Tradition Tension](https://tangoforge.com/tradition/) - "The minute you call something a Tradition, you're declaring it dead. Because you're saying that it's a static thing, that there is only one definition..." Chef Ed Lee goes on to explain what many Chefs have had to learn about their French training, "Tradition is technique." To become great chefs, they had to use that technique to express something personal. - [Once and For All: Tango Nuevo is Not a Style of Dance](https://tangoforge.com/tango-nuevo-is-not-a-style-of-dance/) - “Before ... creating tango steps was all about inspiration … but now we have this tool. And I think many people call it ‘nuevo tango’ because they couldn’t understand how all those steps just appeared…they didn’t realize it was the same thing that they were looking at.” - [If you're so openminded about tango, why do you use the cabeceo?](https://tangoforge.com/if-youre-so-openminded-about-tango-why-do-you-use-the-cabeceo/) - It's painful to sit as a revel waiting to be asked for a dance. Marks feel a lot of stress in having to make the approach. And many people feel that the codigos and the cabeceo reinforce old fashioned gender roles about male privilege and female passivity. I've felt the anxiety that accompanies both roles, - [Etiquette Guide to the Codigos and Beyond](https://tangoforge.com/tango-etiquette-guide/) - 2023 Series: In Defense of Etiquette Getting a Dance! The Setting On the Dance Floor Intimacy and the Codigos Community Credits Who initiates a dance?The leader’s job is to create art. S/he needs to feel moved by the music, the follower, and the moment in order to do this. Otherwise it’s like commissioned artwork, which sours - [In Defense of Etiquette: Part IV: Shut the Fuck Up](https://tangoforge.com/etiquette2023partiv/) - Many people these days reject the tango etiquette as old fashioned, "macho", or irrelevant. They don't consider that the tango etiquette protects us. Even (or especially) when we are friends or frequent dance partners. - [In defense of etiquette: Part II: Cabeceo](https://tangoforge.com/etiquette2023partii/) - The woman told me "well maybe in Germany the men can't say no, but here we say that men can say no". I said "I've lived all over the world, and nowhere are men comfortable to be rude or humiliate a woman." Her overt demand is coercive regardless of her fantasies about his "freedom" to say "no". - [In Defense of Etiquette Part III: The Mirada](https://tangoforge.com/etiquette2023partiii/) - We might use the phrase ‘pre-cabeceo’ for the actions that lead up to and prepare for the cabeceo. Crafting your desire ought to be part of your tango training, and personal expression. The expression of desire is known as “the mirada”. It’s often understood to be the Revel (follower’s) part of the cabeceo. She lures - [Code of Ethics for Tango Communities](https://tangoforge.com/community-ethics-code/) - A code of ethics has three parts, the preamble which gives it context, the fundamental moral principles, and standards of conduct. - [In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: Codigos](https://tangoforge.com/etiquette2023parti/) - Tango is a big dance. Most of us have a lot to learn. If you feel something strange, it is probably your lack of knowledge, not your partner's error. - [The codigos (advanced)](https://tangoforge.com/the-codigos-advanced/) - The codigos exist to protect egos and relationships. They are really very handy, and I recommend you follow them. The codigos are like your best friend, who takes care of you when you are drunk. - [The reverse cabeceo](https://tangoforge.com/the-reverse-cabeceo/) - It's when a follower does the man's cabeceo to a leader. She walks directly up to him, establishes eye contact, and gives him a nod. Um...There's more to the cabeceo than the repudiation of sound. Perhaps more fundamentally, it's a repudiation of demand, from either party. - [No means no](https://tangoforge.com/consent/) - Like women who would like to be able to say "no" or "not now" with just a gesture –twisting the torso away– and have that well-perceived by amorous dates, Marks would like to be able to say "no" with their eyes and body language, and not have to deal with a verbal or otherwise unavoidable request. - [Rejection](https://tangoforge.com/rejection/) - The rejection never knowing why is a vicious breath on our necks, uniting all followers in our waiting, impervious to our successes. And yet we only survive to the next tanda by keeping our heads very high, our vulnerable necks most extended above our surging, magnetic cleavage. - [What to wear?](https://tangoforge.com/what-to-wear/) - The main thing to pay attention to when shopping and dressing is how a piece of clothing makes you feel. Notice if you are smiling, notice if you are twirling or tapping your feet. If this piece of clothing gives you joy and makes you want to dance, then it's a keeper. If you're feeling doubtful or self-conscious, take it off! - [DNI Tango School, Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/dni/) - Updated 2025 DNI appealed to me for three reasons. Of course the most important factor in choosing a teacher is that you like how they dance. I thought Pablo Villarraza and Dana Frìgoli were the most fluid, gorgeous dancers. Second, they talked about technique with more clarity and depth than any other teachers. And third, - [Pathos princesses](https://tangoforge.com/pathos-princesses/) - There are these tango women, the successes ("professionals"). They look intelligent and they look like they've given up a lot for this bit of glory. To call one of these gods their own. Tango feeds our hunger for recognition and love. And because it feeds so richly, it promises a font of fulfillment and satisfaction. - [Tips for teaching your first tango class](https://tangoforge.com/startingtoteach/) - Your success depends on getting something right that most teachers get wrong. Since retention rates are so terrible for beginner dancers and no one has yet cracked the code, the best thing you can do is NOT REPEAT what you've seen before. That means throwing out everything from which steps to teach first to the kind of room and the lighting. - [Is neotango a new style of tango?](https://tangoforge.com/is-neotango-a-new-style-of-tango/) - A detailed analysis of the growing rift between two camps of tango, what I will call 'neonuevo' and 'newclassic', and the pedagogic implications for those who might want to teach 'neo' tango. - [The Hug to Break a Thousand Hearts](https://tangoforge.com/the-hug-to-break-a-thousand-hearts/) - This was posted in February 2016 to the Milonga Popular/Tango Kollektiv Facebook Discussion group as part of a conversation about seduction in that milonga. (deutsche Version was posted in March.) The Hug to Break a Thousand Hearts A tango whose intention is seduction has evidently and globally produced satisfactory and ego-enhancing experiences for man-leaders and - [too much crazy](https://tangoforge.com/too-much-crazy/) - Some of them scramble to explain that they really really really do mean it as a compliment. - [Was ist Neotango?](https://tangoforge.com/was-ist-neotango/) - in EN Viele verschiedene Wörter werden verwendet, um den Tango nach dem Goldenen Zeitalter zu beschreiben: Nuevo, Electro, Neo, Alternativ, Zeitgenössisch, Con-Tango, Fusion … Einige Leute verwenden sogar den Begriff „Non-Tango“. Einige dieser Begriffe haben bereits historische oder sprachliche Bedeutung. Einige haben keine klare oder vereinbarte Bedeutung. Der Begriff „Neotango“ wird in Europa immer gebräuchlicher - [Partners](https://tangoforge.com/partners/) - The deepest desire of human beings is not to be alone. Whatever our individual pathways toward or around this issue, tango has given us a way to experience partnership. I believe that it is this aspect of tango which is most compelling. Despite the thrills of sensuality, tenderness, attention, celebrity, and musicality, it is the - [How to Train Alone](https://tangoforge.com/how-to-train-alone/) - It’s hard to know what to train. And it’s even harder to get started. But it’s really important to keep in shape when we can’t go to classes and milongas.So we have two things that can help. One is our solo practice courses. Just hit “play” on the video and follow along. These have big - [Pedagogy of Violence](https://tangoforge.com/pedagogy-of-violence/) - We do have our problems in tango. Not everyone can figure out how to dance to contemporary music. And some people refuse to wear the expensive shoes. But this hardly merits religious war. - [Guide to Argentine Tango for Ballroom Dancers](https://tangoforge.com/guide-argentine-tango-ballroom-dancers/) - Are you ready to try Argentine Tango? You'll use all your ballroom dancing skills, but every step is improvised, so it will be an exciting new challenge. This guide will help you understand the key differences between Argentine Tango and Ballroom. - [Overdressed](https://tangoforge.com/overdressed/) - Drenched in the wrong dress, I had to look great in it. The tango uniform protects like riotgear. - [We were only taught to survive](https://tangoforge.com/cirquepardi/) - How can a countryside circus help me to understand tango's relationship with tradition and art? - [Aging in Tango](https://tangoforge.com/aging-in-tango/) - The things no one wants to talk about. That seems to be my beat. Usually I don't want to talk about them either, until someone insists. It's not that I'm getting older (I'm not.) But a friend is, and he's starting to feel the heat. "Older women hover around me as if they think I - [Tango Fundamentalism](https://tangoforge.com/neo-victorian-tango/) - The New Victorian boys like to say that they don't need a big vocabulary because it's all about the music and connection with the partner. And those dancers who do still use the entire tango repertoire are accused of not caring about connection and emotion in the dance. "The music is leading," say the New Victorians, one of several truisms by which the New Victorians glorify simplistic dancing. None of these truisms necessitate eliminating movements. - [Musicality (and dogma)](https://tangoforge.com/musicality-and-dogma/) - These days if you talk to a dancer about dancing,they will inevitably justify their lack of ambition by saying "it's all about connection and musicality". Quite true. These are some of the special and delightful aspects of Argentine Tango. We have a technology for achieving a much more precise unity than many other dances (or - [The evil sequence](https://tangoforge.com/the-evil-sequence/) - These days in Berlin 50% of Marks do this sequence within 5 seconds that my eye lands on them. (I spent a couple of weeks sitting with my stopwatch in the milonga checking my perceptions.) Another 35% do it under 30 seconds. That leaves just 15% of the dancers in the milonga who are not doing this sequence ad nauseum... Not very many of the 15% are advanced dancers who are doing something else. When you look at the dance floor at any milonga, you see this sequence constantly, in dancers of all levels except rank beginners. - [Director – Vio](https://tangoforge.com/directorvio/) - Director, Artist, Professor - [Demos at Brugges Neotango Festival 2025](https://tangoforge.com/demos-at-brugges-neotango-festival-2025/) - videos: Jean-Pierre Van Loocke Friday: Elasticity, Sacadas 1: ElasticityElasticity is a dynamic which modifies a tango movement.Elasticity applied to a step creates a rebote. We do a lot of these, so let’s make them delicious.The biomechanics of elasticity is co-contraction (simultaneous contraction of paired muscles).To create a rebote, during the transfer of weight of a - [Today we installed our Cabeceo Floor!](https://tangoforge.com/cabeceo-floor/) - Our Ballhaus is unusual for European milongas. Only one third of it is dance floor. Most social events prioritize the size and surface of the dance floor, neglecting the crucial ecosystem of the cabeceo. - [Let's Make Tango Popular](https://tangoforge.com/thinkmakepop/) - Milonga Popular is an extraordinary tango project. Founded by Sven Elze and Pedram Shahyar in 2013, Milonga Popular has proven to be a sustainable and successful model for building new tango communities. In 2018 Sven and I spent many hours working together to analyze and articulate exactly what are the questions and lessons which can - [The hardest job in Tango](https://tangoforge.com/the-hardest-job-in-tango/) - Argentines did not get Tango out of Argentina and build a global community so that we can go dancing every night all over the world. Local organizers did that. They are the the heros to admire. - [Treasure](https://tangoforge.com/treasure/) - We had done this ritual for longer than we had danced, with our mothers and grandmothers and every lover we'd ever touched. A ritual as deeply connecting as any embrace, and any dance we would do. - [Out the Other Side](https://tangoforge.com/out-the-other-side/) - Heroin is a beautiful experience too. So is red wine. That doesn't make them not addictive. That doesn't make the addiction not destructive. - [Pain games](https://tangoforge.com/pain-games/) - Is it my ochos? Is it my smile? My friends are skinnier and younger and more charming than me. Is it my dancing or my personality? - [Pleasures of the Cabeceo](https://tangoforge.com/pleasurecabeceo/) - The cabeceo is promoted as a way to avoid embarrassment and non-consenual dances. But it's not only a prophylactic, it also has pleasures of its own. - [Alarm](https://tangoforge.com/alarm/) - Some readers have responded to recent posts with alarm. They perceive a darkness. That's because I decided to take a serious look at tango. While I was calibrating my dusty social science equipment, people kept dropping by to to me about their pain. I am the one who is alarmed. I found a lot of - [DIY Orquesta Típica: Interview with Korey Ireland about the Community Tango Orquesta movement](https://tangoforge.com/community-tango-orquestas/) - In the music of the 30s and 40s, the advantage of an Orquesta Típica is that relatively simple things sound full and exciting. The idea of the Community Tango Orquesta is to create music in a way that fits the expectation of dancers in a milonga, and create it without the need to make money on it. - [What is Fusion? Interview with Bo Wang of Angel City Fusion](https://tangoforge.com/fusion-la/) - For many people the music played at the various social dance schools is a bit strange. When they find Fusion, they are dancing to contemporary pop music and they say “Oh, this is the thing. This is the kind of music I want to dance to.” - [What is Neotango?](https://tangoforge.com/what-is-neotango/) - Many different words are used to describe post-Golden Age tango: nuevo, electro, neo, alternative, contemporary, con-tango, fusion ... Some people even use the term 'non-tango'. The term 'neotango' is becoming more common in Europe, and its meaning is becoming more interesting. As I've learned more, I feel that it would help us to have some clarity and consensus where possible about these terms, - [Retrospective: The First Post](https://tangoforge.com/thefirstpost/) - Selecting a few posts to reprint in Until Forever, I re-read my first blog post ever. It was a bit startling to realize that most of the things that concern me about tango today are things I realized from the very beginning. It’s a little embarrassing to realize that I continued despite knowing what I - [WARRIOR](https://tangoforge.com/warrior/) - These are the folks I want to be dancing with in 5 years. You too? If so, please help me to get this film out globally to these tribes. - [Why I will never call myself 'nuevo'](https://tangoforge.com/nevernuevo/) - My foes are absolutely certain that I am one of those nuevo dancers, toes grazing my shoulders, back turned to my partner, dancing to ambient music in strange shoes. Actually it's beyond nuevo, it's not even tango anymore. My fans, who yearn for self-expression and are often berated for that, cluster around hoping that I will protect and expand the territory of freedom. - [Tango is not a place for aggression](https://tangoforge.com/tango-aggression/) - The video proclaimed "if you dare to move your legs (or to enjoy the movement of your lady's legs) you deserve to be restrained and to suffer." And it had the intended effect which was to intimidate even the best dancers in the Wellington community from executing certain movements. - [Retreat is an aperture](https://tangoforge.com/retreat/) - Indeed interruption is part of the history of tango. During the dictatorship, tango became a family and home practice. It's really not all about milongas. Let us welcome this pause as part of the dance, a needed disruption of rhythm, part of a more complex one. - [Relief](https://tangoforge.com/relief/) - I need to tell you that I am feeling tremendous relief about having a break from tango. - [How to work at home](https://tangoforge.com/how-to-work-at-home/) - I've worked at home for 20 years. For folks who are new to it and for those unable to work who are and are abruptly faced with the rather uncomfortable opportunity to move forward on your dream projects, here are 15 tools for Discipline, Self-Awareness, Improvisation, and effective Contemplation. - [An unethical industry?](https://tangoforge.com/unethical/) - The purpose of the codigos is to protect egos from rejection. But what goes missing when that is the only system we have? What indeed is social, and what social dimensions of tango require care? Let us consider what we can do about that when we return. - [Distance: What have you learned about tango by not dancing?](https://tangoforge.com/distance/) - In this Distance from milongas, I dance alone with the ocean. What are you doing and how are you feeling about tango, with the perspective of some Distance? I created a workbook to help us think about this. - [Positive Addiction?](https://tangoforge.com/addiction-ii/) - Addictions are harmful in various ways, but never 100% harmful. In other words, most addictions involve some dimension(s) that are normal, reasonable, and healthy – such as having a sense of belonging to a community, creating a sense of identity, and having profound and intense experiences. Behavioral addictions usually involve an experience of personal development, building skills and expertise.The fact that tango has healthful and meaningful aspects, including a rich social life, engagement with cultural heritage, skills-building, and artistic expression does not obviate dangerous addiction. - [Crisis Sunrise](https://tangoforge.com/crisis-sunrise/) - The path I chose was at that time the least comfortable, the most unknown, the scariest. The next few hours, in which I implemented my decision, were drenched in fear. What had I done? But I knew that my fear was part of the fractal unfurling across our planet, identical in its most mundane and momentous iterations. The Distance has been an aperture to many changes. Some intentional, some incidental. Some little, some big. - [Your and Our Power is ready to be used](https://tangoforge.com/power2020/) - So whatever sense of powerlessness was afflicting people was in fact inaccurate. For how long have we been mis-assessing our power? For how long have we had everything we need to repair the world? For how long have we been living in danger and deprivation that could have been defeated by courageous collective action? - [NeoTango Rage 2020](https://tangoforge.com/neotango-rage-2020/) - NeoTango is beautiful, but it only exists because we have been made to feel unwelcome in Tango. I do not accept being excluded and I certainly do not revel in it. Because we have been thrown out, a whole bunch of people like Ron Fenton, DJ Elio, Thanos Kasidis, Tanguerilla, Andreas Lange, Sonja Armisen and so many others have volunteered so much time, energy, and financial risk to create a whole separate scene of neotango so that we feel comfortable to dance. I do not accept exile. - [Notes from the Accidental Exerciser](https://tangoforge.com/accidental-exerciser/) - Willpower has limits, especially with regard to deep wounds, compelling habits, and self-destruction. Many people find meditation or spiritual rituals more effective. I like to find rituals that don't involve hallucination. I like to rearrange material things or relate to them in differently in ways that radiate, echo, and hopefully restructure my bad habits. Rather than doing an affirmation about overcoming fear, it seems useful to me to actually induce panic and get through it, every morning. To start every day discovering that I am stronger than I knew. - [The Industry](https://tangoforge.com/the-industry/) - A few days ago Maestra Dana Frígoli announced by youtube video that DNI, the school she founded with Pablo Villarraza in Buenos Aires, will not reopen. A few days before that, Mona Isabelle announced definitively that Tangoloft will leave the luscious and beloved Gerichtstraße location. - [Avigation and Transgression Redux: Performances at CTF 2016 and 2017](https://tangoforge.com/avigation-and-transgression/) - The agendas of our 2016 and 2017 shows, remastered in 2020: To show tango with contemporary culture: fashion, music, and gender concepts. To get tango off the stage, out of the milonga, and into daily life (symbolized by the architectural space of the station). To celebrate tango's place in the African diaspora and propose tango learning and socializing in a hip-hop cultural context. - [Surrealism](https://tangoforge.com/surrealism/) - Besides flawless composition, Gorey's art is the conjunction of an “aesthetic preference for the understated and the unstated" and an "attraction to the highly stylized". He tended to "leave out most of the connections" so as to offer his witnesses "ambiguity" and "subtlety" which give space "for imaginative participation." - [A new intimacy](https://tangoforge.com/newintimacy/) - We associate tango with large, crowded rooms, and anonymity – milongas. Yet we all know that peak tango can happen in a room with only three couples dancing. Let's take that certainty and build tango around it. The courage and imagination that brought each of us to tango can be brought to bear on creating safe and fulfilling tango right now. - [The grammar of creation](https://tangoforge.com/creationgrammar/) - I resonated, and I was intimidated. I slog away at the day and although I use a lot of creativity to get through problems and take pleasure in every word I choose, every bite of food I eat, and moving my body around, I would hardly call the experience or the result "a love poem". - [Productivity versus Pleasure](https://tangoforge.com/productivityvpleasure/) - My relationship to work presumes that completion is the main pleasure in life. My overwork is often a drive to finish something. This finish fetish is utterly arbitrary. Usually there's no urgency, and most things get better with more time (and sleep). I practiced: stopping when it's not done yet. - [Cluster Tango in and beyond The Distance](https://tangoforge.com/clusters/) - Germany is, as always, a bit special. This post is intended to share with others the corona-cautious dancing system here. I am not interested in debating the mathematical and epidemiological theories. Instead I want to draw attention to aspects of the cluster system that may be useful and desirable beyond the viruscrisis. - [The Advent Pearls' Oyster Farm](https://tangoforge.com/pearlfisher/) - The TangoForge Advent offered the pearls of delight and wisdom I have collected between dances. If you want more of the Advent's type of pearls, I welcome you to the oyster farm. - [Internal Audit Technique](https://tangoforge.com/internal-audit-technique/) - This cycle prevents us from ever reckoning with the costs of either. We can't seem to finalize a cost-benefit analysis. The phone beeps, we are packing our shoes. - [The Good Girl](https://tangoforge.com/thegoodgirl/) - As I'm sure you are, I'm spending a lot of time thinking about – well, everything. My life, decisions I made, mostly the bad ones. Wine, the difference between Barbera and Ruché. Tango: was it all a dream? - [Making Tango Your Own](https://tangoforge.com/makingtangoyourown/) - –Auch auf DE– Mario and Andrea were competitive ballroom dancers for some years. Eventually they tired of the rigid priorities and circumstances of competition. They resolved to continue dancing in a way that was more sustainable and directed by their own values. Finding traditional milongas uptight and unsatisfying, they renovated part of their house to make a dancing room and built their own community. - [Andrew Chiw interviews Vio 2020](https://tangoforge.com/andrew-chiw-interviews-vio/) - We talk about intentions, the development of TangoForge pedagogy, online tango education, marketing for the tango industry, and possible uses of Blockchain. - [Gustavo Naveira, interviewed by Brian Dunn 2005-8](https://tangoforge.com/gustavo-naveira-brian-dunn-2005-8/) - "Gustavo, what are we going to do with this!? This is such an amazing way of making art, we must do something really great with this, something HUGE!!!" –Chicho - [Fabián Salas, interviewed by Keith Elshaw 2001](https://tangoforge.com/fabian-salas-keith-elshaw-2001/) - So we went out and we started dancing, and looking for what we didn't know ... we were looking for: how many voleos were possible in Tango dancing; how many different ganchos there are; things like that. To come to a total knowledge of what's available. - [To evolve or not?](https://tangoforge.com/to-evolve-or-not/) - In the era of Fundamentalism, modernism is in decline. Although we can ill-afford it, the modernists are now drawing battle-lines. - [Showing off?](https://tangoforge.com/showoff/) - Showing off is an accusation leveled at people perceived to be doing either "stage" tango or "nuevo" tango in contexts where only "social" or "traditional" tango is authorized. The vilification rests on a concept entirely external to tango: that showing off is shameful. - [by the Sword](https://tangoforge.com/bythesword/) - I am here to pick grapes. I continue to train every day, alone, but not to that music. I dance alone to the teenagers' band practice, a medley of American pop songs. - [First world problems](https://tangoforge.com/first-world-problems/) - I discover there are far more than two aesthetics for a voleo and they are all for me. I wonder what else about tango did I defer to others' guardrails? Are there more joys and pleasure that I never claimed? - [Territorialism](https://tangoforge.com/territorialism/) - I always invite my students to share their confusion when teachers are telling them different things. Likewise I now feel a responsibility to explain why teachers are almost always covertly hostile to one another. - [Risk](https://tangoforge.com/risk/) - But would I accept the right invitations if I felt cautious of everyone? Would I be able to relax my body, to trust and enjoy while also maintaining vigilance? - [Despair and Imagination](https://tangoforge.com/despair-and-imagination/) - I was overwhelmed with despair, surely multi-valent. I was inconsolable, untouchable, reactive, helpless. I watched joy pass but could not reach to touch it. - [A kilo of symphonies](https://tangoforge.com/piazzola-symphonies/) - "Señor Piazzolla" she replied, "won't you play for me?" - [Liberté](https://tangoforge.com/liberte/) - This graphic has been on our home page for six years. For several of those years I have been aware that our students rarely, if ever, use the word 'creativity'. They use the word 'freedom'. The gap between those two words is a crucial failure to understand our own biographies and to articulate what it means to be artists. - [Back Sacadas in Lesson 10: What I'm learning from teaching tango in 30 days](https://tangoforge.com/teaching-tango-in-30-days/) - Today is day 11 of a stunt, to teach tango to a stuntman in 30 days. Stunt-work requires precision. Each day's lesson is exactly 15 minutes (with a timer). - [Trilogy of Rage](https://tangoforge.com/trilogy-of-rage/) - The "therapy" of art may serve others, but it must first be the antidote for the artist. It is the gesture made necessary by the shape and material of the artist's own experience as crucible. - [Life on Spec](https://tangoforge.com/life-on-spec/) - "On spec" is an abbreviation of "on speculation". It's a business term referring to production in hope of success. Artists are afraid to demand too much, or settle for too little, so we silently collaborate in the "contract of hope". - [Bodybuilding](https://tangoforge.com/bodybuilding/) - He's not surprised that it's possible to sculpt your own body, but I am. While it's a good idea to try to love your body as it is, it's very empowering to realize you can also change the parts you don't like. - [What is keto all about?](https://tangoforge.com/keto/) - The keto diet improves the health of our mitochondria, which enables our brains to function smoothly. What is it? While maintaining a high level of vegetables and a moderate amount of protein, it eliminates grains, beans, and tubers and replaces them with lots and lots of fat, of all kinds. - [the Walking Dance](https://tangoforge.com/walkingdance/) - Parkour becomes an act of beauty. It avoids not only the routine of spatial organization and predetermined routes, but also reinterprets going somewhere as a creative and pleasure-seeking process. - [Neo logic](https://tangoforge.com/neologic/) - We were responsible for "the neo". We didn't know what that meant... Here are the latest collected tidbits on this confusing term, with no conclusions whatsoever. - [Codas](https://tangoforge.com/codas/) - As part of our most recent Privates Intensive, I received an unusual opportunity to develop our pedagogy in a new direction. One student's mission statement for his time with us was very straightforward. He realized that when dancing at a milonga, he fell back on a simple routine and could not remember new material from - [The yoga in tango](https://tangoforge.com/yogaintango/) - All of our yogis could do the Tree pose beautifully, so we started reminding them to tree while dancing – especially after back steps and pivots. Everyone could do this, and it made them stronger, lighter, and smoother. - [Milonga photographer Romain Baillon now has a book!](https://tangoforge.com/romainbaillon/) - If you’ve explored TangoForge.com you have undoubtedly seen a number of photos by Romain Baillon. We met many years ago, and he has kindly given permission to use his photos. Now he has printed them in a book, L’embrasement. His photos are not portraits of dancers. They capture the moods and sensations of a milonga. - ["the burning edge of sublime" ... unpublished interview with Victoria Thomas](https://tangoforge.com/unpublishedsublime/) - In early October a somewhat frantic Los Angeles journalist contacted me as an "expert" on "the burning edge of sublime". I responded to all of her questions but she eventually cancelled the project because our videos were "handheld" and the photos were not high resolution. Here's an assembly of the Q and A... - [The Myths we Dance by](https://tangoforge.com/the-myths-we-dance-by/) - Tango is full of myths. Knife fights. Brothels. "It's always the leader's fault." Today I caught a live one. You are going to want to know about this. And I'm going to take you on the long route because as important as the truth on this point is showing you how I myth-bust, so I am - [L’arrivée tant attendue d’un mot…](https://tangoforge.com/motsderole/) - « Le début de la liberté, c’est la définition des termes » Socrate « Les limites de mon langage signifient les limites de mon propre monde » Ludwig Wittgenstein “Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow. Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve - [L'Ange – Roberto](https://tangoforge.com/roberto-angel/) - Artist, Professor - [From the gift of Cochabamba to the genius of El Pulpo](https://tangoforge.com/cochabambatopulpo/) - The dancers of the Cochabamba Group and El Pulpo are misunderstood as innovators, people who distorted and departed from tango. Genius is to find something new inside of what we think we already know. - [Daniel Adrenaline](https://tangoforge.com/daniel/) - the Stuntman - [Fitness for Life](https://tangoforge.com/fitnessforlife/) - Sports Physiologist Eric Cressey is focused on low back pain. In this interview he debunks standard diagnostic and physiotherapy techniques. Dr. Kelly Starrett is focused on functional fitness, being a "durable person" who can continue to "move the way you want as you age". Here are the recommendations I found innovative and useful for dancers as lifetime athletes. - [Buscamos – The Search](https://tangoforge.com/buscamos/) - She imputes joy to my movement which is in fact the urgent beating of wings to fly aimlessly in a storm that never ends. - [Pain and Injury Therapy Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/sebastianhill/) - Sebastian Hill has resolved both long-term chronic muscle problems and muscle injuries in very rapid treatments. He resolved years of debilitating pain in my hip in two sessions and, for a friend, weeks of severe shoulder pain in one session. The method he uses is Liebscher-Bracht Therapie. https://www.hill-therapiepraxis.de/ He is a physiotherapist, who can accept - [Yoga Toes Stop Foot Pain](https://tangoforge.com/yogatoes/) - Yogatoes are widely used by ballerinas to manage foot pain. They exercise the tiny muscles of your toes so that your feet work better to support your body. Where to order: - [Argentine Tango out of the clichés](https://tangoforge.com/argentine-tango-promo/) - We're scheming to get tango out of the clichés. To show that it's athletic...that its romance will take you by surprise...that it's drop-dead sexy in whatever shoes you are already wearing... and that you can dance tango to the music you already love. - [Sverige III: Halland](https://tangoforge.com/sverigeiiihalland/) - Than you to Jessica for the vision to organize our third visit to Sverige, to Carin & Thomas Münther for hosting us, and to Tango Imago for inviting us to perform. Photography: Vio, Jessica, Carin, Lisbeth, Ulrika. - [Tango: Reflections from one year in (before facebook)](https://tangoforge.com/tango-one-year-in/) - If you are ok with meaningless, detached eroticism, desensitized from the emotions that normally accompany it, and seeking to avoid misunderstandings, entanglements, fluids, or diseases, tango is a way to get off several times a night for the rest of your life. And it’s an age-inclusive social space, where women become more sexy as they tuck decades of dancing into their girdles. - [MasterCourse Q/A: Profound Questions and Detailed Answers 1/6](https://tangoforge.com/qamastercourse1/) - MasterCourse Q/A Profound Questions and Detailed Answers 1/6 1. Lateral Projection vs. Revel's Change of Foot This is one of the most challenging distinctions, for both Marks and Revels.What is a lateral projection? The Mark stands still and indicates intention for a lateral movement. The Revel extends her free leg in the indicated direction.What is a - [MasterCourse Q/A: Profound Questions and Detailed Answers 2/6](https://tangoforge.com/qamastercourse2/) - [A school, and other insights from 2017](https://tangoforge.com/studioberlin2017/) - This post is for people interested in the micro-process of our 2017 Business Development Strategy. On 17.January 2017 TangoForge abruptly opened a School in Berlin. I already knew how the school would work, because I had drafted it in my mind over the years: A mix of bodywork and improvisation classes. Consistent pedagogy in every - [Dancing as Development](https://tangoforge.com/advent202110/) - Dancing as Development - [Pivot](https://tangoforge.com/pivot/) - As I prepare to return to Europe, I want a new relationship to tango well before any milonga beckons. I suspect many of you also hope to return differently to tango – or hope that it will be different upon our return. - [The power of desire](https://tangoforge.com/the-power-of-desire/) - One of the most painful parts of tango for aRrevel is waiting, or sitting. It makes us feel passive and powerless when we wait for someone –anyone– to ask us for a dance. This is a mistaken perception of the situation and revels can develop a deeper understanding of what is going on. - [Why I'm still not dancing](https://tangoforge.com/why-im-still-not-dancing/) - My dancing slowed down in 2019 because I felt I wasn't getting much out of it. It ground to a halt in 2020 and 2021, along with most dancers. But in 2022 and 2023 it hasn't renewed itself. When Roberto and I get together to make some art or teach, dancing is fabulous and full. - [Black Magic White Tango](https://tangoforge.com/black-magic-white-tango/) - I believe that there is a black tango and a white tango, like black magic and white magic. If we recognize that tango is a powerful thing, then we realize we can use it for selfish purposes or generous ones. We can realize people who are using it in different ways. Tango is not this or that. Tango is power, and a practice for relating to other people. You wield it. - [Gender Liberation](https://tangoforge.com/gender-liberation/) - I have to believe that my 11 years of tango are not in service only to sexist retrenchment but to something liberating. I think tango has shown me that there is indeed creative mystery to be revealed in our depths and that patient witness is what enables it to manifest. My belief is controversial that - [The strength of a Tanguera](https://tangoforge.com/strength/) - This is a cycle we are all accustomed to. We tango dancers pride ourselves on managing our jealousy with strength, with retribution, with ritual games, with "codes" of etiquette. We believe this strength and savvy calculus buys us something valuable and precious. - [Berlin's Authenticity, article for Modern Tango World Berlin edition](https://tangoforge.com/berlin-authenticity/) - I made a series of interviews on behalf of the Berlin edition of Modern Tango World 2015. This is an overview, emphasizing the most interesting things I learned, with links to the original interviews. “Erfahrungen machen” is a common German phrase, which translates as “making experiences”. The long history of tango here in Berlin has - [Better than Sex](https://tangoforge.com/betterthansex/) - When Argentine Tango is good –when the partners are able to maintain a sublime level of connection, moving as one– it is absolutely rapturous. It feels like [Hollywood] Movie Sex looks: smooth, passionate, consuming. This experience is so intense that it can trigger romantic emotions, the sensation of being in love – even though - [How to be a Good Man, as you become an Advanced Tanguero](https://tangoforge.com/goodmantanguero/) - Congratulations! After years of hard work, you are now mastering this dance! You can make girls feel really good and happy. Girls are starting to look for you, snuggle you, hang around you. This feels great! You're a nice guy; you are not planning to use your newfound advantage to become a womanizer, but you - [Girls who want more](https://tangoforge.com/girlleaders/) - Girlfriend, I know. Dancing tango as a revel is the experience you've been looking for all your life. When it's good it's the best thing you've ever tasted. You can't get enough. Not all marks do it for you, but you don't mind the suspenseful wait for the eyes of one of those marks, the ones who make - [Tango Addiction](https://tangoforge.com/tango-addiction/) - Please see second post on this topic. Tango dancers often brag about being a "Tango addict". I was. I've broken my tango addiction. What is tango addiction? In my experience there are three forms of addiction. The first is when someone knows they have a harmful addiction, and they try to hide it from others, or deny - [Combat/Dance Laboratory](https://tangoforge.com/combat-dance-laboratory/) - Interdisciplinary laboratory for artists and professionals interested in exploring and reflecting on the zones between combat and dance. - [What is dancing and art for after all?](https://tangoforge.com/for/) - We struggle against the floor, I lose control of my step twice, but my shame is invaded with their emotion and a new knowledge breaches: - [Near Death Experience](https://tangoforge.com/neardeathexperience/) - I sit in vigil at my beloved's bedside, guarding his corpus against the authorities who seem to be practicing careless amputation ("ganchos aren't tango"), bizarre bloodletting ("voleos aren't elegant"), justified with dishonest claims about tradition. I stay awake to intercept the doping administered by ill-trained volunteers who appear in the night, zombies muttering insipid reactionary truisms ingrained by tango's Fox Newscasters... - [Altertango and Orquesta TRYST](https://tangoforge.com/altertango/) - The history of Altertango began at the beginning, my beginning anyway. My first dance partner, Fritz, liked to dance to street musicians. I had special plastic-soled shoes that could pivot on anything, even straight asphalt. We found a saxophone player practicing in an alley and danced amongst the garbage cans. We danced over the stars - [Altertango Tryst 2018 in Lotus Loft](https://tangoforge.com/tryst1/) - Klik hier für DEUTSCH We have been making experiments with Altertango throughout 2018 and we are now ready to host our first open event, Thursdays 25.Okt-29.Nov 2018 in Lotus Loft, Gerichtstraße 23, Aufgang 4. Dancers who have attended our experimental Altertango events describe the experience as "precious", an unrepeatable, rare experience of connection with a - [From Milongas to Altertango](https://tangoforge.com/lastmilonga/) - "We have to stop using the name 'Argentine Tango'. I know that's what we're doing, and we're doing it more authentically and precisely than most people, but that name is counterproductive to the dance we want to do. It conjures an image of a culture that we don't really want anything to do with, and that the athletic people we'd like to be dancing with, are not attracted to." - [Why Learn All of Tango](https://tangoforge.com/why-learn-all-of-tango/) - Most Revels tell me they are terribly bored on the dance floor because each Mark seems to repeat a small number of sequences. Although the set of sequences varies among the Marks, "he has a nice embrace and good technique, but after two songs I know exactly what he's going to do." Our rapture with - [Max](https://tangoforge.com/maxthomas/) - Artist, DJ - [Lily 'n Blue Shoes](https://tangoforge.com/lily-n-blue-shoes/) - Lily ‘n Blue, located in the Netherlands, brings you one of the best Argentine Tango shoes from Buenos Aires. Their store offers you DNI Tango Shoes for Men & Women and many more to come. Shipping throughout Europe.Founder of Lily ‘n Blue is a dancer-instructer, born and trained in Turkey, Nilufer Taskan. She has participated - [24 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202127/) - Colorado Music - [22 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202125/) - Decanter - [23 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202126/) - Embodiment - [21 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202124/) - Politness, Rebooted - [20 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent23-2/) - The Character Game - [19 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202122/) - Even the potholders can be delicious - [18 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202121/) - Maximum Sensuality - [17 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent20-2/) - Supermarkets - [16 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202119/) - Electro Retrofit - [15 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202118/) - Debrief - [14 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202117/) - Fountain Pens - [12 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202115/) - Reflect and Explain - [11 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202114/) - Home - [10 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202113/) - Altar - [9 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202112/) - Marché Pasta - [8 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202111/) - Autochthonous - [6 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202109/) - Terroir - [5 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202108/) - Keto - [4 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202107/) - Vulnerability and Imperfection - [2 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202105/) - Kintsugi - [1 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202104/) - Zabaione - [30 November](https://tangoforge.com/advent202103/) - Voleo Cardio - [Endurance and Action](https://tangoforge.com/endurance-and-action/) - This year we have seen our fragility, we have lost control over our lives, we have surrendered freedoms and privileges. And we have also decided what to do, what we can do, how to protect, how to connect, how to live. - [Why rebel?](https://tangoforge.com/why-rebel-tango/) - A rebellion is a daring and dangerous effort to disrupt the current state of affairs in loyalty to a deeper truth. I'm not saying I've got the only bead on truth, or depth. What I do, how I teach, and what I write is an expression of my commitment to the best and richest tango - [Bolting](https://tangoforge.com/bolting/) - Wow, I thought I was free of this. In Dresden I wrote in my notebook that I was over the addiction. In fact it seemed long-gone. But I get one little taste last night and my nose is on the table. It's a curse to be excited. You're doomed. The whole day is waiting for - [Berlin: The Directors' Cut](https://tangoforge.com/berlindcut/) - From 2021 Berlin will no longer be our headquarters. Now is the time to revisit our Berlin productions. Accompanied by superlative collaborators, we used every opportunity to tell new stories and make tango bigger. Thank you to: Mona Isabelle, Andreas Rochholl, CJ Yetman, Max Thomas, Fritz Schadow, Abisko Lights, Gökhan Aksakalli, Antoine Gallix, Alan Nguyen, Stefan Brenner, Yoko Onodera, Swan, Frauke Nees, Andi Hackenberg, Jaina Hirai, Eva Curtius, Ibon Goitia and Orquesta TRYST. - [Friendly but not Friends](https://tangoforge.com/friendly/) - Dear Dancers,I write today with a sad confirmation of things I suspected. I hope to learn that it is somehow incomplete.As you know, TangoForge has been documenting our knowledge of tango in various online education tools. In these 7 years, I’ve made many different “offers”, and collected data on the various results. I know that - [28 November](https://tangoforge.com/advent202101/) - Order the Panettone! - [13 December St. Lucy's Feast](https://tangoforge.com/advent202116/) - Champagne Cookies - [6 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent8/) - Homemade Pasta - [3 December](https://tangoforge.com/advent202106/) - Abisko Lights - [29 November](https://tangoforge.com/advent202102/) - Contemplation - [Abracadabra](https://tangoforge.com/abracadabra/) - I love taking tango classes!I have an excellent memory for certain things (not numbers), and I find long sequences especially pleasurable to memorize. It’s funny when my male partners are annoyed by this.The sequences themselves are often delightful enough to enjoy repeating 100 times or even more.It’s fun to see how quickly and with how few words I - [The Tradition is Transgressive – CTF 2017](https://tangoforge.com/ctf2017traditionistransgressive/) - Presenting: The TangoForge Real Impro Hardcore Crew 100% Improvisation . 100% Argentine Tango Maximum Artistry . Modern Gender Concepts The Tradition is Transgressive... The Invitation The core concept of this show was to present Argentine Tango in the cultural context of a hip hop cypher. A cypher is a regular social event, like a - [The New Normal is All Pleasure](https://tangoforge.com/the-new-normal-is-all-pleasure/) - It's time to manifest my resolutions: to increase the parts of tango that make me happy and transform or abandon the parts that make me unhappy. - [Vogue Demaciado](https://tangoforge.com/voguedemaciado/) - As a tango dancer, I have not been graced with the right body or the right beauty. Of course, I want to be the tango princess, with the skinny legs and the delicate shoes (except that I don't want that boring hair!). But I'm driven to create images that express my ethics, costumes which say something. This comes at the cost of traditional beauty. - [Conformity and power](https://tangoforge.com/conformity-x-power/) - When I started dancing tango I thought “finally, a place to wear fabulous clothes and shoes!” I dressed like a doll, and wore the most fabulous shoes I could find, 15cm heels with 3cm platforms covered in glitter. Everybody knew me for my shoes. I could hear the word “shoes” whispered as I went around - [Until Forever Paperback and Silences Workbook](https://tangoforge.com/until-forever-paperback-and-silences-workbook/) - Thank you for joining me in considering Tango with due seriousness and balance. Please enter the email here to which you would like the Until Forever ebook and Silences workbook PDFs to be sent. [mailpoet_form id="62"] If you have ordered a paperback, the first copies will be shipped in mid-May 2021. After that point, - [Thoughts on the Alfa bandoneon by Pez Pearson](https://tangoforge.com/thoughts-on-the-alfa-bandoneon/) - "I selected the Alfa because of its distinctive Art-Deco sound openings and also because the first example I came across was keyed in the Peguri system. This would give me the opportunity to show a different keyboard layout than the 142s I had drawn so far." - [Illustrated Tango Wear from Blame it on the Bandoneon](https://tangoforge.com/illustrated-tango-wear-from-blame-it-on-the-bandoneon/) - I am a dancer and artist from Manchester in the UK. My designs are inspired by Tango, I love the intricate patterns found on old Bandoneons and the modern street art of Buenos Ayres.I started putting my art on to t-shirts to wear myself, but people at Tango events always asked where I had got - [If tango were a videogame...](https://tangoforge.com/if-tango-were-a-videogame/) - If tango were a video game...Level 1: Roses ... You are invited to the Grand Ball, full of unknown delights. You are having such fun and you are grateful! Level 2... - [Fairy dust](https://tangoforge.com/fairy-dust/) - Femininity is always a fantasy. There is no lasting escape from our strength and men's frailty. (There are other ways to understand it, but these moments are also rare.) The respite and pleasure you receive from tango is a precious gift, a facet, a moment of "altered perception", and an addictive drug. Like every drug, like every addiction, it is not reality, it is damaging, and you will come down. To get real with this retrograde gender activity you've got yourself hooked in to, you need to decide that you are not going to suffer. And there are other ways than leaving the milonga when there are too many women.To stop suffering the absence of fantasy-ecstasy-femininity requires that you accept all of who you are. - [The Merry-go-round](https://tangoforge.com/merrygoround/) - I watch the milonga.What are we waiting for?An angel to fall from the ceiling into my lap.Because none of these mortals here please me, nor I them.Some ancient thing, some vestige, someone else’s dream – anything that will embrace me, lift me from this chair, and make the merry-go-round spin once more.For we grown women - [Inversion](https://tangoforge.com/inversion/) - The trail grows cold. Ecstasy is an endangered species. But the dogs' eyes glitter with hunger. Their frantic trotting exhausts me. They become aggressive...The party endures, heavy-hearted, addicted to a thrill who may never breach again. - [Gentrification](https://tangoforge.com/gentrification/) - Berlin's venerable dance-hall, Clärchens Ballhaus, is endangered. The building is protected, but the activities which fix it in the fading constellation of Berlin Bohemianism, are not. - [Meeting your Dream](https://tangoforge.com/meeting-your-dream/) - We met on 1.August 2014. There was no middle-ground halfway between our lives in Sydney and Berlin. There was no time to hesitate. We both knew how hard it was to develop without a partner. And we had a taste of what our connection could be. - [Hope Whisperers (and Italy food guide)](https://tangoforge.com/hopewhisperers/) - It seems that tango may survive. We were delighted and astonished to find students wanting to concentrate on learning sophisticated technique, changing roles, preferring diverse music, and even a few hotshots daring to be creative (again).... - [Your First Milonga](https://tangoforge.com/first-milonga/) - Your First Milonga is an exciting occasion, but you may be very nervous right now. It’s always easier when you don’t feel mystified, so I’ve prepared an Orientation Guide. Are you getting ready for your first Milonga? The first time can be a little intimidating.But don’t worry, everyone is very happy to see a new - [Cruise Collection](https://tangoforge.com/cruise-collection/) - A distantly familiar phrase that I had never thought about.... Until I go on a date on a cruise ship... Cruise attire is formal, yet breezy. It oozes rich and relaxed, but pretty. I think it ought to have flowers or pastel. It must afford both an air of summer and protection for the shoulders - [FIskabäck Österlen Sverige July 5-7, 2019](https://tangoforge.com/sverige2019/) - The second TangoForge Seminar Compañeros for 2019 and the fifth gathering of TangoForge Sverige took place at the beautiful Fiskabäck retreat center in the Swedish Österlen from 5-7 July, 2019. The focus of the workshop was improvisation with tango customs and patterns, specifically the three giros, molinete lineal, and adornos. Vio y Jessica performed on - [Men using women's fashion](https://tangoforge.com/men-using-womens-fashion/) - I have been trying to figure out why it bothers me when men (who are not drag queens) wear stilettos. I love drag queens, and I find them very inspiring. This is not about that. This is about regular men, who are not dressed as women –and who may or may not be gay– wearing - [TangoForge Tour 2020](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforgelive2020/) - This year, we will attend more neotango events, and offer our seminars on Fridays adjacent to the workshops. We will do full weekend workshops in Sweden, Frankfurt, and Berlin. Please check the schedule (still under construction) on the AGENDA page. - [Another Improvisation: Interview with pianist Dietmar Schlabertz](https://tangoforge.com/dietmarimprovisation/) - "At first when I started to do it like this. I only wanted to have time between to open the new piece. With time the improvisation grows, having its own character. It's no longer an opening only. Now the improvisational part is only a little shorter than the piece after it." - [Neo Tango Australia 2020: Online Participatory Event](https://tangoforge.com/neotangoau2020/) - Starting 22.May the Australian Neo Tango Festival will do a special online version. The idea is pretty cool which is that they have transformed the schedule into themes and asked everyone who wants to participate to post contributions on that theme during the timeslot. I have re-written their schedule adding the time zones around the - [Neoliberal Tango](https://tangoforge.com/neoliberal/) - Most of us are familiar with deskilling in manufacturing. It means designing the production line so that each worker does only one small job over and over, and it's easy to train anyone to do that one thing. This increases flexibility and power for the company while decreasing the meaning, opportunities for development, and power of workers. Deskilling also applies to retail, where workers are no longer experts on what they are selling, and do not provide personal service to their customers, but just stock shelves and ring cash registers. I observe that the deskilling of manufacturing and retail depend on the deskilling of the customer, who is no longer able to assess quality of products, nor repair them. - [beautiful tree backup](https://tangoforge.com/beautiful-tree-backup/) - [Tango – mach ihn zu deinem](https://tangoforge.com/tango-mach-ihn-zu-deinem/) - Vio begann 2012 den Satz "Make Tango your own" zu verwenden, als she Armin Kyros kennenlernte. Er lehrte unsere Schüler in Sydney, ihre eigene Stimmung und ihren Charakter in den Tanz einzubringen. Zum Üben forderte er die Schüler auf, wie kleine Mädchen, Cowboys, Clowns und Priester zu tanzen. Er schlug vor, dass sie traditionelle Tangomusik - [Fabián Salas, original interview by Keith Elshaw 2001](https://tangoforge.com/salas-elshaw-original/) - This interview is no longer available at totango.net, so I found a copy on another site and have reposted it here to be sure people have access to it. Please note there are still a lot of other very interesting articles available at totango.net. Keith Elshaw: This interview was recorded in 2001. In July, 2001, - [Something added in translation: Lead with the chest](https://tangoforge.com/lead-with-the-chest/) - You have surely noticed that I am obsessively annoyed by the incessant exhortation to "lead with the chest". I think it's inaccurate, unhelpful, and leads to unstable behaviour. I'm fascinated by and loose with words. I temper this with deep investigations with multilingual friends like ZM. What if this cliché is the detritus of a - [Berlin Tango Histories](https://tangoforge.com/berlin-tango-histories/) - “Berlin is the first city of the world where you had tango community who danced Argentine Tango. In Japan in 40s and 50s you had many people who heard tango music, But dancers in a community, you had in Uruguay and BsAs, but not in Europe. The first point of the world to have this outside from South America was Berlin. Berlin is famous for the boheme life. People come here to go out, to meet people, to laugh and love with them. And tango is a part of this. - [Triceps recipe](https://tangoforge.com/triceps-recipe/) - A great tango embrace is made of just two actions: External rotation of the shoulders via the rotator cuff muscles. (Precisely: it's external rotation of the humerus by teres minor and infraspinatus.) Stabilizing the shoulder in place allows the power the mark is producing with the abdominal muscles and legs to be transmitted cleanly through the embrace - [No crash trance](https://tangoforge.com/no-crash-trance/) - People attending this event have a genuine interest in tango being creative. To the extent that couples on the floor emerged from the depths to pay attention to one another, they seemed to feel enriched by others' movements. Here, if you do something extreme, people smile at you. - [Why isn't Argentine Tango more popular?](https://tangoforge.com/make-tango-popular/) - I think it’s two main reasons: Terrible marketing: meaningless (or somewhat frightening) words like ‘passion’ and ‘intimacy’, cliché images, music most people think is awful. Terrible teaching, too focused on walking, which is a boring and demeaning experience for beginners who can’t do it or appreciate it yet. To make tango popular we can: Show - [Encounter](https://tangoforge.com/tryst-tangoforge/) - Tryst TangoForge What we do and why We are a global community of dancers applying Argentine Tango’s biomechanics of connection to extreme improvisation and the world heritage of music. Meet Vio and Roberto in the beautiful Tangoloft-Berlin, our online KnowledgeBase Encyclopedia of tango technique, and Extreme Tango Improvisation. Dancers: Vio, Roberto, Germain Cascales, Frauke Nees, - [Are you doing the right dance? (Tango vs. Zouk)](https://tangoforge.com/are-you-doing-the-right-dance/) - Argentine Tango vs. Zouk: What part of your body do you want to move? What do you want to show off? What shoes do you want to wear? And do you really want to surrender? - [How do dancers manage the intimacy of tango? (the codigos)](https://tangoforge.com/a-very-intimate-dance/) - The codigos of tango are a set of “codes” that make some structure around the intimacy of tango. - [A step-by-step guide from here to your first tango](https://tangoforge.com/step-step-guide-first-tango/) - [Choosing a partner dance for social dancing](https://tangoforge.com/choosing-a-partner-dance/) - Swing, Salsa, Ballroom, Argentine Tango ... Each of the popular social partner dances offers a different experience. The music! • The social atmosphere • What people wear • The dance's own mood • The structure of the dance... - [What are the different tango styles?](https://tangoforge.com/argentine-tango-styles/) - Unlike dances with formal international congresses and officiating bodies, tango is a happy chaos of meanings and pleasures. You’ll hear names like “salon tango”, “nuevo tango”, “milonguero style”, “Villa Urquiza style” and on and on. But on real dance floors all over the world you’ll be hard pressed to categorize a dancer or a teacher, and there’s no need to categorize yourself. - [Queer Hip Hop](https://tangoforge.com/queer-hip-hop/) - Homo Revolution is a national tour of Queer hip hop artists. It's interesting to reflect on the acts and meanings of queer hip hop as we think about building queer tango. - [Maestro's reflections](https://tangoforge.com/maestros-reflections/) - He shared one criterion he uses for observing a dance: "Would that dance make sense if they were alone in a room?" I loved his idea because I am well aware that my best tangos happen at the end of the night, when no one is watching and it's more likely that my partner and I fuse and travel beyond space, time, and mind. - [Nuevo Tango Doesn’t Exist, But it Sure is Taking up a Lot of Space on the Dance Floor](https://tangoforge.com/nuevo-tango-doesnt-exist/) - Indeed, a visitor to Buenos Aires could not today distinguish between traditional and new milongas based on the music played, the embrace used, steps and movements, which orchestras are invited to play, or which dancers are invited to perform. What is different is age of patrons, and whether the tables are hosted and segregated... - [The Chicho Interview](https://tangoforge.com/the-chicho-interview/) - "The traditionalists complain about the modern ones contending that they don’t dance tango, instead they do gymnastics, and the modern dancers complain that the others got stuck in time. There is no fusion, it is one group against the other, and it makes me sad because in reality we are all together." - [beautiful, complex interview with Pablo Veron](https://tangoforge.com/beautiful-complex-interview-with-pablo-veron/) - Pablo Veron was the choreographer and principle dancer of Sally Potter's movie, The Tango Lesson. In this interview in El Tangauta he discusses current tango debates, such as whether and how to differentiate styles of dancing, what has happened with the emergence of pedagogies for teaching, and the "industrialization" of tango. The interview beautifully articulates why improvisation is the soul of tango. - [Nuevo Tango Reloaded](https://tangoforge.com/nuevo-tango-reloaded/) - The Buenos Aires perspective: "Tango Nuevo doesn't exist" and the NZ/AU perspective "There are styles of Argentine Tango and every dancer can be categorized into one of them" are talking past each other. I'm starting to feel it's a bit disingenuous to keep insisting that it doesn't exist. This post is my first attempt to describe what it is that people are seeing when they say "that's tango nuevo". - [Tango Complex: An honest introduction to Argentine Tango](https://tangoforge.com/tango-complex-introduction-to-argentine-tango/) - I was an economist with a salary on automatic deposit, poised to receive University tenure. I spent weekends at peace demonstrations and dinner parties. I was disappointed and jaded. I had looked for connection in research collaborations and community service. I found it in the arms of old men and US marines. My story is - [Argentine Tango Dancing Flow](https://tangoforge.com/argentine-tango-flow/) - Tango induces the psychological state of Flow by demanding immediate mutual concentration and fusing action and awareness. - [Elegance](https://tangoforge.com/elegance/) - The message of elegance is exclusive, repetitive, and actually not that interesting. People who have musicality, emotion, and improvisational intelligence to share with us, but who may not see themselves in suits, heels, or extreme postures are driven away by these cliché images which indeed are only one of many facets of Argentine Tango. - [Rethinking cortinas](https://tangoforge.com/rethinking-cortinas/) - So the function of cortinas is to determine if we'll be having sex or not. Cortinas mean that we are engaged in a negotiation. No cortinas, no sex. This is a very good example of why we need to investigate the "authentic traditions" of tango and see if they serve us or not. - [Inhabiting the tango roles](https://tangoforge.com/becoming-an-essentialist-feminist/) - If the leader doesn't risk openness and vulnerability, if the leader falls back or contracts power, the follower has to extend too far across the emotional and physical gap. It's very difficult for leaders to send their hearts forward, and much easier to pull the follower to them. This stance countermands a comfortable retreat to the intellectual side and requires a dramatic embodiment of an extreme and seemingly archaic gender role -- the protector. - [A manifesto for dancing](https://tangoforge.com/dance-manifesto/) - I have been waiting to write a general TangoForge update until I knew the story. I still don't know it, and it's more complicated than I anticipated. But I have a part of it ready for you. It's summer in Europe and I decided to get out of Berlin and see what's there. So I - [Dancing with Germain](https://tangoforge.com/dancing-with-germain/) - DJ Elio Astor's live mixes are improvised; Germain and I don't know what the music will be or how long it will go on. The reality of dancing this way is very, very difficult. Not knowing what will come, we must continually leap into our interpretation of the music and one another. The demand to "trust thyself" is immanent. In addition to the unknown of the music, Germain is a contemporary dancer. So the matrix of movement possibilities expands dramatically beyond the already-rich tango lexicon. - [The Pleasure Principle](https://tangoforge.com/pleasureprinciple/) - Dancers who violate the ronda, execute moves unsafely, or have difficulty dancing on music recorded after 1950 are simply unskilled, and ideology is no protection from the resultant problems. - [No more Mastery](https://tangoforge.com/no-more-mastery/) - Instead of going to a milonga as a dancer, for the first time I just went out as a writer. In a weird affirmation, someone came to sit and talk to me about writing. I also danced. He was a a visitor, attractive, in town for one of the marathonic events, and was recommended by - [How I Revel – 2017](https://tangoforge.com/revel-2017/) - So many women write and speak to me with the same question: "How do I find pleasure in tango, when I'm getting less and less from men?" They ask this question because where they live there are few advanced men, or becuase the men they like to dance with are not always available, or because - [The Blog comes to life: Roles](https://tangoforge.com/blogliveroles/) - The Revel’s gift is her taut musculature and her capacity to witness contradiction, her comfort with the unknown. - [Moody milonguera / Us and the Onda](https://tangoforge.com/moody-milonguera/) - In Castellano, the mood of the milonga is called 'onda', a term used to describe the combined effects of everything from architecture to astrology. "The Onda" is an ineffable mix of the shape of the space, the lighting, the attitude of the organizer, the music, the feeling of the floor, who is there, who is - [Happy tango.. so right I want to cry: Tango Loft](https://tangoforge.com/happy-tango-right-want-cry-tango-loft/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 This milonga is so the way it should be that I'm in shock. Lots of girls dancing together, men skipping and giggling, all kinds of whimsical music, soltadas everywhere, a breadboard with shared bread, a kitchen, big bouquets of fresh flowers, couches, candles, cats. Nobody watching much. People dancing for - [The deeper cabeceo](https://tangoforge.com/deep-cabeceo/) - Globally, the best coffee is served in places with inadequate and injurious seating... Black Star and Blue Bottle in Sydney and San Francisco. Here in Berlin Double Eye and the Barn. If there are enough chairs accompanied by a table of the appropriate height you probably won't want to drink the coffee. So I am - [the grind](https://tangoforge.com/the-grind/) - You're too tired to contemplate putting on your shoes. You're worn out by life. You want to cry, or scream, or get drunk. And it was a crazy day. There's no time for dinner now. But the milonga beckons. Maybe you'll feel better there? You remind yourself that last night did not make you feel - [Experimenting to popularize Tango](https://tangoforge.com/poptango/) - Sven Elze and Pedram Shahyar, Tango Kollektiv The challenge facing every tango professional is how to attract new dancers. We all have lots of ideas, and we know that most of them don’t work. If we had