Glasgow's Regular Wednesday Tango Classes, Monthly Practica and Masterclasses
Glasgow Tango offers a range of classes and Argentine Tango events from weekly, term time classes with Alistair and Shona, masterclasses with Jenny and Ricardo Oria, free Tango Tasters and regular practicas (practice sessions).
Your Argentine Tango Teachers
Shona and Alistair are key movers on Glasgow's tango scene. They have studied with Scotland's own tango stars Jenny and Ricardo Oria since 2003. Like their mentors, they are passionate about Argentine tango as an enjoyable and accessible social dance for all. In 2009, Alistair and Shona took over the Wednesday classes as Jenny and Ricardo focussed more on national and international engagements. Classes are taken at a gentle pace and they will always find time to talk to you and support your dancing needs. Sessions are good humoured and sometimes quirky, but the focus is always on detail and technique and getting results on dance floor. As part of this, Shona makes extensive use of her study of tango techniques and style to provide clear explanations, while Alistair draws on his musical background, making the all important connections between the music and the dance.
Class Levels
Alistair and Shona teach weekly classes at three levels. We are running a Beginners course and separate Improver and Intermediate groups . Registration for all levels is essential so email us if you're interested.
Beginner
Wednesdays at 6.30 pm. The self-contained Beginners Tango course is designed to get you up and dancing the basics of tango. The classes do not assume you have danced before and newbies are absolutely welcome. The classes will explore the tango walk and its variations, turns, rocks, changing pace and more. You do not need to bring a partner, although it helps. We do our very best to balance numbers at the classes. A new beginners course starts every January, April and September. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Contact Alistair for more information and to book a place.
Improver
Wednesdays at 7.30 pm. Improvers level builds on the beginners course. It includes an introduction to the two other great tango dances; the milonga and the vals. Improver's will learn new moves, and new aspects of tango technique and musicality. Improvers unfolds over several terms. Because there is so much to learn about, dancers often stay with improvers for over a year. Sometimes, more advanced dancers come along to fine-tune their fundamentals too. Whatever, we hope that by this stage you will also be enjoying dancing at the city's tango events.
Intermediate
Costs and Booking Details
Shona and Alistair offer weekly, hour long classes for beginners, improvers and intermediates during term time. It costs £70 (£60 concessions) for the complete 10 week course and booking is essential. The Improver and Intermediate classes cost £7.00 (£6.00 concessions).
Gift vouchers are available for a course of classes and make a great celebratory present. Contact Alistair for more information and to book a place for Beginners.
Practica de los Àngeles
A warm welcome awaits you at Glasgow Tango’s monthly Practica de los Ángeles. Take time to practise and develop your tango skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you want to perfect those tricky moves or work on fundamental technique, you can help each other and share your tango inspirations. Shona and Alistair will be on hand to answer questions and offer support and feedback. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for those moments when you need a break. All levels of dancers are welcome and there is no need to come with a partner. We usually take a berak over the summer so check our calendar on the home page for dates.
Free Tango Tasters
Our Free Tango Tasters are for those that think tango could be the best fun on four legs but need some proof. We offer an hour long class which covers the very basics and also gives an insight into the music of tango from its evolution right up to the present day. We offer tasters two or three times year, roughly corresponding to the start of the school terms in Glasgow.
Details to follow nearer the time, but contact Alistair for more information and we'll keep you posted.
Workshops with Jenny and Ricardo Oria
Special workshops:
We run occasional workshops with the wonderful Jenny and Ricardo Oria. Look out for details!
Jenny and Ricardo Oria have been hugely influential in the development of tango in Glasgow. They have been dancing and teaching together since 2002 and have forged an international reputation. A subtle and gentle creativity characterises their dance: moved and inspired by the music and the subtle, yet powerful conversation within the tango embrace. Their teaching experience is extensive, offering the best they can to their students, and approaching every class with joy. When teaching tango, Jenny and Ricardo emphasise the importance of gaining a sense of your partner, a sense of yourself and a sense of the music.
For information on their tours, classes and tango holidays, visit their website at www.oriatango.com