Learn To Dance - Argentine Tango [DVD]

This is by far the best material I've come across for gaining a great introduction to Argentine tango. Obviously no DVD or book could substitute for real-world learning. However, this is an excellent supplementary resource - both to view ahead of class and also for consolidation after a lesson. I bought the disc without having read any reviewers. I was really pleased to have come across something of this high quality via a speculative purchase.

The review here suggesting the content is "just a lot of walking", sadly says more about the quality of instruction the reviewer has received to date, than it does about the DVD. Unfortunately, too many classes (with limited ability teachers) demonstrate a slavish devotion to "the Basic Eight" sequence of steps; and on
drilling people with choreography that the student then reproduces in a soulless and mechanical fashion. That's a really a bad foundation to build from, if your ultimate goal is to have an improvised, mutually engaging "conversation" with your dance partner.

In refreshing contrast to the approach described above, the method presented on this DVD focuses on an entirely different set of priorities. Bianca Vrcan shows herself to be an exceptionally talented and thoughtful teacher, who wants the student to learn properly and learn well, from the first step. Being able to dance with insight as to one's own strengths and weaknesses has surely got to be better than mindless repetition of things parrot-fashion.

If you come to the DVD expecting it to be crammed with step sequences you might indeed be disappointed. However it is worth reviewing one's own motivation for wanting to learn in the first place. Would you rather learn to do fifteen things badly or five things well? If you visit a milonga (Argentine tango dance hall) you can observe a wide range of abilities. The very good dancers aren't the ones frantically cramming the dance with every piece of showy choreography they can remember. Instead, they will be the ones who dance with excellent posture,
embrace, musicality, consideration for their partner and a deliberation/polish to their movement. It is just such a sensibility that seems to have informed the design of this DVD's content. Bianca Vrcan should be applauded for offering a teaching resource that offers a fresh and much needed perspective.

I should mention that the production values are excellent on the DVD. The lighting, sound and camera work are all very good. It is very helpful to see a given teaching point shown from both the upper body and from the feet. Also, a given technique is helpfully demonstrated multiple times. It is excellent to see its constituent elements broken down first and then later see them integrated & applied in the line of dance and to music.

In summary, this has to be one of the wisest investments any new student of tango can make. (Especially those who are serious about learning this amazing dance thoroughly and properly). I really look forward to seeing more titles from Ms Vrcan for students wishing to continue their tango journey.

Depending on what you are looking for this DVD is excellent for those who want to learn to dance with natural feel and not just follow the steps. It is much about quality of movement, interaction wtih the partner and exchange of emotions, which Blanca is very good at explaining. It is not the DVD full of sophisticated figures, instead it gives a strong foundation for tango dancing. I am using it to prepare for my wedding first dance and can vouch that this DVD can teach anyone from complete beginners to natural dancers.

This has to be one of the most informative Argentine Tango DVDs I've ever watched. Bianca really breaks down those difficult moves into easy bite size pieces for you to digest! Extremely slick DVD with a wealth of knowledge. The extra bonus menus are frantastic and answer alot of those questions that are always posed when learning Argentine Tango. This is the real deal!!!! Genuine Argentine Tango taught at it's best. Well done Bianca! Can't wait until the next one! Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!