more students, the teachers wouldn’t need to compete, and most of our tango wars would go away. Sven - [No Hungry Women](https://tangoforge.com/hungry-women/) - I can feel the hunger of the women. I know that hunger for tango ecstasy. I know it as an addiction, as a wound, as a sweet balm. I know that dancing with them won't be enough. I can give them my best and they will still be hungry. If I have any responsibility for the event, this sensation drains me to the point that I desperately want to lay down on the floor and go to sleep. - [A social milonga](https://tangoforge.com/a-social-milonga/) - In Buenos Aires the worst thing that can happen to you at a milonga is not to find a table. At a table, you are never alone. Even if everyone else is dancing, you are obviously part of a group. Once you are sitting, you too are a host, watching out for arriving friends or handsome tourists who need a place. In Berlin, if you are lucky you get a chair, to wait in and to which you are not attached. Dancers in Berlin milongas are in perpetual solitary motion and circulation. - [Vio's weird shoes](https://tangoforge.com/why-do-you-wear-such-weird-shoes/) - The most common thing for someone to say to me at a milonga is "you can't dance in those shoes". About 5 minutes later, they realize they're wrong. When I started dancing, one of the main attractions was the chance to dress up often, including high heels. Since I was about 14 I’ve had more - [I am not a teddy bear: a gender breakdown](https://tangoforge.com/i-am-not-a-teddy-bear-a-gender-breakdown/) - So first of all my motivations and possible rewards as a mark are different than a man's. I am not interested in romance, or confirmations of my virility. I am not interested in her tits or smile. I do not feel her beauty as an acquisition. The physical sensation will never be the same because - [Tango class](https://tangoforge.com/tango-class/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 I am sitting in a Berlin tango class, sitting because there are no extra revels. When one came in I excused myself from the man I had been placed with. She accepted my invitation but he then whined that it "wasn't fair " for me to get to mark her. - [Guide to Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/guide-to-buenos-aires/) - Neighborhoods and great apartments, transportation, my favorite food, pilates, milongas, teachers, shopping. Plus updates on the queer and ex-nuevo scenes. - [Pablo Aslan on tango music](https://tangoforge.com/pablo-aslan-on-tango-music/) - Pablo Aslan is a tango musician and musicologist who is very historically informed and clear thinking. He is working on his own music, with his NY band Avantango. He is unfortunately not maintaining the history sections of his website, but I was able to find his excellent work using the way-back machine. Here it is: - [Already famous... still goth...Vio in Berliner Zeitung](https://tangoforge.com/already-famous-still-goth/) - "Ein seltsamer Virus namens Tango", Von Thomas Kröter. Berliner Zeitung 25 July, 2014. TANZEN IN BERLIN Ein seltsamer Virus namens Tango Von Thomas Kröter Getanztes Gespräch: Tango - hier im Pfefferberg. Foto: BLZ/Christian Schulz Berlin auf glattem Parkett: Kommen Sie mit in die Welt des Tanzes, jeden Abend, jede Nacht wird in Berlin getanzt. Standard und Latein, Argentinischer Tango, Salsa und Swing. - [Victims and angels](https://tangoforge.com/victims-and-angels/) - After last night's self-induced disaster I realized that I needed to get serious. The first thought in my head this morning was "the point is to have fun",. This is harder to remember than any tango sequence. To get things back under control the first step was obvious. Ice cream for breakfast. Breakfast is at - [Milongas oscillation](https://tangoforge.com/milongas-oscillation/) - Went back and forth again tonight between two milongas, but these were only 3 blocks apart. And at one of them I discovered that the Mark I've been talking about exists. By way of description I'll just say that he was perfect. He put his body and mine exactly where they needed to be in - [Argentine Tango versus Contact Improvisation](https://tangoforge.com/tango-versus-contact/) - Fundamentally tango and contact use a lot of the same skills, and can support one another in the mechanics of connection. But as a practice they are different and this difference is substantive and should inform dancers' choices. Tango has a Mark and a Revel. The agreement is that the Revel will not interpret; she - [How to Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/how-to-relax-in-berlin/) - Buy a monthly subway pass so can wander around without doing math and fingering robots all the time... €78. There's a special ticket for tango dancers who promise never to go anywhere before 10am... €60/month. Stop worrying about how to get home. The night buses permeate. Just go to the nearest U/S station and read - [Keep the candles burning](https://tangoforge.com/now-thats-a-milonga/) - It wasn't promising at first. Three couples dancing insipidly. Ten men sunk deep into boxlike chairs from which it looked difficult to get up. It took a bit of convincing to get the unsmiling woman nearest to the moneybox to do her job. I chose a chair and checked out the dancers to be sure - [The uninvited.](https://tangoforge.com/the-uninvited/) - We didn't do it on purpose. A2 and B2 wanted to get together again and we settled on Thursday. They suggested organising a group to go to to Tangoloft. But when we checked tango.info/berlin it wasn't listed. So we put the word out to go to another one, unknown, inconvenient, and brief. Then B2 called - [Why I don't ask Marks to dance...](https://tangoforge.com/why-i-dont-ask-marks-to-dance/) - The line of dance is not the only thing that circles. So do the arguments about tango. It feels more productive to use the term 'spiral', because then we feel we are getting somewhere, either spiraling out away from the familiar territory, or getting in closer to the deep truths. Pick your direction. (But please - [Zurich first night last tanda](https://tangoforge.com/zurich-first-night-last-tanda/) - Guy asks DJ "What's the next music going to be?“ "A mix with some interesting stuff." "Who do I dance with? " "Her." [Me. What was charming about this, is that the DJ had assessed me from a distance.] After my experience in Berlin I approached my first Milonga in notoriously unfriendly Zurich with clarity - [How to become a Hot TangoMan](https://tangoforge.com/tanguerasecretsformen/) - This guide reveals women’s preferences and if you follow it, you’ll be on your way to charming and delighting them as a confident and hot Tanguero. As a Tanguero, you will have confident and nice relationships of different kinds with lots of women. To accelerate the process for youI asked all my girlfriends for adviceand wrote - [ForgeTube: Improvisation from the Elements](https://tangoforge.com/forgetube-elements/) - All the variations of any movement FREE 1-2 minute videos Improvise from the Elements - [Maestros](https://tangoforge.com/maestros-videos/) - Marks Chicho Pablo Villarraza El Pulpo Luis Bianchi Revels Dana Frigoli Eugenia Parrilla - [Extreme](https://tangoforge.com/extremetango/) - We dance Extreme Argentine Tango, which means: Our tango is not a fusion with any other dance. We are not interested in non-tango, or take some tango and do what you want. We do not accept sloppiness, emotional or physical disconnection, lack of precise musicality. Our tango takes the movements which were created by the - [Improvisation](https://tangoforge.com/improvisation/) - We can dance the same songs every night for years because of the possibility to discover new relations between movement and music. We can do this because each dance is unique, because we create it anew each time. Argentine Tango improvisation must be authentic and spontaneous or tango becomes rote and dead. Either partner can kill it: The Mark through routine and the Revel through automatisms. - [Berlin Queer Tango Festival 2014](https://tangoforge.com/berlin-queer-festival-2014/) - What has changed? My last Queer Tango Festival was Buenos Aires in 2009. The global scene has advanced in several dimensions: The level was much improved. The tendency to jerkiness which has characterised most qt events I've seen to date has been overcome. People danced with nice connection. I am thrilled. The number and level - [Travels in tears](https://tangoforge.com/travels-in-tears-2/) - Traveling is not all fun, and can even glue highs and lows back to back... A good milonga can end badly. New friends can leave for vacations. Great food can make you sick. Balmy weather can dehydrate you. And traveling light can make rebuilding a hacked website beyond tedious. The last four days every day - [Queer desires](https://tangoforge.com/queer-desires/) - I had some idea about what I would learn on this trip. Predictably it is different. I am learning something about the construction of desire. The first thing I noticed is that I am not attracted to revels wearing high heels. Next I noticed that I prefer a girl wearing pants... There are a covey - [Queer goes to church](https://tangoforge.com/queer-goes-to-church/) - Wow what a beautiful space! Very very slippery, but a gorgeous space, an entire church nave to play in. Even a little energetic music, after 3am. I had a very weird night. Still exhausted somehow despite a restful day with a long nap and lots of water. Walked in on my own and cabeceod a - [What's with the Hips?](https://tangoforge.com/whats-with-the-hips/) - Boring as the marathon was, I did notice that every single mark there maintained hip flexion at all times on the dance floor. I carefully and systematically observed this.Tonight at Bebop milonga in Berlin, which had a nice outside dance floor and cool lighting fixtures, I noticed that (excluding the members of my party) almost - [Queer Night 2](https://tangoforge.com/queer-night-2/) - Felt awful today, beyond tired. The last few days I wake up feeling that sleeping is a lot of work. Dehydration, maybe? The exhaustion didn't lift at the low-ceilinged milonga at Bebop. The music was bland and the sound system turned it into porridge. Again, it was great to șee friends, and I got to - [Mainlining Joy](https://tangoforge.com/mainlining-joy/) - What makes queer tango different? Not so much the composition of the couple, or the exchange of roles. What stands out is how people feel about the whole thing. In my queer tango classes, when a pair makes a mistake they giggle and hug. Hetero tango students do not. When people crash on the dance - [Berlin Queer Tango festival opens](https://tangoforge.com/berlin-queer-tango-festival-opens/) - Well it was a pretty big night. First of all, the level was very nice. The tendency to jerkiness which has characterised most qt events I've seen to date has been overcome. People danced with nice connection. I am thrilled about this. Second, the number and level of women leaders is now significant. Still more - [Soltada & Gancho Demos Vio Marks Roberto](https://tangoforge.com/london2016/) - This is the first video of Vio marking Roberto. It was the last demo of our January 2016 weekend in London. We are demonstrating soltadas. We began our January 2016 London workshops with a práctica about ganchos. Here's the demo we did later in the evening: - [Vio y Hiroe "El Encuentro"](https://tangoforge.com/vio-y-hiroe/) - Vio y Hiroe demonstration at Queer Tango Wellington, 7.Dec 2015 Improvised Argentine Tango music Ashram "Il Mostro" - [Right, wrong, and handsome](https://tangoforge.com/right-wrong-and-handsome/) - "It's an interesting phrase..." my student said. "–The one the Argentine teachers use: 'It's not wrong, but...' Why do they say that?" There are obvious answers, and deeper ones. On the obvious level are several possibilities, such as: [1] The student might be using a different, perfectly legitimate, sequence to get the same result. Affirming that - [Troubles in practice?](https://tangoforge.com/troubles-in-practice/) - While practicing, it is likely that you will have some frustration with your partner. When something is not working, it is VERY hard to tell what's wrong and who is at fault, tempting though that is. Here are some tips: - [How long do you dance with one person? (the tanda)](https://tangoforge.com/how-long-to-dance-with-one-person-a-tanda/) - We dance three or four songs with one person – this is called a “tanda”, sometimes separated with 15-30 seconds of contrasting music, called a cortina (curtain). If there is no cortina, you can just count four songs. It's rude to leave your partner before the end of the tanda. - [I'm learning tango with my sweetheart, do I need to change partners?](https://tangoforge.com/changing-partners/) - There is no requirement to change partners, but it is recommended that you dance with lots of different people, even if you have a main partner. - [How do I ask someone to dance? (the cabeceo)](https://tangoforge.com/how-to-ask-someone-to-dance-the-cabeceo/) - The Argentine style of asking for a dance is that the leaders ask. They ask in a particular way, often from across the room, by seeking eye contact with followers. If eye contact is held, the leader nods toward the dance floor (or raises one or both eyebrows). This is the cabeceo. - [Why do teachers teach so differently?](https://tangoforge.com/why-do-teachers-teach-so-differently/) - One of the first things you'll notice as a tango student is that each teacher has not only their own style of communication, but also their own idea of what's important about tango and how to do it. Sometimes they even seem to contradict each other. This can be confusing and frustrating to students. The - [About Practicing](https://tangoforge.com/guidepractice/) - Every tango teacher exhorts students to practice, and every student agrees that they need to practice. Most dancers don’t. For the same reasons we don’t do lots of other things: We do what’s most urgent or compelling, and lots of actions and good ideas and “shoulds” get pushed aside. But we really want to improve - [Websites to learn about and buy music](https://tangoforge.com/websites-to-learn-about-and-buy-music/) - to learn Milonga.co.uk (also a store) Tango.dj Tanda of the Week Poesia to buy DJ Iain's favorite is still Tango Store (This is the website of the Buenos Aires store, Zivals.) The prices are fairly good and you can listen to most of the music. Movie Mars has great prices, but their search function is - [About shoes for tango](https://tangoforge.com/tango-shoes/) - Wear whatever makes you feel sexy. I see no reason whatsoever to wear technical dance shoes, and several reasons not to. Like clothing, there are a few functional requirements, but many non-dance shoes meet these requirements, while looking and feeling much better than tango shoes. - [When should the follower pivot?](https://tangoforge.com/when-should-the-follower-pivot/) - The follower should pivot at the beginning of a step. If you automatically pivot at the end of a step, you are presuming to know the next direction. Finish your step, stretch onto your new base leg, and look to perceive the next direction. (There may not be one yet! - Thank you Armin!) Note that the follower is - [How to determine whether you are receiving quality instruction](https://tangoforge.com/argentine-tango-instructors/) - There are lots of Argentine Tango instructors to choose from. There are lots of expensive workshops to attend. Everyone seems to rave about every teacher they've studied with and how fabulous the workshop was. Of course it's fun to go to workshops just for the social part and the buzz. This post is about evaluating - [Taking workshops](https://tangoforge.com/taking-workshops/) - There are lots of Argentine Tango instructors to choose from. There are lots of organizers who want your money. There are lots of expensive classes. Everyone seems to rave about every teacher they've studied with and how fabulous the workshop was. Here are some tips to make a serious assessment of what you are getting - [Emotions on the dance floor](https://tangoforge.com/emotions-on-the-dance-floor/) - Muscle control is just the entry ticket to the party. We still have choices to make about how to interact, what parts of ourselves to share, and how deeply we seek to connect. - [Free Leg Fluidity](https://tangoforge.com/free-leg-fluidity/) - Many revels ask me about the fluidity of my free leg. The first thing I tell them is that freedom of the free leg comes from the base leg. The way our bodies function is that if the body is out of balance, the psoas muscle of the free leg will not work as strongly So if - [Why not to accelerate your steps while reveling giro](https://tangoforge.com/accelerate-steps-reveling-giro/) - Many teachers teach revels to automatically accelerate some steps of the giro. The revel is to take front and side step in single time and then double time the back and subsequent side step. Of course it's annoying when different teachers tell you different things. Here's why NOT to accelerate automatically: A revel who learns - [Starting to dance Vals and Milonga](https://tangoforge.com/vals-and-milonga/) - So you feel ready (or you feel like you should be ready) to dance faster? Here's a guide to getting started with vals and milonga. General points Faster is harder than slower. Always perfect your technique slowly before attempting to do any movement fast. Both vals and milonga can be danced slowly. Start by finding the - [Divine Time Machines don't pivot alone](https://tangoforge.com/divine-time-machines-dont-pivot-alone/) - To reveal more to herself and to her partner, the Revel must abandon the safe ground of knowledge, prediction, sequences, familiar movements, and righteousness. Crucially she must abandon her surety that the best thing she can do is to pivot. Pivoting is how we try to be good girls doing the hard work... But if we abandon a claim on certainty, avoid arbitrary endings and stay open to the previous movement continuing to unfold, then we offer ourselves to divine creativity. - [Balance is not a character virtue](https://tangoforge.com/balance/) - So many students say "I have bad balance" as if they are describing their shoe size or model of smartphone. Balance is not an innate character virtue or flaw. It's a skill. Importantly, tango balance is not the same as ballet balance, because in tango we build our balance with our partner, not alone, and - [Get the whole story](https://tangoforge.com/get-whole-story/) - I want to learn to lead, but I think I need to focus on following first. TangoForge encourages dancers to learn both leading and following. There are several reasons for this. It's nice to have compassion for the challenges of the other role. If a teacher is working directly with you and wants to show - [TangoForge Videos before 2011](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforge-early-videos/) - Here are early videos that I made with Duro (snowtango and basketballtango), Sebastián Arrúa (at the 2010 New Zealand Tango Festival), Sanjay Pancha (co-founder of TangoForge), and my first performance as a mark, with Lara (at the Asia-Pacific outgames). - [Damian and Vio hit the streets, Sydney](https://tangoforge.com/damian-vio-hit-the-streets-sydney/) - November 2011 Any Time, Any Where, Any Shoe... Damian Thompson and Vio prove that tango belongs in the streets, of Sydney and the world... #1 #2 #3: more boots! - [Armin & Vio: The videos!](https://tangoforge.com/armin-vio-the-videos/) - Armin & Vio danced together in Sydney for three months in early 2012. We performed for the Colombian Cultural and Folkloric Association on 25 May. Here's the video. We also wanted to try to capture our style with a more artistic video. - [The Embrace](https://tangoforge.com/embrace/) - Tango offers diverse delights for various tastes and fascinating paradoxes for debate, but it is uncontroversial that the best and most essential of tango’s gifts is the experience of what we call “The Embrace”.Those who have experienced a real sublime Argentine Tango embrace are both blessed and cursed. They are blessed know that it is - [The ICC Sessions](https://tangoforge.com/icc-sessions/) - We were 8.5 hours late but way under budget. That's how we roll with TangoForge Productions. Massive thanks to the frozen and fearless crew: Thomas Conte, Matthew Fitzsimmons, Max Thomas, Maren, Aurélie Lippe. Here's our first video! The ICC Sessions, January 2015. Camera Thomas Conte. Editing of this one by TangoForge. Thomas' experimental ICC edits are - [TangoForge presents... Germain Cascales](https://tangoforge.com/germain-vio-berlin-third-tanda/) - We met two days ago. This is our third tanda. No practice. No plan. Improvised. With faults. No editing. The music is Massive Attack “Paradise Circus” remix by Zeds Dead The location is Märchenbrunnen in Volkspark Friedrichshain, Berlin. Location, camera, bicycle by Fritz Schadow. Dancers: Vio y Germain Cascales (Paris) This is Argentine Tango. - [2015 Hauptbahnhof Contemporary Tango Festival](https://tangoforge.com/2015-hauptbahnhof/) - In preparation for the 2016 Hauptbahnhof Contemporary Tango Festival, director Andreas Rochholl made this video about 2015. - [Tango Sisters](https://tangoforge.com/sisters/) - Women who love tango, making it our own! - [Milonga Strandbar](https://tangoforge.com/milonga-strandbar/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 This milonga reminded me of the milonga at Plaza Dorrego in BsAs. Colored lights, tourists drinking wine, smiles and dancers of all ages and levels. This one was full of boys arrived for the weekend's queer tango festival. WITH a beautiful backdrop of river and museum. Very crowded (it cleared - [Home Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/home-berlin/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 I had a coffee yesterday. Probably should have done that a week ago. I feel almost normal today. So I've made a big decision which is to bail on the Zurich marathon (well-informed people tell me it will be similar to Dresden) and Italy and stay here in Berlin - [Marathon psych](https://tangoforge.com/marathon-psych/) - Tangotourist in Europe, Summer 2014 Runners have to train for the psychological challenge of marathon chemistry. Your body goes into death mode and you want to quit. I think I might just stick it out. The food is good. Good conversations at breakfast. Everyone hated the music last night. "I needed more power," said the - [NOW I'm in Heaven](https://tangoforge.com/now-im-in-heaven/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 Broken bus, lost luggage, and M and I arrive Tango Loft in shorts and sandals, famished, at 0030. They give us tomato soup and Riesling. HJ is waiting patiently for us, and I collapse into a chair next to him and have a look at the dance flora. What balm - [And then it's over](https://tangoforge.com/and-then-its-over/) - Tangotourist in Europe, Summer 2014 An abrupt ending to an endless weekend. I can't tell if I liked it or not. But I'm sad it's over. There were some people I am glad to have met. We were all languishing in the abundance waiting for it to warm up, tying to get it there, and - [So a tango marathon, or at least this one](https://tangoforge.com/so-a-tango-marathon-or-at-least-this-one/) - Tangotourist in Europe, Summer 2014 I imagined something considerably more hippy. More friendly, More informal, younger. It's mixed ages (which I like), it's definitely going strong at 4:09. They weren't kidding about the dormitories. It's a roomful of mattresses full stop. People are mostly dancing with people they know. Maybe a little more smiling at - [(A little) life in Dresden](https://tangoforge.com/a-little-life-in-dresden/) - Dresden reminds me of Wellington. A sweet counterculture with a worldly feel but small enough that you can easily get anywhere. Eating ice cream seems to be the thing to do, so I had it for breakfast (mint chip) and dinner (salted caramel). In between I had a look at the old black buildings and - [Life berlin](https://tangoforge.com/life-berlin/) - G has loaned me a nice rolling weekend case so I travel with dignity. I really wanted to avoid the backpack, and what with my sleeping blanket, four outfits, yoga mat, and angel wings for the Tango Heaven Dresden marathon, even the trusty capacities of the Freitag messenger bag was overloaded. I have with me - [Tango Vicioso at Insomnia](https://tangoforge.com/tango-vicioso-at-insomnia/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 Some of my friends said I must see tango at Insomnia and others spent 30 minutes trying to dissuade me. "It's a sex club!", they kept repeating. So? here's my report: A spacious room with bar and large couches, dark, fabulous mix of music. About 20 dancers + 5 observers - [Clärchens Ballhaus I and II](https://tangoforge.com/clarchens-ballhaus-i-and-ii/) - The physical and institutional organization of tango in Berlin: * spaces: cool rooms may be used several times a week by different organizers for milongas with totally different characters. * teachers: may teach at several different schools. And probably do not run milongas (that's the job of milonga organizers). * schools are physical spaces with - [Taste of Freedom at Walzerlinksgestrickt](https://tangoforge.com/tango-freedom/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 Tonight we went to Milonga Ballhaus Walzerlinksgestrickt. A formal room with gold columns and red velvet. At first it seemed a bit stiff and I felt my skirt was too short. But it turned out to be a very free atmosphere. The lights were low. The level was mixed, and - [Professionalism and commercialism in tango](https://tangoforge.com/professionalism-commercialism-tango/) - Some observations... Tango is an international industry, with annual revenue of $400 million and growing. It's a service industry with no certifications, no educational system, no required training, no industry standards. Functionally, the qualifications are conveying an aura of "authenticity" and having somehow acquired a reputation. In most of the world outside of Argentina, tango communities - [Milonga Popular](https://tangoforge.com/milonga-popular/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 A major benefit of dancing tango is walking home through cities quiet for dawn. Even if the milonga was uninspiring. Milonga Popular is run by the hopelessly hip youngsters, the ones still seeking satisfaction in righteousness. Actually not quite. This milonga reminded me of the first El Yeite, which later - [Milonga Tangocafe (Tango Tanzen Macht Schön)](https://tangoforge.com/milonga-tangocafe-tango-tanzen-macht-schon/) - Tangotourist in Berlin, Summer 2014 As you know, my goal when dancing is to get lost. A good milonga environment facilitates this, and the cabeceo. Milongas at Tango Tanzen Macht Schön have an unfortunate impediment to the environment: toes. The dance floor is wooden, extending to the walls. Around the edge are various kind of - [Sorry it's raining](https://tangoforge.com/cant-tango-rain/) - She was able to wait list me for a flight 6 hours later, sending me with trepidation back to Air Berlin for a boarding pass and luggage rerouting. Fortunately there had been a shift change since my first contact at 630 am who barked at me "why are you telling me that?" as I looked up my flight number to be helpful. The new one said "I don't care about class codes and gave me a confirmed seat. "Don't hang around the airport, take they subway to the city. Sorry it's raining." - [I don't think you can tango in hiking boots anyway (18 hours in Kuala Lumpur)](https://tangoforge.com/dont-think-can-tango-hiking-boots-anyway-18-hours-kuala-lumpur/) - Final completed itinerary: 0500 Express train KUL to Sentral Station. Commuter train to Batu Caves. Commuter Train back to Dang Wangi for breakfast at Yut Kee. Walk through Jalan Melayu neighborhood on the way to Tasik Perdana. Islamic Arts Museum. Beautiful Kuala Lumpur station to Sentral. Walk Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields in search of Yarl's Corner restaurant that has moved. Banana leaf at Vishal. Bukit Bintangm, Sungei Wang, Jalan Alor. Because of the monorail breaking, there's no transport to or from this part of town. Walk down Jalan Ceylon to Masjid Jamek. Train to the towers at KLCC. Fall asleep on park bench, wake up to prayer calls and rainbow water fountain show. Train back to Sentral for airport express. Arrive KUL 20:50. - [not good enough](https://tangoforge.com/not-good-enough/) - After tasting the joys of tango, it's hard to go back to whatever it was you did for fun before. Other people's lives and pleasures seem paltry. Tango is the love that surpasses everything you used that word for before. It understands you. It wants your depths. It hears your whispers.  But tango is - [The state of biomechanical science](https://tangoforge.com/biomechanical-science/) - I met with Michael Chang, who has been a Dance Sport competitor and coach for more than 20 years. He was Australia representative to the World Professional Championships of 10-Dance in 2009. Apparently, there are only a handful of scientists in the world studying dance and, as far as Michael is aware, none are studying Argentine Tango. I had ten questions for Michael about biomechanics. I wanted to be sure I was using the correct anatomical terminology. - [Rhythm is irrelevant](https://tangoforge.com/rhythm-irrelevant/) - Some time in the not-too-distant future you will find yourself in a tango class in which the teachers are desperately and unsuccessfully trying to get the students to move only with melodic notes. Hope that you have not by then tuned your dance to an impervious metronome. Rhythm in fact is a trap which limits - [Mark's Plateau](https://tangoforge.com/intermediate-leaders/) - But sometimes you feel a bit bored. And you don't really want to be just another intermediate dancer. You want to be one of the ones the women look at in that way. Going to classes doesn't seem to help. Sometimes you can do the sequence, it depends who you're dancing with. Sometimes you can't get there. Either way, it's hard to remember, and hard to take useful notes, and even the girls who were in the class don't remember the move so on the occasions when you do remember it, you can't do it at the milonga. - [Investigation Group](https://tangoforge.com/investigation-group/) - The purpose of the Investigation Group is to develop our dancing relationships and to deepen our capacities to reflect on and talk about tango with our dancing friends, so that we can grow together. The Group meets 2nd and 4th Sundays from 7-9:30 pm at 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. Each session has an exploration theme. - [Lightness](https://tangoforge.com/lightness/) - Lightness is really just what happens when you are perfectly balanced and perfectly connected. We are heavy when we aren't supporting ourselves, and instead lean on the leader or when we are disconnected. It's also possible to be too light and independent, because then we're disconnected. We can be balanced but moving in the wrong direction - [Second projection](https://tangoforge.com/second-projection/) - Normal steps have two projections, one at the beginning, and the second one at the end of the step. The base leg continues to work, pushing the floor until there is no weight on it. This continued work helps to stabilize the transition to the new base leg. It also means that in the instant - [Don't dance too much](https://tangoforge.com/dont-dance-too-much/) - You might be dancing too much. Yes, we need floor time, but be sure you are disciplined about using it to improve your dance. . Better to spend one hour a week practicing new moves or playing improvisation games, than spending 7 hours a week consolidating bad habits and repetitious sequences. If you really want - [Overcoming obedience](https://tangoforge.com/overcoming-obedience/) - Obedience is a reasonable state for a follower to take on. Much about tango suggests that this is what leaders want. But, as you are no doubt discovering, tango is very complicated. The first reason to overcome obedience as a follower is that you will never be good enough. There will always be leaders who - [So about Gender and Tango...](https://tangoforge.com/gender/) - Gender play Tango is a a space where most dancers do gender more extremely than in the rest of life. This can be fun, it can be healing, and it can be distorting. There are several dimensions to gender extremity in tango. The first has to do with costume, and is pleasurable for those who - [What I want in a Revel](https://tangoforge.com/following-vio/) - This post was formerly called "Why doesn't Vio ask me to dance and/or when she does why is it so hard to Revel with her?" If you have either of these questions, I'm very happy because it means you are attracted to something about my leading and you want to participate. The best next step - [A Passing Embrace](https://tangoforge.com/a-passing-embrace/) - It’s the performance that counts. You drag your self into another reality, propped up with costumes and glue. You may not believe it, but you will convince those who aren’t paying close attention anyway. - [Followers who want to take it deeper](https://tangoforge.com/deep-revelling/) - I am committed to helping followers dance well and feel good about their dancing. I suffered so long hearing leaders talk about how sublime certain followers were, but no one would teach me how to do it. - [Why bother with follower's back sacadas?](https://tangoforge.com/followers-back-sacadas/) - Lately I've been on a rampage to get people using the follower's back sacada. Why am I spending much power on a move so rarely led and so poorly followed, if at all? As a leader, the dynamic of this move opens up sensation and territory. But I'm starting to think there's more to it - [How to improve your tango and make the most of your expenditures](https://tangoforge.com/how-to-improve-your-tango-and-make-the-most-of-your-money/) - Don't just practice, practice all the time Whenever you are not sitting in a chair or lying in bed, you can be practicing tango. Take every step with awareness of moving correctly onto the new base. Whenever you are waiting for the bus or train, or standing in line, work on your balance. If you - [The Tango Muscles](https://tangoforge.com/tangomuscles/) - Orange/Stabilization Chain Teres Minor & Infraspinatus: Shoulder stabilization by external rotation Triceps: Elbow stabilization Transverse Abdominus: (not in the image, near the spine) stabilizes the spine Piriformis: stabilize hip rotation. Quadriceps: stabilize hip flexion. Peroneals: Ankle Plantar Flexion Blue/Directional muscles used during Mark’s Intention for Projection Lateral Projection: Oblique muscles: Rotate the spine for projection - [Factions](https://tangoforge.com/factions/) - Sydney, as we all know, there are tango factions. Mostly they are organized as schools. Teachers hold their students tight and argue that their methods of teaching are the best.  