Our beginner class series is currently on pause, but you can check our Events page for drop-in learning opportunities, weekend workshops, and other tango events! We also recommend checking the Ashland Tango Calendar for upcoming classes, events, practicas, and milongas or contacting us to learn about private and small-group lessons. If you’re interested in learning more about our teaching approach, read on for the full FAQ about our classroom style.
CLASSROOM FAQ:
What does “series” mean? Is this a drop-in class? In our introductory series, you register for all 8 sessions, and work with your fellow dancers together for the full session. It is not a drop-in class. Each week’s techniques build on the previous week’s material so that you can leave the series with a set of strong fundamentals. This format allows all our students to grow as a group, deepen their learning each week, and build trust with each other. If you’d like to learn tango but can’t make this series, we do offer private lessons – feel free to email us at admin [at] tangodelcorazon.com to inquire!
Do I need a partner? Nope! Tango is a social dance, and students in our classes switch partners so everyone has a chance to learn everything they’re there to learn.
Is this class appropriate for total beginners or intermediate dancers? Our progressive series is open to complete beginners with no dance experience, but it’s also appropriate for returning dancers who want to deepen their fundamental technique. (If you have previous experience, we’ll make sure you get an extra layer of technique and support to deepen your existing practice!)
What kind of shoes should I wear? Do I need dance shoes? You don’t need professional dance shoes. Wear shoes that are comfortable and allow you to pivot – leather, cloth or suede soles are ideal. If you don’t have shoes that let you pivot comfortably, feel free to bring a sturdy pair of socks instead – tango practice is often done in socks! The studio also has jazz shows and ballet flats to borrow or purchase, and any soft- or smooth-soled dance shoe is fine if you have them. Followers do not need to wear heels if they don’t want to! For students who want to find more comfortable dance shoes down the line, we can make recommendations as needed.
Do you have a code of conduct? Yes, we do. Tango is an intimate and emotional dance, and making sure that everyone feels safe and supported in being vulnerable and fully present is essential. We ask all our dancers to follow our code of conduct as outlined here. We’ll outline what is and isn’t appropriate behavior in our first class, and you can always talk to us directly if you have concerns about your comfort or safety or the comfort or safety of others in the class.
What’s your cancellation policy? If you register for the series and find that you cannot attend after all, contact us by July 27th to receive a full refund. Since we do cap attendance in our classes and they do tend to sell out, we will handle refunds on a case-by-case basis after that date. If you know you cannot make all class dates but still would really like to take the series, please contact us and we’ll see what we can work out!
In the event that we need to cancel a class (see our wildfire smoke policy below), we will extend the class series by a week for each canceled date. In the event that you cannot attend the rescheduled class, or if we cannot reschedule the class due to ongoing illness, injury, etc, we will offer pro-rated refunds for the lost class time.
What about smoke? Ashland is notorious for its periods of bad air during wildfire season. In the event that wildfire smoke (or a similar barrier to a safe & comfortable class experience) presents a significant health hazard, we may cancel class if we think conditions are unsafe. If you are sensitive to wildfire smoke or other air conditions and have concerns about the possibility of needing to miss class for this reason, please let us know in advance so we can work out a solid agreement that supports your needs!
What about masking? Masking is warmly welcomed in our classes, though it is not required at this time.
I can’t make the class but I’d still like to learn tango – do you offer private lessons? Yes, we do! You can email us at admin [at] tangodelcorazon.com to schedule private lessons. We work with both individuals and couples. We offer discounted rates to couples to help encourage folks to practice together, so if you’re interested in private lessons and don’t have a partner, we encourage you to come to local events to meet others in the community and find other interested dancers who might want to sign up with you!