You have been placed on the “Do Not Send” list for any upcoming tango events in Southern Oregon. Dear Tango Dancer, This is to let you know that you will no longer receive email promotions for the next upcoming tango events in Southern Oregon. However, you are still on my regular list and will continue […]
Tell me what these symbols represent and the name or kind of code/notation being used. First correct answer wins Full Pass to BurningTango 2023
Due to the pandemic, for the first time in over 20 years, ValenTango will not be held. Saying this puts me in a kind of contemplative mood. Maybe it does you too. So I’ve created this blog for all of you would like to reminisce a bit about your experiences and what ValenTango has meant […]
Well, it’s been a long tough slog. But with availability of the new Covid vaccine there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully milongas, festivals and lessons can re-open soon. Now the questions is, when can we re-open, what are the new rules, what is the proper etiquette and what are the responsibilities of […]
How has the covid pandemic affected your tango life? What do you see as the future for tango? In particular, comment below on any of the following: Going (or not going) to milongas Providing lessons or taking lessons Being able to practice Organizing festivals and milongas Attending festivals (virtual and/or live) Listening to tango music […]
MILONGAS Andy Stein’s Milonga. Saturdays at 3 and 10pm EST (New York time). Each set is about 1 hour, in the format TVTTMT with 1 minute cortinas. Sets are cut to fit together seamlessly, producing the traditional TTVTTM effect. Group address is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/236262914238339/ Contact Andy at tango.nnva@gmail.com if you would like to join. Ben & Winnie’s Biweekly Live […]
Dear Tanguero, This is to let you know that you will no longer receive emails with links to Nancy and Clay’s instructional videos. However, you are still on my regular list and will continue to receive all other notifications. If you want to change this setting, just send me an email at tangoclay@gmail.com and let […]
STUDENTS: Who’s your favorite tango instructors? Who would you like to see invited to teach in your community and/or be featured at the next tango festival you attend? To make your opinion public and known to organizers, click on Favorite Tango Instructors and fill out the form. ORGANIZERS: Looking for great instructors? Click on Favorite […]
Looking for a tango partner? Here’s two options to help you find one: OPTION 1: Go to the form Clay’s Tango Match, fill it out and then check out the Clay’s Tango Match Responses and see if there’s someone you’d like to contact. Or, just wait and perhaps someone will contact you. OPTION 2: Place a Free […]
Thanks so much for providing the name and email of a tango friend who you think would enjoy and benefit from being on my Tango Email List. I’ve sent your friend a special invitation to opt into my list. (See example below.) Unfortunately, experience shows that only about 15% of those receiving my invitation will […]
If you are looking for a tango instructor to visit your community for a few months, enter your information below including: name contact info city brief description of the size and history of your community Or, on the other hand if you are an instructor interested in re-locating for a few months to help some […]
Identify the location a couple is dancing tango and enter a random drawing for great prizes. If you would like to participate in a similar free promotion, write me an email (click on the CONTACT tab above) with your request. All you need is a video or photo of yourself or some another couple dancing in […]
Frequently I’m asked what software applications do I use to create my website, manage my surveys, promote my festivals etc. Well, here’s a list of what I use along with some comments: Animated Images: [examples: www.ValenTango.us] {link: https://gifs.com/} Creating Documents: Mostly I use Google Docs (free) but occasionally Microsoft Word. Google Docs is great because it’s so […]
After compiling, weighting, interpreting and combining over 500 suggestions received from over 100 tangueros from the “Navigation and Etiquette Survey“, here are the Top 10 Navigation and Etiquette Rules: (Click here for a small printable PDF file of these rules: Condensed Pocked-Size Nav & Etiquette Rules.) Maintain forward flow and never block nor move against Line […]
Have an idea for a tango pin button?…or would like to express your tango passion with a pin button. Or maybe you have a machine that makes pin buttons. Whatever the case, this Muse is for all of you to connect, toss around ideas and maybe make some tango pin buttons and find a way […]
Many (perhaps most) tango communities at one time or another have had to deal with unpleasant and inappropriate characters. These people can be disruptive and divisive to the community. The topic of this Muse is, “what was their behavior and how did you deal with them?” Any examples, descriptions and advice you can give will […]
