Tango class levels
We offer structured classes and workshops so that you can develop at your own rate to the highest possible level. We work hard to maintain a clear sense of progression through the different levels we teach - from the nervous first-timer to the experienced tango-lover.
In pursuit of this, we have a clear outline of 'class levels': the minimum required level for each class. It is important that you attend the correct level class for you: one in which you feel challenged, but not overwhelmed. Also, we rotate partners in all our classes, so whilst we seek a breadth of ability and experience across the group, it's also crucial that all students are working at least to the minimum level for that class.
In pursuit of this, we have a clear outline of 'class levels': the minimum required level for each class. It is important that you attend the correct level class for you: one in which you feel challenged, but not overwhelmed. Also, we rotate partners in all our classes, so whilst we seek a breadth of ability and experience across the group, it's also crucial that all students are working at least to the minimum level for that class.
How does ATSE define dancing 'levels'?
Every tango school defines its levels differently. Your class level at ATSE may not be the same as it is elsewhere.
At ATSE, we define your class level (eg. beginner, intermediate, advanced) by considering your conceptual understanding, technical proficiency and ability to learn. The number of years you have spent social dancing is usually irrelevant. Regular attendance at high-quality, authentic tango classes is far more important.
Every tango school defines its levels differently. Your class level at ATSE may not be the same as it is elsewhere.
At ATSE, we define your class level (eg. beginner, intermediate, advanced) by considering your conceptual understanding, technical proficiency and ability to learn. The number of years you have spent social dancing is usually irrelevant. Regular attendance at high-quality, authentic tango classes is far more important.
What level am I?
We regard tango students as falling within four distinct levels:
Level 1 - beginners, recent beginners and early improvers (generally up to 1-2 years)
Level 2 - experienced improvers (2 yrs+) (most students and social dancers fall into this category)
Level 3 - intermediates (3-5yrs minimum) (committed students reach this more advanced level)
Level 4 - advanced (rare) (many years' experience, with excellent conceptual, technical and musical skills)
Very important:
Please note that your level is determined by the quality of your dancing, not how long you have danced for. Moreover, when determining your class level, time spent on serious study is of far greater importance than time spent social dancing. So the 'years' listed above refer to average regular attendance at authentic tango classes taught by reputable teachers.
Also: all our classes are taught from a contemporary, nuevo-inspired perspective (click here for info), which requires particular skills from students. At experienced improver level and above, we expect a very good level of conceptual understanding as well as reasonable dance technique and floorcraft; not all other teachers insist on all these aspects, so they may be new to you.
This means that sometimes, incoming students with several years' experience dancing conservative salon style will not be ready for our intermediate classes. This is nothing to be embarrassed about (and you'll soon be progressing quickly). This is your chance to consider tango afresh, challenge your thinking and forge ahead!
We regard tango students as falling within four distinct levels:
Level 1 - beginners, recent beginners and early improvers (generally up to 1-2 years)
Level 2 - experienced improvers (2 yrs+) (most students and social dancers fall into this category)
Level 3 - intermediates (3-5yrs minimum) (committed students reach this more advanced level)
Level 4 - advanced (rare) (many years' experience, with excellent conceptual, technical and musical skills)
Very important:
Please note that your level is determined by the quality of your dancing, not how long you have danced for. Moreover, when determining your class level, time spent on serious study is of far greater importance than time spent social dancing. So the 'years' listed above refer to average regular attendance at authentic tango classes taught by reputable teachers.
Also: all our classes are taught from a contemporary, nuevo-inspired perspective (click here for info), which requires particular skills from students. At experienced improver level and above, we expect a very good level of conceptual understanding as well as reasonable dance technique and floorcraft; not all other teachers insist on all these aspects, so they may be new to you.
This means that sometimes, incoming students with several years' experience dancing conservative salon style will not be ready for our intermediate classes. This is nothing to be embarrassed about (and you'll soon be progressing quickly). This is your chance to consider tango afresh, challenge your thinking and forge ahead!
What classes are available at each level?
Level 1 tangueros should attend our Tuesday evening Beginners, Recent Beginners and early Improvers class.
You are also welcome to all Technicas & Rhythm sessions, and all practicas, including Thursday Tango Club.
Level 2 tangueros, and higher levels looking for extra revision, should attend our Tuesday evening Improver class.
You are also welcome to all Technicas & Rhythm sessions, and all practicas, including Thursday Tango Club.
Levels 3 & 4 should attend our Thursday evening Intermediate study group.
You are also welcome to all Technicas & Rhythm sessions, and all practicas, including Thursday Tango Club.
Tango Plus courses and Tango Superboosts vary in level according to the particular theme, but are usually open to experienced improvers and above. Sometimes they are limited to intermediates and advanced only. We will always clarify well in advance - and we will adapt planned special courses to cater for the biggest demand.
You are ALWAYS welcome to attend a class at a 'lower' level, to revise the basics, catch up with new developments, or just enjoy an extra chance to dance. Just let us know what you'd like to attend.
Private tuition is available at all levels, in all styles and variations of tango.
Level 1 tangueros should attend our Tuesday evening Beginners, Recent Beginners and early Improvers class.
