181 Hinemoa Street
Birkenhead, Auckland 0626
New Zealand
Basic Argentine Tango 5 week course
In this series of lessons we will learn how the tango connection works – firstly in the tango walk – so that both Leader and Follower can feel comfortable in themselves and in the connection with their dance partner. We will then look at three basic figures, Ocho Cortado, the Cross and Back Ocho that are sufficient to get around the dance floor.
Dance partners are not required as we will be changing partners throughout the class, but if people come with a partner and want to stay with that partner for the duration of the course, that is perfectly fine.
▶︎WHEN: Sundays from 19 February 2023 from 7.00-8.30pm
▶︎WHERE: All Saint’s Birkenhead Hall – 181 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland (parking is allowed in front of the church entrance and on the street)
▶︎WHAT TO BRING: Bring your own drink or snacks. NO alcohol is allowed on the premise.
▶︎DRESS-CODE: Dress appropriately avoiding gym wear. Dance shoes or comfortable shoes are recommended.
▶︎COST: $100 for a 5 week course with each session lasting 90 minutes. Or $25 cash at the door each visit.
▶︎PAYMENT: Payments can be made through Eventfinda or bank transfer 0313220810211000 (Azalea) using your full name as a reference.
▶︎OUR TEACHER ◀︎
More recently Michael has choreographed and directed a dance opera OrphEus with the New Zealand Dance Company which premiered at the 2018 Auckland Arts Festival and New Zealand Festival and appeared in the dance theatre production Strasbourg 1518 created by Borderline Arts Ensemble directors Lucy Marinkovich and Lucien Johnston.
Michael established Balfolk Auckland in 2019 and his Full Moon Folk Ball was a successful sold-out highlight event at the 2021 Auckland Art Festival. Michael has recently returned from 7 months in Dunedin as the University of Otago’s 2022 Caroline Plummer Fellow in Community Dance. While there he launched Balfolk Aotearoa with Balfolk Dunedin director Kate Grace.
Michael’s approach to tango and other social dance forms has been heavily influenced by current somatic practices, particularly Alexander Technique and the work of Hubert Godard. He acknowledges particularly the teachers Gustavo Naveira and particularly Joachim Dietiker & Michelle Marsidi who have greatly influenced his understanding of tango. As both a leader and follower in tango, Michael’s approach to tango seeks to nourish the freedom and interdependence of both roles. He is interested in tango as conversation and exchange and finds the expanded vocabulary of tango nuevo both challenging and liberating.
Throughout his career Michael has taught regularly at numerous local and international dance programmes. His wide experience as a dance teacher means that his instruction is both clear and detailed and is articulated in a way that facilitates the learning experience.
Michael Parmenter | Arts Foundation Laureate
Please message Northshore Latin Dance or Azalea 021-173-7334 for bookings & enquiries.