Fairfax, Virginia
Argentine
tango.
with Rick Kim
I teach Argentine tango and DJ for dancers. My work is rooted in tradition, musicality, and the intimate connection of the embrace.
Inquire
01 My approach
I started dancing in 2008, and teaching and DJing in 2010. I have learned from milongueros and maestros with different styles and philosophies.
I believe there is a path to learning and enjoying tango without struggle.
I believe in the essential elements of tango through tradition. For me, the essence of the dance is the intimate connection between two people through the embrace in the context of tango music.
I teach the reasons behind tango steps. How the embrace generates movement. How the music dictates the dance. Understanding these things makes it possible to learn tango without struggle.
From my teaching notes · 2017
On connection
“When connection is well established, giving and following a marca can become effortless.”
A simple exercise can help us feel this. It is something you can try with a partner, or even with your own two hands.
Try the exercise
- Face your partner and hold one palm close to theirs, without touching. One person moves their hand; the other tries to follow.
- Now let your palms touch with gentle pressure. Repeat the movement, this time focusing on keeping the pressure constant.
Notice the difference. You can also try this with your own hands, using one to lead and the other to follow.
02 Lessons & workshops
Learning tango,
one to one.
I teach private lessons in Fairfax, Virginia. We can work on the fundamentals, connection, musicality, or a particular difficulty in your dancing.
Ask about a private lessonIf you are beginning
We can begin with walking, the embrace, and moving with another person to music. These are things we keep returning to as our dancing progresses.
If you already dance
Bring the questions you have about your dancing. We can look closely at what is happening, and work from there.
Arranging a lesson
Email me for availability, rates, and the lesson location. It helps to know a little about your experience and what you would like to work on.
Learning with your group
Dance workshops
We can work on the embrace, connection, and musicality in a workshop with your group. Tell me about the dancers and what you would like to explore.
Ask about a dance workshop03 The music
Tango DJ · Creator of TangoDJ
Tango DJing
The music is part of how I understand the dance.
I started DJing tango in 2010. Since then, I have played music at milongas, festivals, and marathons in North America, Europe, and Asia.
I think about DJing from the dancer’s point of view: the character of the music, the flow of the tandas, and what is happening on the floor.
Rick KimSharing what I have learned
DJing workshops
I also teach workshops on tango DJing. We can look at how to build tango music libraries and tandas, the characteristics of tango orchestras, and how to shape the flow of a milonga. Write to me about your group and what you would like to work on.
Ask about a DJing workshopA program I made for tango DJs
TangoDJ.
When I started DJing in 2010, I wanted a program built around tandas and cortinas. So I made one. To my knowledge, it was the first-ever of that kind.
It has been the program I use for my own DJing around the world, and it is now available to other tango DJs.
Visit tangodj.app
04 Get in touch
If you would like
to work with me,
write to me.
For a private lesson, tell me a little about your dancing and availability. For a workshop or DJ booking, include your location, dates, and what you have in mind.
rick@novatangoschool.comPrivate lessons · Workshops · DJing