To offer a welcoming space for learning and dancing tango for people who want to dance with same-sex partners, as well as for women who primarily want to lead and men who primarily want to follow, that is hosted, run, and attended by people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, and our allies. See also another explanation and description from the stylish website of Mariana DoCampo (in Buenos Aires).
What does Queer Seattle Tango do?
We run Queer-centric tango classes in two series: Fundamentals of Tango (absolute beginners welcome!) and Tango Essentials (for more experienced dancers). We also teach advanced workshops, organize trips out to local tango practices, run an improv tango performance group, and support a big monthly queer tango dance party - the Queer Milonga.
Queer Tango is growing in popularity throughout the world and Seattle has established it's place on the map for Queer tango with dancers coming in from San Francisco, Portland, Boston, and Vancouver B.C. for our Queer Milongas and advanced workshops. See below for more info on classes and other Seattle-based Queer Tango events, as well as for links to upcoming Queer Tango festivals in other ciites.
Class details
January session is now open. Pre-registration is strongly recommended at this class will fill up. Email Max at dancekepler@gmail.com with any questions or to reserve your spot. Please indicate whether you plan to take the class as a follow or lead.
Fundamentals of Tango - Winter Session 1
Six Sundays: Jan 15 - Feb 19, 2012. 7:00-8:30 PM
$90/person ($75 for returning students, $45 for students re-taking Fundamental for the third or fourth time)
Fundamentals of Tango is open to absolute beginners as well as returning students desiring to repeat the class in the opposite role or to understand the material at a deeper level.
New: Review/preview session for Level 2
Sunday, January 15th, 5:30-7:00 PM
$15/person, pre-registration strongly recommended.
We have made some improvements to the way we will be teaching the Tango Fundamentals and Tango Essentials series. Therefore, we encourage all new and returning students of Tango Essentials to attend this one-day review-preview session. In this one-day workshop, students will review all of the basic steps and combinations that Tango Essentials students are expected to know.
Tango Essentials - Variations for the social dance floor
Five Sundays: Jan 22 - Feb 19, 2012. 5:30-7:00 PM
A solid understanding of parallel and cross-walk systems, demonstrated knowledge of front and back ochos in open and close embrace, and the ability to lead or follow la cruzada and molinetes are prerequisites for this class series.
Course fee for Essentials $75/5 weeks, $18/class drop-in
Concepts in Tango We are currently looking for a studio location for a weekday evening time for our Tango Concepts class. As this is our most advanced class, a comfortable understanding of the fundamentals of linear and circular movements in both open and close embrace is strongly recommended.
Location: Queer Tango classes are held at The Yoga Den 514 12th Av, Ste B, near Seattle University, in the Central District of Seattle, WA. The studio is on the 2nd floor above and behind the Lemongrass Restaurant. The entrance is on the north side of the building off of E. Barclay St. There is plenty of parking on 13th Ave.
How do the classes work?
The goal for the Fundamentals class series is to develop your skills related to the basic elements of tango such that you can immediately apply that knowledge to the social dance floor.
Because tango is a challenging dance to learn, students are encouraged to choose a role (lead or follow) for the full series, with the understanding that they are not then stuck in that role forever... it is merely a starting point. Students who follow during their first class series are welcome to re-take the class as a leader the next time around, and vice versa. Discounted tuition is offered to students who re-take the Fundamentals class in the other role.
Do I need a partner? You do not need a partner to attend this class.
Who can attend this class series?
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer, this class is for you. If you identify as straight (but not narrow) and like Max's teaching AND you are excited about promoting the growth of the queer tango scene in Seattle, you are welcome to attend as an ally to the gay tango community. Please do also help to spread the word by telling your GLBTQ and allied friends that queer tango is alive and growing in Seattle! Contact Max at dancekepler@gmail.com for more info.
Enrollment in Tango Essentials is limited to 16 so that the instructors can give indiviualized feedback and attention to each student during every class. Email Max at dancekepler@gmail.com to pre-register and hold your spot.
The Queer Milonga (Queer Tango Dance Party)
The Century Ballroom hosts a Queer Milonga on the first Saturday of each month, in East Hall. The DJ spins a playful mix of Classic and Nuevo Tango music, sometimes with some swing or two-step between tango sets, just for fun. East Hall is decorated for an elegant evening out. This is considered the friendliest tango event in town. All are welcome. Dressing up is highly encouraged.
- Saturday, January 7th
- 8-9p Beginning Tango Lesson w/Blaine and Eric
- 9p-12a Milonga (dressing up encouraged)
- location: East Hall at Century Ballroom
- 915 E Pine Street, 2nd floor (Capitol Hill)
- Lesson+Dance $10
- Dance only: $5 before 9:30pm, $7 after 9:30pm
- 21+
Email Max at dancekepler@gmail.com for more information about classes and upcoming Queer Tango events.
You can read more about past and current instructors for Queer Seattle Tango here:
Blaine,
Max,
Ginger,
Kathryn,
Katie,
Sara