You are also welcome to all Technicas & Rhythm sessions, and all practicas, including Thursday Tango Club.
Level 2 tangueros, and higher levels looking for extra revision, should attend our Tuesday evening Improver class.
You are also welcome to all Technicas & Rhythm sessions, and all practicas, including Thursday Tango Club.
Levels 3 & 4 should attend our Thursday evening Intermediate study group.
You are also welcome to all Technicas & Rhythm sessions, and all practicas, including Thursday Tango Club.
Tango Plus courses and Tango Superboosts vary in level according to the particular theme, but are usually open to experienced improvers and above. Sometimes they are limited to intermediates and advanced only. We will always clarify well in advance - and we will adapt planned special courses to cater for the biggest demand.
You are ALWAYS welcome to attend a class at a 'lower' level, to revise the basics, catch up with new developments, or just enjoy an extra chance to dance. Just let us know what you'd like to attend.
Private tuition is available at all levels, in all styles and variations of tango.
How do I join the right class for my level?
The level given for each class refers to the level at which the tuition is offered, and the level we expect the vast majority of the group to reach. It is a minimum required level.
Newcomers are welcome to join our Tuesday evening Beginners class - no previous dance experience required; two left feet welcome! We also run regular no-commitment taster sessions. For information please click here. If you have already studied sufficient tango, you may like to join our Tuesday evening Improvers class: click here.
All our classes are taught from a nuevo perspective, but from intermediate level, this perspective is central, and requires particular skills from our students. It can be quite different from tango classes elsewhere.
For this reason, if you are interested in the Thursday Intermediate study group, please note that we always arrange a private lesson with newcomers, before you attend your first group class.
In this private lesson, we'll dance with you, offer feedback and suggestions about your dancing, and convey some of the core principles central to our teaching. If you have learned elsewhere for some time, there are likely to be differences in basic technique, approach and style which we would need to highlight and resolve, so that you can make the most of our classes and dancing with our other students. In particular, the lesson will introduce you to the nuevo perspective which forms the basis of our teaching, and which you may not have encountered before.
It's also your chance to meet and dance with us in a relaxed and informal setting, ask any questions, and tackle any concerns you have about your tango. We've been told that new students find this introduction really helpful, encouraging and inspiring.
So if you would like to join our group classes, just contact us, and we'll arrange this with you. Don't be nervous or shy; we look forward to hearing from you!
The level given for each class refers to the level at which the tuition is offered, and the level we expect the vast majority of the group to reach. It is a minimum required level.
Newcomers are welcome to join our Tuesday evening Beginners class - no previous dance experience required; two left feet welcome! We also run regular no-commitment taster sessions. For information please click here. If you have already studied sufficient tango, you may like to join our Tuesday evening Improvers class: click here.
All our classes are taught from a nuevo perspective, but from intermediate level, this perspective is central, and requires particular skills from our students. It can be quite different from tango classes elsewhere.
For this reason, if you are interested in the Thursday Intermediate study group, please note that we always arrange a private lesson with newcomers, before you attend your first group class.
In this private lesson, we'll dance with you, offer feedback and suggestions about your dancing, and convey some of the core principles central to our teaching. If you have learned elsewhere for some time, there are likely to be differences in basic technique, approach and style which we would need to highlight and resolve, so that you can make the most of our classes and dancing with our other students. In particular, the lesson will introduce you to the nuevo perspective which forms the basis of our teaching, and which you may not have encountered before.
It's also your chance to meet and dance with us in a relaxed and informal setting, ask any questions, and tackle any concerns you have about your tango. We've been told that new students find this introduction really helpful, encouraging and inspiring.
So if you would like to join our group classes, just contact us, and we'll arrange this with you. Don't be nervous or shy; we look forward to hearing from you!
How quickly will I progress?
We want you to progress as quickly and confidently as possible. Everyone develops at a different rate, and their relative progress changes all the time: some race ahead in the first few months, and then falter, whilst others are slower to build their confidence but develop rapidly after a year or so. Don't assume that others find it easier than you do, or that you are not likely to reach advanced level; just expect to put some work in, to get there.
In our experience, progress in tango is rarely determined by inherent natural ability (or lack of it). We have some students who attend every class on offer, come to all the practice sessions, book regular private lessons and practise their own movements alone. They commit a great deal of time and energy which is not always visible to their fellow students, who put their speedy progress down to talent. If in comparison you only attend classes intermittently, you're bound to progress more slowly - but that's fine, if you're happy with how it's going.
We want you to progress as quickly and confidently as possible. Everyone develops at a different rate, and their relative progress changes all the time: some race ahead in the first few months, and then falter, whilst others are slower to build their confidence but develop rapidly after a year or so. Don't assume that others find it easier than you do, or that you are not likely to reach advanced level; just expect to put some work in, to get there.
In our experience, progress in tango is rarely determined by inherent natural ability (or lack of it). We have some students who attend every class on offer, come to all the practice sessions, book regular private lessons and practise their own movements alone. They commit a great deal of time and energy which is not always visible to their fellow students, who put their speedy progress down to talent. If in comparison you only attend classes intermittently, you're bound to progress more slowly - but that's fine, if you're happy with how it's going.
Page updated 18th November 2018