Argentine Tango in Chicago
AMERICAN TANGO INSTITUTE
About ATI - Tango Dance Methodology
Dancing is the most complete expression and interpretation of tango, using the purest and most dynamic human element: the body.
American Tango Institute's method for teaching tango dance is based on a social concept which has several levels, enabling the individual to learn to interpret all the elements of tango and to project his/her own personality, feelings and energy, first towards himself/herself and then to his/her dance partner.
In this way a unique communication and harmony is created on the dance floor, when the dance partners come together to share a moment in time and space.
We teach our students how to achieve the expression of all the elements of tango, by communicating in the clearest, easiest and most precise manner. The understanding of three fundamental components of the tango dance is critical to this expression.
- Musicality – Music Appreciation.
Feeling, understanding and recognizing the music of tango will lead to stronger and more rhythmic movements. Learning to listen for and interpret rhythmic changes will aid in interpreting the various musical styles found in tango. Good musicality will allow your body and soul to lead or follow smoothly with the music. - Techniques of the Dance: Balance-Direction–Body Control.
Balance and control of the body is crucial to the development of good dance technique. This is achieved by developing an elegant, structured, but flexible posture, which, in turn, enables each dancer to identify and maintain his/her own axis and the partners' shared axis.
Exercises are given for practicing transfer of weight, balance control and change of direction, to become aware of the architecture and engineering of movement. Our goal is that each student achieves the integration of body and mind by developing and strengthening his/her psychomotor skills. - Connection and Projection.
Once the student has learned to appreciate and interpret the music and has become aware of his/her body balance and weight control, axis, shared axis, structure and posture, we concentrate on energy projection. Projection is the intensity and intention of the individual’s energy and movement towards the communication he/she will have with his/her partner. As the saying goes, "It takes two to tango". The connection between the two people dancing together is the most important element of this partner dance. When the individuals connect, they create energy, excitement and power.
The point of connection is at the upper body (torso) of each dancer. The man conveys a message or code and the woman receives it, decodes it and sends a response to the proposer, creating a circular connection that allows the two individuals to become one. If there is no connection, the message can neither be conveyed nor received and there will be no tango. The connection is the beginning of the dancers' shared journey, an experience that goes beyond the dance.
The basis of our methodology is that we do not teach our students patterns or choreographed movements, but encourage them to start expressing themselves through their personal interpretation of the dance. Our concept is based on the three above-mentioned fundamental elements, which will create fluidity in the movement, projection, interpretation and connection between the dance couple. Starting with good posture and a connected embrace, the dance partners will be in position to initiate their journey.