At weekend milongas, the tables demarcate school/faction territories. Some people, not belonging to any of them, don't know where to sit. Others feel uncomforable - [I am not a teacup](https://tangoforge.com/teacup/) - I feel so sorry for the 40+ students who were beating themselves up for not inducing Nito's grace into his sequence but having no information about how to move. The corrections from the couple were only focused on getting the sequence right. - [Bodywork Sydney](https://tangoforge.com/bodywork-sydney/) - Simonne Smiles Pilates Brad Moffitt Remedial Massage Therapy 0416 308 764 Quro Health Studios: Unlimited yoga and pilates for $35/week with contract or $37/week without contract. - [The difference between waiting patiently and being present](https://tangoforge.com/the-difference-between-waiting-patiently-and-being-present/) - Why is it that Marks rave about dancing with beginners, and sometimes feel less free with advanced Revels? Of course there's the possibility of being intimidated by your partner, but there's more than that going on. Advanced Revels don't need to concentrate as hard as beginners. Beginners are delightfully rapt by the whole experience. An - [Why Women should learn to lead, by Mitra Martin](https://tangoforge.com/mitra-women-leading/) - Why Women Should Learn to Lead in Tango by Mitra Martin, founder of Oxygen Tango School of LA Here in Mar Vista , it is wonderous exciting to be surrounded by a lot of nice dancers who dance both roles fluently. It makes practicas super productive and fun and raises the level of Tango - [Using Tango to Enhance your Gender Performance](https://tangoforge.com/using-tango-to-enhance-your-gender-performance/) - Argentine Tango is about many things, including extreme gender. It's a fantasy of femininity and masculinity. In this workshop, we'll look at how Tango can help us feel more confident in our everyday masculinity and femininity, how we walk down the street, how we stand, and how we use our bodies to give and receive - [UltraVioleta Tango Style](https://tangoforge.com/ultravioleta-tango-style/) - I have always loved fashion and costume and design the iconclastic costumes for our performances. UltraVioleta is the marca for my own tango fashion designs. - [Why does she keep doing voleos?](https://tangoforge.com/why-does-she-keep-doing-voleos/) - Because you are stopping her with force and tension that acts as an impulse, sending power through her free leg. If you want to stop quietly without issuing an impulse, you need to decelerate yourself. She will match. - [Counterproductive Up in the Lead](https://tangoforge.com/too-much-up/) - Many students (and teachers) over-use Up for aspects of the lead where it is inappropriate. Using up as a trick to make something difficult happen must be un-learned as students advance. The Mark should only lift his hands away from the floor if he intends to lift the Revel’s free leg into the air. Up - [Food at the Milonga](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforge-food/) - In April 2013, I began an innovation which is to combine my two sensuous passions, Argentine tango and artisan food. Each of my events will now include a morsel of fabulous food. Jewel Lab is the gourmet milonga, and each workshop includes a treat. I'm interested in small-batch, handmade, heirloom, artisan, local, traditional, and superlative - [Welcome to the Moveable Milonga!](https://tangoforge.com/welcome-to-the-movable-milonga/) - Like many people I started dancing tango because of Sally Potter’s movie, The Tango Lesson. Different things about the movie moved us, as different things bind us to tango. I wasn’t attracted to the music, passion, or romance (aspects I learned to appreciate only after many years of dancing). I was attracted to the complexity - [A16 Jewel Lab: The party!](https://tangoforge.com/a16-jewel-lab-the-party/) - The Jewel Lab Party sparkled with more than 60 guests and 10 performers. It was a beautiful night of celebrating our community. Consensus is that the new floor is just fine, so the milonga will continue at this venue every Tuesday 8:30-midnight. Part way through the evening I explained the various dimensions of the - [Tango bigotry](https://tangoforge.com/tango-bigotry/) - Why are some of us so intent on putting down others' way of dancing? While encouraging entrants to celebrate their love of tango and have fun, the upcoming Australian Tango Dance Challenge "forbids" ganchos and lifting the legs (they must have meant to say feet) "above the knees." Why would a tango competition forbid moves - [How to raise the level of dancing in a community](https://tangoforge.com/how-to-raise-the-level-of-dancing-in-a-community/) - This is the question that faces me every morning as I hit the prime button on my espresso machine. I stare at my notebook until the first cappuccino is gone. I'm not allowed to open the computer, read, or deal with logistics. It's creative time, problem solving time. And this is one of the problems - [An ode to Club Atlético de Quilmes and Authentic Argentine Tango, by Alistair Baillie](https://tangoforge.com/an-ode-to-authentic-argentine-tango-styles/) - This post is an ode to Club Atlético Argentino de Quilmes. It features Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Andrés Messi, Thomas and James Hogg, H. de Winton and J. C. Thring, and Royal Shrovetide Football too, but it is primarily an ode to the students of Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires that formed Argentino de Quilmes - [Armin Vio Workshops 2012](https://tangoforge.com/workshops-with-armin-13-and-20-may/) - Armin will teach two workshops on how to set your dance free, work with intensities, and be playful! 13 and 20 May 1-3 pm Heffron Hall 34-40 Burton Street at Palmer in Darlinghurst Workshop 1: The Embrace... What is the embrace for? How do we make the embrace light? How do we use the embrace - [Tanguera's tale](https://tangoforge.com/tangueras-tale/) - Before being a tanguera, I was an economist. I was interested in community-based economics, crafts and craftspeople. I've become one of the people I used to study. I work with my hands, my body, my creativity, my spirit. I integrate mind and body into my craft. It's a beautiful and meaningful life. I do what I - [Shopping in Sydney](https://tangoforge.com/argentine-tango-dancers-shopping-in-sydney/) - Your clothes should be as unique as your dance, but if you dance a lot you'll need a lot of outfits. Look for interesting and inexpensive things at flea markets, secondhand stores, and young designers. Here are a few recommendations for Sydney dancers. And be sure to see my cautionary notes and shopping tips. Men - [Practica Dynamica](https://tangoforge.com/practica-dynamica/) - Practica Dynamic is not on at the moment. Bring your moves, questions, and spirit to Practica Dynamica Encouraging dynamic bodies, embraces, music... Welcoming all levels, roles, styles, smiles! 75% traditional music. 100% happy tango. - [Biomechanics: The Arch of Connection](https://tangoforge.com/biomechanics-arch/) - We have distilled tango technique to just five tools for perfect embrace, connection, and communication.Enter your email below for a 20 minute video introduction to our technique. - [Flexion, extension, and muscle contractions](https://tangoforge.com/flexion-extension-muscle-contractions/) - In 2011 one of my students confronted me about using animal metaphors. She said "Vio, I don't know what it would be like to have a tail." I stopped cold and realized I didn't either. I decided that day to stop using metaphors and study anatomy so I could explain tango technique in objective terms. - [Where does rotational power come from?](https://tangoforge.com/rotational-power/) - This is a very simple and crucial question. And understanding it makes dancing so much more straightforward. Marks tend to yank or hurl on their limbs in order to create rotation, destabilizing themselves. Rotation around our own spine is controlled by the obliques, shaded light blue in the image at right. Muscles work most strongly - [Three things leaders can fix today](https://tangoforge.com/three-things-that-many-leaders-need-to-fix-asap/) - Stop turning the revel with your hands and arms, especially when you've lodged her into your right armpit with a forward ocho. Lead her out of there by opening space where you want her to step next. (Generally, you are wanting another front ocho somewhere in front of or to the left of your left - [Technique Workshops](https://tangoforge.com/workshops2012/) - I sequence my instruction in an unusual way. My approach is based on an analysis of the difficulty and number of biomechanical skills needed to execute each move. - [About "Authenticity"](https://tangoforge.com/authenticity-in-argentine-tango/) - I have forbidden myself from using the word "authenticity". I don't give "that's the way it's done" as an explanation, and I don't let myself say "how it is in Buenos Aires". Don't get me wrong, I love Buenos Aires and dancing there. But I recognize that these explanations don't serve my goals as a teacher and dancer - to empower my students and make tango culturally relevant. - [Why we need Feminist Tango](https://tangoforge.com/why-we-need-feminist-tango/) - A feminist tango is not anti-man in any way, but it is pro-woman. It means we give each other the same gracious generosity that we habitually and unhesitatingly offer to strange men. It means we give each other more, and what that more can be is open to the imagination of every woman who has suffered the unique and poignant pains of tango. - [Art and global culture](https://tangoforge.com/art-global-culture/) - ...in the waves of globalization, one of which birthed tango. We tanguera/os are struggling to learn to share, gripping authority as it slips through the toes, parrying each fusion that comes, trading shifts on the guardwatch, fighting over the orthodox, whirling around to explain that tango has always been a fusion, has always been diverse, has always been changing, has always been shared. - [What is Rainbow Queer Argentine Tango?](https://tangoforge.com/rainbow-queer-argentine-tango/) - Queer Tango is a global movement to create inclusive and diverse space for Argentine Tango dancers. This means celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender dancers. It also means celebrating any dancers who want to experiment with different approaches to gender and roles while dancing Argentine Tango, such as women who want to lead, men who - [What is tango connection?](https://tangoforge.com/connection/) - Men usually have the idea that they should be gentlemanly: polite, gracious, and charming. Women usually have the idea they should be obedient. Tango teachers usually have the idea that they are the star, and the student will never be as good. - [Go!](https://tangoforge.com/go/) - It's striking. Every time I talk with someone about having finally found the dance partner I've been looking for, and my plans to return to Berlin to try working with him, people respond with intense encouragement. "Go!" Many people have gone on from that point to offer assistance. I feel that I am surrounded by angels. I'm - [La Maria Practica, Buenos Aires (the complete interview)](https://tangoforge.com/la-maria-practica-buenos-aires-the-complete-interview/) - Assisted by Daniele Perillo, I interviewed the organizers of La Maria Practica on 25 January, 2010. Inspired by the interview, I wrote an article about the need for feminist tango. At the time of the interview, La Maria was organized by Majo Marini, Cynthia Fatori, y Corina Herrera. As of March 2010, the organizers are - [Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's "Milonga"](https://tangoforge.com/sidi-larbi-cherkaoui-milonga/) - Why is it so hard to tell a new story about tango - or even a real story? It's just not all about drama with your lover. Tango is about race, class, and gender. So many stories to tell, but none of them start with one man and one woman. There are always the women not chosen. And the ghosts. Another disappointing stage show which can't beyond melodrama, threesomes, and chairs. - [Follow the music, and other evasive truisms](https://tangoforge.com/follow-the-music-and-other-evasive-truisms/) - I'm having conversations with people about this restricted "marathon-style" dancing. There are several standard explanations, all of which are truisms, applicable to All tango, and, as I've pointed out before, ultimately matters of level, not style. "What's important is the connection." "it's about the music" It's important to be safe and respect the line of - [And then when you least expect it](https://tangoforge.com/mr-anti-cliche/) - Tango's magic and mystery can return as easily as it faded away. Tonight I danced with the best dancer of my life. I'll call him Mr. Anti-cliche. I admired him last night. Then tonight I complimented him at Milonga Popular. Which has moved upstairs to a larger, but no less problematic room. Especially problematic for - [TangoForge does Burlesque](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforge-does-burlesque/) - Nick Young and I are committed to taking authentic improvised Argentine Tango to the people … Especially people who love high heels and fine lines … We performed at the November 2014 Red Light Confidential, Sydney's Burlesque "Industry Night". - [Slow: JewelLab Musicality Session 1](https://tangoforge.com/slow-jewellab-musicality-1/) - by Nick Young In this musicality session, we look at 3 different techniques of dancing slowly by skipping beats that we might normally step on. Now, we only look at how to skip beats using these techniques. Later, we will look at when or which beats to skip. It is important for the mark to - [One Tanda with Ekaterina](https://tangoforge.com/one-tanda-with-ekaterina/) - Ekaterina Khomenko was murdered in St Petersburg on 7 September. It is strongly believed that the murder is connected to her work as a Queer Tango teacher. (News articles: Global Voices and Queer Russia.) We danced this past July at the Berlin Queer Tango Festival 2014 and I want to thank Ekaterina more formally for what - [Dancing to the beat: JewelLab Musicality Session 2](https://tangoforge.com/dancing-to-the-beat-jewellab-musicality-2/) - by Nick Young In this musicality session, we look at choosing which beats of the music to step on. First we identify the beats we have to work with, and then we try some simple ideas for dancing them. These ideas are simple ways to make your dance more interesting and enjoyable! The previous session - [JewelLab Summer Musicality Practica](https://tangoforge.com/jewellab-summer-musicality-practica/) - Summer 2014/2015 At JewelLab So you've learnt perfect technique from Vio, you can mark and revel with precision, but you freeze up on the dance floor. Maybe you forget your vocabulary, maybe you struggle to find a shared vocabulary with your partner, or maybe you feel lost or intimidated by the music (be it hip-hop - [Aim](https://tangoforge.com/aim/) - The most radically precise piece of my pedagogy is so finicky that I apologize when I teach it. It's not abstract, but 9/10 experienced marks flat-out refuse to pay attention to it. They believe that what they are doing works well enough, and this point need not concern them. But the revels can feel the difference. And when - [Brot und Tango Improvisation Practica](https://tangoforge.com/brot-und-tango-practica/) - Wir laden Dich herzlich zu "Brot und Tango" ein ... Tango Laboratorium und frisches Brot, mit veganem Salat in Bio-Qualität bei nachmittäglicher gemeinsamer Gemütlichkeit. Bekomme 3 Stunden Anleitung, begegne ... - [Tangofrühling in Greifswald (21./22.03.2015)](https://tangoforge.com/tangofruhling-greifswald/) - Wir wollen Euch herzlich einladen zum unserem kleinen Festival: "2.Tangofrühling Greifswald", das in 4 Wochen vor der Tür steht. Seid dieser Woche melden sich schon Leute an und wir haben auch einen kleinen Rabatt für Viel- und Frühbucher eingerichtet. - [Game Tango: Watch the Avatar](https://tangoforge.com/tangoavatar/) - Your tango avatar can make you strong. It can help you through the psychologically challenging experience of a milonga. You may find you can camouflage your tango avatar under your suit and bring some of your blasé confidence to that business meeting. You may wear your tango stilettos on a date, to remind yourself that you already have a lot of men. - [JewelLab developments](https://tangoforge.com/jewellab-developments/) - I founded JewelLab at the Colombian Hotel as Rainbow Queer Tango Sydney in 2011. It started as a class, but became a practica, which Jael and I re-named it The Jewel Lab in 2012. In 2013, with Darren's encouragement, Nick and I launched JewelLab as a milonga with the slogan "the milonga where we treat each other like - [Yerba mate](https://tangoforge.com/organic-yerba-mate/) - My Mate World carries many varieties of organic yerba mate, and can send you a sample kit so you can try them! Why do I drink yerba mate?: Because it's a smoother high than coffee, and it generates physical power AND excited ideas! From the My Yerba Mate website: Yerba mate contains 24 vitamins and minerals, - [Schmaus und Improvisationseinlagen beim Embrace Festival in Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/embrace2015/) - Du besuchst Berlins spezial Embrace Festival? Dann besuche uns auf einen Schmaus mit Improvisationseinlagen, basierend auf Berlins eigenem wilden Essen... in einer traumhaften neuen Umgebung, mit drei Improvisations-Einheiten, gemacht, um Deine Schranken zu sprengen und Deine Kreativität zu entfachen. - [April series at Kulturschöpfer](https://tangoforge.com/kulturschopfer/) - Vio & Roberto werden erstmalig im April 2015 gemeinsamen wöchentlichen Unterricht in Berlin geben. Wenn Du Yoga, Tüftelspiele, Kampfsport oder den Umgang mit Ursache-Wirkung-Prinzipien magst, dann wirst Du auch den Tango bald in Dein Herz schließen. Wir lehren athletischen Tango zu zeitgemäßer Musik. Wir nutzen das gesamte Tango-Repertoire, nicht nur bis 1940, sondern bis heute. - [Tango as psychotherapy](https://tangoforge.com/tango-psychotherapy/) - I am well aware that a lot of what goes on in tango class is psychological development. I'm talking about biomechanics but the real challenge for the students is believing in themselves. Believing they can move their bodies fearlessly, believing they can balance, believing they can sense another person well, believing they're sexy, believing they - [Fundamentalism Embodied: I try it, as a Mark.](https://tangoforge.com/fundamentalism-embodied-i-try-it-as-a-mark/) - Day Four of the tango festival. I've had it with being Diva Freak. I can only keep it up for so long without a single person telling me they're grateful to see some freedom and creativity on the dance floor. I lock into close embrace, and I stop dancing with men. Because every man who marks me - [custom-made tango clothes (Berlin and online)](https://tangoforge.com/stoffrausch/) - Finding wide-legged pants for men and a-line skirts for girls can be a real challenge. If you are in Berlin you can choose the fabric yourself for fabulous tango clothes at Stoffrausch. They also have an online shop. Thanks to Sebastian of Art13 for this tip. - [Elio Astor, NeoTango DJ](https://tangoforge.com/elio-astor-neotango-dj/) - "I identify myself as a neotango DJ. NeoTango invites Argentine Tango to become contemporary by applying its biomechanics of connection and improvisation to the experiences and emotions of the world heritage of music. At the entrance of my neolonga is the statement by Gustav Mahler 'Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire'... " - [Is it a conversation?](https://tangoforge.com/conversation/) - I believe that the concept of "conversation" is being misapplied by dancers. A good conversation does not involve constantly interrupting, changing the subject, and re-interpreting your partner. Anyway, I don't think this is a helpful metaphor. In conversations, we start and yield, we falter and wait, we stop to think, we watch for cues, and we are usually sitting safely in a chair. There's a lot more at stake in tango. We risk our bodies, we have less time, and often our eyes are closed. - [Andreas Rochholl announces the 2016 Berlin Hauptbahnhof Contemporary Tango Festival](https://tangoforge.com/hauptbahnhof-2016/) - Andreas has organized a Contemporary Tango Night as part of his festival “Ankunft: Neue Musik” with contemporary music and performace in the Hauptbahnhof, Berlin's central train station, for the last 7 years, in collaboration with the Deutsche Bahn, Germany's train company. For 2016 this festival has a new structure and is completely dedicated to Contemporary - [Dancing in the Berlin Hauptbahnhof](https://tangoforge.com/dancing-in-the-berlin-hauptbahnhof/) - Last Wednesday 19 August I danced in the Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Europe's biggest and most central train crossing station. It's the highest security milonga I've ever been to. 500M from the German chancellor's office, this building is in constant readiness for terror attack. It's on the site of the former wall. The director of the annual - [Vio y Roberto Tanz im Lassan](https://tangoforge.com/lassan/) - SAMSTAG, 26. September 2015 im Schloss Bauer 19.30 Uhr Konzert mit BelTango aus Greifswald A. Fischer (Klarinette) H. Silvennoien (Cello), Karen Salewski (Akkordeon) Die deutsch-finnische Band spielt rein instrumentalen Tango. Ab 18.30 Praktische Einführung in den Tango mit dem Tanzpaar Roberto & Violeta aus Berlin/Greifswald Sie zeigen einen Showtanz und legen Tango-Musik zum Tanzen auf. - [Toolbox 1 Loft Berlin Oktober 2015](https://tangoforge.com/toolboxberlin041015/) - [Wellington 2015](https://tangoforge.com/wellington2015/) - Thursday 3.Dec 19:30-20:30 What is the the TangoForge Biomechanical Toolbox? 20:30-21:30 Welcome Practica. Evening is free for everyone taking weekend workshops. Otherwise $10. Saturday 5.Dec 1200-1500: Biomechanical Toolbox 1* 1600-1900: Improvisation Workshop: “Intense connection outside of the standard embrace: a system for soltadas" Sunday 6.Dec 1200-1500: Biomechanical Toolbox 2* 1600-1900: Improvisation Workshop: “The power of - [El Encuentro](https://tangoforge.com/elencuentro/) - The partners begin dancing autonomously, connecting their bodies to the music first, and then look for one another. They approach one another and begin to interact, still dancing autonomously. At some point, they connect. It might be useful to define the tango connection: It is a very particular power relation in which the Mark has creative power and the Revel has the power to manifest his spark. - [TangoForge Amsterdam](https://tangoforge.com/amsterdam/) - TangoForge is about: • anatomically accurate biomechanical tools for sublime connection, clear communication, and dynamic range • systems for improvisation • open-minded tango: we encourage role exploration, applying Argentine Tango to the world heritage of music, and dancing the entire tango lexicon We'll be in Amsterdam from 10-14 March. Friday 11.March 20:00... One hour class about the biomechanics - [The hostile period](https://tangoforge.com/hostile/) - If this were a serious project, I would be able to say "You need to move your arm so I can do my job here. Thank you. Ok let's go rock the house." - ["A Bold Journey to Self-Creation": TangoForge at the Contemporary Tango Festival 2016](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforge-ctf-2016/) - Eine Reise zur Selbstverwirklichung – unten auf Deutsch We were thrilled to be part of the Contemporary Tango Festival in the Berlin Hauptbahnhof, 23-28 August, 2016. The Contemporary Tango Festival offers free milongas every night with live music and performances in the phenomenal space of the Central Train Station of Europe. (Please see the facebook page for - [Debrief: 2016 Seminar + Contemporary Tango Festival](https://tangoforge.com/debrief2016/) - [Notes: Seminar Encuentro Compañeros 2016](https://tangoforge.com/notes-seminar-2016/) - [Extreme Tango at the Berlin KitKat](https://tangoforge.com/kitkat/) - Vio y Roberto KitKat Club Berlin Intimacy Milonga, organizers Sven Elze & Pedram Shahyar 7.September 2016 DJ Mona Isabelle - [Why I love Eugenia Parrilla](https://tangoforge.com/eugenia-parrilla/) - She seems to be using tango to express herself, rather than reaching hungrily for ancient gender detritus. She seems to be using her whole body to the limits of her own possibility, rather than within a codified range of movement. - [Embracing Nuevo?](https://tangoforge.com/embracing-nuevo/) - Most tango teachers don't want this label, not only because it's unpopular and bad for business, but because most of us did learn traditionally, and came to appreciate and love the music, the embrace, and the humor and charm of traditional tango...But those who unwittingly insult me with their compliments are also not wrong. - [Best of TangoForge 2016: Two Saturdays in December](https://tangoforge.com/december2016/) - On December 3. and 10., we'll be teaching the "Best of TangoForge 2016" workshops, including this one, and for the first time we'll make the workshops available on video. You can register below to be with us live, or for access to the video. 3. Dec 2016 in Tangoloft 14:00-15:00 Biomechanik: The Arch of Connection - [Eugenia's Crystal](https://tangoforge.com/eugenias-crystal/) - I have always admired Eugenia Parrilla for the freedom, self-expression, and delight in her dance. She is revered as a revel, but she doesn't have this passive/obedient demeanor. It was a great honor to learn from her in October, 2016. I realized that she was doing something with her head, which is different than other - [Seminar Encuentro Compañeros TangoForge 2017](https://tangoforge.com/seminar2017/) - The Seminar Compañeros TangoForge included dancers from 8 countries. By the end of the week 5 women marked for the first time in milongas. The final day of the seminar, we reviewed the material for the week and learned to coach one another, so that everyone can go home and build practice groups. Everyone - [2018 Seminar Encuentro Compañeros](https://tangoforge.com/seminar2018/) - III Seminar Encuentro Compañeros TangoForge, August 2018, Berlin. 27 students from 12 countries, 10 musicians, 3 beautiful rooms, 6 workshops, and pure Argentine Tango dancing with contemporary gender perspectives on diverse music. - [Mano y Vio 2017](https://tangoforge.com/viomano2017/) - Mano returned to Berlin for our 5th tanda on 9/10.September 2017. Our challenge could be no better described than by Elizabeth Gilbert in her exploration of how to write the book after the bestseller. Gilbert draws on art history for succor. The Greeks and Romans gave half the credit (and blame) to ghostlike muses of - [Colgada for Jürgen and Rena](https://tangoforge.com/colgadajurgenrena/) - [Offline viewing of TangoForge.com](https://tangoforge.com/offline/) - We are happy to learn that technology is available to enable dancers to read and study TangoForge when offline. This technology works on Apple mac desktop computers and iOS mobile devices and it allows you to cache (save) any website you'd like to view offline, not just TangoForge. The cache will include all text, images, and embedded - [We Open a School ! ... Studio Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/open-school-studio-berlin/) - I've always known how I would run a school, very inspired by my beloved DNI in Buenos Aires. A school with a consistent pedagogy. A school in which every student would have private lessons. Every student would take supplementary bodywork. And, most important, it will be full of love and a sense of community, a - [Best of TangoForge 2016 Notes: 3.December](https://tangoforge.com/bestoftangoforge2016notes/) - [Best of TangoForge 2016 Notes: 10.December](https://tangoforge.com/bestoftangoforge2016notes1012/) - [Poema Handmade Clothing](https://tangoforge.com/poema-handmade-clothing/) - Mmmm ... I just discovered some very pretty tango clothing. Hannah Poston has well done exactly my plan for UltraVioleta ... Make a series of perfect cuts, but then assemble each garment from unique fabric, so no two people have exactly the same one: "Your dance is unique. your clothing should be too." And the - [Real Improvisation](https://tangoforge.com/real-tango-improvisation/) - No matter how much you think you hate Nuevo Tango, you are the recipient of its gift to the world: the possibility to understand Argentine Tango by its most fundamental elements, Everything we love about traditional tango is better if you dance from the elements: better experience of connection with more intense concentration, more perfect embrace, richer musicality, and a safer ronda. - [TangoForge i Sverige 1: Notes](https://tangoforge.com/sverige1notes/) - 5 Biomechanical Tools arch of connection projection transfer of weight power/co-contraction change of embrace The Biomechanics Solo workout video (sent to you before the workshop): Fierce Balance. Biomechanics 1: Projection The Anatomy Tour base leg, free leg joints: wrist, elbow, shoulder, hips, knee, ankle internal/external rotation base leg ALWAYS in external rotation free leg - [Quality Control](https://tangoforge.com/quality-control/) - In the last days the Berlin Tango Scene has witnessed an interesting and overdue conflagration. Some Argentine tango blogger found a video of one of Berlin's longtime teaching teams and publicized her outrage over the quality of their dancing. At first this post gathered some approval within the Berlin community. Then compassionate influencers quashed the self-righteousness of - [The back room](https://tangoforge.com/the-back-room/) - At the moment, my favorite place to dance is Milonga Popular's "Candle Floor". The second room is overseen by DJ Gökhan Aksakalli, who plays almost entirely music that I want to dance to. It's dark. The dancing here is languid and sensual. Pairs of all (and often mixed) levels explore Organizer Sven Elze's first commandment: - [Carlos Libedinsky's Tango](https://tangoforge.com/carloslibedinsky/) - "I started to play and compose because I felt the traditional tango could coexist with the sound of our times. I was interested in Tom Waits, Massive Attack, Air. A group of friends encouraged me...it was not only me who wanted new music." - [Ignacio Santos, Orquesta Tipica Ciudad Baigón](https://tangoforge.com/ignacio-santos-orquesta-tipica-ciudad-baigon/) - "In Europe, the people have more open minds for listening and dancing. In Buenos Aires, there are only 3 or 4 milongas in which you can play new tango music and the people will dance. I feel that bit by bit, every year the dancers open more." - [Hugs and Laughter](https://tangoforge.com/hugs-and-laughter/) - This is a complicated point. Please read it very very carefully. I am interested in how we manage people and our own emotions. I call these our control systems. I am also interested in the the way that traditional tango etiquette protects our egos. (I do believe that all dancers' egos need to be protected. - [Walking yoga](https://tangoforge.com/walking-yoga/) - Yoga enables us to feel fulfilled in solitude. Tango enables us to make a silent connection with almost anyone. Both depend on intense physical rigour and body-experience and both offer us serenity, but yoga can be lonely, and tango can be needy. Combining these two silent practices enriches both. - [Ignorantia juris non excusat](https://tangoforge.com/ignorantia/) - Repetitive marks disrespect the genre and our community. We need to respect our inheritance by keeping it alive. And we need to grow our community by challenging our partners to concentrate and to increase their knowledge and skills. - [What not to say on Swedish television](https://tangoforge.com/talkingpoints/) - I've had media training. I knew to write my talking points (on the train). Staying on your Talking Points Then, I broke the most important rule. Don't say anything other than your talking points –even if it means ignoring the question and repeating yourself– because if you do, that's what they'll use. And that's exactly - [The Lexicon and the art of Distillation](https://tangoforge.com/distillery/) - Through years of study and practice I have developed the TangoForge technique. Like many teachers, I offer students "systems" for learning. Since many teachers have developed some kind of personal system for teaching tango, students are rightfully confused. It is possible to create many different systems for describing the same thing. Each of these systems - [What is the Evil Sequence?](https://tangoforge.com/what-is-the-evil-sequence/) - I first observed and wrote about the Evil Sequence in 2016. Now I hope to shine some sunshine on it, and hope we can grow some more beautiful things with new awareness. - [Organizing a Milonga](https://tangoforge.com/organizing-a-milonga/) - It's necessary to give up some of the space on the dance floor in order to provide a seating area that is *inside the party* where people can feel part of it when they're not dancing, where they can watch the dancing, and from where they can cabeceo.The seating areas must have pretty lighting so that people feel attractive and dignified there. - [The Old World](https://tangoforge.com/the-old-world/) - I went to Italy to eat tortelli, not to dance. I am immediately disoriented. Everything looks, and smells, like Buenos Aires. The hallway of the apartment, a delicate mustiness. The smell of marble. I arrive in the dark in a foreign land, Modena. There is a milonga nearby. I feel an old, now-unfamiliar, excitement. I - [Be an angel, not a fairy](https://tangoforge.com/angelnotfairy/) - Most women are paranoid of being "heavy" as dancers. They try to be "light". The result is actually that they disconnect, they break the arch of connection. To stay in the experience of sublime connection we have to adjust everything all the time. When the mark produces more force to create a certain movement or - [Bad Surfaces, Real Music, Action Heros](https://tangoforge.com/bad-surfaces-real-music/) - Committed now to Altertango (getting our tangos out of milongas and into popular culture), I developed three short workshops designed to make our tango more worldly. - [Searching for the Italian in Argentine Tango: second entry](https://tangoforge.com/iitangoitalia/) - The "something", I believe, is the fire of urgency. And this is what is missing in Europe, and it is what makes Americans relatively good tangueros. It is the desperation which drives you to invade a stranger with your personality and with the utter confidence that you are SEXY. - [New Year's 2019: Fuel for your Fire](https://tangoforge.com/newyears2019/) - I never know what to do on New Years Eve. I’m skeptical about the value proposition of expensive parties. I skirt the silent sharp dagger of another year's lack of a midnight kiss. When I do go out, I worry that I didn’t choose the right party, that I haven’t placed myself in the most - [The Hard Sell](https://tangoforge.com/the-hard-sell/) - Unfortunately tango's backward gender politics did not turn out to be its only anti-social gesture. As a student and then a professional, I learned that tango is a profoundly anti-ethical industry. - [Geeks make good dancers](https://tangoforge.com/geeks-make-good-dancers/) - Geeks tend to believe that they can’t dance. They’re dead wrong. The geeks I’ve trained have big advantages and learn tango much faster than other students. - [Where do people go to dance tango? (milongas and practicas)](https://tangoforge.com/the-milonga/) - Social dances are called “milongas”. It’s like a party or dance night. Usually it is at the same place every week (some are once a month). Every city has a website announcing the milongas. Usually there is a fee at the door (around $10) for 4 or 5 hours of dancing. "Practicas" are also social events, but they are supposed to be for practice. Unfortunately many people treat practicas as - [Bankers](https://tangoforge.com/bankers/) - These days, slick dancers prove their purported "talent" by dancing a choreography which insults their ardent students who are trying to do a "social"/improvised dance. Then they offer, perhaps in innocence, a fraudulent service, and then blame the students or tell them "it takes 10 years to learn to dance" or "you can't really dance tango unless you understand the Lunfardo lyrics of the music." It only takes 10 years when your teacher is incompetent. - [die Kraft der Begierde](https://tangoforge.com/kraft-der-begierde/) - Richte einfach nur Deine Aufmerksamkeit auf ihn, wenn Du die Chance dazu hast. Halte den Augenkontakt lange, sobald es sich ergibt. Doch behalte in Erinnerung, dass Du nicht notwendigerweise Augenkontakt brauchst, um Dein Begehren zu offenbaren. Sie können es auch rücklings fühlen. - [die Rückwärts Cabeceo](https://tangoforge.com/die-ruckwarts-cabeceo/) - There's a phenomenon I've been noticing lately. I think it's the reverse cabeceo. It's when a revel does the man's cabeceo to a mark. She walks directly up to him, establishes eye contact, and gives him a nod. Um. There's more to the cabeceo than the repudiation of sound. Perhaps more fundamentally, it's a repudiation - [Umbenennung der Rollen](https://tangoforge.com/umbenennung-rollen/) - Ich stellte mir vor, dass der Führende Künstler ist, der in der Dunkelheit zeichnet. Seine Bewegungen sind zu klein, um gesehen zu werden. Allein die Folgende kann seine Kreativität sichtbar werden lassen. Die Folgende lässt Licht ins Dunkel. Er zeichnet einen Plan, eine Vision. Sie bringt das Leben hinein. - [Die Umarmung, die Tausende von Herzen bricht](https://tangoforge.com/verfuehrung/) - Folgender Text wurde gepostet im Februar 2016 in der Facebook-Diskussionsgruppe der Milonga Popular/Tango Kollektiv als Teil einer Unterhaltung über Verführung in dieser Milonga. Die Umarmung, die Tausende von Herzen bricht Tango, dessen Intention Verführung ist, hat ganz offensichtlich und weltweit den führenden Männern zu Befriedigung und Ego-aufbauenden Erfahrungen verholfen, den folgenden Frauen jedoch intensivste Erfahrungen - [Warum benehmen sich junge Leute wie die Viktorianer?](https://tangoforge.com/neue-victorians/) - Als die Rolle der Frau virtuoser wurde, wurde es für die Männer wichtig, sich eine kompetente Partnerin zu sichern. Die Auswahl an Tanzpartnerinnen war beschränkt, es konnte zu Engpässen kommen, und so mussten sie sich um die Beziehungen zu den Frauen bemühen, die auf der gleichen artistischen Stufe standen, wie sie selbst. Vielleicht war es einfach besser, einen Tanz zu tanzen, der weniger vom Können der Frau abhing? - [Europe 2014 Itinerary](https://tangoforge.com/europe-2014-itinerary/) - Updated: 9-16 July Berlin ... 