Author Archives: TangoNova

January 2, 2022: Report on Halifax Tango events re Omicron

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It is currently not comfortable to gather for group tango lessons, masked or not, due to the highly contagious Omicron covid variant and the number  of tango people waiting for boosters as of Jan 2,2022.

Tangonova will continue to check in with the provincial health guidelines re dance classes, as well as with the local tango community, so that as soon as it is workable and people are ready,  tango activities can resume in one way or another.

If it appears that the current situation is going to continue for a more than a few weeks into 2022, then I will consider creating Zoom classes again.  It is not really my “thing”,  but I managed to offer a few last year,  and learned a lot in the process, so why not try again?

Keep evolving everyone and don’t give up! Happy new year!

Don’t forget to stay in touch, and let me know how you are doing!

New Provincial Proof of Vaccine protocols for Dance events

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Original proof of full vaccination records are acceptable in paper and digital formats, as well as clear photos, screenshots and photocopies. Be prepared to show these the event organizer in one form or another.
NOTE: Tangonova will not be keeping a record of anyone’s vaccination records without their verbal or written consent. By next week, I hope to have the proof and consent process worked out,  as it is going into affect Monday, Oct 4.
Detailed information available here :   proof of full vaccination protocol. 

Fall 2021 with Tangonova

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HI Folks – looking for tango classes this fall? I am starting up my classes & events end of September, early October.

  • A Taste of Tango: Free Trial class for beginners on offer September 30. Pre-registration recommended, and proof of  vaccination required. Contact Tangonova or phone 902-229-8585,
  • Leading Ladies Class in the works: interested students please contact me.
  • Thursday Practica to resume Sept 30th at DanSpace/proof of  vaccination required.
  • Home studio Monday Class will start in October. Possibly one other weekly class.
  • Semi-Private lessons/2 couples/reasonable rates/ arranged at your convenience.
  • Fall Milonga Schedule listed on the  classes and events page. Saturday, Oct 2 is the first one!
  • Just curious about tango? …drop in to a practica or take a private lesson, before signing up for a series.

What is a “Milonga”?

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squeeze-box-argentina_11322_600x450*The word Milonga has two meanings, often confusing for beginner dancers! 1) Milonga, is a gathering/ tango dance party: an event where people are dancing to recordings of tangos, vals or milonga (see second meaning). USE: I am going to the milonga tonight. 2) Milonga, also refers to the name of a dance form  in the tango genre (tango, vals, and milonga)  with  an upbeat 2/4 rhythm, and classes are offered in Milonga.  Historically the milonga dance form pre-dates tango, and has more Afro- Caribbean roots.  USE: Let’s take that milonga class so  we can dance the milonga set at next Saturday’s milonga.

Milonga Event Format:  Tango is a traveling dance that moves counter clockwise along the line of dance. Ideally couples “navigate” respectfully  on the dance floor, not passing one another or colliding or stalling the flow. Music is played by a DJ in tandas (sets) of 3-4 songs of one type (tango, vals or milonga). The end of the tanda (set) is marked by a cortina (curtain) – a short  non-tango riff of 25-35 seconds. This is the time to escort one another off the dance floor and switch partners, if you like. When a couple choose to dance together, it is customary to dance out the full tanda, not rotating until the cortina. Should either  person decide to end the partnership mid-tanda,  it would be considered rude for him or her  to then acquire a new partner for that same tanda. These are customs not rules. If you are planning to dance at milongas in Buenos Aires, additional codigos (codes) may apply, useful to know  and readily available on the internet.

About Halifax Milongas

FALL 2020 Edgett Dance  and Wellness Centre/monthly:  see events listing for fall 202o.

SUMMER  Milonga Del Puerto Mid-June thru mid-September  = look for tango on the Halifax waterfront. Foot of Morris at  Lower Water St/across Cunard parking lot. Likely Saturday evenings. Weather permitting!

For current info, Check web calendar or tangonova  or East Coast Tango Society  FB page  /or get on my email list.

Regular  DJ = Leggy Peggy (mostly traditional tango recordings  from the golden age of tango with  a few contemporary sets. Requests honoured, when in keeping with group spirit.  Occasional Guest DJs,   local or out of town visitors.

 

 

Welcome to Tangonova

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“This is how to dance the tango!
Feel the blood rise to your face with every beat;
While an arm winds like a snake
Around a waist that is about to break.
This is how to dance the tango!”

 

Founded in 2003 by dance instructor Margaret Spore, Tangonova is dedicated to establishing an authentic tango presence in Nova Scotia. Intimate, improvisational and challenging. Argentine tango is truly the dance of fearless passion.

To inquire about classes at any level in Argentine tango, contact Margaret at 902-229-8585.  Tangonova offers classes for both new beginners and experienced students, in all genres of of the dance.  Singles and couples  of all ages welcome, as well as those learning both roles.