April 29, Sunday
Boot camp "Theory of Argentine Tango"
by Igor Polk
(510)610-8711, ipolk@virtuar.com. www.virtuar.com/jcc/
2-6pm. 3 hours of classes+ practica, $20 for all
1077 Independence Ave., Mountain View

2:00 - Workshop 1, $10
3:10 - Workshop 2, $10. Workshop 1 required
4:20 - Workshop 3, free. Workshop 2 required
5:30-6:00 Practica (as long as time allows)
Earlier workshops are prerequisite for the later ones. You must take the 1-st to get the 2-nd and 3-rd.

All workshops are not of a beginner's level and very intensive: I'd like to present as much theory as possible in this very limited time. Classes are physically challenging: we will practice everything what will be said, but alternatively, you can rest and watch. The emphasis will be given on theoretical presentation to make a complete picture what tango is as a dance.
Beginners are welcome to participate in the exercises of the Workshop 1.

During this time I wants to present principles of tango systematically in all its aspects: rhythms, movements, structures, elements, lead-and follow, energy and space considerations the way I understood them. All what makes tango tango in my view. We also discover major difference between styles. Figures are used only to illustrate the underlying principles of tango. During this time we will learn how to construct figures in time, space and feelings.

The idea of the 3-hour boot camp found a lot of interest among my students. Other dancers are very welcome. I very appreciate your opinion, discussions.

I hope to address these questions:
"What makes tango music distinct from other music and how to express it in the dance";
"How tango figures appeared and how new figures can be constructed";
"What is lead-and-follow, how to lead with the body";
"How tango elements are produced: steps, postures, pivots, boleos, planeos, barridas, sacadas, leg-wraps, sentadas, ganchos. Is there a unifying principle?";
"What is tango turn";
"What is the role the body positions and movements in the dance.";
"Tango is the dance of energy and senses, rather than steps. Ah?";
"What is the difference between major tango styles: Salon and Orillero ("Sarli and D'Arienzo") It is not 'slow' and 'fast'! "

Note that my theory is significantly more complex than tango nuevo theory and it is based on the same principles like ballet and martial arts. The boot camp promotes big movements ( as well as addresses how to make the same movements small ) for a large visible dance.

Partner is not necessary.