16-20 July Dresden ... 21July-13August Berlin ... 13-21 August Zurich ... 21-27 August Istanbul - [November 10 Technique Intensive Notes](https://tangoforge.com/workshop-2013-11-10/) - [Linear moves, tiny and grand](https://tangoforge.com/lineal/) - [Winter 2014 Practice Curriculum](https://tangoforge.com/winter-2014-practice-curriculum/) - This will be the curriculum followed at Jewel Lab under the supervision of Assistant TangoSmith Nick during my trip to Europe. (Read about every dance and pastry.) If you still need to register for the Winter 2014 Practice, to get your KnowledgeBase Pass, click here. No partner is required for Jewel Lab Tuesdays 7:15- at - [What's "social tango"?](https://tangoforge.com/a-social-dance/) - Argentine Tango is not about flying legs and melodramatic performances of emotion. It is a social dance that anyone of any age can do, to any music or no music, to create an extraordinary level of connection with another person. It does not require previous dance experience or rhythm. (In fact one tango musician claims that tango dancers are often “atemporal”) - [Slippage and fracture in transmission](https://tangoforge.com/slippage-and-fracture-in-transmission/) - On a talk by contemporary dancer Sara Wookey entitled "Dance is hard to see," regarding Yvonne Rainer's 'Trio A'. Presented by Performance Space.  Trio A (1966) is a historically important, "paradigm shifting" dance. It was one of the first expressions of minimalism in dance, influenced by Rainer's involvement with a multidisciplinary arts community in NYC - [Anatomical technique](https://tangoforge.com/anatomical-technique/) - Metaphors and indescribable sensations mystify tango technique. Anatomically-precise instruction enables students can develop the needed body awareness and control with the assistance of any exercise professional. - [TangoForge London](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforgelondon/) - Ready to deepen your connection and maximize your creativity? In TangoForge workshops you'll get a compact biomechanical toolbox you can use to fix your own technique and a systematic understanding of the possibilities for improvisation. - [Packing for Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/packing-for-buenos-aires/) - You will need to feel great. Bring whatever makes you feel Sexy Sexy Sexy (daytime stuff too). Do not pack anything that you feel so-so in. You won't even want to go to the grocery store in it. - [How can tango clothing be too sexual?](https://tangoforge.com/how-can-tango-clothing-be-too-sexual/) - Tango is a chance to be sexy and show off. People should wear whatever they want. One of the great things about tango is that "No one will ever say 'You're too old to be wearing that'." It's clearly untenable to get prudish about the dance which is already perceived to be pure sex. - [About Comme Il Faut tango shoes](https://tangoforge.com/why-i-hate-comme-il-faut-tango-shoes/) - The most expensive tango shoe company is actually cutting costs by building shoes like legos. They have several fronts, several backs, and several heels, and they just mix and match and change the colors. That is not design and it’s not style. Punto. - [About Tango Music](https://tangoforge.com/about-tango-music/) - Argentine Tango is a rich genre of music, which has already been interpreted around the world by musicians for decades. It is a fascinating and worthy subject of study and I've listed below some wonderful resources for learning. If you know of more, I'd be so happy to include them, just send the info using - [Making tango your own](https://tangoforge.com/making-tango-your-own/) - You are investing time, power, and heart into this dance. It may sound obvious, but it's crucial to remind yourself that you're doing all this for your own pleasure. Tango is a space of self-expression, elation, and emotional intensity that are very personal. It's also an authoritarian, righteous, rules-centered, judgmental world. Perhaps too easily, we - [Couples and tango partners](https://tangoforge.com/couples-and-tango-partners/) - Somehow, in tango we are especially vulnerable to criticism. Perhaps it is because dancing tango means working at about 125% of not only our physical capacities, but our intellectual, emotional, and even spiritual ones as well. In what other moment of our life is so much of ourselves on the line? - [Getting custom shoes made in Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/getting-custom-shoes-made-in-argentina/) - EVERY shoe store (except 2x4) will tell you that they do "custom" shoes: "Anything you want!". We learned that what this means is that they will change the colors and materials of the models they make. It has NOTHING to do with the fit. If you have a VERY unusual foot, what you actually need - [Medical report: Tango alleviates symptoms of depression](https://tangoforge.com/tango-and-health/) - In the last few years, health and medicine journalists have seized on the idea that dancing is good for you, not only physically, but emotionally. The Sydney Morning Herald published a short report on recent Australian research regarding tango and depression. Researchers compared tango with cross training and meditation, practices already thought to be good - [Chacarera!](https://tangoforge.com/chacarera/) - It's nice to have a break from tango and do the Chacarera. It's often played at milongas. Don't be intimidated, this dance is NOT about being perfect. It's about being happy and flirty. How to participate The chacarera is about flirting. The most important part of the dance is your eyes. The purpose is to - [Tango as relationship therapy (The Atlantic)](https://tangoforge.com/atlantic-article-on-tango-as-relationship-therapy/) - I, You, and 'the Embrace': Tango as Relationship Therapy By Amelia Rachel Hokule’a Borofsky The Atlantic, Oct 23 2012 Taking a test on healthcare provider burnout, I met every criterion. It lists the familiar recommendations that no one has time for: "self-care," "exercise," "sleep," "eat." The same ones I make to my patients. At home, between my - [Where to dance in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City](https://tangoforge.com/san-francisco-los-angeles-new-york-city/) - I'm often asked to recommend milongas in the US. I haven't been home in a few years, but I can tell you what I liked when I was last there. First of all, you'll need the calendars for each city. San Francisco's MangoTango Calendar is especially user-friendly with listings for the entire Bay Area, searchable - [Wellington NZ Bodywork](https://tangoforge.com/wellington-nz-bodywork/) - Brendan Roach BodyLab "We Cure Pain". - [Pilates Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/pilates-buenos-aires/) - Mil grullas, Barrio Norte, beautiful studio in old building in tranquil neighborhood: Gascón 1454 at El Salvador T. 4867 2491. Equilibrio Vitalidad Armonia PIlates, Villa Crespo. untranquil street, cramped floorspace, but airy and natural lit studio, high in an apartment building (unmarked buzzer) 10th Floor Unit C. Eva is a vigilant instructor and appears to - [Tango in Berlin 2014](https://tangoforge.com/berlin-tango-scene/) - Berlin is purported to be the #2 city in the world for Argentine Tango. No one knows what this means - number of dancers, level... It doesn't matter, it's well worth the trip. This post began as a summary of my experiences in July and August, 2014, so it still has the flavor of a - [Improvisation Self-Test & WorkBook](https://tangoforge.com/improvisation-self-test-workbook/) - Stop memorizing sequences*and start improvising from the elements of Tango*or being annoyed with yourself for not being able to remember them.Take our Lexicon Self-Test,then use our Impro Workbookto structure your development. - [Experience the "real" tango...](https://tangoforge.com/experiencing-the-real-tango/) - But Argentines say that the music itself brings emotions into you, and this is why they emphasize that to understand tango you must learn the language, even the old Lunfardo words and phrases. You must feel the pathos of the songs in order to fully experience the emotion of tango. - [Vio Music](https://tangoforge.com/vio-music/) - I made a play for the word 'powerful'. Because to me what traditional tango music lacks is power, and that's what I get and like about the music I like to dance on (which is not all alternative music). Powerful music for me has deep sounds and it has emotions. - [Gender, desire, and drag](https://tangoforge.com/queertango-gender-performance-desire-essence/) - This research note examines the unique possibilities that tango may create as it becomes queered, and identifies ways in which the extreme gender environment of traditional tango is already queer. I distinguish three layers of gender experience in tango: drag, object desire, and inhabitation of essence. - [Slideshow from 2009 Celebration of Women Leaders](https://tangoforge.com/slideshow-from-2009-celebration-of-women-leaders/) - On 19 April 2009, Duro y Vio organized two beautiful events at Spontaneous Celebrations to mark their departure from Boston. One was Boston's first Queer Tango Milonga. The other was a Celebration of Women Leaders. Here's the gorgeous slideshow from that event. Celebration of Women Leaders from vio saraza on Vimeo. Please do not repost - [There's nothing wrong with Contentment](https://tangoforge.com/theres-nothing-wrong-with-contentment/) - Tango, like any art form, is rich enough to provide space for lots of different interpretations and personalities. And, like every art form, it's rife with debates and policing. "That's not a painting!" But Tango is also a "social dance", by which we mean a medium for socializing. And, according to doctors these days, a - [What is Confidence?](https://tangoforge.com/confidence/) - In my work with dancers it's become clear to me that what distinguishes rapid improvers from slow improvers is one thing, confidence. The confident ones have the intention to do the new thing right away. The unconfident ones have already decided they won't be able to do it before they try. I can feel this - [What's in a style?](https://tangoforge.com/are-there-different-styles-of-argentine-tango/) - People talk A LOT about different styles of Argentine Tango. They talk about what looks good, what's "authentic", which moves shouldn't be done while dancing socially... I've written before that I think style is something you create on an individual level, from your choice in shoes to the sassy way you tilt your head when - [88 keys...](https://tangoforge.com/88-keys-argentine-tango-variations/) - I made a rough estimate of the number of discrete tango moves. There are 25 movements in the tango lexicon, each with various numbers of variations (there are 48 sacadas, and far more ganchos). Different dynamics of motion would correspond to the chords. - [Is tango art? Entry I](https://tangoforge.com/is-tango-art/) - Part 1: 29 October, 2012 This is a question I've asked myself repeatedly. I think mostly my view has been that it's not, but that it could be. Note that I have no training in dance as a fine art, and I don't know the relevant concepts and terminology, so my criteria are drawn from - [Leaders' versus Followers' musicality](https://tangoforge.com/leaders-versus-followers-musicality/) - This post is the beginning of an investigation which I hope to continue in further discussions and observation. I was never interested in DJing, but more and more it becomes part of my work, as I host practicas and milongas. I have collected a nice library of music. Some days I really can't stand any - [I don't think that's style...](https://tangoforge.com/i-dont-think-thats-style/) - Here we go again. My third post on style. The first one is here, it's meant to calm new people. The second one is here, it's a bit of a vent. I'm not being difficult. I really don't get it. People in Australia are constantly saying to me "Eventually I want to learn all the styles, but for - [Tango and Carbonara (or the Should and the Could)](https://tangoforge.com/should-and-could/) - In my view, authentic tango is one in which we find tango's soul through our own experience, and trust that we have something poignant to develop with our partners from our own context, rather than forsaking ourselves in imitation. - [One tango . ?](https://tangoforge.com/one-tango/) - I'm sure you've come across some delirious gushing descriptions of magical nights when dancers young and old shared a moonlit dancefloor, finding that across cultures, generations, and musicalities, "there is truly one tango". Some are wary of such claims, either because they cling righteously to some territory and don't want to be lumped with those - [Interview with Roberto Martinez](https://tangoforge.com/interview-roberto/) - I'm sitting with Roberto in the milonga. He knows every song, and each one triggers a story about the men in the orquestra. "This guy Alberto Castillo had 200 suits. And shoes to match each one. They called him El Electrico because he sings as if he put his finger in the power point. His - [Jewel Lab honors Graeme Dallow](https://tangoforge.com/jewel-lab-honors-graeme-dallow/) - Graeme Dallow was an acrobat in the Radiant Review, a competitive figure skater, police commissioner, ballroom dancer, and the first person in New Zealand to dance and teach Argentine Tango. - [Renaming the Roles](https://tangoforge.com/renaming-the-roles/) - A term sometimes used for the lead in BsAs is 'marcar', to mark. He is an artist, drawing in the dark. The role of the Revel is to bring his mark to life, to witness and celebrate his creativity, to give it back to him, a little more beautiful than he imagined. - [Music in which the rhythm doesn't make noise](https://tangoforge.com/music-rhythm-doesnt-make-noise/) - Last month we had the pleasure of dancing tango to the live jazz saxophone of Junio Karokaro. For some of us, the lack of a beat was challenging. One leader said "I can't use sequences, I have to lead one element at a time." Others promptly felt comfortable with it. We all agreed that this dancing was riveting. It took a lot of concentration and felt very satisfying. - [Interview with Thomas Rieser, Nou Tango school, Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/thomas-nou-berlin/) - Researching the schools in Berlin, I came across this interview with Thomas Rieser, founder of Nou Tango, Berlin. The interview just made me want to ask him more questions, and he kindly agreed. My first question was the obvious one from the other interview, which was to ask him more about the fact that he - [Interview with Henning Klose, TangoLoft Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/henning-tangoloft-berlin/) - My first experience of TangoLoft made me cry. I couldn't even dance that night. I was so moved that a milonga could be everything that I dream of... Elegant – with candles and flowers and antique furniture. Comfortable – with various seating options. Gourmet –with a kitchen. Free – without scowling onlookers. Happy –with laughter and smiles. Diverse –with all - [The Big Tango Lessons, Berlin 2014](https://tangoforge.com/big-lessons-berlin-2014/) - Several of the deep lessons here are things I had been saying, and even writing about, but they became more visceral and powerful during the trip. One of these is that I want a mark who trusts me. Another thing I've been expounding on is how good revelling can "set marks free". I've also written about the power of a woman's desire to attract the man she wants to dance with. By the end of this trip to Berlin I was getting my man every night. - [Growing up Tango in Berlin, interview with Max Power, Tanguito Potsdam](https://tangoforge.com/max-power/) - For me authenticity is really important, but it's authenticity for me, my logic, what I am doing. What I am teaching about tango makes sense. So that a student afterwards feels comfortable, feels logical, that they can use it, that they can understand it, practice it, get better. - [The gender journey](https://tangoforge.com/the-gender-journey/) - I want to try to find a story of tango as a liberatory gender journey. For men, from fear of their own strength to sexual prowess to the decision to choose. For women, from inadequate object, to perfect femininity, and out the other side, beyond seduction and competition to a deeper power. - [Martin y Maurizio: elevating revelations...](https://tangoforge.com/martin-maurizio-nou-2015/) - While most couples are stuck with a single gender performance, a gay role-changing couple can explore gender performance and its relationship to their dance with far more subtlety and interest. And it's not so crude as drag. Martin and Maurizio always dress as two elegant men and they wear men's shoes. It's in the physical expression, how they move, how they touch, how they look at each other, how they define and play with power. - [DJ Jens Stuller, Interview](https://tangoforge.com/dj-jens-stuller/) - My first big Milonga idea grew up in 2007, when I saw an announcement for a theater performance in an empty indoor swimming pool. I knew this former public pool from my youth, when I still was swimming there. I phoned the new owner Mrs. Berger and made an appointment to talk about the Milonga - [“I feel very blessed that I speak this language” interview with Mona Isabelle, Tangoloft Berlin](https://tangoforge.com/mona-isabelle/) - Mona Isabelle is, without a doubt, a diva of the Berlin tango scene. Any room she is in sparkles more because she is there. She is always elegant, always energetic, always delighted to be there. Her presence enlivens and illuminates the evening. She has been described as an "Artist of Welcome". She ended her interview - [The significance of Berlin to Tango: Interview with DJ Michael Rühl, Roter Salon](https://tangoforge.com/michael-ruhl/) - Berlin is the first city of the world where you had tango community who danced Argentine Tango. In Japan in 40s and 50s you had many people who heard tango music. But dancers in a community, you had in Uruguay and Buenos Aires, but not in Europe. Berlin is the first point of the world to - [“The Borders are why you Stay” interview with Brigitta Winkler, PHYNIXtanzt and TangoMujer](https://tangoforge.com/brigitta-winkler/) - The initial spark was the Horizonte Festival in the Künstlerhaus in Mariannenstraße in Kreuzberg in 1982. They had Latin American cultures and they invited an Argentine group who used to live in Paris, Alejandra Sedano and Coco Orlando Días, together with a live band. That was the first time that I saw tango. Jaun Dietrich - [“The interesting questions” interview with Judith Preuss, Mala Junta](https://tangoforge.com/judith-preuss/) - I'm not the first generation of tango dancers in Berlin. I have knowledge for 20 years. I entered the scene in 1991. From the beginning in Berlin women couples existed, Brigitte and Angelika. When my first dance partner quit, I started leading, leading, leading. Irma, my teacher said “ok, I don't have men for you, - [Prayer for Virtuosity](https://tangoforge.com/prayer-for-virtuosity/) - Tonight I have 80 square cm of paper with me, and it's more precious to me than any man here. I am trying to figure out what to I'm seeing, staring at it, praying my desire will be kindled, but I cannot want any of these dancers. - [Expectations](https://tangoforge.com/expectations/) - So I learn that my worst fears are true ... The whole evening is structured around the proclivities of untrained girls. And the men who want to dance with them. - [1-3.December Workshop & Dancing with Abisko Lights](https://tangoforge.com/december2017/) - [GDC_row] [GDC_column size="third"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="third"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="third"] Listen to more on Soundcloud, or visit Abisko Lights Website.[/GDC_column] [/GDC_row] Please join the TangoForge Berlin community for the weekend of 2. December to learn, practice, and dance to Abisko Lights. It will be the first time that tango dancers dance on Abisko Lights' music and the - [How tango enhances masculinity](https://tangoforge.com/tango-and-masculinity/) - Tango has allowed me to be very close to hundreds of men. To feel their mojo working, or not. It’s much more pleasurable to dance with a man whose mojo is working, so I’ve tried to figure out what it is that works, so I can teach my students. Here’s the shortest possible version: Tenderness - [Oct-Nov 2013 Workshop Intensive](/agenda/) - Three Sundays 27 October 3 November 10 November at the beautiful Jewel Lab space at Colombian Hotel 2-3:30 pm class, 3:30-5pm supervised practica These workshops will be focused on consolidating three basic tools that distinguish the most sublime leaders and the most connected followers. Finding the Arch of Connection Leading the Psoas - [TangoForge im Tangoloft](https://tangoforge.com/loft2016/) - Workshops Workshop: Donnerstags, 19:00-21:30 Uhr im Tangoloft, 23 Gerichtstraße, Wedding Details und Anmeldung. 3. Nov-17.Nov + Practica 24.Nov 19:00-20:30 19:00-20:00 BIOMECHANIK – Körperkonzepte, die Geschmeidigkeit hervorbringen 20:00-21:30 IMPROVISATION – Spielkonzepte, die dein Selbst ausdrücken Samstags 3.Dec & 10.Dec "Best of TangoForge 2016" bitte klik hier. Über unsere Kurse: Wir unterrichten in deutscher und englischer Sprache. Durch - [Vio Sydney Sundays November 2015](https://tangoforge.com/november2015/) - Vio will teach three Sundays in November. Each day will include two workshops. One on improvisation for dancing to powerful music, excerpts from a series developed for Tangoloft-Berlin. The second workshop will cover parts of the Biomechanical Toolbox. Choose a number of workshops in the registration form. - [The Anatomy Tour](https://tangoforge.com/theanatomytour/) - Dates Confirmed!: Berlin 9-11 January, Boston 6-17 March - [Community Supported JewelLab](https://tangoforge.com/refractjewellab/) - Jewels are about reflection and refraction... This is an update on the plans for JewelLab during my time in Berlin. Please read it carefully as YOU are involved! The original plan was that Belen would take responsibility for JewelLab, teaching classes and running the milonga in my absence. Our two month experiment in collaboration was - [DJ Elio Astor aus Rom: Berlin-Debüt](https://tangoforge.com/elioberlin/) - Mona Isabelle, Tangoloft Berlin, und TangoForge begrüßen Neotango-DJ Elio Astor aus Rom in Berlin. Freitag, 30. Oktober Elio gibt im Tangoloft einen DJ-Workshop von 14:00 – 17:00. Anmeldung unten. Die Themen: Wie neue Musik finden Musik für einen Abend zusammenstellen Technik: mit ‚Traktor Pro DJ Software‘ ein live DJ-Set erstellen Und ab 21:00 Uhr werden - [Neo Tango Rave 2017](https://tangoforge.com/neotangorave2017/) - Crew TangoForge is thrilled to have the chance to dance, rave, and revel at the 2017 Neo Tango Rave, 11-13 August, Bremen and honored to be teaching our "Beyond Control" Workshop there. Unfortunately it's booked full full full already. If you want to take the Beyond Control Workshop, it's online... - [Berlin Guide to Milongas & Food 2018](https://tangoforge.com/berlinmilongaguide/) - Below the Milonga guide is a guide to my other passion, food... And below that a short guide to museums and shopping. Milongas Do be sure to bring your miniskirt if you have great legs as that's the main criterion men use for deciding who to dance with. You might also want to read my - [The Healer - Jaina](https://tangoforge.com/hirai-healing-massage/) - Massage Therapist - [Mano – Germain](https://tangoforge.com/mano-germain/) - Artist - [The Phoenix – Jessica](https://tangoforge.com/the-phoenix-jessica/) - Artist, Sverige Organizer - [Gosto – Gökhan](https://tangoforge.com/gosto-gokhan/) - Artist, DJ - [Introduction to TangoForge](https://tangoforge.com/introduction-to-tangoforge/) - [Mutti Love dresses for grownups](https://tangoforge.com/muttilove/) - Wandering København, I stopped to compliment a most elegant woman on the combination of her shoes and skirt. This turned out to be Karen Buus-Hansen, wearing her own skirt, enjoying the sun outside her shop. I complemented her on the scale of the print on the skirt, saying that it reminded me of my preference - [San Francisco Bay Area](https://tangoforge.com/sanfrancisco/) - San Francisco is my birthplace, but I started dancing in Los Angeles, so I'm not part of the San Francisco community. A few quick points: Milongas end very early and are often empty 30 minutes before the stated closing time. Since this means they are quite short, people go on time at the start. If - [Halland, Sverige](https://tangoforge.com/sverigeiii/) - Intensive Weekend Workshop16-18.March Halland, Sweden - [Biomechanics: A world of expression inside of every step](https://tangoforge.com/biotransfer/) - [Giros](https://tangoforge.com/impro3giros/) - [Practica 7.October 2017](https://tangoforge.com/practica7october2017/) - Vio, Roberto, and Crew TangoForge invite you to a Real Practica. It means it's a place to practice Argentine Tango and to meet new Compañeros. On the walls, we will post technique reminders and notes from recent classes and help you with problems. On our lane trainer,, we will do some improvisation drills designed to - [TangoForge Sverige](https://tangoforge.com/sverige/) - TangoForge will spend a weekend with Deer 2 Tango in Genarp. Two days of workshops, a milonga, and Lustprincipen Practica. Registration includes sleeping place, food, and private lessons for every student! - [Basel](https://tangoforge.com/basel/) - TangoForge is a community of dancers committed to sublime technique and maximum artistry. This weekend we will focus on the embrace, its anatomy, how change of embrace is part of the mark for every movement, and how Tango connects us in every possible embrace. - [Are you an engineer?](https://tangoforge.com/engineers/) - If you're a computer programmer, an IT guy, or any kind of engineer, it's likely you will excel at tango. ... even if you have never been any good at any other kind of dance. ....even if your friends have laughed at you and said "you have no rhythm" ....even if you went to salsa - [Johnston & Bell](https://tangoforge.com/johnston-bell/) - Johnston & Bell dresses are always pretty and make you feel fabulous. - [Marcue](https://tangoforge.com/marcue-shoes/) - Marcue Shoes, gorgeous brogues for leaders who wear pants and skirts. Handmade in Sydney Australia and shipped worldwide. Custom fitting available. - [St. Looi Blues](https://tangoforge.com/st-looi-blues/) - St. Looi Blues handmade shoes for leaders who wear pants. - [DNI tango shoes](https://tangoforge.com/dni-shoes/) - DNI shoes are comfortable and made with great colors and materials. Standard sizes only, no customization. Several models of trainers plus women's heels and men's dress shoes. - [David Smith](https://tangoforge.com/david-smith-shirts-from-daily-male/) - David Smith shirts. Festive but refined. Only 42 of each made... Available at Daily Male, Sydney. - [Coco Devine](https://tangoforge.com/coco-devine-jewelery/) - Coco Devine jewelery is just right for tango, sexy and soft. Fun and not precious. Expressive. - [Spanx girlshorts](https://tangoforge.com/spanx-girlshorts/) - Spanx panties have no seams, just smooth lines and confident coverage. Get a set in black and nude to manage every outfit! I use the "Hide and Sleek" family of products, especially the smallest girlshorts and the mid-thigh, but the capri looks great for people who like coverage to the knee, and the high-waist if - [Sansha : Attractive dance sneakers](https://tangoforge.com/sansha/) - To access the full line of Sansha order from Eurostore. - [A beautiful flat shoe for revelling](https://tangoforge.com/a-beautiful-flat-shoe-for-following/) - If you LOVE high heels, please wear them and enjoy! But if you don't love them, please feel free wear flats. Whatever you do, don't wear a heeled shoe under 6cm. Regardless of pretty leathers, these are NOT sexy. If you're not comfortable in high heels or they make your feet hurt, then find your - [Finally ... an Exercise Center](https://tangoforge.com/launch-exercise-center/) - People have been asking me to build an Exercise facility for years. And I've been working on it for years. I started shooting video in Ali's Pilates Studio in New Zealand in 2011! I developed 8 exercises for our Biomechanics classes, which we taught every day during Seminar Compañeros TangoForge 2016, and which has now - [DJCJ](https://tangoforge.com/djcj/) - Stage Manager, High-Tech, DJ - [eis](https://tangoforge.com/eis/) - What this photo tells you is that I live across the street from the ice cream shop, so I just take my bowl in my pocket. - [And then there's Neukölln](https://tangoforge.com/and-then-theres-neukolln/) - I think today I arrived to the Berlin way. I had a 3 hour lunch with Astrid, sitting on the edge of the sidewalk. She insisted on dropping me off at her favourite hamburger place, where I had the sweet potato chips. Then I walked to the community garden at the old airfield. Which was - [Too early](https://tangoforge.com/too-early/) - It seems inevitable that when I arrive too early to a Milonga, I end up wondering what the hell I am doing with my life. But the Argentine bartender agreed that the wine was too expensive and gave me a discount. And the one guy I picked out to dance with turned out to be - [lateral and vertical shoulder flexion](https://tangoforge.com/shoulderflexions/) - First we show LATERAL shoulder flexion (Roberto faces the camera) then we show VERTICAL shoulder flexion (side view) - [Getting started](https://tangoforge.com/should-i-take-group-classes-or-private-lessons/) - Don't waste a minute! Soon you'll have a rich social life, and a place to wear fancy-dress whenever you feel like it. Dig through your closet and find some shoes that don't grip the floor, because that's all you need. You do not need a partner to start learning tango. - [The party’s not over until the last gancho…](https://tangoforge.com/the-partys-not-over-until-the-last-gancho/) - Vio y Roberto Rome 30.Jan 2016 workshop demo - [Vio y Roberto y Elio, Tango