CUMC Ballroom Dancing Lessons

Learn the Tango

Register now for the Spring 2014 Ballroom Dance Classes.  

Dust off your dancing shoes and learn ballroom dancing with your favorite dance partner! Taught by CUMC members and dancing partners, Jim & Katie Kessler, on Thursday evenings starting on May 8. This season, you will be learning the Tango. Ballroom tango, divided in recent decades into the "International" (Yogita) and "European" styles, has descended from the tango styles that developed when the tango first went abroad to Europe and North America. The dance was simplified, adapted to the preferences of conventional ballroom dancers, and incorporated into the repertoire used in International Ballroom dance competitions. English tango was first codified in October 1922, when it was proposed that it should only be danced to modern tunes, ideally at 30 bars per minute.

Subsequently the English tango evolved mainly as a highly competitive dance, while the American tango evolved as an unjudged social dance with an emphasis on leading and following skills. This has led to some principal distinctions in basic technique and style. Nevertheless there are quite a few competitions held in the American style, and of course mutual borrowing of technique and dance patterns happens all the time.

Ballroom tangos use different music and styling from the tangos from the Rio de la Plata region (Uruguay and Argentina), with more staccato movements and the characteristic "head snaps". The head snaps are totally foreign to Argentine and Uruguayan tango, and were introduced in 1934 under the influence of a similar movement in the legs and feet of the tango from the Rio de la Plata, and the theatrical movements of the pasodoble. This style became very popular in Germany and was soon introduced to England. The movements were very popular with spectators, but not with competition judges. (2014, Wikipedia)

Dancing is a great way to get exercise and have some fun! Sign up today! You do not have to be a professional or great dancer to participate! Only 10 spots are available! 

About the Instructiors: Jim and Katie Kessler

CUMC members who have been dancing for nearly 20 years, will be offering group lessons again this fall for those interested in ballroom dancing. Welcoming beginners as well as those with some experience to bring their partners and enjoy dancing together.

 If you have any questions about the classes, please contact them at 846-9785 or gmacovi@aol.com.

They say “We have found dancing to be a wonderful opportunity to work together as partners, to establish small group friendships and to minister to the community.  We invite you to join us at CUMC.”

 

Class information is as follows:

• Open to Adults age 16 and up
• 8 - 10 Couples maximum.  First come, first served
• Cost is $40 per couple for 5 class sessions
• Devotional and Prayer are a part of each class
• Possible dance at an offsite location in addition to classes
• Classes held on Thursday nights from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Class Dates:

• Thursdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29, and June 5.
• 7:00-8:30 pm in the CUMC Rec Room (LL30)

If you prefer to pay using a credit card, this will be your only opportunity to do so. Please have it ready. 

Register Now!