To help tango organizers pick the best day and time for a milonga, I’ve created a survey to get your input. To fill it out, click on the Start Survey button at the bottom and select as many day and time spots as you want. Remember, these are the time slots you would like the […]
Twenty years ago it was difficult to obtain authentic Argentine tango music. That has changed and now the availability of good tango music has helped the spread of tango worldwide. However, putting together and/or obtaining a good playlist is still challenging and it is the topic of this blog. Specifically: How does one share their tango playlist files? Is there […]
Top 10 Navigation and Etiquette Rules Etiquette and Navigation Survey Make Tango not War–pin buttons Sharks, Creeps and Gropers Close vs Open Embrace for Beginners ValenTango 2017 Performance Videos Why tango travellers love ValenTango–live interview with Clay Top 10 things not to be missed at ValenTango Your Turn to Be Heard Tango Desire Stickers–an aid […]
A few years ago I created a survey called, Why I Quit Tango. Since then over 500 people have responded and nearly half have written their own personal comments. (See below for an unedited list of these.) For all of us who love tango and would like to see it grow, I think it’s worth […]
Place free tango ad for any aspect of tango you want. For example: Art * Books * Instruction * Lodging * Personals * Venues * Festivals * Videos * Cruises * Jewelry * Cloths * Shoes * Fundraisers * DJs Just go to “Free Tango Ads“.
To help organizers, instructors, DJs and orchestras connect up with one another, I’ve created three separate data bases. To add your contact information to the data base and/or to view the contact information in the data base, click on the appropriate links below. Submit your contact information to the Data Base: Local Organizer’s Contact Form Traveling […]
It’s often said that “tango is a metaphor for life”. In this “Muse” I’d like you, the dancer and reader of this blog, to be a little more specific and give examples of ways in which tango has taught you lessons about relationships, sports, careers, hobbies or whatever. Just post your comment and stories below […]
Does, or did your tango community have a local coordinating organization? How well is that working? Does it grow the community by helping with scheduling, promoting and requiring standards for instructors? Or, on the other hand, is it a hindrance by stifling creativity, dominating the scene and causing dissonance? What’s your opinion. If you don’t […]
Ok, leaders it’s your turn. What’s the single most annoying thing that tango followers do that make you crazy? Here’s your chance to rant about it–and make suggestions on how you can communicate this to your follower. However, before you do, I suggest you first read over last months “Follower’s Rant“. Below is a brief […]
What’s the most annoying things that tango leaders do that make you crazy? Here’s your chance to rant about it–and make suggestions on how you can communicate this to your leader. Just write your comments and replies below.
Have a tango gripe? Here’s your chance to be heard. Any tango topic is fair game. For example what’s your feelings about: tango festivals instructors classes DJs tango etiquette and behavior gender balance navigation regional difference in skill, ability and friendliness The only thing I ask is that you be reasonably gentile and respectful in […]
Here’s your exclusive link to Clay’s Instructional YouTube Videos (You may want to book mark it so you don’t lose it.) Also as a member, you will: Be first to get information about ValenTango and BurningTango. Have exclusive right to fill out Festival Surverys. Participate in Clay’s Monthly Muse.
Although the 8-count basic has some great stuff, here’s 8 reasons I believe tango instructors should not use it to teach absolute beginners: It’s difficult for beginner’s to execute correctly, It misleads couples into thinking they know how to dance tango, It doesn’t encourage good lead and follow, It stifles improvisation, I causes beginners to […]
Email: carla.n.rossi@hotmail.com Carla Rossi: Argentinean folklore dancer and “milonguera”, Carla comes from a tango family through her father, a tango singer. Despite her young age she is a woman of character, with a particular virtuosity that makes each musical note sound with her legs and feet. She began her tango journey several years ago, adopting tango […]
(Note: To read report, click on it’s title below. To make comments, fill out either of the two reply blocks at the bottom.) Letter from TangoTecnia Milongueras y Milongueros: With great pleasure we present the 2014 Report Attributes and Preferences in Tango. For the first time, the tango has a complete picture about the tastes, […]
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Have an idea for a poll you’d like to see me conduct? Click on Contact and send me a message with your idea.
