I am posting something that was recently written by Keith Elshaw in Montreal about Hernan and Mariana, to wit: This is now the third year I have felt motivated to post a note about Hernan. For those of you who do not know of him, he has for the last four years beena favorite teacher in Montrial. He is now coming here twice a year because of demand.This is the second time that Mariana has come with him. At home in BA, she also is partner to El Indio.I am an unabashed fan of so many Argentinos who travel and teach. Praising one doesn't mean I don't also value others.Knowing Hernan will not see this, it won't embarrass him for me to write the following. Here is what I have found through perhaps 25 classes and private classes with him over the years. He is a teacher's teacher in the sense that he really KNOWS how to teach (hemade it his business to study the art and learn systems). At 32, he is obviously wise beyond his years. If there is a problem, he shows every student - no matter what their level - how to improve beyond it. He does not hold back important information about body position or technique. He gives as much in a public class as he would in a private. Consistently. Mariana is exactly the same. When they dance with you, they put their finger right away on what you need to know to dance better. I have never seen a man move in the follower's part better. A series on, say, Giros and Secadas is a package that leaves you so satisfied. They are joyous, lovely, warm and smart people. They are loved here. Special. Attend a class with Hernan if you can. With warms regards from Old Montrial, Keith
Now you can experience this satisfaction. Hernan and Mariana will be here for two weeks. The following is their schedule of classes and workshops. Hernan Obispo & Mariana Dragone: Argentinian Tango Sensuous, Romantic and Elegant Favorites in Montreal and world-wide: "The teacher's teacher.If there is a problem he shows every student - no matter what their level - how to improve beyond it." Saturday May 26th: "All Night Milonga at the BEAT" Class 9-10:30 p.m. All levels Milonga afterwards with demonstration, 2560 9th St., Berkeley, $15 class and milonga Sunday May 27th: Beginners workshop 3-4:30 Intermediate workshop 4:30-6 $25 adv/$30 door per workshop Lake Merritt Dance Center, 200 Grand Ave at Bay Place and Harrison St., Oakland Contact Jeanne 925-283-0191; email: [email protected] to register. Monday May 28th: Potluck BBQ in honor of Hernan and Mariana 3-6 p.m. 7-9 p.m. Workshop #1 "Embellishments for Women" $27 adv/$32 door The Tango Studio, Berkeley Wednesday May 30th: Golden Gate Milonga 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. All levels "Salon style" Milonga afterwards with exhibition, Golden Gate Yacht Club, end of Yacht Road on the Marina, San Francisco, $14 class and milonga Thursday May 31st: Class and milonga at Mariposa Tango Club 7-7:45 beginners 7:45-8:30 intermediates Milonga afterwards with exhibition 2424 Mariposa St., SF $16 class and milonga, $10 milonga alone Friday June 1st: 8-10 p.m. Workshop # 2 "Intermed/Adv Milonga with Traspie" $27 adv/$32 door 10 - 11:30 Free practica (bring snacks or wine) The Tango Studio, Berkeley Sunday June 3rd:* 1:30 -3: 20 p.m. Workshop #3 Contrabody technique and close embrace 3:40-5:30 p.m. Workshop #4 Contrabody technique for use with giros, backward and over-rotated ochos $27 adv/$32 door, 449 Powell St, San Francisco Monday June 4th: Inscenes Milonga Beginning class 7:30 - 8:15, intermed 8:15-9 p.m. ICON supper club, 260 California Ave., Palo Alto $15 class and milonga, $10 milonga alone Saturday June 9th: La Milonga de Jeanne 8:30-9:30 Class, 9:30 - 1 am Milonga $15 class and milonga, $10 class alone Lafayette Veterans Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette Sunday June 10th:* 1:30 -3: 20 p.m. Workshop #5 Tango Vals 3:40-5:30 p.m. Workshop # 6 Using Dynamic Changes to Create Drama $27 adv/$32 door, 449 Powell St, San Francisco Monday June 11th: 8-10 p.m. Workshop # 7 The Effective Lead $27 adv/$32 door The Tango Studio, Berkeley *must be high intermed/adv level . Advance registration strongly recommended as space is limited. It is recommended that students take the workshops in sequence in order to benefit maximally as classes become progressively more difficult. For workshops #1-7 discount $2 per workshop for BATango members or students with valid I.D. 10% discount if taking more than 3 workshops (pre-payment required). Discounts do not combine. Call Stella 510-655-3585 or email: [email protected] for directions to Tango Studio in Berkeley or to register. Private lessons also available, $60/hour for one teacher, $90/hour for both teachers. Studio rental fee $5 /hour.
