UPDATE
Mónica's classes at Negracha have been moved elsewhere. Please check with Brigitte, brigitte@paris-tango.co.uk – 07818 808 711.
After a single group class with Ricardo Vidort, the last he gave in London, I was fascinated by the tango of the milongas, and as it wasn’t really taught in London at that time I went to Buenos Aires. After Ricardo, I was looking for teachers whose hearts were in the dance and music, and the Argentine teachers who came over here were usually young ex-gymnasts, ballet and folk dancers who had learned and could teach and perform tango routines but weren’t dancers who had spent much time dancing socially. It seemed best to try and learn from dancers who had danced in the milongas for at least 20 years, which I thought would cover social dancers of the old generation who had started in the late 1940s and 50s as well as the younger generation who learned from them when tango re-emerged after 1984. I took a few classes from Mónica Paz, among others.
It’s really good news that she’s back in the UK next month. She took up tango over 20 years ago, and learned mostly by dancing nightly with the older guys, the generation that started dancing in the middle of the 20th century and have a lifetime of experience. Those who are still on the floor are unlikely to visit Europe now, and in any case speak little if any English. Mónica Paz is fluent, and a practised dancer and teacher who still dances regularly in the milongas. The tango of the milongas remains the touch-stone of tango, and you’re unlikely to get closer to it in London than in Mónica’s classes. Go to every one you can, whether you lead or follow! Dance practice can always be improved! People with a background in the milongas have an eye for details, they notice movement that doesn't look quite right and can suggest little adjustments that improve posture, embrace and walk.
Mónica Paz is in the UK for the second time from September 6th to 15th:
SEPT. 7 Light Temple, Intermediate Class, 8:00 to 9:30 pm
SEPT. 9 Negracha, Intermediate Class, 7:30 to 9:00 pm
SEPT. 10 Corrientes, Intermediate Class, 9:00 to 10:30 pm
SEPT. 12 and 14 Negracha Workshops.
SEPT. 14 BRISTOL Tango West Tango Workshop 5:00 to 6:00 pm
SEPT. 14 BRISTOL Tango West Tango Workshop 6:30 to 8:00 pm
SEPT. 14 BRISTOL Tango West Milonga Workshop 8:30 to 10:00 pm
Workshops: Pre-registration required, first come, first served.
For private lessons in London: contact Brigitte, brigitte@paris-tango.co.uk – 07818 808 711.
From September 16 to 18 she will be in Saarbrücken.