What’s the difference between a passion, an obsession and an addiction–and where does tango fit in? Record your vote on this issue in the poll below and then give us your thoughts, ideas, experiences and input regarding this issue in the comment section below. ( To include your profile picture in the “Leave a Reply” section, click […]
Well, I myself didn’t quit, but I know lots of people who have. Of course, the drop-out rate for beginners is always high, but perhaps we’ve all known someone who was hugely committed and addicted to tango, spent many years dancing tango, and then suddenly quit. Which brings me to the subject of this […]
Have you composed a new tango and would like the world to hear it? Tell us about yourself, your music and give us a link to your compositions in a reply below so that we can hear your music.
Teaching tango to absolute beginners is a daunting and challenging task. For my own edification, I’ve created this Venn diagram as a way of isolating out and thinking about each essential component separately. Under each component I’ve listed only a few suggested topics–as each instructor will have their own idea of what topics to cover […]
Have a question or comment for Clay? Just fill out the form below.
Rogue Valley Tango Calendar Join one or both of the following groups: View and join any of these Facebook Groups: Argentine Tango in Ashland Facebook Group: Postings about tango in local area. Clay & Nancy’s Persnickety Tango Facebook Group: Postings about Clay & Nancy’s tango classes. SOU Tango Club Facebook Group: Postings about tango at […]
Subtle ways for a follower to say no (Mar 1, 2014). Dear TangoTia: I politely asked a women to dance with me and she declined saying that her feet hurt and she was resting. I then said to her, “That’s ok, I’ll just sit down with you and wait until you’re ready”. Then after ignoring me […]
The Orquesta Típica Tango 02 (pronounced “zero-dos) extended by the Argentine singer Eduardo Baró joins that tradition and takes the listener on an exploration of deeprooted rhythms of the legendary D’Arienzo, Di Sarli and others. Tango 02 learned the art from the Argentinian bandoneon player Alfredo Marcucci and expanded his repertoire with new, danceable compositions […]
Tango and Portland were destined to be together and this is how they met. 1991 my (then) partner and I (Polly McBride) attended a Seattle workshop in something we’d never heard of called “Argentine Tango.” Before class, instructors Sonny Newman and Patty Leverett did a demonstration that featured flying legs, whirling turns and fabulous footwork. […]
About Tangabrazo The Seattle-based Tangabrazo is dedicated to playing music that engages both dancers and listeners. With repertoire ranging from the classic tango groups to more modern and original compositions, they bring decades of combined professional experience to create a rich ensemble sound. Click here to read band members bios website: http://www.tangabrazo.com/index.php
TOCATO TANGO means “driven crazy by tango”. It’s an Argentinian expression that describes what tango music does to musicians, listeners and dancers alike. One unique asset to this band is that it was designed and trained by dancers with their constant input and critiques. In the tango world, it is very important that the music […]
With members from Russia, Switzerland, and the United States, Tangonero is a San Francisco based ensemble dedicated to preserving the tradition of Argentine Tango. From the folk styling of Roberto Grela to the jazz infused grandeur of Astor Piazzolla, their arrangements cover the broad scope of tango history. Overflowing with intense passion, lust and sorrow, […]
For more information on a particular orchestra, click on the their image below.. If you’d like to add your own orchestra, or have a favorite you’d like to see added, go to Contact Clay and send a picture, name, and description along with their contact information. For additional help in connecting up with a tango orchestra, […]
Generally, before even taking a step, an experienced leader or follower can tell how good their partner is and how enjoyable the dance will be just by the “feel” of the embrace. However, beginners seldom realize how important the embrace is and don’t know how to create that “luscious” feeling. The diagram shows a cross […]
