Beginner Classes:

No experience is required or expected in beginner classes. While some students repeat the beginner class to grow skills and confidence, it’s the perfect place to start if you’ve never danced tango.

The beginner series is always offered as a 5 week progressive series. Material builds, so students are expected to attend all sessions.

Who will I dance with?

We change partners in class to maximize everyone's learning experience and so that you get to know other dancers and don't step on any one person's toes too many times - everyone dances with everyone else in the class regardless of gender. If you would prefer not to change partners, please inquire about private lessons.

Therefore, no partner is required. If you attend with a partner or friend, you will sometimes dance with them and sometimes dance with other people.

What will I learn?

At Tango Gato, everyone starts by learning both roles (leading and following). We believe that this builds empathy and understanding of the dance alongside community.

Do I need to dress up?

For classes, please wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. Yoga pants and t-shirts are fine! There’s no need to dress to impress in class, we’re all learning, but if you’re more comfortable doing so, feel free.

Articles to avoid:

• Pencil skirts

• Floor length skirts

• Anything that highly restricts the movement of your legs

Shoes:

• Clean bottoms: if we have rain or snow, please bring a pair of shoes separate from your street shoes so we don’t track the outside inside.

• Closed heel (no flip flops or slides).

• Smooth bottoms (leather) are better than grippy bottoms (running shoes) for dancing.

• Covered toes make most people feel most confident the first few weeks.

• Dance shoes from other forms of dance welcome!

• While high heels with open toes are common on the social floor for experienced dancers, they aren’t necessary for beginner lessons. In fact, if you’re not VERY comfortable walking in heels, it’s best to wait before breaking them out on the dance floor.

• Interested in getting tango shoes? Here are some Resources

Other things to consider:

• Bring water in a closed container! No open containers in the studio please.

• Consider wearing layers, you’ll warm up as class goes on

• Remember you’ll be in close proximity to other people, please arrive clean and avoid overbearing scents/perfumes

• Please take a moment to review our Code of Conduct.