Pre-Intermediate Tango Fundamentals (8 Weeks)

The pre-intermediate tango level focuses on elements commonly considered essential knowledge, yet often overlooked or assumed to be intuitive. These foundational details and techniques are vital to understand, practice, and master in order to build a sophisticated tango foundation. This course bridges the transition between beginner and intermediate levels while introducing crucial information needed to progress to higher skill levels.

Argentine tango is an extraordinarily rich language of non-verbal communication. As with any language, the more you learn and practice, the more nuanced and interesting it becomes. Interestingly, advanced tango students frequently describe themselves as "intermediate" when asked about their level, and many teachers offer the same assessment of themselves. There is perpetually more to discover and refine in tango.

You are ready for the pre-intermediate level if you have mastered all the elements taught in the beginner course. Review the beginner syllabus to confirm your foundational knowledge. The pre-intermediate curriculum consists of three series that can be taken in any order, though it is important to complete all three to develop well-rounded skills. You can begin at any time, and no partner is required.

Series 1: Cross System Focus

• Understanding the differences between parallel and cross-system techniques
• Entering the cross system with proper weight changes and suspension
• Leading weight changes and suspension movements
• Walking outside your partner on the left and right sides, with smooth transitions between positions
• Executing back crosses and forward crosses during walking sequences
• Performing the basic to the cross in the cross system
• Exploring variations of basic to the cross: leader's technique, follower's technique, open side, closed side, and mirrored patterns
• Mastering the baldoza in the cross system and its various possibilities
• Developing musicality through double-time stepping

Series 2: Ochos and Spiral Movement

• Distinguishing between cross and ocho movements and their different applications
• Executing forward and backward crosses with control
• Performing forward and backward ochos with proper technique
• Generating spiral movement through your body for fluid, continuous motion
• Understanding pivot and axis concepts in ocho movements
• Differentiating between contra body movement and spiral rotation
• Leading ocho patterns and following ocho patterns with sensitivity
• Executing simultaneous ochos while isolating lead from follow
• Applying opposition principles to create dynamic movement
• Mastering the ocho cortado and its variations

Series 3: Directional Movement and Improvisation

• Differentiating between open steps and cross steps, and when to apply each
• Understanding how weight changes and side steps are led differently
• Recognizing the consequences of replacing weight changes with side steps
• Exploring the possibility and technique of leading continuous side steps
• Isolating lead from the leader's own stepping pattern
• Internalizing the tango fundamental concept of forward, side, and back movement
• Adding pivots to each directional movement for expanded possibilities
• Mixing directions in various configurations as an introduction to improvisation

Class Details:

No partner is required for this course. You may join at any time or wait for the beginning of the next instructional cycle. Each 90-minute class is self-contained, allowing flexibility in your schedule.

Prerequisite: Beginner Tango level or equivalent experience