Clay Nelson, Ph.D. August 1, 2010 Abstract: Accelerometers in an iPhone are used to measure the g-forces (i.e., acceleration, or more loosely, the changes in motion) developed while walking solo forward and walking solo backward to tango music. The individuals tested and reported on in this study are a male tango teacher (myself), a male […]
Here’s a great article about tango etiquette. The finer points of tango culture by Mark Word [fbcomments]
Be first to get information about ValenTango and BurningTango Have exclusive rights filling out evaluations surveys for ValenTango and BurningTango Enter drawings for free passes Take part in Clay’s lively Monthly Muse discussions, Polls, and contests for prizes. Receive an exclusive link to Clay’s Instructional Dance Videos Post free tango ads at Free Tango Ads And…you can remove […]
If you are a well known tango instructor with national recognition and would like to be included as one of the “Virtual Instructors”, let me know by sending an email to: tangoclay@gmail.com. Here’s some points to consider: Click here to see the Virtual Tango Evaluation Form you will use to critique videos. (I’m open to […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Man’s Face Loop Two-Hand Alternating UAT Locked Whip w/ Lady’s Free Spin Tummy Whip w/ Lady’s Free Spin Right Side Pass w/ Alt. UAT Left Side Pass w/ Alt. UAT Underarm Whip Touch-step-touch Syncopation Closed Whip Revolving Release Locked Whip to Hammerlock Locked […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Sugar Push (1 2 3&4 5&6) Left Side Pass (1 2 3&4 5&6) Underarm Turn (1 2 3&4 5&6) Right Side Pass (1 2 3&4 5&6) Whip (1 2 3&4 5 6 7&8) Sugar Tuck (1 2 3&4 5&6) Two-hand Tuck (1 2 […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Forward Basic Left Box Turn Hesitations in Four Directions Lady’s Outside Underarm Turn Fifth Position Breaks Promenade Hesitations Cross Body Lead Twinkle Triple Twinkle Lady’s Inside Underarm Turn Backward Basic Right Box Turn Open Twinkle Zig Zag Two-Way Turn in Line of Direction […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Box Left Box Closed Cuban Walks Side Rocks Forward and Back Rocks Lady’s Outside Underarm Turn Fifth Position Breaks Parallel Breaks Side Breaks Basic Wrap Open Break and Lady’s Outside Underarm Turn Crossover Break with Lady’s Outside Underarn Turn Crossover Break and Walk […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Basic Underarm Turn Crossover Break and Underarm Turn Crossover Break and Walk Around Right Turn Cradle Inside Underarm Turn Twist Left Turn Figure Eight Peek-a-Boo Alternating Underarm Turn Around the World Left Turn w/ Lady’s Underarm Turn Check Basic Flip Flops Around World […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Note: Beginning steps in Mambo and Salsa are the same. Progressive Basic Turning Basic Side Breaks Side Basic Crossover Basic Crossover Break and Walk Around Open Breaks Slow Underarm Turn Quick Underarm Turn Crossover Break and Quick Underarm Turn Salsa Basic Parallel Breaks […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Forward Basic Left Turn Promenade Swing Step Diagonal Walks Left Box Zig Zag Twinkle Triple Twinkle Right Box Backward Basic Right Rock Turn Two-Way Turn in Line of Direction Diagonal Walks Outside Partner Promenade with Lady’s Underarm Turn Swing Step with Lady’s Underarm […]
This video is presented in a different format than the other videos. It was taped and edited from a group class that lasted over a six week period. The running time is approximately 60 minutes. The following is a list of steps presented. Sequence 1 Two Basics and a Throwaway Inside Underarm Turn Continous American […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Triple Basic Turning Basic Underarm Release Inside Underarm Turn Throwaway Release Outside Underarm Turn Man’s Outside Underarm Turn American Spin Cuddle Hammerlock Cuddle to Hammerlock Combination Tuck Release Basic Kicks Alternating Underarm Alternating Underarm with Man’s Hook Step Right to Right Face Loop […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. Basic Crossover Break w/ Lady’s UAT Crossover Break & Walk Around Chase Chase w/ Full Turn Ending Progressive Basic Side Basic Parallel Breaks Open Break and Lady’s UAT Figure Eight Butterfly Cross Body Lead Left Turning Basic Sweetheart Peek-a-Boo Double Cross Over Break […]
