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Petal
19th-May-2005, 02:04 PM
Anyone know the details of the Tango/Passion Weekend. Can't see any details of the workshops and it's only 4 and a bit weeks away.

Franck
25th-May-2005, 04:47 PM
Anyone know the details of the Tango/Passion Weekend. Can't see any details of the workshops and it's only 4 and a bit weeks away.The details are now available from the Beach Ballroom page: http://cerocscotland.com/Beach.htm

Numbers will be strictly limited, so please make sure you book / email early to reserve your place.
Stefano and Alexandra are fabulous teachers, and the best I've seen. They will not teach us 'Tango for beginners', but rather will teach us techniques from Tango to improve our overall dancing, leading, following, style, etc...


BEACH BALLROOM TANGO WEEK-END
ABERDEEN, 17th, 18th, 19th JUNE 2005

A week-end of sultry and seductive dancing with many workshops to transform your dancing and the best party ever in the incredible Beach Ballroom.

Stefano Flava and Alexandra Wood from Tango in Action will be our guest teachers for the week-end.
After a long time of dancing, studying and teaching Tango, they spent the last few years under intensive training to tune their personal creativity to the style and methods of Argentinean Tango.


Friday, Saturday and Sunday PARTIES:

Friday 17th June - 8.00pm to 1.00am: (Venue: The Station Hotel, 78 Guild Street, Aberdeen - AB11 6GN)
Launching the week-end's festivities. Get your dance shoes on early and catch up with your favourite dancers...

Saturday 18th June: The best party in the best venue ever! Dancing from 8.00pm 'til 1.00am... Tango Showcase from Stefano and Alexandra. Venue: Beach Ballroom, Beach Boulevard - Aberdeen.

Sunday 19th June: Sultry Latin night. 8.00pm 'til 1.00am. Latin music and a stylish class to bring the week-end to a sultry and sexy finish... (Venue: The Station Hotel, 78 Guild Street, Aberdeen - AB11 6GN).

Saturday and Sunday WORKSHOPS:

Saturday 18th June: (Venue: The Station Hotel, 78 Guild Street, Aberdeen - AB11 6GN)
* 11.00am to 1.00pm: Lead & Follow principles from Tango - Using frame and connection to convey direction / motion. Teachers: Stefano and Alexandra.
* 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Tango moves - Impressive Tango moves to add to your repertoire. Teachers: Stefano and Alexandra.
Sunday 19th June: (Venue: The Station Hotel, 78 Guild Street, Aberdeen - AB11 6GN)
* 11.00am to 1.00pm: Tango footwork - Steps, flourishes and patterns from Tango. Teachers: Stefano and Alexandra.
* 2.00pm to 4.00pm: Tango Style. Adding tango style, drama and panache to your dancing! Teachers:Stefano and Alexandra.

Gadget
25th-May-2005, 08:52 PM
:D :waycool:

erm... except perhaps the first workshop on Sunday :tears:

Will
25th-May-2005, 11:45 PM
The guys that Franck has got for this workshop are half of "Tango in Action" which is widely regarded as the Creme-de-la-Creme of Tango in the UK. Tango in Action were responsible for the Tango themed Hagen Daz ice cream advertisement.

Kate & I take Tango classes from these guys to help us develop Jango. If you can get to Aberdeen when this is on then I'd advise you to check these people out.

Lorna
29th-May-2005, 08:44 PM
Hi guys,

just back from a fabby holiday in the south of France and saw this thread.

You really can't miss these workshops.

At the Ceoc teacher's update this year we were all put through our paces with these guys. They were fantastic. You ask any ceroc teacher who was there and they'll tell you what brilliant teachers they are.

As Will says, they really are the ' creme de la creme'.

You don't want to miss these workshops.

See you all there,

Lotsa love lorna x-x

JoC
31st-May-2005, 01:10 PM
Any ladies looking for a roommate for the Saturday night in the Patio drop me a pm, I'm going to book probably this Friday morning (3rd) so if you're interested let me know by Thursday. If not I'll be having a room for me just me all me my own and mine which'll be fine too!

:)

JoC
x

John S
31st-May-2005, 03:10 PM
...... I'll be having a room for me just me all me my own and mine which'll be fine too!

Guess that's it decided where the party is, then! :clap:

JoC
3rd-June-2005, 12:32 PM
For info. the Patio only have 'premier' rooms (single £77.50) left for anyone who's not booked yet. I think there may be an oil conference in town...?

Station has plenty of rooms though, £40 single. Probably other people don't leave things as late as me though!

Now...whether to go mad or be sensible!

