American Tango Institute is the leading center for Argentine tango instruction in Chicago, founded by master teacher Netza Roldán. We offer social tango classes, monthly milongas, cultural events, and a unique methodology that connects body, mind, and soul through the art of the embrace. With over 20 years of history, ATI has been a reference point in the tango scene, blending tradition, technique, and artistic expression. Learn tango in Palatine, Wheeling, and Des Plaines, with classes for all levels. Discover how tango can transform your life and join a vibrant and passionate community.

ATI Tango Teaching & Dance Methodology 2025

The Body as the Purest Instrument of Expression

At the American Tango Institute, we believe that dancing is the most complete form of expressing and interpreting the art of tango — using the most dynamic and authentic human element: the body.

Our tango teaching methodology is rooted in the social essence of tango and is designed to guide students through multiple levels of learning. This journey allows each dancer to interpret and embody the essential elements of tango, while also projecting their own personality, feelings, and energy — first inwardly, and then outwardly toward their partner.

Through this process, a unique harmony and communication are born — when two individuals come together to share a moment in time and space, a silent dialogue emerges, creating the magic that makes tango unlike any other dance.

At ATI, we teach our students how to achieve expressive, connected movement through a clear, practical, and precise method — accessible to all, regardless of background or experience. Our approach focuses on three foundational pillars essential to mastering the tango experience:


1. Musicality – Music Appreciation

Understanding tango begins with listening. Feeling and interpreting the music is key to developing movement that is rhythmic, intentional, and expressive. We teach students how to recognize different tango styles and rhythmic structures so they can move in sync with the music — not just on beat, but with depth and soul. With strong musicality, the body doesn’t just “follow” — it proposes and invites, listens and responds, and feels in harmony with the soundscape.


2. Dance Technique – Balance, Direction, and Body Control

A dancer’s foundation lies in control, posture, and awareness of the body. We guide our students to develop elegant yet flexible posture, internal axis, and awareness of the shared axis with a partner. Using targeted exercises, we build strength, balance, and refined movement by enhancing psychomotor skills and teaching how to transfer weight and change direction gracefully. This technical awareness provides the architecture for creative freedom on the dance floor.


3. Connection and Projection

Once musicality and body awareness are in place, we focus on one of the most vital aspects of tango: connection. We teach dancers to project their energy and intention clearly, creating an open channel of communication with their partner. The embrace — centered at the upper body — becomes a space for silent dialogue, where movement is proposed, interpreted, and returned in a continuous, flowing exchange.

As the saying goes, “It takes two to tango.” This is not just about physical coordination, but about emotional presence, mutual respect, and energy alignment. When there is true connection, tango becomes a shared journey — an experience that transcends the dance itself.


Our methodology is non-choreographic, but improvisational. We do not teach memorized patterns or routines. Instead, we encourage our students to develop their own expression through the foundational elements of tango. With this base — posture, embrace, musicality, technique, connection, and projection — each dancer gains the tools to create a unique and personal dance.

With every step, our students begin not just to dance…
but to communicate, to feel, and to truly Tango.