The following is a list of the American Style steps presented on this instructional video. Basic Promenade to Center w/ Left Turn Corte Progressive Rocks Medio Corte Outside Basic Promenade to Center w/ Rt. Turn Tango Fans Flair Promenade Argentine Walks Promenade Rock to Oversway Tango Rocks Turning Promenade in Line of Dance Open Left […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. (A) Foxtrot (slow, slow, quick, quick) Basic Left Turn Promenade (B) Waltz (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Progressive Basic Left Box Hesitations (C) Rumba (slow, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick) Box Cuban Walks Side Rocks (D) Cha Cha (rock, step, cha, cha, […]
The following is a list of steps presented on this instructional video. (A) Foxtrot Traveling Right Turn (s, s, q, q) Swing Step (s, s, q, q) Left Box (s, q, q) (B) Triple Swing (1, &, 2, 3, &, 4, rock, step) Turning Basic Craddle Sugar Push (C) Cha Cha (rock, step, cha, cha, […]
This is the ultimate instructional video for those of you just starting, or wanting to start Argentine Tango. I’ve been thinking about and planning this video for the last four years. Because of the complexity and variety of authentic Argentine Tango, the beginner student can be very confused about all the different methods and styles […]
What’s your favorite Eight-Count Basic instructional video? (Please, only videos that can be linked to–not ones that need to be ordered.) In your “Reply” below, give Name of the video YouTube link to the video Any additional comments about the video or instructors
What’s your favorite Boleos instructional video? (Please, only videos that can be linked to–not ones that need to be ordered.) In your “Reply” below, give Name of the video YouTube link to the video Any additional comments about the video or instructors
For your convenience, check out these links: Instructional Tango Videos Featured Tango Videos
Each video is only $25! Is 40-70 minutes in length Demonstrates 15-20 steps. For previews, click on: Nightclub Two Step, Argentine Tango and/or Rumba Click titles below for list of material on video.
This list is provided as a service to instructors and organizers to help them connect with one another. If you are a visiting instructor on tour, feel free to contact any of the organizers listed for possible teaching positions. If you are an organizer and would like to be added to this list, send me an […]
(Secrets to Producing a Successful Tango Event) This comprehensive and detailed manual is the combined effort of Polly McBride and Clay Nelson. Polly is the author of “All Things Argentine Tango” and is executive assistant for the Portland Tango Events. Clay Nelson is the creator/producer of Portland TangoFest, Portland ValenTango, Seattle TangoMagic and Ashland Thanksgiving […]
Objective: The goal of this program is to give you, the student, the opportunity to take a brief tango lesson from a variety of great instructors from all over the world without ever having to leave your home. Procedure: Videotape yourself dancing tango and upload to YouTube. (Don’t worry, you can make your video private […]
Musings by Richard Powers For hundreds of years dance manuals and other writings have lauded the health benefits of dancing, usually as physical exercise. More recently we’ve seen research on further health benefits of dancing, such as stress reduction and increased serotonin level, with its sense of well-being. Then most recently we’ve heard of another […]
I always felt that dancers at a festival might want to let people know what they thought and felt without having to state their desires verbally. So I created a set of free stickers for guests at my festivals. Here’s the ones I’ve created so far. If you have additional ideas, leave a comment below. […]
Instructors: DJs: Orchestras: Orquesta Tipica under direction of Alex Krebs (from various cities) Joe Powers Tango Trio featuring Naoko Aoki (piano), Chiei Kobayashi (guitar) and special guests: Alex Krebs (bandoneon), Erin Furbee (violin), and Jesse Brooke (percussion)
Throw out your best idea(s) for a Tango Bumper Sticker. Just type them into the Facebook comment section below.
