Juneau’s dance community, take note: Richard Council, a U.S. Argentine Tango Champion, will teach tango workshops at the Filipino Community Hall Aug. 26 – Sept. 4.
Pat Belec and her husband Frank Bergstrom, owners of the Dance Loft, first met Council at Tango Fest in Portland, Oregon.
“We must have taken lessons from eight to 10 different teachers,” Belec said. “We were so impressed by the way Richard broke down dance moves. We also liked the way he looked when he was dancing and how engaging he was with people…. His workshops are a great way to introduce new people into the tango community.”
This is his seventh year teaching in Juneau, she said.
Belec and Bergstrom have taught a variety of ballroom classes in Juneau for many years. Belec noted that when couples learn dances like the swing, the woman anticipates a man’s moves. Tango is unique because it is built around six basic steps that can be arranged however the lead desires. The woman cannot anticipate the lead’s next step, which is refreshing.
“There are so many different emotions in the tango. It can be a new partner with the same song and become a whole different dance. Council teaches this by making you feel good about learning the basics,” Belec said.
Jane Stokes, a local involved with the Dance Loft, said workshops performed by professionals are about inspiring others.
“Juneau is a small community,” Stokes said. “It is good to have inspiration for whatever you are engaged in no matter the population size.”
Pat Belec will offer a Tango Primer for those who have never danced tango from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at the Dance Loft. The cost is $5.25 per person.
In addition to the workshop, there will be two Saturday evening Milongas, or social dances, held at Suite 907 in the Rockwell Ballroom and above the tram at Timberline Bar and Grill.
Council and his previous partner, Colette Hebert, were finalists in the Tango Salon division and semi-finalists in the Stage Performance division of the world championships in Argentina in 2005. He has performed in the Tango Libertad Festival in Japan and has a well-known reputation as a tango teacher.
He will be teaching workshops in Juneau Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 4 at the Filipino Community Hall on the second floor. The cost is $185 for all or $20 per session; discounts available for multiple sessions. The first class will be Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.
Beginners and experienced tango dancers alike are welcome.
For details and early registration, email tangojuneau@gmail.com; Stay tuned to weekly tango opportunities by following Tango Juneau on Facebook. Council’s website is www.tangocouncil.com.
