Carlos & Maria Rivarola Returning Fall 2008!

Sacramento was truly fortunate to have the Rivarolas here for a weekend of teaching in October of 2007. Listen to what one student wrote after taking their Thursday night class:

"Went to Carlos and Maria Rivarolas' workshop last night on musical interpretation as it pertains to Tango.....was GREAT!.....just what I needed last night. Their approach to interpretation incorporates a lot of pauses, changes in tempo, listening to the melody vs the rythm, listening to the follow (well listening to your partner). Follows are incouraged not to step or transfer weight too quickly, to wait for what the lead initiates and then interprete this with the music and energy formed between the dancers and the music and everything else that is being brought into the moment. The lead is encouraged to accompany the follow in her interpretation. The lead is also encouraged to remain in a moment, listen to what the music is saying and to send the leg before committing the body. Once you've committed your center of gravity you greatly limit the possibilities for interpretation until the next collection. Likewise the follow is encouraged to listen, interpret, extend her leg, maybe play with it a little...all before committing weight to it, especially if she has a good lead and he is also listening to her and the music. It is a beautiful way of dancing to what otherwise might sound like very "marchy" music to those of us less refined. We danced to 40's and 50's vintage music and with more feeling, style, elegance and interpretation than I've ever been able to achieve with that kind of music. Yes, I really needed this!!!! Carlos and Maria are very elegant in their teaching style. They were very attentive to what the students in the class were needing." --Abrazos, Joe

Or this:

"Carlos & Maria Rivarola have finished their sojourn in Sacramento and moved on to the bay area. They were brilliant. While the material they used seemed simple at first blush their classes became graduate level examinations of lead & follow, musical interpretation, and using relaxation to create speed and balance. Their calm and understated elegance was mesmerizing." -- Ed

Don't miss any opportunity to experience this wonderful, modest couple. Since their films include "Tango" (the film by Carlos Saura -- Carlos Rivarola was the man who danced with two women in that famous scene in the film) and shows such as "Tango Argentino" you might suspect some extreme teaching. But no, on the contrary, with the Rivarolas you will find only precision, control and modesty. They are excellent teachers and dancers, and we are very much looking forward to their return in the fall of 2008. Watch the website for more information!

In 2007, they taught:

Thursday, October 4 - 7:00-8:30 p.m., "IMPROVING your APPRECIATION of the MUSIC by FOCUSING ON the ORCHESTRA" followed by practica from 8:30-10:00 p.m. -- We study and dance to a few popular tango orchestras to understand how they can affect both the tempo and interpretation of your dancing. The cost of this class includes the practica that follows from 8:30-10:00!

Friday, October 5 - 7:45-9:15 p.m. – "ASI SE BAILA EL TANGO" (THE WAY TO DANCE THE TANGO) -- Learn to walk with elegance and improve our connection in the dance.

Saturday, October 6 – 2:30-4:00 p.m. – "BODY MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR DANCERS" -- Do you find yourself losing balance or your axis, do you have back strain, aching feet? Each participant will bring specific concerns to be dealt with and then receive input.

Saturday, October 6 – 4:30-6:00 p.m. – "CLOSE EMBRACE: MAKING IT SIMPLE AND CONNECTED" -- A few secret rhythm steps from the masters with change of direction.

Sunday, October 7 – 12:00–1:30 p.m. – "LISTENING TO THE MUSIC" -- How to understand rhythm, melody, cadence, pauses, and phrases. Listen, practice and dance.

Sunday, October 7 - 2:00-3:30 p.m. - "MILONGA with TRASPIE" -- Learning steps in double time for milongas in close embrace.

Sunday, October 7 – 4:00-5:30 p.m. – "CLOSE EMBRACE ARGENTINE WALTZ" -- Play with waltz musicality and syncopated steps.

Cost: 1 Class for $35 2 for $60 3 or more, $75 each All 7 for $150 -- the best deal!

Private lessons with Carlos and Maria are also available for $100 per hour, plus $10 studio fee ($110 an hour).