Contents: The Organic Tango Gancho is our third didactic video produced in Berlin at our friend Thomas Rieser's studio. This roughly 12 minute intermediate level video (374MB) highlights the fundamental technique for the organic gancho for leaders and followers. Attention is paid to the proper form of the gancho using the whole leg. Then the basic gancho building blocks of ochos and turns are reviewed before putting everything together. Homer and Cristina also present a few variations and ideas for additional organic gancho development.
Here's the trailer:
2. The General Theory of Alterations (Intermediate) - $6
Contents: For folks who are interested in the general way things work this video is for you. In this roughly 20 minute (530MB) didactic video we present the general theory of what alterations are in social dance tango. We also get to introduce our most loved Earth-Moon analogy. After a few nuts and bolts (oatmeal, vitamin type exercises), we progress into deeper and deeper levels of alteration development. It's possible that your brain will start to ooze after watching this the first time, but be patient. This didactic video, like the four before it, is designed to be watch again and again... We'd recommend working on didactic video number 4 to really master one complete example of a very practical alteration and then come back to this didactic video to process more of the theory. In the future we will produce additional videos on the subject of alterations. Your input is always appreciated!
Here's the trailer:
3. Open Ochos Galore (Intermediate) - $9
Contents: This is our sixth didactic video lesson for The Organic Tango School (just over 28 minutes and roughly 800MB). The subject for this intermediate lesson is the open forward and backward ocho. We will break down the open ocho with solo and partner exercises first before putting it all together in two patterns.
While the patterns are interesting the main focus is on the development of the proper lead/follow technique for the open ocho (so please do the initial exercises we present). We also use our first didactic song clip to give you a sense of musical timing for leading and following the open ocho.
Here's the trailer:
Organic Tango School and Pacific Coast Pro Media Present: The OTS Series 2 Trailer
4. OTS Series 2 - The Hook Behind Ocho (Intermediate) - $7.00
View trailer above...entitled "The OTS Series 2 Trailer"
Contents: The full title of this intermediate level didactic video class should be "The Hook Behind Back Ocho and Baby Back Volcada Exit." Homer & Cristina describe how to translate a 'no-pivot' back ocho (watch above video as a precursor if need be) into an elegant hook behind for the follower. A vital move that, at a minimum, adds energy and musical accent to any social tango dancer's vocabulary. At a maximum, the hook behind is the foundation for many more advanced movements. We take an initial look at developing the 'Baby Back Volcada Exit' which is one of many examples of the more advanced ways to use the power of the hook behind. Enjoy!
5. OTS Series 2 - The Ocho Cortado (Intermediate) - $7.00
View trailer above...entitled "The OTS Series 2 Trailer"
Contents: This didactic video explores the full development of the ocho cortado from linear to circular. As a work horse of the social tango scene it forms one of the basic patterns used in 'fairly crowded' spaces. It can be both musical and often times dynamic - especially as the movement becomes more circular. It is also an excellent starting point for turns to the Leader's right side. Playful moments exist for the follower as well...
View trailer above...entitled "The OTS Series 2 Trailer"
Contents: The "Cross Basic" is the grandfather pattern of the North American and European tango scenes. Introduced in the United States in the early 80's by stage dancers (from the traveling show Tango Argentino) to a group of NYC ball room dancers interested in learning Argentine Tango social dancing, it has become the trade mark symbol for generations of dancers. Unfortunately, much controversy has arisen over its continued use as a beginner pattern due primarily to its limitations on the social dance floor (as well as difficulty to execute well).
Cristina and Homer, however, attempt to breath new life into the "Cross Basic" by first introducing the basic structure and then breathing concepts of contemporary leading & following into it. It looks like this pattern is here to stay with us for the foreseeable future, so take your time to study it and refine it. We finish off with a very practical Forward Ocho exit (from the cross position) with the option to include the leader's 'Parada' and follower's embellished 'Pasada.'
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7. OTS Green Series (1/5) - Follower's Defaults (Standards) - $10.00 and Leaders Who Enable Them (Intermediate)!
Contents: In this intermediate level didactic video, Cristina and I begin to explore some of the follower's defaults (standard movements) and how leaders can enable them. We use the circular ocho cortado pattern as a basis for understanding and further understanding these ideas (you can watch our didactic video from OTS Series 2 for background work - item #21 above - if desired). From there we will also explore completing the forward ocho and the hints and secrets to make this a more connected movement.
Production Notes: This is the first of our "Green Series" videos. Five were made in total. Thanks Charles for your steady hand in filming and thanks Mark for letting us use your beautiful space. In total five were filmed before we left for our 2012 European summer tango travels. The final editing and production of these videos had to wait until Cristina and I returned home…
8. OTS Green Series (2/5) - Touch Steps & Two-Foot - $9.50
Swivels (Intermediate)
Contents: This is the second of our "Green Series" videos. Here-in, Cristina and I explore some of the concepts of touch steps and two-foot swivels. Both require an understanding of compression through the embrace and grounding into the floor. Enjoy!
10. OTS Green Series (3/5) - Colgada Foundations (Intermediate) - $13.50
Content: In this intermediate level didactic video, Cristina and I begin to develop the necessary foundations for tango colgadas (off-axis hanging movements). Colgadas are a great way to enhance your tango creativity, musicality, and above all communication. While they involve a lot of trust and sensitivity to each other they can be fun and useful additions to your dance! This almost half-hour comprehensive didactic video explains the necessary ideas behind successful Colgada communication and execution!
11. OTS Green Series (4/5) - Volcada Foundations (Intermediate) - $14.25
Content: In this 30-minute intermediate level didactic video, Cristina and I begin to develop the necessary foundations for tango volcadas (hanging towards each other). Volgadas are beautiful and suspenseful movements that involve a lot of partner trust and sensitivity. However, they also require a high level of communication and technique to prevent injury. Within this video, Cristina and I present several exercises and basic movements (for both leaders and followers) which are intended to put you on the right path towards volcada happiness and success. Special Note: Homer plays part of his first student bandoneon solo for the end demo.
12. OTS Red Series 2 Expanded (1/6) - Refining The Basics - $14.50 (Intermediate)
Content: This video is the first of our 2013 production efforts. Intended as an intermediate level class it covers a few key ideas to help you improve your dancing from embrace, posture, and a few elements of communication.
13. OTS Red Series 2 Expanded (2/6) - Ocho Parada Styling - $10.00 with Fun Variations (Intermediate)
Content: Our second video of our 2013 production efforts is intended to cater to the intermediate dancer. It includes detailed content on the common ocho parada movements in tango for both leaders and followers.
