Chispas, there are three components to a full tango experience:
1. Classes/workshops
2. Práctica
3. Milongas/salons
And can you believe that most of you barely if ever practice 1. the classes and workshops which you spend your money, time and energy on. If you don't practice, perhaps 10-20% will stick; if you practice it could be 80-100%. Going from 1. to 3. skipping 2. assuming it will somehow work out in the milonga is wishful thinking.
Friends of mine years ago took five expensive private classes with high level teachers after which they diligently practiced for several months to get everything they were taught into their systems. After that they repeated the same procedure with another high level teaching couple, etc. They are amongst the best dancers in this country now. Because: different mindset.
And then, when tango started a century ago people learned to dance tango in prácticas (mind you, not in group classes) by dancing with a more experienced/senior partner, 1-on-1. Sure, we usually prefer to learn together with someone of the opposite sex (unlike back then) but still -whatever way- that 1-on-1 transfer is where the magic happens. And no, you are never above practicing; such level does not exist. The performers we watch regularly practice endlessly. To hone their craft.
On a more modest level (most of us are not show tango but tango de salon dancers), we could do a bit of that also. And come to La Chispa and let me feel how I can improve. I have no assumptions about my own level although after over a year co-organizing this práctica I can say I did improve, especially in musicality. We will do small themes about that again, starting this Sunday. Counting on you, and invite someone to come also.
🔥Free entrance for you (and you only) if you bring someone with you who has never been to La Chispa before!
La Chispa Tango Práctica:
📍A práctica, not a milonga. No cortinas.
📍Less advanced dancers practicing with more advanced dancers - like in Buenos Aires in the Golden Age of tango. Because two beginners practicing together usually means doubling mistakes and perpetuating bad habits. This ‘knowledge transfer’ also allows the more accomplished dancers to test and transfer their understanding and skills. Teaching is learning twice.
📍Be careful giving feedback, be considerate.
📍Practice with more than one person as La Chispa is community-focused, though of course this does not mean you need to practice with everyone! Change around a bit, with whomever you feel comfortable practicing.
📍Use mirada/cabeceo or be more direct but respect boundaries.
‘PRÁCTICA’-LITIES:
💰Entrance fee €5 - in CASH! Free entrance for you (and you only) if you bring someone with you who has never been to La Chispa before!
🍷BYOD: Bring Your Own Drinks – and snacks!
🏫LOCATION: De Wittenstraat 100, 1052 BA, Amsterdam
🚇BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From Central Station bus 18 or 21, stop Nieuwe Willemsstraat, or bus 22 stop Nassauplein. Or rent an OV-fiets and pedal westwards for 8 minutes.
🚗 BY CAR: Sunday free parking on Isaac Gogelweg, at 15 minutes walking. Monday-Saturday evening free parking around Contactweg 30 then take bus 22 to Nassauplein. Additional option: P+R at Leeuwendalersweg 23b (price around €4,50 p/h + bus ticket - check P+R rules), then take bus 21 to Nieuwe Willemsstraat. Parking in the street near the venues €6,50 per hour. MyWay parking at Tussen de Bogen, Jordaan or De Wittenkade approximately €3,50 per hour (but check price, and reserve), or ParkBee De Wittenkade approximately €4,50 per hour (but check price, and reserve).
✨What is La Chispa?
La Chispa is a social tango práctica inspired by the Golden Age tradition. Dancers of all levels are encouraged to learn from each other, with the more accomplished dancers helping the less accomplished - just as it was back then in the prácticas of Buenos Aires. No rigid structures, just a space for exploration, learning, and community.
Abrazo,
André, Asta, Becky, Iulia, Sabrina, Willem
Also check out other Workshops in Amsterdam, Performances in Amsterdam, Entertainment events in Amsterdam.
