Ever since I started learning tango I’ve always felt that the process of teaching and learning it could be made more efficient. I noticed that the teaching of fixed steps by copying a teacher is imported from studio dancing forms like Ballroom, Jazz and Street Latin. Subsequently I was exposed to somatic movement disciplines such as the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Contact Improvisation and Body-Mind Centering. I also studied cognitive psychology and educational theories which offered further interesting perspectives on teaching and learning. I also invested more time into learning about the history, music and culture of tango, and travelled to Buenos Aires to dance at the traditional milongas there.

These experiences have influenced my own approach to the practice of tango. However, when I started to teach tango I fell back on the standard model-and-drill approach of teaching set patterns. Seeing that the results were as usual disappointing I asked myself whether it’s possible to learn tango more naturally and directly. I came to the view that the things that people study in tango lessons actually prevent them from dancing well by forcing them into rigid movement with only scant regard for the music or for their partner.

In thinking about a more efficient learning process I came to the view that a systematic approach needs to utilise concepts drawn from somatics, such as efficiency of movement, mental imagery and learning by exploration. Connecting movement to music requires training in listening to Golden Era music. On this site you will find my ideas for learning the skills and concepts which are key to mastering tango milonguero characterised by an unchanging close embrace and constant connection at the heart. This approach to dancing tango is natural, improvised and allows the dancers to express the feeling and emotion of classic tango.