Tiggerbabe
14th-June-2005, 10:14 AM
it's only 4 and a bit weeks away.
Hee, hee - make that 4 and a bit days now!

Did I mention to anyone that I'm dj-ing on Sunday night at the Latin/Blues Chill Out party :wink: :whistle:

Seriously, after soooooooooo many fab dances in Southport, I can't wait for more of the same this weekend too :clap: :clap: AND in the totally amazing Beach Ballroom Aberdeen - ain't life grand? :D

Gadget
15th-June-2005, 09:19 PM
If anyone's going to be in Aberdeen on Sunday, but not going to the workshops, there is the City of Aberdeen Highland Games (http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ACC_Data/event/arts_highland%20games.asp) on in Duthie Park (10am-5pm)



And here's the forecast for the weekend:
Friday
Weather symbol (sun behind raining cloud)
Rain
64% risk of precipitation
17°C (63°F)
F3, Gentle Breeze, South
SR: 4:12 am
SS: 10:08 pm

Saturday
Weather symbol (radiating sun behind cloud)
Clouds and sunshine
50% risk of precipitation
21°C (71°F)
F3, Gentle Breeze, South
SR: 4:12 am
SS: 10:08 pm

Sunday
Weather symbol (radiating sun behind cloud)
Clouds and sun
7% risk of precipitation
18°C (66°F)
F3, Gentle Breeze, South-West
SR: 4:12 am
SS: 10:09 pm


See you there :waycool:

Maxx
16th-June-2005, 10:52 PM
And here's the forecast for the weekend:
Friday
Weather symbol (sun behind raining cloud)
Rain
64% risk of precipitation
17°C (63°F)
F3, Gentle Breeze, South
SR: 4:12 am
SS: 10:08 pm

Saturday
Weather symbol (radiating sun behind cloud)
Clouds and sunshine
50% risk of precipitation
21°C (71°F)
F3, Gentle Breeze, South
SR: 4:12 am
SS: 10:08 pm

Sunday
Weather symbol (radiating sun behind cloud)
Clouds and sun
7% risk of precipitation
18°C (66°F)
F3, Gentle Breeze, South-West
SR: 4:12 am
SS: 10:09 pm


What time's high tide in case I come by boat :rofl:

RoyBoy
16th-June-2005, 11:17 PM
Any recommendations for accomodation?

Tiggerbabe
17th-June-2005, 03:30 AM
Think the Patio is full Roy :tears:

How about this one though? www.bimini.co.uk

Bimini Guesthouse

69 Constitution Street
Aberdeen AB24 5ET
Scotland

Tel 01224 646 912
Fax 01224 647 006
email: info@bimini.co.uk

drathzel
17th-June-2005, 07:12 AM
Have fun everyone, and have lots of dances for me! I am going to be at my aunts wedding in Northern Ireland, but i intend to make it up for the next one, since i missed they last, being in Northern Ireland again :tears:

See you all very soon! :hug:

P.S How many forumites have logged on at the airport before? :D

Gadget
17th-June-2005, 08:38 AM
What time's high tide in case I come by boat :rofl:
Fri 17th Jun 2005
02:35 1.75m 08:52 3.43m
15:15 1.28m 21:43 3.43m
Sat 18th Jun 2005
03:37 1.62m 09:53 3.54m
16:08 1.17m 22:35 3.59m
Sun 19th Jun 2005
04:31 1.43m 10:49 3.70m
16:59 1.04m 23:23 3.77m


Well, you did ask :innocent:

RoyBoy
17th-June-2005, 03:27 PM
Think the Patio is full Roy :tears:
How about this one though? www.bimini.co.uk
Bimini Guesthouse
69 Constitution Street
Aberdeen AB24 5ET
Scotland
Tel 01224 646 912
Fax 01224 647 006
email: info@bimini.co.uk

Thanks for the info Sheena. :hug: Just need to get myself organised now.
Been haviing an overabundance of senior moments recently!!!!

Is the price of entry to the after-dance festivities still '1 bottle of pink Cava'?

Little Monkey
18th-June-2005, 01:05 PM
Ok, leaving things late as usual....

Just wondered if you need to have a ticket pre-booked for the Sunday party in Aberdeen? I'm getting withdrawal symproms - haven't jived since 3.45am Monday morning!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Need.......to......daaaaanceeeee........... Aaaarrrrgh....

Needy Monkey :wink:

Piglet
18th-June-2005, 05:28 PM
Just wondered if you need to have a ticket pre-booked for the Sunday party in Aberdeen?

Hi Little Monkey

I'm pretty sure that you don't need to pre-book - last night was a lovely quiet night and I've a feeling Sunday will be around about the same. I will double check for you and get back to you tomorrow morning - unless someone else beats me to it!

