Good Tango Week. Posted on September 30, 2007.

It has been a very long and eventful week of tango. I had a lot of fun.

On Monday, my partner and I took a workshop from a new local couple of teacher. Unfortunately, due to the level of people in attendance, the instructors didn't cover as much material as I expected them to. But the teacher made it worth our while, spending one-on-one time with us, giving more detailed tips. For example, I have to remember to use my feet more actively, rolling through the foot all the time, and not just plopping it down on a lazy manner. Also, he wanted me to embellish more. I have to remember to point my toe as I caress the floor. When I draw a circle on the floor, I should press the foot into the floor firmly, and activate the whole leg -- extend as it goes out, and flex as it gets closer to the body. The ball tap is delivered by flexing at the knee as the foot is passing underneath the body. I also have to practice ochos and tapping at the same time with a pivot.

In general, as a result of the workshop and practice sessions, I think my ochos need to be fixed. A lot of my problems stem from bad ochos.

On Tuesday I took my regular class. Afterward, we drove to the city milonga. There was fabulous live music, and nice crowd in attendance. I didn't get much rotation, because my two partners were present. I didn't even get to dance with my new sweetheart who was also present. It was a little frustrating. Apparently, I could have had more fun at that milonga had I not brought my own.

Wednesday and Thursday were dedicated to practice. I got to attempt some steps that required a lot of technique (which I don't yet possess), and a very attentive following. But it was great to try, and the work was very productive. I think I got a lot out of it. I was following much better, and in general felt much more confident in the milongas afterward, with all the leaders of any level.

On Friday, I went to a once-a-month milonga in a chapel on the top of the hill. It is a wonderful place with an amazing floor. I hadn't made that one in a while, and was thrilled to be back. Especially after I stepped in, and saw my new sweetheart there! I finally got to dance with him, and it made me very content.

Saturday, my Happy milonga, of course. That was too much fun. My partner and I went together, and stayed till the end. His lead feels smooth again, and he has got good musicality going on. I met some new people, danced with some of my favorites. All in all, a good night. A little tiring. I have to watch for the possible burn out again, among all that fun.