Theme Lab: Improvisation & Role reversal
Karen van der Stappen is organising the first Crossroads @ Scala on 27 October 2024. This “crossing” of salon and knowledge exchange will offer 7 hours of dance pleasure and to increase the fun we will also eat together what we bring or order (pizza) at the bar. More information on the format Crossroads @ Scala here.
We will start at 2pm with the lab, which this time will be on ‘Improvisation & Role Reversal’. Together with Karen we will start with a warm-up followed by a series of exercises such as
– Balance and Ochos
– Decorations for the leader to help with momentum and balance
– Linear giro and chair giro for both
– Enrosque for both
– Daily fitness
We also pay attention to the following tango techniques
-The four successive moments of leading & following or in other words of initiative & revelation.
-Dance in four tracks
-Respecting the pizza point recipe!
-Clever signals for more initiative from both
We practise all this while dancing to music from a carefully chosen playlist. Later in the afternoon, but definitely around 5pm, DJ Julija will start playing beautiful dance music for us, traditional tango music interspersed with neo and ‘non’ tango, and we will enjoy our milonga for at least another 4 hours.
Julija about Julija:
When I first discovered the Tango Universe back in 2009, little did I know how far it would take me. From learning basic steps to complex figures, tango codigos and history, I met many passionate Tango fellows along the journey and I was happy to find many same- minded people believing that all music is dance-able(tango-able).
As a DJ, I pay tribute to Tango classics and, when appropriate, I include wider music styles and eras to create relaxed and open atmosphere. My aim is to allow the dancers to express their emotions and creativity, ranging from excitement to melancholy, while embracing old friends or making new ones.
I am truly getting inspired observing the dancers fully involved into the dance, dissolving into the flow, enjoying the beauty of an elusive present moment which meant to lasts and lasts.
It will be a great pleasure for me to play at Crossroads@Scala(mix).
Looking forward!
Julija
Total duration of lab & salon from 14 – 21 hours
Entrance fee 7.50 euros