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Event Admin: Spire Tango Practica (alternative/contemporary)
Saturday, Nov. 23
1:00 - 4:00
$10-20 sliding scale ($15... moreSpire Tango Practica (alternative/contemporary)
Saturday, Nov. 23
1:00 - 4:00
$10-20 sliding scale ($15 recommended)
Paypal, Zelle, Venmo, or Eventbrite
no one turned away for lack of funds
Spire, the Church
825 Athens Ave
Oakland, CA
Every 4th Saturday
100% alternative and contemporary music
Park on San Pablo (1/2 a block away)
Hosted by David Kaminsky and Cece Rosaia
for more information: https://www.facebook.com/spiretango
Event Admin: Spire Tango Practica is dedicated to fostering inclusivity as a social contract. We aim to create a welcoming, safe, and joyful environment for all individuals—regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, nationality,... moreSpire Tango Practica is dedicated to fostering inclusivity as a social contract. We aim to create a welcoming, safe, and joyful environment for all individuals—regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, religion, size, or ability—who embrace this commitment.
**What is an Alternative/Contemporary Practica?**
A practica is an informal tango social dance and practice session. It’s less formal than a milonga, allowing participants to either social dance or focus on improving their technique with partner feedback. However, unsolicited feedback is discouraged. Traditional tango music refers to recordings from the golden age (mid-1930s to mid-1950s) and is prevalent at most Bay Area tango events. In contrast, contemporary tango includes post-golden age music, even if decades old, and modern orchestras emulating golden-age styles. Alternative music encompasses non-tango tunes suitable for tango dancing, such as electrotango. At our practica, we maintain a 50/50 mix of contemporary and alternative music, with no golden age recordings.
**Can Beginners Attend?**
Absolutely, beginners are welcome. We recommend that beginners:
- Dance in the center of the floor, avoiding the edges to maintain the line of dance, especially if leading.
- Review this information to understand practica etiquette and practices.
**Tandas**
We play tandas (sets) of two matched songs, with a chime signaling the end of each tanda. This indicates the appropriate time to thank and leave a partner, though you can end a partnership earlier if uncomfortable. You may continue with the same partner for another tanda if mutually agreed. This system encourages experienced dancers to partner with beginners, even if just for a dance or two. Dancers can choose to remain with partners of similar experience for longer.
**Asking for Dances**
Traditional codes (codigos) for requesting a dance include:
1. Make eye contact (mirada) with someone you wish to dance with.
2. Nod (cabeceo) to propose the dance; if they nod back, it’s accepted.
3. Approach the person, optionally asking verbally.
To decline a dance, politely make eye contact and look away. You can ask anyone to dance in any role, regardless of gender. Verbal requests are also acceptable in this informal setting, though experienced dancers might expect the mirada/cabeceo process.
**Floorcraft**
Tango follows a counterclockwise line-of-dance, with one or two lanes depending on crowd size. Key rules for leaders, akin to traffic rules, include:
- Stay in your lane; weaving is discouraged.
- Maintain at least one full step behind the couple ahead.
- Keep pace with traffic flow.
- If entering the floor mid-dance, seek eye contact and nod approval from the leader of the couple you wish to merge in front of.
- Special rule: If not following the line of dance, use the middle of the floor, especially for beginners.
**Keeping It Simple**
Dancing several songs with the same partner helps build rapport. Experienced leaders often start simple to establish connection, potentially increasing complexity later. Prioritize floorcraft, respecting traffic rules and neighboring partnerships. Avoid bumps or getting too close. Dips and lifts are discouraged, while volcadas and colgadas are acceptable. Partners should collectively ensure surrounding dancers aren’t kicked during boleos.
**Tango Connection**
Tango features two connection modes:
- Close embrace: Chest-to-chest connection.
- Open position: Similar to a waltz embrace, without chest contact.
Dancers can switch between these positions. Initiating a dance involves the leader extending their left arm, with the follower taking it. A lowered right arm invites close embrace, while an extended right arm invites open position. No verbal consent is needed for close embrace, but leaders shouldn’t pull followers into it. Followers can non-verbally request a shift to open position by tilting back slightly.
**Code of Conduct**
Treat everyone excellently, even those you don’t dance with. Engage with others, fostering warmth and community. Don’t assume friendliness implies a desire to dance; cabeceo rules may apply. Minimize body odors with soap and deodorant, avoiding strong scents. Music will be at moderate volume; keep voices low in the dance hall. We reserve the right to eject or ban individuals for:
- Intoxication
- Bigotry
- Excessive noise or disruption
- Violence or threats
- Sexual misconduct
If unsure about behavior, refrain from it. Report issues to David Kaminsky or email bondpolska@gmail.com.
**Attention!**
Parking is limited. Consider carpooling, walking from your car, using Lyft, or public transit. Spire Church is in a residential area; respect for neighbors is crucial. Disrespect may result in exclusion from current and future events. Spire does not sell alcohol. less
Oct 20
Event Admin: Spire Tango Practica (Alternative/Contemporary)
Date: Saturday, October 26
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10-$20 sliding scale (Recommended: $15) ... moreSpire Tango Practica (Alternative/Contemporary)
Date: Saturday, October 26
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10-$20 sliding scale (Recommended: $15)
Payment Methods: PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or Eventbrite
Note: No one will be turned away for lack of funds
Location: Spire, the Church
Address: 825 Athens Ave, Oakland, CA
Parking: Available on San Pablo (1/2 a block away)
Event Details:
- Occurs every 4th Saturday
- Features 100% alternative and contemporary music
Hosts: David Kaminsky and Cece Rosaia
For more information, visit: [Spire Tango Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/spiretango)less
