root focuses on an extra dance during each bi-monthly feature. As we report on Flamenco through June, we bring you another dance form to read and learn about.
This month's xtra dance is the Tango.
Argentine Tango is considered the dance of passion. It has crossed
international borders beyond imagination. Tango lovers through out the
world enjoy a common language, in which a new story is told every
night. Unlike other types of dances the tango language continues to
grow, defying all efforts of standardization or establishing guidelines
enabling an impressive growth for the tango community on one hand and a
formidable challenge on the other for the students of tango. Everyone can dance
tango regardless of age, background, body type. While the stage dancers
bring their art to audiences, tango still belongs to all people.
BailaTango, under the guidance of Metin Yazir, is an Argentine Tango
school bringing together many talented individuals in ten cities spread
to four countries: USA, Canada, Turkey & Germany.
Baila Tango family currently has over thirty instructors. Some are
highly successful professionals in various fields and part time
instructors and others teach full time. They all share with one
vision: their love of tango in their communities. To them tango
is more than a dance, it is a lifestyle: love for the music, passion for
the dance, respect for all on and off the dance floor.
Baila Tango's philosophy is that of tango as a dialogue, as opposed to monologues by the dominant
men, between two independent and actively participating individuals
connecting them at a higher level. Lead and follow concepts transcend
to invitations and acceptances. This heightened respect for the women
is the foundation of this vision. Their goal is to spread the love of tango and see their students on
the dance floor as soon as possible, dancing with music, with feeling,
and most importantly with partner.
Since tango is a passion, the instructors bring lots of energy,
enthusiasm and sense of humor to their teaching. They are the dancers,
teachers and organizers of practices, dances and special events. In
fact they create tango communities and play a leading role in the
development of these communities. Progress is their main motivation and they consider themselves lifelong students of tango.
Recommended music: Di Sarli, D’Arienzo, Canarao, Calo, Pugliese, Troilo.
Recommended outfit: Dance shoes because comfort comes first for a healthy
tango life. Ladies beware of open toes and high
heels as you are learning if you are not comfortable with them.
Gentlemen be ready to bring a change of shirt.
Of course a piece of mint is always recommended.
Photos: (top left) Metin Yazir & Rebecca Shulman taken by Grant Leduc, (bottom right) Metin Yazir & Vanessa Gauch taken by Jak Karako.