Pamela :flower:

Just to add: today's workshops were great - although I was definitely in overload by the end of the afternoon. Love those ochoes though! And Stefano and Alex are lovely to watch dance -if I could dance half as well I'd be happy (for now! :wink: ) Fingers crossed that I find tomorrow's workshops a bit easier now I know a teeny-weeny-little bit of tango.

Hey - just realised I can say
I've been tango-ed! :D

Little Monkey
18th-June-2005, 07:22 PM
Hi Little Monkey

I'm pretty sure that you don't need to pre-book - last night was a lovely quiet night and I've a feeling Sunday will be around about the same. I will double check for you and get back to you tomorrow morning - unless someone else beats me to it!

Pamela :flower:

Just to add: today's workshops were great - although I was definitely in overload by the end of the afternoon. Love those ochoes though! And Stefano and Alex are lovely to watch dance -if I could dance half as well I'd be happy (for now! :wink: ) Fingers crossed that I find tomorrow's workshops a bit easier now I know a teeny-weeny-little bit of tango.

Hey - just realised I can say
I've been tango-ed! :D

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Sounds like you've had a great time! I'd love to go to the classes, but am a bit skint after Southport. Besides, did two Jango clases down there last weekend, and also do Argentinean Tango every week anyway....

Thanks for finding out about tickets for me! :flower:

Monkey

Piglet
19th-June-2005, 10:21 AM
Confirmed with Franck just so you know for sure.

No pre-booked ticket required for tonight's party.

Franck expects it to be busy but not THAT busy. (Just how I like it :wink: )

Little Monkey
19th-June-2005, 11:47 AM
Confirmed with Franck just so you know for sure.

No pre-booked ticket required for tonight's party.

Franck expects it to be busy but not THAT busy. (Just how I like it :wink: )

Woo-hoo! Me and my Magic Trousers are going dancing tonight!! That is if Yvonne still wants to go dancing, otherwise it's a bit difficult to get to Aberdeen..... Fingers crosed...

Happy Monkey

Gadget
20th-June-2005, 11:01 AM
Stefano and Alexandra were incredible dancers that conveyed the style and movement very well. When dancing, you see a fluid, relaxed tension that ebbs and flows. When stationary within a dance they are almost 'charging' - simply paused rather than stopped. It's as if energetic and dramatic movement is a positive that is balanced with the negative of anti-movement. {This probably only makes sense if you watched them.}

One of the questions I ask, and got asked a lot was "Did you enjoy the workshops?" - Difficult to answer:
It's like a complex and challenging puzzle where we've been shown a little segment of the picture and thrown some pieces - I'm not even sure I've got the edges let alone worked out how to put these pieces together.
So "enjoyment" not really the right descriptor. It would take me a month or two before I could relax focus on one thing at a time to actually enjoy the dance - Currently I'm trying to feel round every facet of pieces given to us and get an idea of it's shape. There are so many elements to it: timing, distance, movement, connection, lead, music, balance, poise, ...

Personally I can see several things that it could help in my dancing: one of my main failings is the lack of apparent control of my feet - Tango is all about this control and deliberate movement, weight transfer and placing.
The level of control needed to be communicated to the lady is, well, like puppetry {and you thought that the lead could be dominating and not let followers express themselves in Ceroc... :rolleyes:} Every weight transfer, every movement, every placement of the foot, distance, timing and rotation of the follower is dictated through the lead. AND you have to do the same for yourself.

Although there are more contact points in the hold and you use more than just your hand to lead, the actual lead is still 'fingertip' light... just spread thought your whole arm from fingertips up the forearm, elbow, bicep and shoulder. This is mainly used to lead the lady's footwork. The lady's position and movement across the floor is primarily dictated by torso/frame leading - almost like 'close flashlighting'.

Balance. Your lead has to be crystal and your balance spot on. You can't do 'firm' or 'forceful leads and you can't compensate for the follower's balance. Every lead is done with the weight fully committed to one foot or the other - you are leading standing on one foot all the time.

Baby's take a year to learn to walk... I felt like that trying to learn how to walk in Tango. If you walk and stop, your feet come together. Step, step, step, stop together. Tango steps are Slide, transfer weight, together, slide, transfer weight, together, slide, transfer weight. It's the 'transferral of weight' that determines the step - the 'together' is an embellishment rather than an integral part of walking and any "pause" is likely to happen on the weight transfer rather than the 'together' of normal walking.



