The Philly Tango Festival is, hands-down, the best time of the year to start dancing tango. We offer a 4-class track to get you up and dancing during the festival.

No previous experience or partner is required. We rotate partners throughout the workshops. Students are encouraged to learn and practice both roles: leader and follower.

We are thrilled to have wonderful dancers and extraordinary pedagogues, Pablo Garcia Gomez & Iwona Ionescu, teaching the beginner track at this year’s festival.

Each session blends structure, connection, musicality, and improvisation.

Friday, May 22, 3:15-4:30 pm: Tango Foundations & First Steps

In this workshop, we will prepare our bodies and minds for communication and improvisation. We will work on tango posture, grounding, and relaxed focus. We will also explore key features of the tango embrace and learn the essential first steps such as the tango walk, side steps, and the “baldosa.”

Saturday, May 23, 12-1:15 pm: The Dynamic Embrace & Growing Your Tango Vocabulary

In this workshop, we move from a comfortable, intentional posture into a dynamic embrace that supports clear communication between partners. We will discover tango’s distinct rhythmic patterns and how they inspire our movement. We will add expressive vocabulary, including “ochos” to expand musical interpretation and improvisation.

Sunday, May 24, 12-1:15 pm: Sustaining Expressive Movement; Transitions and Changes of Direction

In this workshop, we will strengthen balance and transitions while deepening your sense of tango musical expression. We will develop pivots, basic turns, and simple “molinetes.” We will also learn how improvisation naturally emerges as you navigate changes of direction together.

Monday, May 25, 12-1:15 pm: A Joyful Flow

In this workshop, we will further refine the connection between the partners. We will also practice fluency in the dance as our vocabulary turns into sequences and our musical sensitivity develops. We will experience how structure, rhythm, and shared intention create an expressive and enjoyable flow on the social dance floor.

PRICING

While you can purchase the four beginner track classes alone, please consider instead purchasing the Beginner Pass. It’s the best deal of the festival, and is only available to people who have been dancing one year or less.

The Beginner Pass includes:

• 4 Beginner Workshops
• 4 Milongas (social dances with live music and dance performances)
• 3 Practicas (informal social dances for practicing)
• 1 Lecture
• 4 Concerts
• 3 Workshops on Argentine folkloric music and dances (hint: these dances are a lot easier than tango and you can become proficient very quickly)

Beginner Pass Early Bird Price (through 4/1): $160
Beginner Track Early Bird Price (through 4/1): $100

REGISTER NOW