I am aware that tango dancers are incredibly passionate about “their” dance, and want desperately for their partner (if not the whole world) to fall in love with tango and immediately learn everything. Furthermore, I should be very clear that I am not opposed to students teaching their own class in the community–in fact I encourage it. However, […]
1. It can be physically difficult. Unlike open embrace, close embrace allows zero tolerance for error. If your steps and movements don’t match exactly your partner, it’s immediately apparent and uncomfortable. 2. It can be emotionally difficult. Locked inside all of us are intense emotional feelings–love, hate, fear, happiness, shame, pride, anger, respect, confusion, delight, vulnerability, longing, etc. For whatever […]
Solution 1: For flash dances out on the streets of Ashland, Bjorg uses a painter’s tarp and duck tapes down the edges. Works pretty well! Solution 2: Buying a large piece of linoleum or vinyl from a home store is cheap and easy to lay down, but if on concrete there’s no padding and I […]
The one who had made everyone else disappear When I woke up this morning, I found no one in the house. I looked outside, but there was no one in the street. Boarding a bus with no driver, I made my way to an empty airport and onto a plane, where I waited, alone. exhausted, […]
By Beth Anne Osborn, 2008 If you are new to tango or just new to Portland ValenTango, follow these simple guidelines and you’ll double your chances of getting Danced. Attend Classes at your ability level. Don’t make the mistake of taking classes that are beyond your grasp expecting to meet the “Good Dancers.” By choosing the right level class […]
Last night I had a dream. I dreamed that someone gave me new car. But it wasn’t just any car. It was a brand new Lamborghini Diablo convertible. Sort of like the one Al Pacino drove in the movie “Scent of a Woman”–cherry red with plush leather seats, 520 horsepower V-10 engine, and power everything. “Boy!” I […]
Since that time, I have only strengthened my opinion and resolve that tango dancing is no more about competition then sharing a feeling, or an emotion, or a conversation, or a sexual relationship with another person is. (Can you imagine, for instance, having a competition sex festival) Now, when getting ready to leave for a […]
[View as Google Doc] Background A few years ago, I started thinking about how there is a weird connection between tango dancers and vampires–i.e., both stay up all night, wear black, shun garlic, and have this compulsive obsessive behavior. Even the classic ending tango pose of the famous tanguero Carlos Gavito (shown here dancing with […]
Hello Clay My name is Paola and I live in Portland. I’ve attended and thoroughly enjoyed the Portland Tango festivals you organize. I recently took a trip to Buenos Aires and took some lessons from a wonderful dance instructor and performer. I was very impressed by her ability to focus on very particular aspects of […]
Below is a gallery of just a few of the fine tango instructors from Argentina and Colombia. For more information, click on the individual picture. To see which of these instructors I’ve hired in the past, go to Past Festival Instructors & DJs. If you’d like to see a new Argentine tango instructor added to this […]
Results from these surveys are public information and you are free to copy and use them in any way that you want. Also, if you have suggestions for future surveys and/or would like to work together with me on a future survey, let me know by replying below. Effective Teaching Methods Take Survey View Results (updated) […]
Building a Community Bitten by Tango Competition Tango?! Dance Floor Etiquette Map Dreaming about Tango Nirvana How Can I Get Danced More? (by Beth Anne Osborne) How Smooth is Your Tango Walk? Portable Dance Floors Six Reasons Tango Bumper Stickers Tango Desire Stickers Tango Etiquette (by Mark Word) Tango Poetry Three Types of Embrace Use it or Loose […]
Below is a list of tango festivals first organized by Clay. (For other festivals not organized by Clay, go to Festival Listings and/or Free Tango Ads.) Portland (Oregon) TangoFest (started 1995, turned over to the Portland Community in 2013 and still going) Portland (Oregon) ValenTango (started 1996 and still going) McCloud (California) BurningTango (started 2012 and still going) […]
[View as PDF file] Three indicators of a successful tango community are its quantity, quality and cooperative spirit. Although many of the factors which affect these indicators are “interlinked”, let’s attempt to take a look at each of them separately. I. Quantity: Obviously, there needs to be a critical mass of dancers for a community be considered a […]
If you want to post something on the calendar and don’t have access, contact Nathan Bank at wolf@tangoashland.org.
Although small (population is only 23,000), Ashland has an extremely enthusiastic and friendly tango community. If you live here, coming for a visit, or just passing through please join us for any one of our classes and/or milongas. Below is a list of links to help you connect up with us. Also, feel free to […]
Ashland Tango Community A group to share information about Argentine Tango events in Ashland, OR and surrounding areas. Clay & Nancy’s Persnickety Tango Discuss all aspects of tango in the Ashland and greater Rogue Valley Community and provide input and guidance from members on what material and topics they would like taught in class Southern Oregon University […]