My views on the 'level' of the workshops and what was taught are not really firm yet - there was so much to learn that we were bombarded with information. Very challenging. Good that they weren't condescending or too basic. But perhaps more on the basic fundamentals of the dance? Then again; these were explained as the moves were taught. I think I would have liked one of the workshops to be on timing and musicality within the Tango, because it was brushed on and the moves (as demonstrated) were steeped in it - I found that what I had to change the way I listened to the music to even get a little bit close to the style.

So; the parties - brilliant :D A huge :flower: to all the lovely ladies that put up with me trying (read "failing") to insert some Tango footwork dramatisims into my dancing. It always surprises me how many good followers there are up here: when I read all the grumblings about poor followers and 'yankers' I would expect to encounter at least one or two from all the ladies that I danced with. :cool:
Friday night was very nice - brain not fried from new stuff, feet fresh, faby followers, fabulous dances. Saturday night was everything the Beach Ballroom expects, with added bonus of some inspiring showcases, icecream, and good company. {erm, not that I got that much of a chance to socialise :waycool:} Sunday had more of a latin/tango/cuban feel to the music and allowed lots of room for expression. I am wearing trainers today rather than 'office' shoes because they have more cushioning to the soles :blush:
Thanks to Franck, Stefano, Alexandra, Sheena, Tramp, Paul (Ji veP) and Lisa for bringing together another memorable weekend event. :clap:


Oh, as a parting shot: I would love to see/learn/develop a Tango-Blues hybrid :cool:

Dance Demon
20th-June-2005, 12:28 PM
Oh, as a parting shot: I would love to see/learn/develop a Tango-Blues hybrid :cool:

As tought by Marc & Rachel Perhaps........... :nice:

Piglet
20th-June-2005, 01:14 PM
Thanks to Franck, Stefano, Alexandra, Sheena, Tramp, {Insert teacher I keep forgetting name of} and Lisa for bringing together another memorable weekend event. :clap:

:yeah: Fabulous weekend - still on a high

Totally knackered but very content! :nice:


{and I believe it was Paul that was the teacher on Fri/Sun}

JoC
20th-June-2005, 02:11 PM
Wasn't sure if tango would be my kind of dancing, but when a few steps start coming together... it feels great! Was expecting a lot of toe-treading-on to happen but it didn't.

Hands up who's been plotting fantasy trips to London for more Tango training! (Or maybe Argentina...)

Now, just need to find somewhere I can buy some long lean legs...

Deek
20th-June-2005, 06:45 PM
My first ever post here so apologies in advance for lack of smilies etc. that the seasoned posters seem to use - not too sure what they all stand for.

I enjoyed the Tango workshops this weekend but found them pretty daunting too : I only started Ceroc about 7 or 8 months ago (with no previous dance experience, unless you count wiggling my legs and shaking my ample bootie :) ), so to try and emulate two extremely competent, sexy, well matched and experienced Tango dancers was ultimately as frustrating as my very first Ceroc night. In the parlance of my home turf, I felt like "...a pig wid a gripe..." !! It didn't help for me that, as a taller guy, the closeness of dancing position made it more awkward to 'match up' to dance partners : this isn't a criticism of anybody's size by the way, just an observation that in Ceroc it's much much easier to dance with partners of all shapes and sizes (which is great btw :-) !!) because of the fluidity of dance position. On the other hand, I don't think I had appreciated beforehand just how intimate a dance Tango was - it was nice but also a little disconcerting because it's a lot, lot closer than I would normally dance with strange ladies at a Ceroc event - I get mortally embarrassed if ever I accidentally brush against somewhere I shouldn't :blush:
I have to say that I was also frustrated with the size of class versus the size of dancefloor - manoeuvring was extremely difficult and I seemed to spend more time extricating myself and partner from "log-jams" than actually practising the moves. Finally, I wish I'd brought my 'stiff 'n' slippy' instead of 'bendy baffs' shoes - the footwork needed much more arch support than in Ceroc.

Having said all that, it was still a great weekend - my first time dancing in Aberdeen (but hopefully not my last) and great to meet lots of new people. My only wish is that the night went on a bit longer on Saturday as I was just getting a second wind when 1 am came. Never mind, I was running out of shirts anyway.... Would have liked to stay for the Sunday night gig too but didn't fancy the drive home to Falkirk after !

Kay
21st-June-2005, 08:04 AM
Hey Franck, another great BB weekend :clap: thanks to all who organised it. Alexandra and Stefano, wow, what movers - a joy to watch. :drool: Well done Sheena and Steve for some GREAT tracks at the parties :worthy: Paul, it was nice to meet you, but even nicer to dance with you, thanks :nice: and I thoroughly enjoyed your classes on Friday and Sunday, they were really cool. :waycool: I hope you'll come back soon.
Kay.