Bar, Rome](https://tangoforge.com/show_tangobar/) - Vio y Roberto DJ Elio Astor Tango Bar, Rome 31.January 2016 - [The community-run Practica for role-changing, worldwide heritage of music, and all tango movements.](https://tangoforge.com/jewel-lab/) - MANIFESTO "Jewel Lab is a community-run enrichment of our local Tango scene. We are a conscientious practica with a purposeful culture of dialogue, participation, and role-changing. We encourage positive attitudes toward all gender/role combinations, toward dancing to the worldwide heritage of music, and toward use of all movements from the living history of tango. We also - [Tango Trouble](https://tangoforge.com/tango-trouble/) - "Tango Trouble", a film by Walter Baumgartner, with "Die Freunde des vollen Mondes“ and Vio y Roberto. There's not much dancing in this film, but a great orquesta, and a cute story... - [Happy Tango in Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/happy-tango-buenos-aires/) - I am so glad to find this book. An English woman who started dancing in her 40s has written a book of really good tips on how to make sure you have a happy time and blissful dancing when you go to Buenos Aires. (This is not always easy to do.) She has 11 smart - [William Hung Vo: Into the Light!](https://tangoforge.com/william-hung-vo-into-the-light/) - In July 2012, William Vo did his first tango performance. It was on a stage but I insisted that we dance improvised. We were pleased to be invited to perform by the Colombian Cultural and Folkloric Association. - ["I just need to dance with good leaders"](https://tangoforge.com/i-just-need-to-dance-with-good-leaders/) - I can't tell you how many times I've heard this, and almost always from women who are delusional about their level. There is some truth to this, but it is mostly false. What those "good leaders" are good at is compensating for your mistakes so fluidly that you never knew you made them. The lesser marks - [Berlin & London & Greifswald...März & April & Mai...Vio & Roberto & Du](https://tangoforge.com/04052015deutsch/) - Hallo Freunde... Wir hatten so viel Spaß damit miteinander zu arbeiten, für euch zu kochen, zu experimentieren und neue Freundschaften zu schließen. Wir planen uns schon bald wieder mit euch zu treffen. Deshalb teilen wir euch heute unsere Planung für die nächsten Monate mit. Damit ihr euch für uns Zeit nehmen könnt. Wenn Du Fragen - [What does it mean that the revel's free leg belongs to the mark?](https://tangoforge.com/free-leg-belongs/) - Perhaps because it feels like flying, revels love the sensation of sending their free legs up and out through the air. This pleasure is so distracting that we sometimes forget that our free leg belong to the mark. Although we hope he enjoys it too... The somewhat boring truth is that the grace and beauty - [Classes](https://tangoforge.com/classes/) - If you're in Sydney, I offer monthly technique topics developed at the Tuesday Jewel Lab class. This way everyone who wants to learn with me has four chances to learn and consolidate each month's material. - [The in and the out: A rough guide to level](https://tangoforge.com/the-in-and-the-out/) - Every move is re-learned several times with different levels of technical sophistication at different levels. These levels involve growing skills and sensitivity from both mark and revel. The first level is what we might call "getting in" to the move. Locating everything in the right place in the right order with the right technique to - [TangoForge NZ news September 2014](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforge-nz-news-september-2014/) - To my dear tango students and friends in New Zealand, I have just returned from seven weeks in Europe, mostly Berlin. You can read my very rough and typo-strewn fieldnotes here. I'll write more formal thematic posts in the next few weeks. As many of you know, tango is my second career, and a - [TangoForge AU news September 2014](https://tangoforge.com/tangoforge-au-news-september-2014/) - To my dear tango students and friends in Australia, I have just returned from seven weeks in Europe, mostly Berlin. You can read my very rough and typo-strewn fieldnotes here. I'll write more formal thematic posts in the next few weeks. As many of you know, tango is my second career, and a - [Camisa Cabo Volante](https://tangoforge.com/camisa-cabo-volante/) - [Camisa Encaje](https://tangoforge.com/camisa-encaje/) - [Camisa Plunge](https://tangoforge.com/camisa-plunge/) - [Camiso Unico](https://tangoforge.com/camiso-unico/) - [Falda Drama](https://tangoforge.com/falda-drama/) - [Falda flirt](https://tangoforge.com/falda-flirt/) - [Falda Numero Uno](https://tangoforge.com/falda-numero-uno/) - [Pantalone Bailarine](https://tangoforge.com/pantalone-bailarine/) - [NuBra for backless dresses](https://tangoforge.com/nubra-for-backless-dresses/) - If you're going to wear a backless dress, you are going to need a Nubra. They work. I use them all the time. I prefer the "Seamless" model because the bra itself adds the least weight. Please note that their website is shockingly unhip, but it works as does the product. If you're in Australia, - [Tango Marathon Directory](https://tangoforge.com/tango-marathon-directory/) - Want to go dancing? The Global Tango Marathon Directory lists all the events where you can get together with tango dancers you don't know yet, and dance all day and night (with breaks for great food). You can search by date and plan your travel around some amazing weekends. It includes festivals, but also the - [What's the goal?: A sublime lead](https://tangoforge.com/sublime-lead/) - What makes for a sublime and charming dance? Musicality might be the first word to leave followers’ lips. Playfulness, the capacity to improvise surprising movements or sequences, is another concept that more advanced followers yearn for. Variation in quality of motion (dynamic) imparts interest and sensation to movements, even with a small vocabulary. But perhaps - [Musicality](https://tangoforge.com/musicality/) - Musicality is the application of tango dancing to any music. Traditional tango music offers a lot of complexity and changes during one song. These characteristics can be found in other kinds of music, and we can also learn to dance to simpler music by dancing to the melody or using complex systems for relating to - [BBC documentary about Piazzola](https://tangoforge.com/bbc-documentary-piazzola/) - 2004 BBC documentary, "Tango Maestro" about Astor Piazzola, now on you tube! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 - [Iris Toren custom tango portraits](https://tangoforge.com/iris-toren-custom-tango-portraits/) - Iris Toren does custom and commissioned tango portraits and other work. Contact info below. itoren@bigpond.net.au or iristoren@gmail.com +61 425 349 019 //iristoren.com www.facebook.com/iristorenartist - [Tango Music Educational Radio Show](https://tangoforge.com/learning-about-tango-music/) - Tango Tales radio show is not about playing music only - it is about educating the listeners about Argentine tango - music & dance. The show is broadcasted on Saturdays 9:00-10:00am on Portsmouth Community Radio ( listen on line www.wscafm.org), but you can DOWNLOAD the most of the episodes from the show's site:www.tangotales.com. HERE - [Why learn to dance Argentine Tango?](https://tangoforge.com/why-learn-to-dance-argentine-tango/) - Tango creates a profound sense of connection, without alcohol or small talk. You can dance with 10 partners every night, or just one. There's no right way to interpret the music. You can dance to the melody, one of several rhythms, or switch back and forth. Tango is reliably emotionally uplifting. When you travel, you - [Rainbow Queer Tango Sydney Press Release](https://tangoforge.com/queer-argentine-tango-sydney-press-release/) - Queering the World's Most Romantic Dance. Gay people grasp the magic of Argentine Tango – in Buenos Aires, Berlin, San Francisco, New York, Stockholm, New York, Boston, Portland, Wellington, México City... - [Joaquin Amenabar's pedagogy for musicality](https://tangoforge.com/joaquin-amenabar/) - Joaquin Amenabar is a spectacular bandoneonist. He has a method for teaching dancers with no musical training about how tango music works and how to dance to it. If you don't have a chance to learn from him in person, you can buy his book which explains the technique. - [Podcast about the tango orchestras](https://tangoforge.com/podcast-about-the-tango-orchestras/) - As you learn about tango music, you'll find that each song has been recorded many times, and you'll notice that it sounds different depending which orchestra is playing it. Manuel Garber's podcast discusses the orchestras, the singers, the composers, and more! - [Tango radio](https://tangoforge.com/tango-radio/) - Here's a list of Tango Radio stations that you can listen to on the internet. Thanks to Manuel Garber for the list. If you know another one, please send me a message using the contact for at the right. AM-TANGO (Buenos Aires) Tango Rosario Radio General Belgrano La 2x4 (Buenos Aires) AccuRadio Tango Radio Shoutcast - [The lyrics](https://tangoforge.com/the-lyrics/) - Many people say "you have no idea what's going on if you don't know what these songs are about!" I believe there are many ways to experience and relate to tango, but in case you'd like to learn, here are some resources. If you know of another resource please send me a message in the - [Shhh! A secret for men!](https://tangoforge.com/the-secret/) - Men who don't turn heads on the street are hot stuff in the tango world, and will have a large selection of women to choose from if they want to date or find a girlfriend. - [Do you kinda wish you could dance?](https://tangoforge.com/dance-man/) - You know that girls love to dance, and they especially like partner dancing, because it's "romantic". For guys, it feels undignified, and sometimes it seems like everybody else hears the music differently than you do. What if you could make women swoon while more or less just walking around, slowly, listening to whatever part of - [Expressing masculinity in tango](https://tangoforge.com/expressing-masculinity/) - Tango is a chance to embody masculinity in a satisfying way, and in a way that fulfils women's desire for certain romantic gender relations. We don't want you to boss us around, but we do want to be admired and desired, to feel your masculine attention. - ["Hold me like a man"](https://tangoforge.com/hold-me-like-a-man/) - A new student started learning from me how to lead from the floor with his core. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed. "Our bodies are so connected. I can feel how it works!." Then he went to the milonga. "Hold me like a man" said his partner. What does this mean? Our mythological histories of tango - [Creative Argentine Tango Bootcamp](https://tangoforge.com/argentine-tango-bootcamp/) - Do you want your evenings to be creative? Are you yearning for more profound connection...wanting to get beyond small talk...tired of the bar scene... This one-day bootcamp will get you started in a challenging new activity that will enable you to make friends and make art with them any day of the week in any - [Romain Baillon tango photography](https://tangoforge.com/tango-photography/) - Need some tango art? My favorite tango photographer: Romain Baillon - [DJ Resources by Homer Ladas](https://tangoforge.com/dj-resources-homer/) - Homer Ladas is a serious DJ of alternative tangos, and well-respected for it. He researches songs that can be pulled into the tango repertoire and these are often taken up by DJs around the world. This resource page provides tips on traditional DJing in addition to alternative DJing. Homer shares quite a few of his - [Tango vignettes by Ramiro Gigglioti](https://tangoforge.com/tango-vignettes-by-ramiro-gigglioti/) - I love to read his column in El Tangauta. His book Tango Venom is available in English and Spanish but hard to get. I found this German distributor, Abrazos Books, who also offer a number of other interesting tango books in English. - [Trust your legs!](https://tangoforge.com/trust-your-legs/) - Most dancers' attention is focused around the chest and shoulders. It's nice that we are paying attention to our partner's heart. Yoga teacher Matthew Cohen says "your legs are these powerful things for moving your heart around the world." Those big brains and warm hearts don't move themselves around, do they? I find that if students simply move - [Improvisation schemes](https://tangoforge.com/improvisation-schemes/) - Improvisation has many aspects. Here are some different aspects of improvisation to develop: Variations of movements, 48 sacadas, 32 ganchos... The shape we make on the floor: We can walk on a grid (front, back, and side) and in circles (double-giro, single-giro, and calesita). The method we use for projection, including barrida, gravity, change of - [Jewel Lab: Survey Results](https://tangoforge.com/jewel-lab-survey-results/) - Thank you so much for taking the Jewel Lab Survey. I'm flabbergasted by the results. A few people had been hassling me to play more nuevo and alternative music. I ran the survey to prove to them that if I did this, no one would come. Apparently, I am wrong. There is significant interest in - [JewelLove: Jewel Lab's Valentine to You + JewelLiveLab Debrief](https://tangoforge.com/jewellove2014/) - THANK YOU so much for experimenting with Owen and me in honor of our birthdays and one year of Jewel Lab. The response to the Jewel Lab music survey indicated that people are keen to dance to live music, and to non-traditional tango, and last night was our first attempt to do both of those - [Gracethink](https://tangoforge.com/grace-think/) - One of my first tango teachers was Pablo Rojas. One day, when I'd been dancing a few months, he put one hand on each of my deltoids, looked me in the eyes, and said "Violeta, I know it's going to be very hard for you, but you're going to have to surrender." You know by - [Fabián Pérez tango paintings](https://tangoforge.com/fabian-perez-tango-paintings/) - Who is that painter? His work is so famous, but as usual in tango, people forget to give credit. He is Fabián Pérez. He has his own website, and here's a gallery that sells both originals and prints of his work! - [On your mark: Let your brilliance flow](https://tangoforge.com/marks-let-your-brilliance-flow/) - I know what sort of guys dance tango. The ones who can't be bothered with small talk. The ones who tend to go directly to the heart of matters. The ones who can look at things from many angles. Sometimes I feel you're not letting loose. Long ago, when I was an economist, I had ## Pages - [TangoForge](https://tangoforge.com/) - Argentine Tango pedagogy for serious dancers who want to improvise with ambition and master sublime technique. - [MasterCourse Challenge Headquarters](https://tangoforge.com/challengehq/) - Current Sessions Since we kept registration open until 13.February to welcome dancers from the Brugges festival, we will leave the first sessions available for two weeks extra to give everyone time to catch up01.02.04. will be available until 1.March. 03.06 will be available until 8,March If nothing is listed above, you are not logged in!Each - [HyperForge](https://tangoforge.com/hyperforge/) - Digital School MasterCourse Challenge HQ Current students are entitled to UPGRADEYou only pay the difference between your current (or most recent) enrollment and the price of the MasterCourse. Use this special page to calculate: UpgradeNEW Study Guidefor MasterCourse StudentsCheck it outNEW get in Shape Training PlanPlan Exercise and Tango Training and achieve self-disciplineFREE here Tools - [Agenda](https://tangoforge.com/agenda/) - Agenda Brugges Marathon 6-9.February 2026Details and Registration Register here Arnheim Neo Tango15-17.May 2026 Registration Here Meissen Summer Camp (near Dresden) 27.July-2.August 2026 Register here Intensive Privates in the countryside of Southern FranceWHY?Through intensive privates we discover your personal trajectory as a dancer and we create a plan and exercises to achieve your technical and artistic goals. You’ll - [Cabeceo, Codigos, Etiquette](https://tangoforge.com/blog/cabeceo-codigos-etiquette/) - In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: Codigos 15 December 2025 Tango is a big dance. Most of us have a lot to learn. If you feel something strange, it is probably your lack of knowledge, not your partner’s error. Rejection 10 September 2024 The rejection never knowing why is a vicious breath on our - [Lexicon](https://tangoforge.com/about/lexicon/) - The Elements of Tango Until the mid-1990s, tango was understood in groups of steps, or sequences. The Cochabamba Investigation Group analyzed tango and identified the basic elements, from which dancers can compose. Dancing from the elements empowers dancers to to express every music, challenge partners to maintain intense concentration, and use space skillfully for better - [Practice Index Corrupt](https://tangoforge.com/practicecoursescorrupt/) - Technical issues: 6. August 2021 update re: videos displaying as “private”: I did some testing and found an unlikely culprit who I have vanquished. Based on the testing I can do, it seems the videos now work. If you still have problems, please tell me your device and browser. Welcome to the Next Level of - [Guides and Resources](https://tangoforge.com/guides/) - Guides & Resources Be a Better Tango OrganizerSven and Vio reflect on the lessons of Milonga PopularBetter Tango PromotionWhat's a cabeceo?Guide to Tango EtiquetteCodigos and CultureGuide to Tango Clothing for Men and WomenWhat to WearIs s/he feeling what I'm feeling?Emotions on the dance floorRead What to wear? How to become a Hot TangoMan Etiquette Guide - [Email](https://tangoforge.com/about/email/) - On this page you can join an email list. If you are already receiving emails, you can unsubscribe or change your lists.The ListsThe Bloga monthly email summarizing new blog posts.Gifts from TangoForge includes free technique videos and other learning resources, intermittent announcements of major news, and special offers.Tour Datesfor our live workshops and other events Join - [Vio's Blog: Flying in Trust](https://tangoforge.com/blog/) - New Posts The Tradition Tension The Pleasure Principle Inversion Black Magic White Tango Tango Fundamentalism Why I don’t ask Marks to dance… The power of desire Better than Sex No means no Renaming the Roles In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: Codigos Positive Addiction? What is Neotango? The strength of a Tanguera Once and - [Contact](https://tangoforge.com/about/contact/) - The easiest way to contact us is to use the chat-popup at the bottom of every page. This is answered personally by us, not a robot. (Robots are expensive, and not yet good at dancing, so we don’t let them answer.) If you write in Deutsch, Roberto will answer. If you write in English, French, - [MasterCourse Index](https://tangoforge.com/lexiconmastercourseindex/) - Pedagogical Notes Anatomical Terminology: We seek to provide instruction in objective, scientific terms. This will be unfamiliar at first, but our students catch on quickly. At any point, you can visit the Exercise Center to review the 10 key tango muscles and their control exercises. Tango Language: Before creating the MasterCourse, we spent years documenting - [History](https://tangoforge.com/about/history/) - Vio's Tango Biography If you’re mostly curious about my shoes, you can skip directly there.I began dancing tango in Los Angeles in 2005, learning from Makela Brizuela and Pablo Rojas. I took classes with all of the teachers who visited Los Angeles those first couple of years. The ones who impressed and influenced me the - [Newsletter](https://tangoforge.com/newsletter/) - [Training Plan](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/trainingplan/) - To increase our skills in any activity, we need to train,and this means developing self-discipline that works for youand fits into your life. Training Plan 1. Timing Tip:Undercommit The first step of discipline is to commit time. The easiest way is:Make a schedule and don’t renegotiate it. (Playing games with yourself just makes it harder.) - [Flying in Trust: Visual Blog](https://tangoforge.com/blog/vblog/) - EmotionsPostsArgentina & AuthenticityPostsThe Nuevo FilesPostsFundamentalismPostsGender NotesPOSTS Tagsaddiction Advanced Dancers altertango Art authenticity body bodywork Buenos Aires cabeceo codigos Considering Tango? development emotions ethics etiquette2023 fashion ForgeProductions frustrated? Fundamentalism gear gender GirlLeaders improvisation industry milonga music New Dancers nuevo organizer other dances pain partners pedagogy philosophy queer Secrets for Men sex shoes style Style Guide teaching - [Stretch](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/stretch/) - Shoulders Hips Back/Spine Ankles/Feet shoulders Shoulder mobility is crucial to moving smoothly through many embraces. Priority More Hips Hip mobility is important to protect the lower back from pain and for fluid movement of our legs. Priority More Note that you don’t need to do pulse stretches. You can always use that time to do - [Exercise Center](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/) - Training Guide The Tango MusclesThe most important Tango Muscles and exercises to strengthen and activate them. Requires enrollment Exercises from MauiFREE muscle strength workouts recorded in Maui, with fashion tips... PainExercises for common tango pains. StretchRecommended stretches for tango, with options for different levels of flexibility. WorkoutsHere are all the workouts. Cardio VoleoHere are all - [Praxis Index](https://tangoforge.com/praxisindex/) - Digitale Schule HyperForge HQ MasterCourse Index Practice Course Index Praxis Kurs Exercise Center Games Index Willkommen auf der nächsten Stufe deines Tanzes Diese Kurse zielen darauf ab, Ihre Körperbeherrschung und Ihre Bereitschaft zu verbessern, damit Sie selbstbewusst tanzen können.Die besten Ergebnisse erzielen Sie, wenn Sie mindestens 20 Minuten für jede Übung aufwenden und jede Sitzung - [MasterKurs Index](https://tangoforge.com/masterkursindex/) - Pädagogische Hinweise Anatomische Terminologie: Wir bemühen uns, den Unterricht in objektiven, wissenschaftlichen Begriffen zu gestalten. Das wird anfangs ungewohnt sein, aber unsere Schüler verstehen es schnell. Sie können jederzeit das Körpertrainingzentrum besuchen, um sich die 10 wichtigsten Tangomuskeln und ihre Kontrollübungen anzusehen.Tango-Sprache: Bevor wir den MasterCourse entwickelt haben, haben wir Jahre damit verbracht, Tango-Konzepte zu - [Pain](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/pain/) - Back Pain Knee Pain! Fitness for Life Pain and Injury Therapy Berlin Yoga Toes Stop Foot Pain - [Workouts](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/workouts/) - Dancing with the Kitchen Voleo Cardio Transfer Training Barrida Training Fluid Free Leg Fierce Balance: The 30 minute Biomechanics Solo Workout Beautiful and Strong Feet Biomechanics Workouts for Partners Solo Arc Practice Warm-up for a couple Warm-up for one dancer Connection ball exercise Protected: Arnheim 2026 Notes and Demonstrations 23 Adorno 21 22 Volcada Colgada - [Practice Index](https://tangoforge.com/practiceindex/) - Praxis DE Welcome to the Next Level of your Dancing These courses are designed to increase your body control and readiness so that you can dance with confidence.For best results, please spend at least 20 minutes on each exercise and repeat each session before continuing to the next one.You have the option to download a - [Extreme](https://tangoforge.com/about/extremeimprolive/) - Like any extreme sport, we are seeking to take Argentine Tango to its and our edges.Our commitment to improvisation:We do not in advance know the music we will dance to. (We dance to live improvising musicians and our DJs live-mix.)We do not plan how we will start and end the dance.We dance in the context of the space, - [Commentaires](https://tangoforge.com/about/commentaires/) - “Vous m’avez rendu mon tango.” “Je dois juste dire que c’est le meilleur cours de tango que j’ai jamais pris. Et c’est l’information que j’attendais.” “Je dois vraiment vous complimenter sur vos méthodes d’enseignement, car j’ai progressé en tant que danseur de tango très rapidement avec le MasterCourse, si bien que j’ai arrêté de suivre - [Students](https://tangoforge.com/about/commendations/) - Commentaires en Français “You’ve given me back my tango.” “I just have to say, this is the best tango class I’ve ever taken. And this is the information I was waiting for.” “I really need to compliment you on your teaching methods, because I grow as a tango dancer very quickly with the MasterCourse, so - [Treuhandfliegen: der blog in Deutsch](https://tangoforge.com/blog/treuhandfliegen/) - Tango – mach ihn zu deinem 3 February 2021 Vio begann 2012 den Satz “Make Tango your own” zu verwenden, als she Armin Kyros kennenlernte. Er lehrte unsere Schüler in Sydney, ihre eigene Stimmung Was ist Neotango? 13 December 2019 in EN Viele verschiedene Wörter werden verwendet, um den Tango nach dem Goldenen Zeitalter zu - [Authenticity](https://tangoforge.com/blog/authenticity-and-buenos-aires/) - Searching for the Italian in Argentine Tango: second entry 17 September 2018 The “something”, I believe, is the fire of urgency. And this is what is missing in Europe, and it is what makes Americans relatively good tangueros. It is the desperation which drives you to invade a stranger with your personality and with the - [The Nuevo Files](https://tangoforge.com/blog/nuevofiles/) - Is neotango a new style of tango? 9 August 2024 A detailed analysis of the growing rift between two camps of tango, what I will call ‘neonuevo’ and ‘newclassic’, and the pedagogic implications for those who might want to teach ‘neo’ tango. Neo logic 28 May 2023 We were responsible for “the neo”. We didn’t - [The Berlin Interviews](https://tangoforge.com/blog/berlininterviews/) - In 2015 the Magazine Modern Tango World asked me to interview important figures in the Berlin Argentine Tango Scene for their Berlin issue. These interviews are republished with permission. I have also included previous and subsequent interviews in this section. Berlin’s Authenticity, article for Modern Tango World Berlin edition 25 October 2015 I made a - [Gender Notes](https://tangoforge.com/blog/gendernotes/) - No means no 26 September 2019 Like women who would like to be able to say “no” or “not now” with just a gesture –twisting the torso away– and have that well-perceived by amorous dates, Marks would like to be able to say “no” with their eyes and body language, and not have to deal - [Emotions](https://tangoforge.com/blog/emotions/) - Rejection 10 September 2024 The rejection never knowing why is a vicious breath on our necks, uniting all followers in our waiting, impervious to our successes. And yet we only survive to the next tanda by keeping our heads very high, our vulnerable necks most extended above our surging, magnetic cleavage. Distance: What have you - [Fundamentalism](https://tangoforge.com/blog/fundamentalism/) - Neoliberal Tango 7 July 2020 Most of us are familiar with deskilling in manufacturing. It means designing the production line so that each worker does only one small job over and over, and it’s easy to train anyone to do that one thing. This increases flexibility and power for the company while decreasing the meaning, - [Altertango](https://tangoforge.com/blog/altertango/) - New Year’s 2019: Fuel for your Fire 1 January 2019 I never know what to do on New Years Eve. I’m skeptical about the value proposition of expensive parties. I skirt the silent sharp dagger Altertango Tryst 2018 in Lotus Loft 14 September 2018 Klik hier für DEUTSCH We have been making experiments with Altertango - [Iconoclastic Tango Style](https://tangoforge.com/blog/fashionarch/) - Illustrated Tango Wear from Blame it on the Bandoneon – I am a dancer and artist from Manchester in the UK. My designs are inspired by Tango, I love the intricate patterns found on old Bandoneons and the modern street art of Buenos Ayres. I started putting my art on to t-shirts to wear myself, - [Organizer](https://tangoforge.com/blog/organizer/) - Life on Spec 9 August 2022 “On spec” is an abbreviation of “on speculation”. It’s a business term referring to production in hope of success. Artists are afraid to demand too much, or settle for too little, so we silently collaborate in the “contract of hope”. Tips for teaching your first tango class 8 May - [Private Lessons](https://tangoforge.com/about/privates/) - Privates RetreatSeveral times a year, we offer 10 days of residential privates in our Villa in the South of France. Students take one or two privates per day, and practice with the other students. We have yoga in the morning, a swimming pool, and lots of space for solitude and reflection.Unlike a festival or workshop, students - [Lexikon](https://tangoforge.com/uber/lexikon/) - Schritte / GehenVorwärtsschrittRückwärtsschrittSeitwärtsschrittFußwechselMolinete lineal … vor seit rück seitOcho … Schritt mit DrehungSacada … VerdrängungGehen im kreiseDoppel-giro … beide gehen auf einem KreisEinzel-giro (Mark’s) … Mark im Zentrum des Kreises, Revel geht herumEinzel-giro (Revel’s Calesita) … Revel im Zentrum des Kreises, Mark geht herumKontrolliert schritteCrosses … KreuzeParada … UnterbrechungBarrida … Mark-Bein fegt Revel-Bein (anderungs: Sandwichito, - [Tango in 30 Days](https://tangoforge.com/30days/) - Tango in 30 Days Play Play Play Daniel Adrenaline is a French stuntman, acrobat, and one of the founders of Parkour. He can fly through windows, flip and twirl through the air, and artistically assault people in a variety of combat styles. This month, he’s applying his incredible skills to learning tango. This stunt is equally - [Revelation 2023](https://tangoforge.com/revelation-2023/) - Revelation 2023 VOLEOS We taught the class of circular voleos front and back, pro and contra. Below is the video from our MasterCourse covering both circular and linear voleos. This is one of the 16 MasterCourse videos that together cover the 25 elements of tango. You can watch this video for free here for 10 - [About](https://tangoforge.com/about/) - We use Argentine Tango's languageand technologywith contemporary music, fashion, and footwear, with athletic bodies and with modern gender relations. Vio, Founder & Director What Marks say:“I lose myself with you.”“You set me free. I feel like I can do anything.”“With you, I don’t dance any clichés.”“You have a lot of tango in you.”