Choosing Classes
Classes are classified using a specific level or range of levels, a class showing, for example, 3+ indicates that it is suitable for that level and above, in this example Elementary and better. It is important to select classes at an appropriate level for your ability and current experience. This will ensure that you get the most out of the class in terms of your own development and also that you will not be placing an unfair constraint on your fellow students. If you are unsure please ask your teacher.
Teachers reserve the right to advise you on suitable classes to maximise your development and to maintain the integrity and value of the class to all students. They may ask you to move to a different class if they consider you will benefit more from this.
Tango Levels
The levels used to qualify classes and dancers are described here. It is important to understand that your level describes your current tango knowledge and expertise, it is not based on the length of time that you have been dancing. Each level is incremental – this means that you will have the skills described in all previous levels as well as those defined at the level in question. Note that classes suitable for all level are classified as “Level 0: all or general”.
Level 1: Complete Beginners
You have not yet attempted tango, or you want to revisit and revise the basics. These classes will begin from first principles.
At this level you will be learning and improving: the basic principles of leading and following; changing weight; walking – forwards, backwards and sideways; combinations to make simple “box” shapes on the floor; and, you will also start to use the pivot.
Level 2: Recent Beginners
You have learnt a little and understand the principles of side, forward & backwards steps and how to lead and follow. You have developed fluency when using these basic steps and can dance using simple shapes with some pivots.
At this level you will be learning and improving: walking and pivoting; forwards & backwards ochos; the cross and variations; combinations of steps and pivots that will allow the introduction of walking turns; basic musicality; and, musical familiarity.
Level 3: Improvers
You are confident with the basic steps (side, backwards & forwards), you can pivot confidently and have some experience with the cross, ochos and changes of direction; you are able to dance with responsibility for your own balance. Many dancers will not progress much further than this but continue to enjoy and explore the dance.
At this level you will be learning and improving: balance and co-ordination, especially how maintain your own balance and not affect your partner’s; combinations of steps and pivots developing into simple turns (giros); recognition of, and ability to respond to, all three tango rhythms; introduction of changes in tempo when moving – single and double time; small, simple boleos and barridas; and, simple decorations.
Level 4: Intermediate 1
You are now comfortable with simple turns (giros), you can introduce decorations without interrupting the flow and with respect to the musicality of the dance.
At this level you will be learning and improving: complex turns; simple sacadas and their introduction into turns; changes of dynamic; more advanced ganchos, boleos and barridas; occasionally taking the “other” role; understanding of volcadas & colgadas; improvisation and fluency; listening skills.
Level 5: Intermediate 2
You can perform complex turns (giros) incorporating sacadas, barridas, ganchos and boleos and you are confident in your role as a leader or follower. You are able to hold your own balance, improvise freely and assume the “other role”. You want to develop style, technique & precision and explore possibilities.
At this level you will be learning and improving: almost everything!; often involves small detailed examination of technique; may involve “undoing” and relearning elements; out of axis and counter balanced elements – developing colgadas & volcadas; listening and suggesting to support the interplay and exchange of lead and follow with your partner developing the dance as a dialogue.
Level 6: Advanced
You are technically accomplished dancing with quality and precision; you can exchange lead and follow roles and create new movements and dynamics, you are looking for greater technical diversity and control, and for new opportunities in the dance.
At this level you will be learning and improving: technique; musicality; precision; freedom within improvisation.
Level 7: Professionals
For professional tango dancers.
Level 8: Teachers
For those wanting to develop their teaching skills.