Beginner Syllabus

We run a series of beginner classes which is roughly twelve to fifteen weeks in length and follows the school terms. However, beginners are more than welcome at any time and we always make sure you are up to speed with the rest of the class.

For class times and details, please see the Classes page.
At present our syllabus looks something like this:

Week 1

  • An introduction to the Argentine Tango
  • Dancing the basic 8

Week 2

  • Basic leading and following
  • Basic 8 with and without back-step

Week 3

  • The tango walk and personal space
  • Revisiting the basic 8 with proper tango walk

Week 4

  • Introduction to the concept of the embrace
  • Leading the cross

Week 5

  • La cunita
  • A simple turn and moving round the floor

Week 6

  • An introduction to the ocho
  • An ocho from the cross

Week 7

  • An introduction to milonga
  • The milonga basic

Week 8

  • More on the embrace
  • Some methods for turning corners

Week 9

  • An introduction to the ocho atras
  • Ocho atras from a side step

Week 10

  • Milonga forward steps
  • Milonga side steps

Week 11

  • Revisiting leading and following
  • Ochos revisited

Week 12

  • Recognising music
  • Basic musicality and combining steps
Claus dancing at the milonga in Feb 2006
Claus dancing at the milonga in Feb 2006

Beginner classes this term, 2009

  • Week 1 - Jan 12
  • Week 2 - Jan 19
  • Week 3 - Jan 26
  • Week 4 - Feb 2
  • Week 5 - Feb 9
  • Week 6 - Feb 16
  • Week 7 - Feb 23
  • Week 8 - Mar 2
  • Week 9 - Mar 9
  • Week 10 - Mar 16
  • Week 11 - Mar 23
  • Week 12 - Mar 30