Any Drop-in Lessons?
No. When there is a course structure in place, each class builds on the last. Allowing total beginners to drop-in at any time impedes the progress of the established group. Therefore there are no drop-ins (AKA trial classes) or pay-as-you-go arrangements.
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Class Size?
Tango class size is maximum 15 men and 15 ladies. With a good class structure in place, a qualified teacher is easily able to effectively teach a group of 30. In a group this size, the energy level is high and you'll benefit from having a built in network of people who you know you can dance with when you see them in the social dance environment. That is of great importance since your progress will depend on practice. Switching partners every 5-10 minutes in a group of 30 makes it easier than small classes when one or two people are not able to make it to class because of illness.
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What do I wear?
Although at the start, most people wear their street clothes to class, here are a few tips to keep in mind. You will find that medium to shorter length skirts with side or front slits will be the most comfortable and allow movement. Pants are good except for palazzo or wide leg styles. Long ankle length skirts make it difficult for you and your teacher to diagnose difficulties in technique. You should expect to perspire a bit during classes or dance events. Cotton or cotton blend shirts and tops are ideal for their ability to absorb moisture.
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What Shoes?
Don't buy, until you've determined what makes a good dance shoe. Susana has pictures she can show you at class. To start, there's probably something in your closet that'll work. There are dance shoe shops listed below, but for ladies, many fashion shoe stores carry styles that are suitable for dance (see tips below).

You'll need shoes that allow your feet to pivot easily on the floor. Plastic or rubber soles will inhibit movement by gripping the floor and can cause joint soreness over an extended period. Dress shoes often work well, as their leather soles make swiveling easier. For ladies, although high heeled shoes are not required, they may actually assist in assuming correct weight placement on the front part of the foot. Avoid clunky heels. Thick hard soles or platforms are problematic as they won't allow bending of the foot-sole.

As you advance you'll desire more precision in your footwork. It then becomes important to wear shoes that do not inhibit your progress. If store bought shoes cause sore feet, then dance shoes will have the same effect and unfortunately, Vancouver is not a good city for ladies custom-made dance shoes.


Here are some style tips for shoes suitable for dance:

For both Men & Women:
- Avoid "lips" on soles (lips are where the sole extends past the shoe itself).

- Avoid extended points on toes. They do not allow weight to be easily rolled onto and off the ball of the foot and inhibit good extensions when walking backwards. A rounded toe is better.

- The heel should have a hard rubber stop. Plastic stops on ladies shoes make them extremely unstable. Soft rubber stops on men's shoes grip too much.

- Leather soles work well. Suede soles provide even better mobility but can be very problematic if made of poor quality suede. The furry texture of poor quality suede bottoms flattens too quickly and requires much-too-frequent brushing in order to prevent them from becoming treacherously slippery. This is especially the case if the dance floor is not impeccably clean (brushes for suede bottom shoes are sold in dance shoe shops for up to $30). My dance shoes (purchased abroad) have maintained the furry texture of the soles for 2 years of steady dancing with still no sign of needing a suede brush. Unfortunately I do not know how to visually identify good quality vs bad quality suede soles before purchasing.

- Although patent leather shoes can be quite beautiful and ideal for performances, they must be constantly greased (with petroleum jelly or silicone) to avoid the shoes sticking to each other as one foot passes the other or sticking to ones dance partner's shoes when both wear patent leather. Tripping is a real risk when patent leather is not greased.


For Women:
- Ankle straps, cross straps or T-straps keep the shoe from slipping off.

- An open space between the ball of the foot and the heel gives more comfortable mobility without digging into the sides of your feet.

- If the shoe fits properly, the arch of your foot does not float above the arch of the shoe. This provides support.

- Many tango dance shoes have a closed toe. However more and more female tango dancers are wearing open-toe shoes for tango.

- Open-heeled shoes are not recommended because they, at times, wobble and feel unstable.


For Men:
- Avoid slip-on loafer styles in favour of lace-up styles.

- There are a variety of heels to suit every preference. Some male dancers prefer minimal height (3/4 inch), The Cuban heel is very common in dance shoes (a higher, boot-like heel about 1+1/2 inches tall). Others prefer something in the middle.

- Another variable is how flexible a shoe bottom one prefers. Some prefer a shoe so flexible that when holding the shoe in your hand you can bend the toe all the way back to the heel. Such a shoe feels, to some, as though they were dancing in bare feet. While this is desirable to some others prefer a less flexible shoe bottom and do not want to feel so much of the floor under their feet. It is a matter of preference.

