Advanced Class (Level 3) Guidelines

TangoHelena is offering level three classes to provide a higher level of instruction for the more experienced / accomplished dancers in our community. These classes are more challenging, progress faster and cover more advanced steps. They are 2-4 weeks long and focus on one particular skill at a time, such as ganchos, boleos, vals, milonga, etc.

Since these classes are targeted towards our more advanced dancers, they don't work well for everyone.  Some dancers just don't have the experience and skill yet to move comfortably through level 3 classes at the pace we'll be going.  For others, it's not lack of experience, but difficulty assimilating tango class material quickly that poses a problem.  The tango is a difficult dance to learn, especially for the leader, and some people pick it up a lot more quickly and easily than others.  In either case, a dancer who's struggling can hold back the class. This can be frustrating for that person, as well as for others in the class who are ready to move through the material quickly.

We encourage you to talk to the instructors to determine whether you are ready to participate in the level 3 classes.  Also, we encourage all dancers to be evaluated by the TangoHelena instructors. This will help you and the instructors understand what your strengths and weaknesses are.  Finally, we encourage anyone interested in level 3 classes to consider taking a private lesson or getting extra one-on-one practice to integrate material from the classes.  For those who aren't quite ready to take level 3 classes yet, private lessons and regular practica time devoted to upgrading one's skills can bring you up to the next level.

Class Guidelines:

1. You must preregister for level 3 classes by contacting one of the instructors teaching the class. If it is uncertain whether you are eligible for the class, you can discuss that with the instructor. People showing up for the first night of class who have not registered in advance will not be able to attend classes.
    
2. We’ll be keeping the balance of leaders and followers in these classes more equal and will only allow two extra of either role in the class. We’ll have a waiting list if there are more dancers interested in attending. We'll give first preference to more advanced dancers, then welcome qualified but less experienced dancers on a first come, first serve basis.  For example, if we have 6 qualified leaders signed up for a given class, we'd admit no more than 8 followers.  The most qualified followers have first dibs -- let's say 2 or 3 might sign up, leaving 5 or 6 slots for those with somewhat less experience.  Followers who don't get into that class would have a higher priority for the next level 3 class for which they were qualified.  Note: because of our current leader/follower imbalance, Grace and Sundi won't take level 3 classes when they're not teaching -- this leaves space for one more follower.
    
3. Intermediate or Advanced dancer -- if you have the skill level, experience and/or ability to learn tango material quiclky in a class setting, you are welcome at all level 3 classes.
    
4. Less-experienced dancer - You may be able to attend a level 3 class on a case by case basis, depending on your skills and the class that is being taught. Discuss this with the instructor. To get up to speed for level 3 classes, we encourage you to: get evaluated, take private lessons, attend practicas and focus specifically on aspects of your dance that need attention, continue taking level one and two classes, practice with a partner on your own time, attend workshops and milongas. If you want to get up to speed more quickly, private lessons and personal practice time can perhaps be the most helpful.
    
5. Beginner dancer - Continue taking level 1 and 2 classes and do all of the steps listed above and you’ll get there!

These advanced classes, and the guidelines for them, are an ongoing work-in-progress. We welcome your feedback and input in making our community as engaging and satisfying as possible for everyone.
 

Grace Hodges:   Contact
Julie Tabler:  Contact
Patrick Marsolek:  Contact
Phil Robison:   Contact