Tango Technicas & Rhythm sessions
These ATSE-exclusive, special sessions allow you to work individually on your technique, style and musicality.
Scroll down for information on rhythm sessions (below 'Technicas').
Scroll down for information on rhythm sessions (below 'Technicas').
All about Technicas
NEXT Technica: date TBC
NEXT Technica: date TBC
A technica is an intensive class focusing entirely on technique. You work individually on your balance, poise, body awareness, technique and style, moving through a range of exercises and tango movements.
Technicas are for everyone and are open to leaders and followers of all levels, from recent beginner to advanced. They are also open to newcomers to ATSE who want to improve their tango and experience our technical teaching. In a technica you work independently, so no need to book with a partner.
What does a technica involve?
Each technica is divided into parts, with breaks for note-taking, rest, practice and questions in between, and practice time at the end. The specific content varies each time, often chiming with material being taught in the weekly classes, but the general structure remains the same:
Most technicas last two hours. The first hour focuses on fundamental elements crucial for all levels: posture, body awareness, poise, balance, control of movement, pacing and timing. It covers all the steps and figures needed by all dancers up to early improver level.
The second hour focuses on classic, more 'advanced' tango movements, including enrosques, boleos, ganchos, barridas, and ‘decorations’. These elements range from improver to advanced level, but all participants are encouraged to try all the material.
We work on individual movements as well as short 'choreographic' sequences to music.
Technicas are for everyone and are open to leaders and followers of all levels, from recent beginner to advanced. They are also open to newcomers to ATSE who want to improve their tango and experience our technical teaching. In a technica you work independently, so no need to book with a partner.
What does a technica involve?
Each technica is divided into parts, with breaks for note-taking, rest, practice and questions in between, and practice time at the end. The specific content varies each time, often chiming with material being taught in the weekly classes, but the general structure remains the same:
Most technicas last two hours. The first hour focuses on fundamental elements crucial for all levels: posture, body awareness, poise, balance, control of movement, pacing and timing. It covers all the steps and figures needed by all dancers up to early improver level.
The second hour focuses on classic, more 'advanced' tango movements, including enrosques, boleos, ganchos, barridas, and ‘decorations’. These elements range from improver to advanced level, but all participants are encouraged to try all the material.
We work on individual movements as well as short 'choreographic' sequences to music.
What is 'Technica X'?
In Summer 2016, we launched a special variation on our technicas, called ‘Technica X’ (named after the famous nuevo ‘Practica X’ in Buenos Aires). Technica X is a varied but focused two-hour workshop, designed to supercharge your tango progress. It combines technique and style PLUS a themed nuevo section on improvisation:
- Approx. 1 hour of individual technique & style, plus combinations to music, in usual technica format, incorporating some new material. Scroll down to 'All about Technicas' to find out more.
- Approx. 20-30 mins of technical and improvisation work individually and in pairs, focusing on a particular type of tango movement or ‘step’, eg: sacadas, barridas, ganchos.
- Approx. 30 mins supervised practica
In the themed section you develop your conceptual understanding of the particular movement, your technique & style when executing it and your ability to improvise variations.
In Summer 2016, we launched a special variation on our technicas, called ‘Technica X’ (named after the famous nuevo ‘Practica X’ in Buenos Aires). Technica X is a varied but focused two-hour workshop, designed to supercharge your tango progress. It combines technique and style PLUS a themed nuevo section on improvisation:
- Approx. 1 hour of individual technique & style, plus combinations to music, in usual technica format, incorporating some new material. Scroll down to 'All about Technicas' to find out more.
- Approx. 20-30 mins of technical and improvisation work individually and in pairs, focusing on a particular type of tango movement or ‘step’, eg: sacadas, barridas, ganchos.
- Approx. 30 mins supervised practica
In the themed section you develop your conceptual understanding of the particular movement, your technique & style when executing it and your ability to improvise variations.
When, where and how much?
We offer 2-3 technicas per term. Some take place on weeknights, others on weekends.
Our usual venue for technicas is Lifestyle Fitness, The Canterbury Campus, Knight Avenue, Canterbury, CT2 8QA. Click here for directions.
Price for up to two hours: £20 pp (pay £20 and do as much as you wish). All students are encouraged to attend the entire two-hour session. You will need to book in advance.
There may be some on-the-door spaces available to ATSE students only, at £25 pp.
Technicas are also open to non-ATSE students, but you must book in advance; just contact us to book.
We offer 2-3 technicas per term. Some take place on weeknights, others on weekends.
Our usual venue for technicas is Lifestyle Fitness, The Canterbury Campus, Knight Avenue, Canterbury, CT2 8QA. Click here for directions.
Price for up to two hours: £20 pp (pay £20 and do as much as you wish). All students are encouraged to attend the entire two-hour session. You will need to book in advance.
There may be some on-the-door spaces available to ATSE students only, at £25 pp.
Technicas are also open to non-ATSE students, but you must book in advance; just contact us to book.
What should I wear? What should I bring with me?
Please wear comfortable, flexible clothing (ideally trousers) and bring water with you. Followers should bring their usual heels, but all students will also need to bring flats ie. dance trainers, jazz or ballet shoes, or socks.
Why you should come to a technica
Technicas offer a wealth of material to take away and practice, so that you can continue to improve your technique and style on your own. You'll get a detailed class handout (aide memoire) for you to take away with you, and we can follow up any queries in your classes or private lessons.
We can’t emphasise enough how strongly we recommend these sessions to all our students: leaders and followers of all levels, recent beginner to advanced. Everyone is welcome.
This is a unique chance to work on your own dancing: your balance, posture, poise, movement, footwork, musicality and style. Technicas can give a huge boost to your practice and development.
Rhythm sessions
NEXT Rhythm session: date TBC
A fun, focused 30-minute class in which we try out individually a range of rhythmic patterns to tango, milonga and vals. We run these sessions in 'gaps' around other classes, or before special practicas. Upcoming dates are confirmed a term in advance. There is always an element of rhythm/musicality included in The Sunday Session, and in most Technicas.
Rhythm sessions are open to all students, and there is no need to book in advance (equal numbers not required).
NEXT Rhythm session: date TBC
A fun, focused 30-minute class in which we try out individually a range of rhythmic patterns to tango, milonga and vals. We run these sessions in 'gaps' around other classes, or before special practicas. Upcoming dates are confirmed a term in advance. There is always an element of rhythm/musicality included in The Sunday Session, and in most Technicas.
Rhythm sessions are open to all students, and there is no need to book in advance (equal numbers not required).
Page updated 22nd May 2022