I want to learn from Detlef and Melina at

Festivalito Rural 2018

The classes

Friday: Elegance and fluidity

Duration: 90 min

Develop an elegant walk, fluid ochos and expressive steps based on a precise technique and good balance. We will focus on the beauty of natural movements without forcing ourselves into exaggerated stylistics that may work for stage tango but that do not apply to a social dance.

A class for both leaders and followers. No partner required. The number of participants is limited to 28.

Saturday: Please turn!

Duration: 2 x 90 min

In this fun and challenging class we will examine turned movements that are not based on the typical molinette structure, but curve our linear repertoire. We will curve synchronous and asynchronous walking, ochos and milonguero ochos and play with the centres of rotation in the couple. The goal is to transfer all your knowledge of linear movements to more compact moves for packed rondas and moments when you cannot just walk on. Be also prepared to break up some old habits!

For this class, you need to register with a partner. The number of participants is limited to 14 couples.

Sunday: Same but different

Duration: 2 x 90 min

Our new favourite workshop will help you distinguish different styles and important characteristics of tango music. We will examine one tango very deeply, get to know its history, structure, rhythmical variations and instrumentation in versions by three major tango orchestras. This exciting class will enhance your musical understanding and bring new insights even for advanced dancers. Dance-wise, the focus will not be on the what (steps) but in the how (step dynamic, expression) and when (speed, rhythmic variation) of your movements.

For this class, you need to register with a partner. The number of participants is limited to 14 couples.

Detlef and Melina will choose the music in function of who signs up. If you have done this class before, please alert us, so that they can choose a tango that you have not yet discussed with them in this context.

Update: You can also take this class without a partner!

About Detlef & Melina

We are proud to have Melina Sedó and Detlef Engel teaching at Festivalito Rural. Again. Here's some basic information about them, taken from their webpage:

Stylistically, they are at home in the traditional tango de salón, as it is danced in Buenos Aires, and which they interpret in a very personal and modern way. Their dance captivates through its intimate embrace, playful musicality and an almost puristic elegance: a sensual interplay of man and woman without cliché or superficial effect. Thus, their tango is newly created in every single moment, and does not just express the music, but genuine feeling.

At the core of their lessons, which are always geared towards improvisational capability, are intensive body work and analysis of tango´s structures. But „technical“ understanding is just a means to concentrate better on the essential: developing one´s own style and relishing the embrace in unison with the music.

If you need proof that they are welcome in many places around the world, take a look at their references.

If you like to read, check out Melina's blog. In there, you'll find her opinion on almost anything … also on Festivalito Rural ;-)

Finally, if you're more of a visual type, here's a starting point for browsing YouTube: Detlef and Melina dancing to Tormenta of Carlos di Sarli at the Festival de Kerallic in France. Watching the video you will surely realise why a blog linking to this video calls them those masters of control ;-)