JAN 203 - Discovering the World of Argentine Tango

Course Meeting Days & Times: MTThF, 12:00 PM-2:30 PM

Instructor(s): Nakano, Hiroko & Coté, Christy

Email: hn1@stmarys-ca.edu

Fee: $50

Course Description:  In this course, we will learn Argentine Tango dancing, music, and history; experience the social dance culture by attending the milongas (Argentine Tango social dance gatherings); and appreciate new perspectives of social, psychological and physical communications among us. Classes consist of Lecture and Dance Lab. We will learn not only how to dance Tango but also how to navigate ourselves in the milonga. Applying the learned skills of dancing and the knowledge of historical backgrounds, the class will make two field trips to local milongas in the SF bay area. Dance lessons are provided by Christy Coté, one of the most professionally renowned and recognized tango instructors and choreographers in the U.S.

~ What is it that draws people to Argentine Tango so intensely? ~

“I think that at the heart of the tango is the music.  It’s like an undiscovered continent. It’s rich and devouring because it’s so passionate. But at the same time, it’s meditative and contemplative. It can be calm or rhythmically driving. And it has a lyrical intensity. Tango is unique in world music because, although it is popular, it has the depth and profundity usually associated with classical music. When you dance tango, you are constantly in the embrace of both an extraordinary musical culture and of another human being. Because of the physical closeness of the dance, it is possible to explore intimacy in a metaphorical way while pushing your own inventiveness and creativity to their limits.” Sally Potter, Filmmaker and creator of The Tango Lesson

Prerequisites & Notes
None

Credits: 3