Jonathan and Olivia Intimate Embrace

I have enjoyed and benefited from several classes by Jonathan and Olivia. Their smooth sensual style is a pleasure to dance. They offer clear explanations and keep working with you until you understand the movement, which is much more than a step. I recommend their classes to anyone who desires the rich close embrace connection of tango.

Larry Sawyer

To inquire about any of the workshops listed below please email us at: sflivjontango@gmail.com

Fundamentals of the tango walk in close embrace: Learn detailed walking technique (from which all tango moves originate), on how to transmit power from the floor through the body to the sternum. Learn to walk on your forward axis with contra body movement and proper body posture. Learn proper use of the psoas, gluts and thigh muscles in the walk. Understand the distinction between close embrace styles: That which is danced "upright and close" or "upright and in a V" (fun, but neither sensual nor intimate) vs. (Beginning-Intermediate)

Perfecting the tango walk: (intermediate-advanced) Learn detailed technique, body posture (from which all tango moves originate), proper use of the psoas, gluts and thigh muscles in the walk, moving to the axis, contra body movement, breathing, pauses and variations on walking Gavito style- learn the internal and external nuances in body mechanics not perceptible to the third party observer which allows two dancers to comfortably move as one. (Intermediate-advanced)

The close embrace: Moving from the 2 to the 5 with simplistic elegance and beauty. Learn to dance on your forward axis in a sensual and intimate close embrace -- Gavito style. (All Levels)

Two more beautiful ways to move from the 2 to the 5 with simplistic elegance and beauty. Learn to beautifully execute slow and seemingly simplistic (but difficult to do well) tango movements in the Gavito style -- which is the most sensual and intimate style of close embrace Argentine tango. To quote Gavito: "To dance tango slowly and beautifully is the most difficult tango to dance well." Why? Because it requires excellent technique. (Intermediate-advanced)

Milonga A fun class for beginners. Learn the musicality behind milonga and basic milonga steps to get you on the floor and dancing when you hear a milonga tanda. Recommended prerequisite- Fundamentals of the tango walk in close embrace for beginners. (Beginners)

Simplistic elegance and minimalist movement: Learn the nuances to transform your tango into an aesthetic level that is beautiful, sensual and intimate. Gavito said: "You can't teach the feeling". Minimalist subtle slow and beautiful balance moves: Stylized barridas, foot lifts, boleos and contemporaneous spiral crosses (Intermediate-Advanced)

Alternating from close to open embrace: Open Gavito moves using alternating barridas, sacadas, moulinete, ochos and lapiz. (Intermediate-Advanced)