tango classes
Join Tango 21 Dance Theater co-founders Jorge and Liz for group tango lessons!
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All classes are held at
4444 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago IL 60630
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$20/class, walk-ins welcome
Free parking in the lot
Singles and couples welcomed, no partner necessary.
Masks optional, but please stay home if you are not feeling well!
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MONDAYS
7:30–9:00 pm w/Jorge Niedas
Jorge teaches basic tango sequences to get you on the social tango dance floor in no time.
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THURSDAYS
7:30-9:00 pm w/Jorge Niedas & Liz Sung
Jorge Niedas and Liz guide you through tango technique exercises + sequences for the social dance floor.
Class is followed by a practica time. Practice what you learned in class, we're there to help if needed! All are welcome.
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What shoes should I wear for tango class?
Argentine tango shoes can cost several hundred dollars. So, if this is your first tango class, there's absolutely no need to make that investment yet. Come with shoes that are pivotable–– something with a leather or suede sole. Avoid shoes with a rubber sole which may injure your knees if you try to pivot in them. Also, please avoid pointy shoes with excess room in the front; we want your shoes to hug your toes and feet as snuggly as possible. For followers, shoes with a thinner heel work better than platform or blocky heels. Consider something with an ankle strap to keep the shoe from falling off your feet when dancing. If you are not ready for high heels yet, come in flats! We will work on your balance and build your ankle & foot strength through time. Lastly, if all else fails, you can purchase shoe socks and use your street/gym shoes.
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What should I wear for class?
You can come dressed casually. But how you dress for tango dancing will change how you move! We encourage you to try what works best for you. Come ready to sweat, but ready to shine! For movement, make sure your skirt/dress/pants allow you to extend your leg away from your body. Our students have come to class in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, gym wear, dress shirts, regular or dress slacks, skirts, dresses or a full suit.
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What about personal hygiene?
Tango is a social dance and your personal hygiene will be most appreciated by your dance partners! If you just went to the gym, maybe take a quick shower before class. If you wear cologne and perfume, consider not overdoing it for the fragrance sensitive dancers out there. Had some onions for lunch? Maybe brush your teeth before heading over to class, or bring a tin of mints along!
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Do I Need A Partner?
Absolutely not required! We often change partners in class. Come with your friends!
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Can I only dance with my partner during class?
Yes! This is a personal choice, and we understand. Please let the instructors know when you arrive to class of your preference. However, since tango is a social dance, we highly recommend changing partners during class. This will help you advance quicker in your tango, and make you a better leader/follower for your partner!
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What is a Milonga?
A milonga is a social event or location for tango dancing. More simply, milongas are tango dance parties. People who dance at milongas are known as milongueros. When a group of people go tango dancing, they go to a milonga. People come as individuals or with a partner. Music is usually played in tandas, or sets, with 3 or 4 songs in a tanda. In betwen tandas there will be a cortina, a short music interlude (30 sec or so long) of non-tango music. This is the customary time to change partners or take a break if you want to. Most milongas are held on a regular basis (usually weekly).
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What should I wear to a milonga?
The clothing for the milonga tends to be a bit more formal and fancier. Some even “dress to impress”. Light, flexible skirts or dresses are recommended for women, and dress pants with dressier shirts for gentlemen. Overall, find the right balance between elegance and comfort.
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A practica, similar to a milonga, is a place where people dance tango and socialize, however while a Milonga is rather a formal event, on a Practica dancers focus on practicing the dance and perfecting steps they’ve been working on. It is okay to stop in the middle of the floor to try something again, ask questions, or seek feedback from your partner. There is often a teacher guiding the practica.