“I’m just looking - [KorperTrainingZentrum](https://tangoforge.com/korpertraining/) - Stabilization Chain* Intention/Direction Muscles*(not pictured: transverse abdominus Muscle Chains Stabilization Chain The stabilization chain supports each dancer’s arc and the arch of connection. The quantity of muscle contraction increases for movements and moments requiring more force. The triceps keep the embrace taut. The shoulder external rotators stabilize the shoulder joint which stabilizes the connection between - [Productions](https://tangoforge.com/productions/) - TangoForge Productions 2016 Berlin Hauptbahnhof Avigation Details 2017 Berlin Hauptbahnhof The Tradition is Transgressive Details 2017 YouTube Elements of Argentine Tango Details 2018 TangoForge.com Argentine Tango MasterCourse Details 2018 Altertango TRYST Details 2017... Abisko Lights + TangoForge Details 2019 WARRIOR Details - [Maui](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/musclefashionimagination/) - (Muscle.Fashion.Imagination) In the first part of 2020 I was lucky to be “locked down” in Hawai’i. I created a free exercise video series, Muscle.Fashion.Imagination, with Fashion Tips for TangoMen and Milongueras and Muscle Training to come back to tango stronger than ever. You will need: A Wall A sink A stair (just one) Watch here - [The Tango Muscles](https://tangoforge.com/exercisecenter/tangomuscles/) - Stabilization Chain* Intention/Direction Muscles*(not pictured: transverse abdominus) Muscle Chains Stabilization Chain The stabilization chain supports each dancer’s arc and the arch of connection. The quantity of muscle contraction increases for movements and moments requiring more force. The triceps keep the embrace taut. The shoulder external rotators stabilize the shoulder joint which stabilizes the connection between - [Glossary](https://tangoforge.com/glossary/) - [glossary] - [Books](https://tangoforge.com/books/) - Silences in history. Silences by code. Silences of fear. You already know that Tango’s silences can be sublime and they can be devastating. What I do in my blog is use myself as a lens – sometimes a microscope, sometimes a telescope. I try to be as honest with myself and you as words concede. - [Australian Centre for the Moving Image Tangos](https://tangoforge.com/about/extremeimprolive/acmi-tango/) - Australian Centre for the Moving Image Matrix Tango - [Drill Sergeant](https://tangoforge.com/drill-sergeant/) - Desert Dog Master1Beelitz Master1AM Master1Al Andalos Master1 - [Tracklist importer](https://tangoforge.com/tracklist-importer/) - [Deutsche Ansicht](https://tangoforge.com/uber/deutsche-ansicht/) - Hallo und willkommen bei TangoForge. Noch ist diese Seite nicht 100% zweisprachig, aber die bereits in deutscher Sprache vorhandenen Bereiche sind hier in diesem Menü aufgezeigt. Solltest du Fragen haben, nutze gern den Chat oder sende sie auf deutsch per E-Mail hier: - [Über](https://tangoforge.com/uber/) - Wir sind Vio und Roberto und arbeiten seit 2014 zusammen. Vio war früher Professor für Wirtschaftswissenschaften. Sie wurde darin ausgebildet, Strukturen in Unmengen von Informationen aufzuspüren, Wissen zu destillieren und effektive Lehrmethoden zu finden. Roberto war im IT-, sowie dem pflegerisch-sozialen Bereich tätig. Diese unterschiedlichen Betätigungsfelder zusammen genommen befähigen ihn physiologisch korrekte Bewegungsabläufe logisch und - [Privatunterricht](https://tangoforge.com/uber/privatunterricht/) - Wozu Privat-/Einzelunterricht? Jeder Tänzer sieht sich einzigartigen physischen und psychischen Herausforderungen beim Erlernen des Tango Argentino gegenüber. Und jede Person bringt einzigartige Qualitäten und Perspektiven mit, um Dich mit dieser Kunst zu verbinden. Im Privatunterricht konzentrieren wir unser geamte Erfahrung darauf Dich zu verstehen und den Dir gegebenen Talenten und Herausforderungen zu unterstützen. Während Gruppenunterricht - [Travelogue](https://tangoforge.com/blog/travelogue/) - This page was created for friends who wanted details beyond tango about my European tour in 2014. That tour resulted in meeting Roberto and moving to Berlin! I have continued to update it occasionally when I write about my travels. Favorites Travels in tears 31 July 2014 Traveling is not all fun, and can even - [Technique](https://tangoforge.com/technique/) - Technique Where does rotational power come from? The yoga in tango The Tango Muscles The Embrace Improvisation The yoga in tango Fitness for Life The Tango Muscles Balance is not a character virtue Eugenia’s Crystal Triceps recipe Divine Time Machines don’t pivot alone El Encuentro Improvisation Starting to dance Vals and Milonga “I just need - [SydneyForge](https://tangoforge.com/sydneyforgearch/) - This page is an archive.The Jewel Lab: The mlonga where we treat each other like Jewels.2012-2019Colombian Hotel, Sydney. The founders of Jewel lab were Nick y Vio. We left Syndney in 2015 and 2019. JewelLab developments 20 December 2015 I founded JewelLab at the Colombian Hotel as Rainbow Queer Tango Sydney in 2011. It started as - [Rainbow Queer Tango](https://tangoforge.com/queertango/) - Gender, desire, and drag – This research note examines the unique possibilities that tango may create as it becomes queered, and identifies ways in which the extreme gender environment of traditional tango is already queer. I distinguish three layers of gender experience in tango: drag, object desire, and inhabitation of essence. Rainbow Queer Tango Sydney - [Index](https://tangoforge.com/about/index/) - About Vio and TangoForge In Deutsch Über Agenda/Tourdates: Where we will be and when with links to registration pages. Aleph Bravo Tango: A novel about beginning to dance, written by Duro y Vio, 'Dyv' Berlin: About TangoForge in Berlin The Berlin Interviews: A series of interviews with Berlin organizers Code of Ethics for Tango Communities - [TRYST Altertango](https://tangoforge.com/altertangotryst/) - TRYST is an Altertango Concert SeriesThursdays 14.March-11.April 2019Lotus Loft, Berlin Altertango is TangoForge's project to get Tango out of Milongas and into inspiring musical contexts... The musicians tell the dancers “We can feel you.”The dancers say “This is so beautiful.” Musicians 14.3: Gábor Hartyáni 21.3: Abisko Duo 28.3: Alan Nguyen, violin+loop 4.4: Carlos Libedinskywith Ibon ## My Templates - [Technique Single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=technique-single) - Technique Single 16.June 2020 Explore Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• - [technique menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=technique-menu-popup) - Content area - [challenge sessions template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=challenge-template-2) - challenge sessions template Links to Resources Welcome to the MasterCourse!Please note that any text written here is automatically hyperlinked to the relevant KnowledgeBase entry.In this session we cover Element 1 & 2 Walking front and back. We walk in GAITS and we walk on TRACKS. At the end of every step, there are 3 different - [challenge menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=challenge-menu-popup) - Content area - [Blog Menu](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-menu) - Content area - [blog posts sidebar popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-template) - blog posts sidebar popup 1.January 2019 Explore It’s true that tango is macho. Professional contemporary dancer and dance scholar Elly Brickhill who came to tango after 35 years of modern and social dancing, said that she had never seen an Australian man treat a woman the way that tango students in classes routinely do. She - [footer v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=footer-v2) - Content area - [header](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=elementor-header-21474) - Content area - [agenda widget](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=agenda-widget) - 2026 TangoForge 6-9.February Brugges 5-17.May Arnheim 27.JUly-2.Aug Dresden Agenda - [travelogue single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=travelogue-single) - travelogue single 4.July 2020 Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• let - [etiquette footer](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=etiquette-footer) - Blog posts about the codigos, cabeceo, emotions, and etiquette In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: Codigos In defense of etiquette: Part II: Cabeceo In Defense of Etiquette Part III: The Mirada In Defense of Etiquette: Part IV: Shut the Fuck Up Etiquette Guide to the Codigos and Beyond No means no Pleasures of the - [CTA screen to floor](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-screen-to-floor) - Do you want to start dancing?The first few steps are the hardest. I’ve written a guide to get you from this screen to your first Tangos… Email Send Guide - [CTA hot tangoman](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-hot-tangoman) - As a Tanguero, you will have confident and nice relationships of different kinds with lots of women. To accelerate the process for youI asked all my girlfriends for adviceand wrote this guide…How to Become a Hot TangoMan: Secrets from the Tangueraswho Hope to Dance with YouI’ll send their advice to you right away by email: Send Secrets - [Guides Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=guides-template) - Guides Template 5.January 2019 Explore Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• - [UltraVioleta](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=ultravioleta) - UltraVioleta 13.January 2019 Explore Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• let - [Default Kit](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=default-kit) - [CTA practice for Revels specifically](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-practice-for-revels-specifically) - Do you want to be a better dancerbut don’t feel you are getting what you need from your teachers?Or do you get contradictory advice from different partners? I got tired of hearing men tell me to be “natural”, “don’t do anything”, and “you’re floppy”, followed by “you’re stiff” … So I studied biomechanics until I - [Blog DE](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-de) - Blog DE 13.December 2019 Noch Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• - [blog DE menu](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-de-menu) - Content area - [Considering Tango Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=considering-tango-template) - Considering Tango Template 14.January 2019 Explore Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s - [domaine valent inquiry](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=domaine-valent-inquiry) - Content area - [about menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=about-menu-popup) - Content area - [guides menu](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=guides-menu) - Content area - [considering tango menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=considering-tango-menu-popup) - Content area - [rainbow tango menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=rainbow-tango-menu-popup) - Content area - [fashion popup menu](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=fashion-popup-menu) - Content area - [about children v3](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=elementor-single-page-43857) - about children v3 Explore Email - [blog CTAs footer](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=elementor-footer-47056) - Content area - [crew single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=crew-single) - crew single More Wenn ich tanzen gehe, dann will ich tanzen. Nicht reden, nicht sitzen. Einfach nur tanzen. Deshalb bin ich hier. Ich denke, der Tanz ist die einfachste Art der Kommunikation zwischen zweier Menschen. Alles ist Schwingung, alles ist Bewegung. Warum also nicht gemeinsam bewegen zu musikalischen Schwingungen? Das Gefühl dominiert den Tanz, es - [exercise center single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=exercise-center-single) - exercise center single Click here After a year not dancing, I was anxious about my perceptiveness, but that was fine. The unanticipated problem was that my heart was pounding and I was out of breath.So I searched for low impact, knee- and apartment-friendly cardio. I used blogilates and madfit and realized that many of the - [exercise center menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=exercise-center-menu-popup) - Content area - [praxiskurs menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=praxiskurs-menu-popup) - Content area - [masterkurs menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=masterkurs-menu-popup) - Content area - [MasterKURS single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=masterkurs-single) - MasterKURS single Navigation 1. Kommunikationstechnik1.1 Überraschung und Kraft1.2 Rundreise1.3 hohe Leistung• Übung zur Unterscheidung zwischen Projektion, enger / offener Umarmung und Erlaubnis, das Gleichgewicht zu verlieren2. Architekturtechnik2.1 Co-Kontraktion2.2 Skelettposition:• Außenrotation der Schultern• “Arsch auf der Linie”• Wenn sich die Hüften vom Partner wegbiegen, müssen sich auch die Schultern beugen3. Improvisation3.1 Eingänge• vertikaler Kreis oder direkt• - [Praxis Course Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=praxis-course-template) - Praxis Course Template Navigation Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• let - [Rainbow Queer Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=rainbow-queer-sidebar) - Rainbow Queer Template 13.January 2019 Explore Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s - [kbase menu popup](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=kbase-menu-popup) - Content area - [mastercourse menu](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mastercourse-menu) - Content area - [practice courses menu](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=practice-courses-menu) - Content area - [Blog Theme Arches](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-theme-arches-template) - Blog Theme Arches Navigation Is neotango a new style of tango? 9 August 2024 A detailed analysis of the growing rift between two camps of tango, what I will call ‘neonuevo’ and ‘newclassic’, and the pedagogic implications for those who might want to teach ‘neo’ tango. Neo logic 28 May 2023 We were responsible for - [Practice Courses Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=office-white-title-and-sidebar) - Practice Courses Template Navigation Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• let - [MasterCourse Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mastercourse-template) - MasterCourse Template Navigation Volcada and Colgada are movements in which the partners share balance, leaning (Volcada) or hanging (Colgada) on one another. They can be done anytime, and they feel really nice! DE version 2017 Version 1. Communication Technique 1.1 surprise and force 1.2 circular journey 1.3 high performance • exercise to distinguish projection, close/open - [KnowledgeBase Template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=knowledgebase-template) - KnowledgeBase Template Navigation Quadriceps Anatomy The Quadriceps extend the knee and flex the hips. Tango Provide additional power to the entire base-arc stabilization chain. Variations of Each Element Demonstrations - [interaction reservation single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=elementor-single-post-44456) - interaction reservation single Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• let him - [single for registration credentials](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=single-for-registration-credentials) - single for registration credentials Our terminology: Mark (lead/leader) + Revel (follow/follower). Here’s why. 1 Friday night: The Very Best Ganchos! there are lots of ganchos… back gancho to his open step Mark’s technique• from a back ocho let her step before you step!• close the embrace• toes outside of her heel• wrap your hips around her assRevel’s tech:• let - [Aperture single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=aperture-no-background-no-title-no-sidebars-full-width) - [Nonexiste](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=nonexiste) - This post does not exist anymore /yet. Oh dear … The website is big and old, and you seem to have followed an outdated link. Use the Blog to explore or send a message to tell us what you are looking for and we’ll send directions. Send The latest In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: - [ex Etiquette Guide now set for guides with modal at right](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=etiquette-guide) - New to Tango About TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of Tango on ForgeTube The Tango Lexicon DE Lexikon Private Lessons Commendations from students About the Website In deep... About TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of - [Lexikon Kontrollliste](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=lexikon-kontrollliste) - Lexikon_Kontrollliste1. Vorwärtsschritt2. Rückwärtsschritt3. Seitwärtsschritt4. Fußwechsel5. Molinete lineal … vor seit rück seit 6. Ocho … Schritt mit Drehung7. Sacada … Verdrängung8. Doppel-giro … beide gehen auf einem Kreis9. Einzel-giro (Mark’s) … Mark im Zentrum des Kreises, Revel geht herum10. Einzel-giro (Revel’s Calesita) … Revel im Zentrum des Kreises, Mark geht herum11. Kreuze12. Parada … Unterbrechung13. - [Lexicon](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=lexicon-2) - The Elements of Tango …the most basic vocabulary of movements available to a dancer. These are the Elements of Tango.A few of the movements are in fact sequences, which are simultaneously so distinct and so common that they function as single concepts.All of these movements existed and were used during the Golden Age of Tango - [lexicon checklist](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=lexicon-checklist) - Personal Checklist [glossary_exclude]Front StepBack StepSide StepChange of FootMolinete LinealOchoSacadaDouble GiroSingle Giro (Mark’s)Single Giro (Revel’s Calesita)CrossesParadaBarrida … Sandwichito … PulpeadesReboteAlteraciónVoleo CircularVoleo LinearGancho … PiernazoRebote CaderaPatadaVolcadaColgadaSoltadaAdornoSalta/Sostenida[/glossary_exclude] Download Checklist PDF - [Elementor Loop Item #43657](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=elementor-loop-item) - Elementor Loop Item #43657 18.August 2023 - [Search Cat Tags view](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=search-cat-tags-view) - Template: Search Cat Tags view Protected: Arnheim 2026 Notes and Demonstrations 20 June 2026 There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. 23 Adorno 3 May 2026 Adornos are unmarked decorative elements executed at will both partners. 21 22 Volcada Colgada 26 April 2026 Volcada and Colgada are movements in which the partners - [credential single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=credential-single) - credential single If you have an existing account, we must update your credential manually, so you don’t need to fill this form. 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Login NameEmail PasswordFirst NameLast NameCity, CountryRoleEditorAuthorContributorSubscriberkbasebodygeeks exercise centercompaneroPractice_coursescrewLexicon Mastercoursemastercoursecontrolmastercoursepowermastercoursebasicspraxisrevelpraxismarkpraxispaarpraxisallepracticemarkpracticerevelpracticepairmastercoursemk de 124mc en 124mk de 36mk de 5mk de 7mk de 8 9 10mk de 11mk de 12mk de - [blog private message box](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-private-message-box) - Message Name Email Send - [Elementor Search Results #42713](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=elementor-search-results-42713) - Protected: Arnheim 2026 Notes and Demonstrations 20 June 2026 There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. 23 Adorno 3 May 2026 Adornos are unmarked decorative elements executed at will both partners. 21 22 Volcada Colgada 26 April 2026 Volcada and Colgada are movements in which the partners go off balance, leaning or - [digital school open access single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-open-access-single) - digital school open access single This video explains how to make the luscious and adorable butterfly voleos… The instructions on how to Mark start about halfway through, but as always it’s good to understand the Revel’s movement thoroughly before trying to Mark it. Question? Send About About TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy - [aperture exchanges footer](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=exchanges-footer) - Content area - [blog footer themes important books](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-footer-themes-important-books) - [What is the MasterCourse? section](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=what-is-the-mastercourse-section) - What is the MasterCourse? The MasterCourse covers the 25 Elements of Tango in 16 sessions, totaling 10 hours of video. Just watching those 10 hours will vastly increase your grasp of tango. Enroll in the MasterCourse MasterCourse enrollment includes immediate full access to all resources in our Digital School for a period of 18 months:The - [logo icons navigation above footer](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=logo-icons-navigation-above-footer) - [CTA tour dates email list widget](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-tour-dates-email-list-widget) - [CTA train](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-train) - Advice and resourcesfor designing an effectiveTango training regimeFREE pdfwith photos from The Ballerina Project - [CTA mpop marketing thinkbook](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-mpop-marketing-thinkbook) - We all need more students, more dancers in our milongas, and great partners to dance with for the next few decades…How can we Popularize Tango? Marketing is about Who is in the Room with You.And Why. With Sven Elze, Founder of the very popular Milonga Popular – Berlin, we’ve created a Thinkbook for Organizers, exploring - [CTA lexicon test](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-lexicon-test) - Stop memorizing sequences*and start improvising from the elements of Tango*or being annoyed with yourself for not being able to remember them.Take our Lexicon Self-Test,then use our Impro Workbookto structure your development. - [advent2020 single](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=advent2020-single) - advent2020 single Memories of advent calendars are tactile and delightful. Searching the ornate image for the tiny numbers, gently prying open the paper, puzzling out the secret meaning of the miniature illustration …Anticipation of each day’s gathering around the calendar is accompanied by the growing excitement for sparkly, delicious, unknown treats to come.This year we - [CTA biomechanical tools](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-biomechanical-tools) - We have distilled tango technique to just five tools for perfect embrace, connection, and communication.Enter your email below for a 20 minute video introduction to our technique. - [mc sessions grid 2021](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mc-sessions-grid-2021) - The MasterCourse Curriculum25 Elements in 16 Sessions 01 02 04Walk FrontWalk BackChange FootWe walk together in systems, on tracks, and we can change feet in different combinations. 03 06Lateral Steps:Side steps and OchosWe step lateral to the partner with open or crossed steps, also called ochos, which are lateral step beginning with a pivot of - [mc pedagogy v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mc-pedagogy-v2) - What are the Elements? Distilled Technique Biomechanics Learning from Video What are the Elements? Until the mid-1990s, tango was understood in groups of steps, or sequences. The Cochabamba Investigation Group analyzed tango and identified the basic Elements, from which dancers can compose.There are 25 distinct tango Elements (see the Lexicon), each with a number of - [games template](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=games-template) - games template Games Digital School HyperForge HQ MasterCourse Index Practice Course Index Praxis Kurs Exercise Center Games Index Checklist 1. Front Step2. Back Step3. Side Step4. Changes of Foot5. Molinete Lineal6. Ochos7. Sacada8. Double Giro9. Single Giro (Mark's)10. Single Giro (Revel's Calesita)11. Crosses12. Parada13. Barrida...Pulpeades14. Rebote15. Alteración16. Voleo Circular17. Voleo Linear18. Gancho...Piernazo19. Rebote Cadera20. Patada21. - [CTA partners DE](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-partners-de) - Ich möchte, dass du weißt, dass du nicht allein bist …… weder in deinen Träumen für Tango, noch in deinen Frustrationen. Mein tiefster Wunsch ist der gleiche wie der aller meiner Schüler und Freunde … derjenigen, die noch nicht angefangen haben zu tanzen und derjenigen, die viel tanzen.Es ist eine Partnerschaft.Eine Sache, die ich auf - [UltraVioleta Sidebar v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=ultravioleta-sidebar-v2) - Style Guides About TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of Tango on ForgeTube The Tango Lexicon DE Lexikon Private Lessons Commendations from students About the Website UltraVioleta tango clothing for men and women is coming soon! International shopping for the most elegant and sexy tango - [Digital School Video Footer Widget](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-video-footer-widget) - Variations of Each Element Demonstrations - [single header 2021](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=single-header-2021) - single header 2021 Navigation Introduction Lexicon Complete Index Study Guide Games Deprecated Terms Recently Updated Terms Digital School HQ MasterCourse Desk Practice Index Exercise Center Enroll or Upgrade KnowledgeBase AbductAdornoAlignAlteracionAmbleArabesqueArcArch of ConnectionarticulateAxisBarridaBase legButterfly voleoCalesitaCastigadaChange of EmbraceChange of footCo-contractionColgadaCollectCompressionConnectionConservation of co-contractionContraContra VoleoCoreCrossCross-systemDecelerateDeltoidDisassociationDouble-ganchoDouble-giroDynamicEmbraceEnergyEnrosqueEntradaExtendExternal rotationFastFirst projectionFlexFlying stepForceFrameFree legFreezeGaitGanchoGeometryGiroIntentionInternal rotationJointLapiz / PencillateralLeaningMirror systemMolineteMolinete linealObliquesOchoOcho cortadoOpenOppositional powerout-of-axisPace-systemParadaParallelPassePatadaperonealPiernazoPiriformispirouettePivotPivot-paradaPlaneopointed toesPowerPro voleoProjectPsoasPulpeadesQuadricepsReboteRebote caderaRotator - [cta nuevo tango video ad](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-nuevo-tango-video-ad) - Details - [CTA UntilForever](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-untilforever) - Silences in history. Silences by code. Silences of fear. You already know that Tango’s silences can be sublime and they can be devastating.What I do in my blog is use myself as a lens – sometimes a microscope, sometimes a telescope. I try to be as honest with myself and you as words concede. Then - [blog sidebar 2020](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-sidebar-2020) - Apertures In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: CodigosWhat is Neotango?No means noTango AddictionThe Pleasure PrincipleRenaming the RolesThe power of desire Newest In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: CodigosWe were only taught to surviveAging in TangoMusicality (and dogma)Pedagogy of ViolenceOverdressedToday we installed our Cabeceo Floor!RejectionIs neotango a new style of tango?L’arrivée tant attendue d’un - [footer base for blog boxes](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=footer-base-for-blog-boxes) - Thank you to all the Dancers and Photographers.© Text, Graphics and Web Design by TangoForge.URL Registration and Security from Green DreamHost, served by MDDHosting. Secure payments by Stripe.Encyclopedia Pro mechanics by Dennis HoppeImages from BodyParts3D© ライフサイエンス統合データベースセンタ licensed under CC表示 継承2.1 日本Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BYWebstats by piwik/matomo. We - [about sidebar v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=about-sidebar-v2) - About About TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of Tango on ForgeTube The Tango Lexicon DE Lexikon Private Lessons Commendations from students About the Website Can we Help? Feeling intimidated or put down? Need more/better partners? Want to learn faster? Confused about how to improve as - [CTA section partners v5](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-section-partners-v5) - [loginout el 2021](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=loginout-el) - Content area - [mc element sessions](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mc-element-sessions) - 25 Elements in 16 sessions 1 Front Steps 2 Back Steps 4 Change of Foot 3 Side Step 6 Ochos 5 Molinete Lineal 7 Sacada 8 Double Giro 9 Mark’s Single Giro10 Revel’s Single GIro (Calesita) 11 Crosses 12 Parada 13 Barrida… Sandwichito… Pulpeades 14 Rebote 15 Alteración 16 Voleos Circular 17 Voleos Linear 18 - [Blog and Guides Browser with supercat](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=only-for-blog-indexes) - Guides & Resources Be a Better Tango OrganizerSven and Vio reflect on the lessons of Milonga PopularBetter Tango PromotionWhat's a cabeceo?Guide to Tango EtiquetteCodigos and CultureGuide to Tango Clothing for Men and WomenWhat to WearIs s/he feeling what I'm feeling?Emotions on the dance floorRead What to wear? How to become a Hot TangoMan Etiquette Guide - [mastercourse exams view and edit](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mastercourse-exams-view-and-edit) - Exam - [Practice Courses Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=practice-courses-sidebar-2) - To download the TEXT instructions for this session, click here:[dkpdf-button] - [Pages black with grey swirl](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=office-black-no-sidebars) - Guides & Resources Be a Better Tango OrganizerSven and Vio reflect on the lessons of Milonga PopularBetter Tango PromotionWhat's a cabeceo?Guide to Tango EtiquetteCodigos and CultureGuide to Tango Clothing for Men and WomenWhat to WearIs s/he feeling what I'm feeling?Emotions on the dance floorRead What to wear? How to become a Hot TangoMan Etiquette Guide - [considering tango sidebar v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=considering-tango-sidebar-v2) - IntroductionA video Choosing a social partner dance Info for Ballet Dancers Info for Ballroom Dancers A step-by-step guide from here to your first tango Online Learning: Start at Home The Scene About TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of Tango on ForgeTube The Tango Lexicon DE - [MasterCourse Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mastercourse-sidebar) - Digital School About Commentaires Contact Email Extreme Australian Centre for the Moving Image Tangos History Index Private Lessons Lexicon Students Agenda Books Drill Sergeant Exercise Center Maui Pain Stretch The Tango Muscles Training Plan Workouts Glossary Guides and Resources HyperForge KorperTrainingZentrum MasterCourse Challenge Headquarters MasterCourse Index MasterKurs Index Newsletter Practice Index Practice Index Corrupt Praxis - [testimonial slider 1](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=testimonial-slider-1) - Lessons are the most concise, complete, detailed way of describing Argentine Tango I have ever seen. I just have to say, this is the best tango class I’ve ever taken. And this is the information I was waiting for. I’m a mechanic. I can’t learn by copying. You told me what to do and how - [mc pedagogy toggle](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mc-pedagogy-toggle) - Why Most Tango Classes Don't Work The standard tango class is designed to do a little bit of three things: Move through a sequence to become familiar with the sensations of transition between one move and another. Provide a little brainfood for the leaders about how things can be combined. Have a nice social experience.Each - [MasterCourse Production Update](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mastercourse-production-update) - MasterCourse Updates Thank you so much for your patience with us. The new 2018 MasterCourse is now complete and live! The 2017 version will remain available.Announcement We want to do the maximum in our power to bring our students together and to support the process of learning the MasterCourse. Therefore we are now making our - [Everything New Sidebar Widget v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=everything-new-sidebar-widget-v2) - AboutAbout TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of Tango on ForgeTube The Tango Lexicon DE Lexikon Private Lessons Commendations from students About the Website Everything NewIn Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: CodigosWe were only taught to surviveAging in TangoMusicality (and dogma)Pedagogy of ViolenceOverdressedToday we installed - [CTA begin package](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-begin-package) - Are you ready to start dancingArgentine Tango? Of course there are courses in almost every town where you can meet other beginners. In case you are a bit shy and you’d like to start training and learning first at home, we have a beginner’s package. It includes 10 practice sessions, a book to get you - [practice courses sidebar v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=practice-courses-sidebar-v2) - Revel’s Course R1.01 Your beauty comes from your baseR1.02 ProjectionR1.03 OrientationR1.04 Deceleration and elasticityR1.05 PivotR1.06 MolineteR1.07 CrossesR1.08 Flying your legs (voleo)R1.09 AdornosR1.10 Tiny steps Mark’s Course M1.01 Showing intentionM1.02 Creating circular directionM1.03 StopM1.04 ElasticityM1.05 ochoM1.06 Lateral walkingM1.07 CrossesM1.08 SacadaM1.09 Tiny stepsM1.10 Walking improvisation Pair Course C1.01 Building an Arch of ConnectionC1.02 Communicating intentC1.03 TransferC1.04 ElasticityC1.05 - [header with acmi preloader](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=header-with-acmi-preloader) - Content area - [header with preloader](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=header-with-preloader) - Content area - [aperture footer widget v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=aperture-footer-widget-v2-2) - Pay with Credit Card Payments are processed by Stripe . 