It wasn't as challenging as Valentango, but my feet still hurt after nine hours of lessons and another couple of hours of practice and social dancing at the Seattle Tango Magic weekend.

The Milonga class on Friday was challenging. The teacher didn't expect to have to teach and she seemed better at showing than telling. But she handled questions well. It had some interesting quick step work that felt very natural at times.

I took two classes from Hsueh Tze (of Boston, I believe) and it was all about playing with cross position steps. It was very playful and just the kind of variation teaching that I have been wanting.

Today's first class was on elegance and rhythm by El Flaco and Syvina. El Flaco is an older milonguero who oozes charm and grace. Much emphasis was placed on staying in touch with the floor and in touching feet. The class was taught in Spanish with a translator.

The very last class was Jaimes' Cortado work. He covered some of this in his private class with our group in the Spring before he shaved his head and went to China. But he has really gotten the teaching of this down. My favorite part of the lesson was to learn that I want to be able to do everything without arms.

Snow rubbed my feet after my nap.

Posted by Michael on 8/14/05; 10:20:59 PM