Tiggerbabe
21st-June-2005, 10:10 AM
Yup Jo C - I have to admit, after this weekend, I'd consider moving to London :eek: to attend classes taught by Stefano and Alexandra.

Huge thankyou to Franck :hug: for inviting them to teach in Aberdeen.

I was totally amazed by their demonstration on Friday night at the party - having only joined us for a *quiet* drink (Alex managing to convey the most incredible elegance and intricate footwork, despite wearing very high wedge sandals).

The workshops were very hard work and left me totally exhausted with so many things to think about. I have to say that they delivered, their teaching was awesome! I realise we only got a teeny, teeny insight into Tango but it has definitely left me wanting more.

Saturday night's ( 3 different tango styles) cabaret performance was nothing short of spectacular. I'm struggling to find words to describe it - beautiful, passionate, elegant, smooth.........and it was a joy to watch the fun in their Milonga performance.

A great time was had at the after party party too - majorly thanks to the Champagne showers (what had you done to all those bottles Franck? ) and Janet's coolbox full of goodies - Stefano's said he's coming back to Scotland for more chocolate cake :wink:

Big thankyou to Mr Fitz for the post workshop/pre party barbeque - perfect end to a perfect weekend - all that sunshine in Aberdeen, who'd have thought it? :wink:

Lovely to meet Jive P too :D

Had a lot of fun with the music over the weekend, especially Sunday's Latin night and playing the odd Tango track too :drool:

Will - you were right - Stefano and Alexandra rock big style :clap: :clap:

JoC
23rd-June-2005, 12:51 PM
Just thought I'd add my top beginners tango tip in case anyone feels inspired to have a go.

I recommend not wearing trousers with turn-ups. One's heels are liable to get stuck in them when doing one's dainty little cross steps.

:flower:

Alexandra
23rd-June-2005, 04:30 PM
Hi Guys,

I just want to say a big thank you to you all. Stefano and I had a wonderful weekend in Aberdeen, we enjoyed meeting and working with you all. Thanks again to Franck for organising it.

Wishing you lots more sunshine and happy dancing!

Best wishes,

Alexandra :grin:

Gadget
23rd-June-2005, 09:58 PM
I just want to say a big thank you to you all. Stefano and I had a wonderful weekend in Aberdeen, we enjoyed meeting and working with you all. Thanks again to Franck for organising it.
Welcome :flower:

And I'm sure that I'm echoing everyone who was there in saying that it is us who should thank you for showing us a glimpse into your dance :D

{... or parhaps curse you both because we (OK- I :blush: ) will never be that good :tears:}

RogerR
24th-June-2005, 05:42 AM
Tango is great, and we London dwellers have a thriving 7 day a week Tango scene. Someone tell me if you really want me to post a list. Look for the shows "Tango Passion" and "Tango por Dos" coming through Sadlers Wells or the Peacock theatres. There is a Tango weekend in the Autumn. For Tango fusion we have Jango already. The challenge in London is to get Ceroc dancers to come close enough to tango.

Gadget
24th-June-2005, 09:04 AM
The challenge in London is to get Ceroc dancers to come close enough to tango.:confused: eh?

RogerR
24th-June-2005, 01:54 PM
Londoners dance Ceroc at a comfortable distance -- almost room to get another couple in the gap!!!!!!!

Argentine Tango has to be danced in body contact.

drathzel
24th-June-2005, 03:22 PM
Londoners dance Ceroc at a comfortable distance -- almost room to get another couple in the gap!!!!!!!




We have some scots in that category too! Altho not many :grin:

Gadget
24th-June-2005, 03:22 PM
Ahhh. :flower:

Bill
29th-June-2005, 05:01 PM
Bit late to post a comment or two but not been on much recently.

Just wanted to add my congratulations - and admiration for the dancing displayed by Stefano and Alexandra. Great teaching and beautiful dancing. :flower:


What it did bring home to me ( and maybe others) was exactly why Ceroc is such a popular social dance and why many of us can dance jive but may struggle at anything which involves rather complicated footwork ! :rolleyes:

I've been to a few Tango workshops and what we were shown at the weekend was very tricky and to dance this as a couple the woman has to follow very well and the man has to lead clearly but subtley. We get away with poor lead and follow at times and if a move goes wrong it's pretty easy to cover it up or go into another one and it doesn't matter a great deal if a couple go round in circles or dance on a slot.

In Tango all these are vital but also give it the grace and elegance that makes it so dramatic and lovely to watch. Doesn't help of course when couples like A & S make it seems so effortless and so smooth :whistle: :(

Great weekend though..... and want more tango :D