- Another consideration is the softness of the leather in the body of the shoe. Again this is a matter a preference; where some dance shoes go as far as to perferate the leather in order to provide maximum softness. For others such softness is not desired. However, some leather is just too tough or rigid and regarless of good quality, can result in many blisters after an hour of dancing.

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Shoe Stores and Supplies

The Dance Shop 1089 W Broadway 604-733-6116 www.thedanceshop.ca Carry some reasonably priced mens' and ladies' basic dance shoe styles

Limbers 5635 West Boulevard (between 40th and 41st) 604-264-0009 A selection of men's and ladies' dance shoes.

Avalon Dance Shop 4532 Main St. (between 29th and 30th) 604-874-2461 www.avalondance.ca>> A fitting or sizing fee may apply when trying on men's and lady's dance shoes from Avalon's large selection. This fee may be applied regardless of whether shoes are bought. Also carries dancewear and accessories.

Kalena's 1526 Commercial Dr 604-255-3727 High-end fashion shoes which often come in lady's dance styles (but aren't necessarily dance shoes)

Foot Solutions 2620 West Broadway 604-267-7463 Foot and shoe products geared to foot health and comfort, including inserts for shoes (custom fit in-store), gel toe straighteners, flexible footbed inserts and more. Speak to the knowledgeable staff.

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How long does it take to learn Tango?
No social dance can be mastered in a few lessons. Classes are taught in 10-week sessions. Students will find themselves able to use their basics on the dance floor immediately. After a 10 week course, students already learned numerous patterns and the basics of Milonga and Tango/Vals. However, the joy of expressing yourself freely through dance is only increased as the technique is understood and practiced in more depth.
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Girl/Guy Ratio, Roles
Susana registers an even number of men and women to her courses by the second week. Unexpected absences from week to week cannot be prevented, however, there's nothing better than starting the course with an even girl/guy ratio. For those individuals interested in reversing roles (ie. females learning the leader's role or vice versa), this can be done during private instruction but not in Susana's group classes
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Age Group
Susana teaches adult classes. The age of students in Susana's classes varies widely. However students must be 18 years or older to attend.
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Where To buy Music
Music Stores
World section (under Argentina) or Latin Music section may carry some Tango. When stores allow, listen before buying. You may want to visit internet CD stores. Listen to the short samples they often provide, to decide what artist you prefer. Then visit the music store or choose to buy online.

Zivals>>
Internet CD Store: prices are very low - delivery is 6 days - all fees charged in US$. Even after factoring the high shipping charge, ordering only a few CD's will result in great savings, quicker shipping time and a selection imposible to find in local stores. Instructional videos also available (reasonably priced but limited selection)

Bridge to the Tango
call 1-800-382-6467 to have their mail-order Catalogue sent to you. Tango CD's and extensive selection of videos.

For recommended CD's, refer to the Venues and Music section.
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Why take classes?

1. Have Fun! Be Creative!
If we don't take time out from responsibilities, the signs can often show up in our ability to perform well at work, to relate to our loved ones and also in our health. When we don't take time to play, our health can force us to take time out to rest. We all need to be creative. However, this often doesn't happen in a controlled and repetitive work environment. Dancing is an excellent way for individuals to express themselves and be creative. Music provides the inspiration from which to express ourselves through movement.

2. Meet People Through This Wonderful Social Skill!
In a dance hall or club you don't need a special reason to approach someone to dance. Dancing provides a pretext for personal interaction. A class of 30 people provides a great advantage: an instant network. Tango Vancouver courses provide a comfortable environment where interesting people of many backgrounds and walks of life, interact through weekly classes and their new common interest.
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How soon can I start?
Many students have thought about taking classes for years before deciding that they want to start, now! Quality of instruction is of greatest importance. Tango Vancouver offers new beginner Tango courses 3 - 4 times per year, so there may be a short wait before you can start classes. Don't be discouraged, it will be well worth it. Many students, hasty to begin as soon as possible, find themselves re-starting beginner classes because the course they selected didn't provide a structure they could learn in.
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Can I do it?
The first day of classes is full of people who's primary and secret concern is, "What if I don't get it?" It's a common preoccupation that is quickly alleviated when people realize that just about everyone in the class is feeling a little nervous. The structure provided in the classes is one that ensures that members of the class are not left behind without a grasp of each dance step along the way. Dancing is a learned skill and everyone who can move their body, can be taught.
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How can I justify the cost?
If cost is a concern, just think:

1. The money I spend now is an investment on a skill that will stay with me my entire life.

2. How much money do I currently dedicate to recreation. The cost of a dance lesson is comparable to the cost of a movie and snacks at the theatre, or the cover and a drink at a bar, a reasonably priced dinner for one. return to top>>