Double role tango retreat 7–8 November

What it is? 

A retreat implies stepping away to focus on something specific – perhaps leaving the hustle of daily life behind to immerse yourself in tango. It can also mean stepping back from the frenzy of tango itself to find a natural, effortless way of being, breathing, moving, and dancing with others. Which appeals to you? Both? You are warmly welcome to join us. ❤️

How does it work? 

In each of the six 60-minute sessions, we will engage in gentle exercises that allow us to connect with ourselves more calmly and consciously. We will build a deep, communicative connection with our partner.

Building on this foundation, we will introduce tango techniques and learn a short sequence of steps for each theme – patterns that are suitable for the milonga and offer plenty of room for variation. Our primary focus throughout will be on the quality of movement, not on choreography. We will dance a lot.

What will we cover?

1. Walking and pausing

2. Connection with the partner and the embrac

3. Standing leg and free leg

4. Dancing in close embrace I: spiraling

5. Dancing in close embrace II: tiny tango

6. Variations

We will utilize tango elements such as walking in parallel and cross systems, parada, cruzada, ochos and barrida. However, only prerequisite is a basic understanding of leading and following in Argentine tango. 

In every class, we practice dancing in the ronda – the circle that moves around the dance floor. It makes dancing at a milonga much easier and more fun!

…and, of course, we rotate partners so that everyone dances with everyone else in both roles. 💛💫

The guided practica (90 min) includes independent review of what has been learned, personal guidance, added challenges, improvisation, and fun.

The final content of the retreat will be tailored to the participants' wishes, goals, and existing skill levels. So, you are more than welcome to join even if you have just started dancing tango. Dancers with more experience will also certainly gain new insights, confidence, freedom, creativity, and a sense of presence in their dancing.

Teachers

Saana Kalliokoski is an Alexander Technique teacher with extensive experience in dancing Argentine tango in both roles. Saana is also a physiotherapist and social dance instructor, with professional studies in dance and movement therapy.

Saana's special interest and core competence are the naturalness of movement, contact between the dancing partners, communication and presence. What do such elements enable when the goal is to dance sensitively, accurately and skillfully? How to do easily that what may seem difficult?

Saana's assistant is Pauli Järvelä. He's been dancing tango for almost 20 years, the last ten of which also as a follower. Pauli is an experienced and well-respected assisting teacher who applies, for example, the Alexander Technique and his strong background in Chinese martial arts in his approach.

Schedule

Saturday

10–10.30 doors open, arrival

10.30–12.30 workshop

12.30–13.30 lunch

14–15 workshop

15–15.30 coffee

15.30–17 guided practica

17–20 lakeside sauna

17–18 women

18–19 mixed shift

19–20 men

17.30–18.30 dinner

20–00 practilonga (free dancing), evening snack

Sunday

8.30–9.45 breakfast

9.45–10.25 bodyworks session

10.30–12.30 workshop

12.30–13.30 lunch

14–15 workshop

15–17 practilonga, coffee and goodbyes

Price

98 €

The price includes workshops, lunches, afternoon coffees, Saturday dinner and evening snack, lakeside sauna and practilongas.

If you want to stay overnight at STEP, you can do so for a small additional fee:

+ 20€ for accommodation in a shared double room (single person fee) from Sat to Sun, with breakfast

+ 40€ for accommodation in a single room from Sat to Sun, with breakfast

In addition:

+ 20€ for bed linen and towels, or you can bring your own

The course is paid upon registration. You have the right to cancel until the last day of registration.

Venue

STEP Education Järvenpää, Järvenpääntie 640, Amerikanhalli

We have plenty of free parking and electric car charging points.

You can also get there by R train: It is a 1.3 km walk from the Ainola stop. Bus 665 runs from Järvenpää train station about once an hour, stop Ainola.

Last date for registration

Please sign up as soon as possible, latest on Friday 23 October ('Hae koulutukseen' button on the top of the page).

The course requires a sufficient number of participants. Places are limited, so please register as soon as possible! REGISTER here (click 'Hae koulutukseen' button on top of the page):

https://step.fi/course/kahden-roolin-tangoretriitti/

More information (registration, accommodation, meals, fees):

Training coordinator

Katja Forsström

katja.forsstrom@step.fi

+358404877499

In collaboration (course content):

Amigos del Tango ry's Double role group

www.tango.fi/doublerole

doublerole@tango.fi