Not your fault... there is a foundation from which to work.. also.. it depends on the style of T/Arg. you wish to use... the main ones..

Milonga, Salon and Nuevo, are all taught and are not only different types of T/A, but are danced with different frames, and the variations that are suitable to the style...
add to this.. Tango/ Waltz .

Finally , the music choices are very instrumental ( no pun ) in deciding the style danced .

The genre carries a lot of controversy.. old school V new .

The person you asked " smacks " of a lack of knowledge about the genre .

So.. dont give up.. find a competant teacher .

terence, could you (or another user) provide 6delights with some guidance in the selection of a competent instructor?

I bring this question up because there are a lot of folks out there posing as Argentine Tango instructors who, while perhaps being decent dancers themselves, have no idea whatsoever about how to teach.

Are there any certifying agencies for AT?

If not, what clues might students observe in a teacher's instructional technique that could help them determine whether or not an AT professional is worth continued study?

jj

An excellent Q---

Also.. a difficult one, as most well know, the combination of several aspects, each important in their own right, go to make for good teaching..

heres a list, in no special order...

1.. know your subject, and I mean well.

2.. always demonstrate what you are about teach BEFORE teaching.

3... check with previous students ( if poss. ) about their experiences.

4.. check the background of the teacher ( dance wise )

5... go to a milonga or practica (they are socials ) watch.. ask questions .

6..keep an open mind on the style you wish to commence with.. salon is less invasive .

7.. invest in music.. see which appeals to you, and make your style choice upon that ( ask the teacher if they teach the style you chose ).

8... If you have prior backgound in other Tangos.. go in with an open mind, it will challenge and delight you ( and confuse ).. warning.. it can become addictive !

As to Soc. with T.Arg. as an adjunct ( they dont include it with the Standard Div. ) UKA has a complete syllabus designed on the Br..Silv.. Gold premise... it has suggestions at advanced levels rather than requirements.

Paul Bottomer, former World Prof. Champ. has a book published ( Tango Argentino ) that is the most concise ever published.

It may be difficult to obtain.

I have a copy , and will be happy to supply ( here ) any info.on content , within reason.

I agree with all of the information on this topic, and can add only this (which is why 6delight's students are probably asking to begin with): The Argentine Tango is a lot of fun. It is my wife's favorite dance, and we're only semi-advanced in it. But there are many facets that transfer over into American Tango, yet so many facets that are different. I would agree that the music isn't all that great, but it does have its sizzling effect! We've done Rumba, Waltz and Fox Trot in shows before, but if we were asked to do Argentine Tango, I am guessing my wife would quickly answer yes.

I recently finished a 6-week course in Argentine Tango, and it was very enjoyable. Our studio has an instructor that is not only accomplished in ALL divisions of ballroom, but has a special passion for AT. She taught it very well, and has generated enough interest to form an intermediate class later on this summer. Reading some of these posts, I realize how very lucky I am to have this opportunity available to me. With correct instruction, and the right partner, AT can be a TONS of fun. Yeah...the music is not all that hot, but the dancing is.

Oh....and I read a description of AT the other day that just made me smile...I'll paraphrase here.....

The man's character is a ganster. The woman hates him....but they are lovers. So, the dance couple pretends for an evening....then they go to a restaurant and eat chinese.

terence2....

I became curious when you mentioned Paul Bottomer's book, "Tango Argentino." I looked, and found used (and new) copies for sale at alibris.com. I picked one up for myself, and can't wait to read it.

Thanks for the reference!

You,re welcome.

let me know your thoughts after reading.

dheun. Before you take the floor in an Argentine Tango First listen to the Album Gotan Project.Lunatico. Its currently available.

Its GOTAN project-- tango nuevo.. mildly popular with the non traditionalists

Terence. As was pointed out what we consider traditional Argentine Tango Music as being very sad. I wonder if this is really how it was. If as I read the Argentine Tango had its roots in the brothels in the Argentine I doubt that the original music they danced to would have been sad. I would have expected it to be bright and breezy. Wouldn't you.