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Use the chat button below or Email - [posts display tile](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=posts-display-tile) - posts display tile March 7, 2021 - [guides sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=guides-sidebar) - New to Tango Your First MilongaThe Perfect TangueraBalance is not a character virtuePartnersHow to become a Hot TangoManDivine Time Machines don’t pivot aloneStarting to dance Vals and MilongaCode of Ethics for Tango CommunitiesWhy not to accelerate your steps while reveling giroGet the whole storyFree Leg FluidityEmotions on the dance floorTaking workshopsHow to determine whether you - [blog sidebar 2021](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blog-sidebar-2021) - Apertures In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: CodigosWhat is Neotango?No means noTango AddictionThe Pleasure PrincipleRenaming the RolesThe power of desire Newest In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: CodigosWe were only taught to surviveAging in TangoMusicality (and dogma)Pedagogy of ViolenceOverdressedToday we installed our Cabeceo Floor!RejectionIs neotango a new style of tango?L’arrivée tant attendue d’un - [guides sidebar 2021](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=guides-sidebar-2021) - New to Tango Your First MilongaThe Perfect TangueraBalance is not a character virtuePartnersHow to become a Hot TangoManDivine Time Machines don’t pivot aloneStarting to dance Vals and MilongaCode of Ethics for Tango CommunitiesWhy not to accelerate your steps while reveling giroGet the whole storyFree Leg FluidityEmotions on the dance floorTaking workshopsHow to determine whether you - [commendations v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=commendations-v2) - Lessons are the most concise, complete, detailed way of describing tango I have ever seen. I have to say that this is the best tango class I've ever had. And I've been waiting for this information. I took classes with lots of different teachers. Only TangoForge has given me what I need to understand the - [CTA mastercourse preview](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-mastercourse-preview) - If you want to see how our instruction works, you can preview a session of our MasterCourse. Enter your email below for access. - [aperture pedagogy for black background v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=landing-pedagogy-for-black-background-v2) - Learn to use your body for tango. That’s Biomechanics.Regardless of which “style” of tango you prefer, all Argentine Tango relies on the same skills.We have studied anatomy and biomechanics to be able to give direct and clear instructions for sublime connection, balance, clear communication, and fluid movement.We teach Argentine Tango technique in a way that - [MasterCourse Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=mastercourse-sidebar-2) - Digital School About Commentaires Contact Email Extreme Australian Centre for the Moving Image Tangos History Index Private Lessons Lexicon Students Agenda Books Drill Sergeant Exercise Center Maui Pain Stretch The Tango Muscles Training Plan Workouts Glossary Guides and Resources HyperForge KorperTrainingZentrum MasterCourse Challenge Headquarters MasterCourse Index MasterKurs Index Newsletter Practice Index Practice Index Corrupt Praxis - [KnowledgeBase Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=knowledgebase-sidebar) - NavigationAbout TangoForge Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse About Vio Pedagogy History Agenda Contact Berlin The 25 Elements of Tango on ForgeTube The Tango Lexicon DE Lexikon Private Lessons Commendations from students About the Website KnowledgeBaseAbductAdornoAlignAlteracionAmbleArabesqueArcArch of ConnectionarticulateAxisBarridaBase legButterfly voleoCalesitaCastigadaChange of EmbraceChange of footCo-contractionColgadaCollectCompressionConnectionConservation of co-contractionContraContra VoleoCoreCrossCross-systemDecelerateDeltoidDisassociationDouble-ganchoDouble-giroDynamicEmbraceEnergyEnrosqueEntradaExtendExternal rotationFastFirst projectionFlexFlying stepForceFrameFree legFreezeGaitGanchoGeometryGiroIntentionInternal rotationJointLapiz / PencillateralLeaningMirror systemMolineteMolinete linealObliquesOchoOcho cortadoOpenOppositional - [title decoration date content](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=title-decoration-date-content) - title decoration date content 16.June 2020 title decoration date content 16.June 2020 Stop memorizing sequences*and start improvising from the elements of Tango*or being annoyed with yourself for not being able to remember them.Take our Lexicon Self-Test,then use our Impro Workbookto structure your development. Apertures In Defense of etiquette 2023: Part I: CodigosWhat is Neotango?No means - [colgada piriformis adjunct](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=colgada-piriformis-adjunct) - Visit the Exercise Center It’s rare that I have anything to add to the videos…I spent so much money and angst trying to learn colgadas and volcadas. Many very nice teachers struggled with the students to try to get our hips into the right position. We practiced uselessly for hours, then went home and argued, - [Tour Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=tour-sidebar) - Vio's Travelog Please note these posts are written quickly, and I don't have a lot of time to edit. They are a newswire of my experiences as they happen. Most are written on my phone, which makes a lot of typos and sometimes puts a different word than the one I had in mind. Later - [Pricing Table Basics Control Power](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=pricing-table-basics-control-power) - WALKING ELEMENTS Basics €220.00TangoForgeMasterCourse Basic Elements: 5 Elements for 12 months✕ email Choose an amount €220.00 Please Wait... Walking: Front, Side Back Changes of Foot Ochos Molinete Lineal The 3 Giros Sacadas Upgrade Anytime CONTROL ELEMENTS Precision €240.00TangoForgeMasterCourse Control Elements: 6 Elements for 12 months✕ email Choose an amount €240.00 Please Wait... Parada - [Digital School Sections](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-sections) - The TangoForge Argentine Tango Video MasterCourse uses scientific terminology for precise instruction without the physical touch of a teacher to accelerate your learning with effective independent practice. It includes the Biomechanical fundamentals necessary for every “style” of tango and the Improvisation systems which underlie musicality and agile floorcraft. - [blue dots learning bar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blue-dots-learning-bar-2) - Learn to dance from the ELEMENTS so you can improvise without memorizing. Learn exactly which MUSCLES you need to use, and train them. Learn the TOOLBOX of technique for all movements. Learn at home effectively with solo exercises and duo PRACTICE. - [blue dots learning bar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=blue-dots-learning-bar) - Learn to dance from the ELEMENTS so you can improvise without memorizing. Learn exactly which MUSCLES you need to use, and train them. Learn the TOOLBOX of technique for all movements. Learn at home effectively with solo exercises and duo PRACTICE. - [payment success box](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=payment-success-box) - If your credit card payment is successful you will receive a message on the screen “Success” and you will receive a receipt by email. If these things do not happen, your payment was not successful. Please contact office@TangoForge.com to arrange another form of payment. - [3 section pedagogic explanation 2017](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=3-section-pedagogic-explanation-2017) - Learn to use your body for tango. That’s Biomechanics.Regardless of which “style” of tango you prefer, all Argentine Tango relies on the same skills.We have studied anatomy and biomechanics to be able to give direct and clear instructions for sublime connection, balance, clear communication, and fluid movement.We teach Argentine Tango technique in a way that - [CTA tanguera](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-tanguera) - What makes a Perfect Tanguera? As soon as I started to write my guide to “How to Become a Hot TangoMan – Secrets from the Tangueras who Hope to Dance with You” I realized that I needed a guide for women.So I asked my 10 favorite Milongueros of all time (including my very first tango-crush) - [CTA: syntax](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-syntax) - If my insights about Tango are valuable to you… imagine how useful it might be to read my insights about creativity, change, emotions, food, and satisfaction… I’ve written a book about how I got to where I am and how I take on the struggle every day. It’s called Syntax of Power. Power is the - [aleph excerpt](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=aleph-excerpt) - Content area - [syntax contents](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=syntax-contents-2) - Content area - [syntax excerpt](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=syntax-excerpt) - Content area - [CTA: first milonga](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-first-milonga) - Are you getting ready for your first Milonga? The first time can be a little intimidating.But don’t worry, everyone is very happy to see a new person.If you make some mistakes, it’ll be just fine.Soon, Milongas will be events you look forward to with great joy.So might as well get to and past the first - [CTA: Partners](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=cta-partners) - My deepest desire is the same as all my students and friends ... those who have yet to start dancing and those who dance a lot. It's partnership. One thing I've learned on this quest, we need to: Stop Waiting for Partners, and start Building them. I've written a 10-step action guide. Are you ready - [upgrade action box](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=upgrade-action-box) - The MasterCourse isn’t shot from the ceiling, this was a special production…Remember recent students are entitled to upgrade to the MasterCourse by only paying the difference.What is the MasterCourse?The MasterCourse is a comprehensive curriculum of compact, actionable instruction so students can take responsibility for your education and train independently to master all of tango as - [tryst ii musicians](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=tryst-ii-musicians) - Musicians 14.3: Gábor Hartyáni 21.3: Abisko Duo 28.3: Alan Nguyen, violin+loop 4.4: Carlos Libedinskywith Ibon Goitia (saxophone), Simon Houghton and Gábor Hartyáni (cellos) 4.11: HandSigns Bandconducted by Carlos Libedinsky - [weekend flexible registration pricing table](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=weekend-flexible-registration-pricing-table) - Sacadas Friday evening 10.May Technique and improvisation systems for front and back sacadas by both partners.​ 2 hour workshop No partner required All levels except absolute beginner Biomechanics Saturday, 11.May Projection, embrace actions, and use of the obliques (distinguishing lateral movements (side step, ochos, change of foot, and crosses) … 5 hour workshop No partner - [2019 pricing table](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=2019-pricing-table) - EXERCISE CENTER Learn your Muscle Chains 12 Months [stripe name="Exercise Center" description="Learn your Tango Muscles" payment_button_label="€79" amount="7900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/exercisecenter" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/exercise-center-logo-v2.jpg"][/stripe] Muscle-chain diagrams and pIlates-based exercises on video for the 10 most important tango muscles​ For dancers who want to improve strength and control EN / DE KNOWLEDGE BASE Wikipedia for Tango 12 Months [stripe name="KnowledgeBase" description="Encyclopedia - [digital school pricing table v4](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-pricing-table-v4) - EXERCISE CENTER Understand Your Muscle Chains One Year [stripe name="Exercise Center" description="Learn your Tango Muscles" payment_button_label="€79" amount="7900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/exercisecenter" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/exercise-center-logo-v2.jpg"][/stripe] Muscle-chain diagrams and pIlates-based exercises on video for the 10 most important tango muscles For dancers who want to improve strength and control EN / DE KNOWLEDGE BASE Wikipedia for Tango One Year [stripe name="KnowledgeBase" - [digital school pricing table v3](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-pricing-table-v3) - EXERCISE CENTER Understand Your Muscle Chains One Year [stripe name="Exercise Center" description="Learn your Tango Muscles" payment_button_label="One Year €79" amount="7900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/exercisecenter" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/exercise-center-logo-v2.jpg"][/stripe] Muscle-chain diagrams and pIlates-based exercises on video for the 10 most important tango muscles For dancers who want to improve strength and control EN / DE KNOWLEDGE BASE Wikipedia for Tango One Year - [digital school pricing table v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-pricing-table-v2-2) - EXERCISE CENTER Understand Your Muscle Chains One Year [stripe name="Exercise Center" description="Learn your Tango Muscles" payment_button_label="One Year €79" amount="7900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/exercisecenter" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/exercise-center-logo-v2.jpg"][/stripe] Muscle-chain diagrams and pIlates-based exercises on video for the 10 most important tango muscles For dancers who want to improve strength and control EN / DE KNOWLEDGE BASE Wikipedia for Tango One Year - [digital school pricing table v2](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-pricing-table-v2) - EXERCISE CENTER Understand Your Muscle Chains One Year [stripe name="Exercise Center" description="Learn your Tango Muscles" payment_button_label="One Year €79" amount="7900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/exercisecenter" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/exercise-center-logo-v2.jpg"][/stripe] Muscle-chain diagrams and pIlates-based exercises on video for the 10 most important tango muscles For dancers who want to improve strength and control EN / DE KNOWLEDGE BASE Wikipedia for Tango One Year - [aperture pedagogy (color background, white box)](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=landing-page-pedagogical-presentation) - Learn to use your body for tango. That’s Biomechanics.Regardless of which “style” of tango you prefer, all Argentine Tango relies on the same skills.We have studied anatomy and biomechanics to be able to give direct and clear instructions for sublime connection, balance, clear communication, and fluid movement.We teach Argentine Tango technique in a way that - [pedagogy for landing Page (black background)](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=pedagogy-for-landing-page) - Learn to use your body for tango. That’s Biomechanics. Regardless of which “style” of tango you prefer, all Argentine Tango relies on the same skills. We have studied anatomy and biomechanics to be able to give direct and clear instructions for sublime connection, balance, clear communication, and fluid movement. We teach Argentine Tango technique in - [effective ethical instruction + magic aciton box](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=bottom-section-of-landing-page) - [magicactionbox] [/glossary_exclude] - [Rainbow Queer Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=rainbow-queer-sidebar-3) - Vio is part of the international movement to Queer Argentine Tango by encouraging gender complexity and exploration and creating space for GLBT people to enjoy tango. She is the founder of of Queer Tango Boston and Queer Tango Wellington. Her students now run their own weekly practicas and classes as community organizations. Vio is committed - [Etiquette Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=etiquette-sidebar) - Deep CodesThe GuideGetting a Dance Who asks? How can I invite someone to dance? Special Queer Tango situations How can I avoid dancing (with someone, or at all) What if some person just won’t dance with me? Who should I expect to dance with? The setting The difference between a practica and a milonga Alcohol - [Learning Tools](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=learning-tools) - TangoForge Learning Tools The TangoForge Argentine Tango Video MasterCourse uses scientific terminology for precise instruction without the physical touch of a teacher to accelerate your learning with effective independent practice. It includes the Biomechanical fundamentals necessary for every “style” of tango and the Improvisation systems which underlie musicality and agile floorcraft. The KnowledgeBase is like - [digital school pricing table](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-pricing-table-2) - EXERCISE CENTER Understand Your Muscle Chains One Year [stripe name="Exercise Center" description="Learn your Tango Muscles" payment_button_label="One Year €79" amount="7900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/exercisecenter" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/exercise-center-logo-v2.jpg"][/stripe] Muscle-chain diagrams and pIlates-based exercises on video for the 10 most important tango muscles For dancers who want to improve strength and control EN / DE KNOWLEDGE BASE Wikipedia for Tango One Year - [digital school pricing table](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=digital-school-pricing-table) - MASTER COURSE Learn the Whole Lexicon of Tango Two Years [stripe name="MasterCourse" description="MasterCourse" payment_button_label="Until 15.January €279" amount="27900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/mastercourse" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/mastercourse-logo-2022.png"][/stripe][stripe name="MasterCourse" description="MasterCourse" payment_button_label="After 15.January €349" amount="34900" success_redirect_url="http://www.tangoforge.com/credential/mastercourse" image_url="https://tangoforge.com/wp-content/uploads/mastercourse-logo-2022.png"][/stripe] Everything technical and improvisational you need to know about the 25 Elements of tango in 16 hours of video For ambitious beginners and students ready for mastery Includes - [sidebar fleury title](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=sidebar-fleury-title) - Themes - [Sydney Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=sydney-sidebar) - Rainbow Queer Argentine Tango - [Buenos Aires Guide Sidebar](https://tangoforge.com/?elementor_library=buenos-aires-guide-sidebar) - Neighborhoods Apartments and Hotels Food: Cooking Bakeries and What I buy there Restaurants Parrilla Pizza Nouvelle Cuisine Argentine Cafés Transportation Pilates Tango Women Leaders Queer Tango Milongas Instructors Entertainment Shopping ## apertures - [MasterCourse Challenge 2026](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/challenge2026/) - For ambitious dancers who want to take responsibility for their tango education. Grasp the technique and variations of the 25 Elements of Tango. - [Online Argentine Tango Mastercourse](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/argentine-tango-online-school/) - Argentine Tango dancers are told it takes 10 years to learn tango.We don't want to wait that long to dance with you. So we've explained it in 10 hours of video.The rest is up to you. Our online school provides a comprehensive MasterCourse, Home Training Courses, Exercise Center, and an Encyclopedia. - [MasterCourse Element Store](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/elementstore/) - Element Store DE Elemente Laden Walking Elements 01 02 04Walk FrontWalk BackChange FootWe walk together in systems, on tracks, and we can change feet in different combinations. 03 06Lateral Steps:Side steps and OchosWe step lateral to the partner with open or crossed steps, also called ochos, which are lateral step beginning with a pivot of - [Project payment](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/project/) - If you have made a special project agreement with us, you can use this page to pay by credit card.The website is secure. Payments are processed by Stripe. We do not see your card information. Click to enter a custom amountProject PaymentTangoForge✕ text Custom Amount € plan_select starting at €10.00 Please wait... - [Special Projects Payments](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/special/) - If you have made a special project agreement with us, you can use this page to pay by credit card.The website is secure. Payments are processed by Stripe. We do not see your card information. Click to enter a custom amountTangoForgePayment for Custom Project✕ Custom Amount € Detail of Custom Agreement Choose an amount Custom - [The Dark Silences of Argentine Tango](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/untilforever/) - Silences in history. Silences by code. Silences of fear. We already know that Tango's silences can be sublime and they can be devastating. They also have context and consequences. I - [Domaine Valent Writing Retreat](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/domaine-valent-writing-retreat/) - DOMaInEVaLEnT Personalized Writing Retreat in Southern France Most of our writers accomplish more than they planned. We take care of you so you can get the writing done. • Hand-made farm-to-table food delivered to your desk •• Blank walls for your projects •• No program, no tourism, no group activities, no chores: Your project is - [rdv2025fr](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/rdv2025fr/) - English Version Chers amis de TangoForge et TangoValent,L’année dernière, nous avons organisé le premier Rendez-Vous Roberto+Vio pour célébrer nos 10 ans d’existence. Les participants nous ont demandé de poursuivre l’événement en tant que rassemblement annuel des étudiants et amis de TangoForge. La célébration continue de notre rencontre est pour vous une occasion de vous rencontrer - [Rendez-Vous Roberto+Vio 2025](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/rendez-vous-robertovio-2025/) - Versión Français Dear TangoForge friends, Last year we hosted the first Rendez-Vous Roberto+Vio at our Domaine Valent in Southern France to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. The participants asked us to continue the event as an annual gathering of TangoForge students and friends. The ongoing celebration of our meeting is for you to meet! Our students tell us - [Rendez-Vous Roberto Vio 2024](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/rendezvous2024/) - Dear TangoForge friends, 2024 is the 10 year anniversary of the meeting of Vio y Roberto. We have reflected about how to celebrate this and we realize that biggest possibility for delight and development is to help you, our students and friends, to meet and dance with one another. All of our students tell us “I want - [MasterKurs Elemente Laden](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/masterkurselementeladen/) - If you have trouble remembering the moves from class, if you aren't sure how to improve your dancing, if you feel you're wasting money on classes without improving, but you still love tango, then there’s a very good chance we can help you. - [Bremen 26.June 2022](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/bremen2022/) - Bremen 2022 Hallo Friends, You can use this page to pay for your registration for the workshop in conjunction with NTR 2022 Bremen. After paying, you will be redirected to create a “credential”. This will enable you to receive a link to our video “the 5 Biomechanical tools”, which introduces our pedagogy. Abrazo, Roberto y - [Seminars 2022 news](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/news2022seminar/) - Seminar Encuentro Compañeros TangoForge 2022 Schedule 09:00-11:00 Markets 10:00-11:30 Fitness 10:00-12:00 Tango Privates 13:00-15:00 Tango Workshops 16:00-18:00 À la carte Registration here Creative Projects FRIDAY 12.August 17:00Stretching Saturday 13.August Aurignac market, 100% direct producers Bodyweight workout the High-Performance Embrace filmmaking for intense action Sunday 14.August Tango Muscle Workout Private Lessons self-expression in Tango Performance combat - [Seminars Encuentro Compañeros TangoForge 2022](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/seminar2022/) - Seminar Encuentro Compañeros TangoForge 2022 Join us in the blissful countryside of Southern France for up to 10 days of TangoForge à la carte.12-22 August. 2022 Each workshop theme will be considered twice: • The High Performance Embrace • Self-expression • What is improvisation? • Creative transitions between movementsDaily fitness classes with professional bodybuilder, acrobat, - [colorado 2022](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/colorado-2022/) - Colorado December 2-4, 2022 For ambitious dancers who want to understand the repertoire and technique of Argentine Tango. The most concise, complete, detailed way of describing Tango I have ever seen. Choose an amount €537.00 Please Wait... À la carte Filmmaking Workshop $ 50 3 hours hands-on workshop,applying the techniques of action films to Argentine - [Home Practice Courses](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/argentine-tango-home-practice/) - Don't wait for a partner! Develop your tango at home. - [Argentine Tango KnowledgeBase](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/argentine-tango-knowledgebase/) - Argentine Tango KnowledgeBase WIkipedia for Tango In 2013, TangoForge began developing the very first comprehensive encyclopedia of Argentine Tango movements and variations, using distilled and consistent technical specifications. The KnowledgeBase empowers students to learn at their own pace and to their own taste. Movements AdornoAlteracionBarridaButterfly voleoCalesitaCastigadaChange of footColgadaCrossDouble-ganchoDouble-giroEnrosqueEntradaFlying stepGanchoGiroLapiz / PencilLeaningMolineteMolinete linealOchoOcho cortadoParadaPassePatadaPiernazopirouettePivot-paradaPlaneoPulpeadesReboteRebote caderaSacadaSandwichitoSingle-giroSoltadaStepVolcadaVoleoVoleo CircularVoleo - [Tango Muscle Exercise Center](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/argentine-tango-muscle-training/) - The TangoForge Exercise Center features video exercises to develop control of the most important muscles for tango. It includes cardio workouts, stretching, pain counsel, and exercise sessions for tango physical skills. - [Considering Argentine Tango?](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/considering/) - Tango is a a safe evening activity that you can attend alone, make new friends, and regularly experience the optimal psychology of "Flow". - [Praxis](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/praxis/) - If you have trouble remembering the moves from class, if you aren't sure how to improve your dancing, if you feel you're wasting money on classes without improving, but you still love tango, then there’s a very good chance we can help you. - [Aleph Bravo Tango, A Novel](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/alephbravotango/) - More than an elaborate and difficult dance, Argentine Tango is an international culture of intimacy, desire, and dignity. No mere romance or memoir, the intricately woven stories evoke tango’s true mysteries – the elation, the frustration, the compulsion…Dancers say “how did you know what I was feeling?” - [Upgrade](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/upgrade/) - MasterCourse & Digital School You can upgrade or renew anytime. The MasterCourse includes access to our whole Digital School. This is our comprehensive enrollment. It includes: the MasterCourse (EN/DE). Technique and variations of 25 Elements of Tango in 16 sessions The Exercise Center (EN/DE) Home Practice Courses for both roles and dance pairs (EN/DE) the - [Advocacy and Apprenticeship](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/advocacy-and-apprenticeship/) - Tango Advocacy TangoForge Apprenticeship For students who have passed the MasterCourse Exam, we offer two programs for your development as a tango community-builder. The programs are sequential. In order to become an Apprentice, you first must complete the Advocacy Program. Effective Tango Advocacy Build your Community GOAL To do outreach, create a good experience for - [discuz](https://tangoforge.com/aperture/discuz/) ## Categories - [pedagogy](https://tangoforge.com/category/pedagogy/) - [Blog](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/) - [Queer Tango](https://tangoforge.com/category/queertango/) - [Technique](https://tangoforge.com/category/guides/technique/) - [videos](https://tangoforge.com/category/videos/) - [news and events](https://tangoforge.com/category/newsevents/) - [architecture](https://tangoforge.com/category/architecture/) - infrastructure pages - [fashion](https://tangoforge.com/category/fashion/) - [guides](https://tangoforge.com/category/guides/) - [sydney](https://tangoforge.com/category/sydney/) - [considering](https://tangoforge.com/category/guides/considering/) - [about](https://tangoforge.com/category/about/) - [Curated Shopping](https://tangoforge.com/category/fashion/curated/) - These designers and vendors are identified and curated by UltraVioleta. We are interested in clothes that are not only beautiful and elegant but most importantly clothes that go beyond the clichés of tango. We seek out clothing that has some adornment on the back and side, that has some movement, that creates nice lines and shapes as we move. We may not like every single thing these vendors make, so we have attempted to work with each vendor to demarcate UltraVioleta curated selections. Where this is not possible, we have mentioned our favorites in the post below. (This is not advertising. The advertising section is clearly marked.) - [Style Guide](https://tangoforge.com/category/fashion/style_guide/) - [Ultravioleta Designs](https://tangoforge.com/category/fashion/marca/) - UltraVioleta are my own designs. The line has been in development since 2009 with the assistance of patternmaker Megan Tuffery. There are only a few models because they are very carefully considered. The A-line skirts are flattering to every woman’s body, making an elegant line, and not flashing the underwear. The tops are fully tested to be as sexy as possible with no distracting danger of revealing the tits. All the models are compatible and can be mixed and matched. For men we offer one perfect model of pants with an adjustable waistline so you don’t need to wear a belt and you can make them tighter and looser as needed. Every pant and skirt has a small secure pocket for emergency supplies, designed to fit a tiny notebook or iphone-sized smartphone camera to encourage your tango study. We use gorgeous top quality fabrics and every garment is hand-made by a skilled and fairly paid seamstress here in Australia. Every garment is absolutely unique — each one has some adorno or detailing which makes it unlike any other. The website offers “what you see is what you get” meaning that each item pictured is one-of-a-kind. UltraVioleta. More than eyes can see. Because your clothing should be as unique as your dance. - [blogarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/blogarchitrave/) - [fashionarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/fashion/fashionarchitrave/) - [aboutarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/about/aboutarchitrave/) - [sydneyarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/sydney/sydneyarchitrave/) - [queerarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/queertango/queerarchitrave/) - [revel1](https://tangoforge.com/category/practicecourse/revel1/) - [mark1](https://tangoforge.com/category/practicecourse/mark1/) - [workshop notes](https://tangoforge.com/category/pedagogy/workshopnotes/) - [couple1](https://tangoforge.com/category/practicecourse/couple1/) - [tour](https://tangoforge.com/category/tour/) - [travelogarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/travelog/travelogarchitrave/) - [berlinforge](https://tangoforge.com/category/berlin/berlinforge/) - [berlinarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/berlin/berlinarchitrave/) - [berlinlater](https://tangoforge.com/category/berlin/berlinlater/) - [admINvisible](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/) - [berlin](https://tangoforge.com/category/berlin/) - [Neuigkeiten](https://tangoforge.com/category/berlin/neuigkeiten/) - [Architektur](https://tangoforge.com/category/architektur/) - [crew](https://tangoforge.com/category/architecture/crew/) - [importantvideos](https://tangoforge.com/category/videos/importantvideos/) - [travelog](https://tangoforge.com/category/travelog/) - [Blog DE](https://tangoforge.com/category/flug/) - [practicecourse](https://tangoforge.com/category/practicecourse/practicecourse/) - [Uncategorized](https://tangoforge.com/category/uncategorized-en/) - [Uncategorized](https://tangoforge.com/category/uncategorized-de/) - [send to email list 13th](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/minor/) - [donotsend to emaillist](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/nosend/) - [Fashionista](https://tangoforge.com/category/fashion/fashionista/) - [exchange](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/exchange/) - [email only](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/email-only/) - these posts are sent to email but not included in site lists - [box untilforever](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/box-untilforever/) - [box partner](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/box-partner/) - [box lextest](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/box-lextest/) - adds the lexicon test action box to posts - [box makepop](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/box-makepop/) - [credential for email service](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/credentialmailpoet/) - [credential for user role](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/credentialrole/) - [active](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/exchange/active/) - [guidesarchitrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/guides/guidesarchitrave/) - [technique architrave](https://tangoforge.com/category/guides/technique/technique-architrave/) - [superblog](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/superblog/) - [mastercourse exams](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/mastercourse-exams/) - [advent2020](https://tangoforge.com/category/advent2020/) - [box nuevo mc ad](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/box-nuevo-mc-ad/) - [box training advice](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/box-training-advice/) - [audio elements](https://tangoforge.com/category/audioelements/) - [advent2021](https://tangoforge.com/category/advent2021/) - [principals](https://tangoforge.com/category/architecture/principals/) - [automatic to syntax](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/forgesyntax/) - [rendezvous2024](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/registration/rendezvous2024/) - [registration](https://tangoforge.com/category/adminvisible/registration/) - [francais](https://tangoforge.com/category/blog/francais/) - [digischu](https://tangoforge.com/category/digischu/) - [mc](https://tangoforge.com/category/digischu/mc/) - [mk](https://tangoforge.com/category/digischu/mk/) - [cha](https://tangoforge.com/category/digischu/cha/) ## Tags - [frustrated?](https://tangoforge.com/tag/frustrated/) - [cabeceo](https://tangoforge.com/tag/cabeceo/) - [nuevo](https://tangoforge.com/tag/nuevo/) - [partners](https://tangoforge.com/tag/partners/) - [Buenos Aires](https://tangoforge.com/tag/buenos-aires/) - [codigos](https://tangoforge.com/tag/codigos/) - [philosophy](https://tangoforge.com/tag/philosophy/) - [style](https://tangoforge.com/tag/style/) - [queer](https://tangoforge.com/tag/queer/) - [gender](https://tangoforge.com/tag/gender/) - [GirlLeaders](https://tangoforge.com/tag/girls/) - [hip-hop](https://tangoforge.com/tag/hip-hop/) - [authenticity](https://tangoforge.com/tag/authenticity/) - [confidence](https://tangoforge.com/tag/confidence/) - [improvisation](https://tangoforge.com/tag/improvisation/) - [teaching](https://tangoforge.com/tag/teaching/) - [emotions](https://tangoforge.com/tag/emotions/) - [the Berlin interviews](https://tangoforge.com/tag/the-berlin-interviews/) - These interviews with Berlin professionals and dancers were conducted in English. Each person has had a chance to check the text to give them a chance to deepen their expression and correct errors and misunderstandings. I have a funny love-affair with quirky turns of phrase in second languages. Germans, whose English tends to be superb, tend to say “dance on the music” rather than “to” the music. Like many such quirks, I don’t believe it’s an accident, or in any way wrong. I believe it has a different, perhaps more profound meaning, which can share a different perspective with native English speakers who do not so carefully choose their words. - [shoes](https://tangoforge.com/tag/shoes/) - [music](https://tangoforge.com/tag/music/) - [Art](https://tangoforge.com/tag/art/) - [fashion](https://tangoforge.com/tag/fashion/) - [travel](https://tangoforge.com/tag/travel/) - [etiquette](https://tangoforge.com/tag/etiquette/) - [underthings](https://tangoforge.com/tag/underthings/) - [Fundamentalism](https://tangoforge.com/tag/fundamentalism/) - [organizer](https://tangoforge.com/tag/organizer/) - [technique](https://tangoforge.com/tag/technique/) - [Considering Tango?](https://tangoforge.com/tag/considering/) - [Secrets for Men](https://tangoforge.com/tag/men/) - [gear](https://tangoforge.com/tag/gear-guides/) - [Advanced Dancers](https://tangoforge.com/tag/advanced-dancers/) - [body](https://tangoforge.com/tag/body/) - [Style Guide](https://tangoforge.com/tag/style_guide/) - 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