It was going to be called a Tango Tank - an event to immerse yourself in all things Argentine tango. Then we got 'arty' and played with using the Tang from Tango and replaced the O with a K to make Tangk.

On a technical note, back in 2004 when this all started "Tango Tangk" was a unique name that we knew would help us get found on Google searches.

Tangks take place at our venue in the New Forest. We have the use of two halls, one we have a lease on, the other we hire for events. Both have excellent floors. 

If you are thinking of joining us and will be travelling a distance, here is a link to local B&Bs so you can plan staying over.

(1) With over 80 of these events under our belts, and a process of continually making refinements and improvements based on feedback from maestros and students we think the event now represents the vision we had of it back in 2004.

(2) Visiting maestros from around the world say it is unique event. They love working with the same small group over a weekend. It allows them to deliver dance content that is not possible with 90 minute sessions or larger groups.

Sample only - the detail/timings may change slightly on the day:

Saturday

10:15 • Doors open

10:30 - 12:00 • Workshop 1

12:00 - 12:15 • Coffee

12:15 - 13:15 • Practica and private lessons

13:15 - 14:15 • Lunch (Please BYO)

14:15 - 15:45 • Workshop 2

15:45 - 16:00 • Tea break

16:00 - 17:00 • Practica and private lessons

Time to chill and get ready for the evening milonga. Staying over? Here is a list of B&Bs

20:00 - midnight • Milonga with demo

Sunday

10:15 • Doors open

10:30 - 12:00 • Workshop 3

12:00 - 12:15 • Coffee

12:15 - 13:15 • Practica and private lessons

13:15 - 14:15 • Lunch (Please BYO)

14:15 - 15:45 • Workshop 4

15:45 - 16:00 • Tea break and farewells

Tango Tangks attract accomplished dancers as we have a reputation for providing a high level of technique. If we don't know dancers when they book, we find out what they feel they have achieved to make sure they can get the most out of a Tangk.

In the workshops, all dancers work with the partner they booked with. Maestros may suggest a few, short, changes of partner. These are optional.

The calibre of the teaching couples we bring to Bramshaw plus the small size of group means that maestros can spend 1:1 time all participants and provide individual tips and refinements regardless of level. 

Dancers are free to change partners and share ideas and experience in the four sessions set aside for deliberate, focussed practice during the weekend.

The Tango Tangk limits bookings to 18 couples.

We have found over the years that this faciliates the best learning environment in our 150 square metre venue. 

With this relatively small group, maestros can get to spend individual time with each couple during each of the four 90 minute sessions.

When Debbie and I were attending regular workshops in the early 2000s we were often disappointed by the lack of management of students levels and by classes spoilt by registering too many students. From the start we wanted Tango Tangks to offer dance level consideration and effective class sizes.

Booking is made online via PayPal using your credit card. We have used this method for 14 years and found it to be reliable. If you don't want to pay online, please email us or call or text us for an alternative method. 

Tango Tangks cost £125pp. We reserve your places with a booking deposit of £25pp (£50). We engage maestros with associated travel and visa costs on the basis of these reservations so if you cancel we can only refund your deposit if a replacement can be found. The balance of £100pp (£200) is requested by email 30 days before the event date.

Steve is a visual artist and performer who engages students with a rich mix of visuals, games, exercises and live music examples.

He assumes no previous knowledge of music of any kind. Ideas are presented in plain english with no reference to musical theory. He delivers classes with a simple educational goal: "To dance with a musical connection we need to explore ways of moving our bodies as though we were silently playing them like a musical instrument". 

He will help you replace functional, mechanical steps with gestured and expressionate dance movement that is inspired by music. 

More information

There are two workshop sessions of two hours each, one either side of lunch. We have a short break for refreshment etc half way through each session.

The days starts at 11am and finishes at 4pm.

No, the workshop assumes absolutely NO previous musical training. Steve believes that everyone is by nature musical. All we need is the vision and encouragement to set it free.

The dance is the music. It informs and inspires our movement. It provides a conduit for both dancers to creatively share improvised dance movement.

But Argentine tango is not the music of our lifetime. Musicality will improve your understanding of this genre from Argentina. 

If you are able to hear that every tango, every orchestra is unique in it's style and sound, you will be able to make every dance unique in it's style and movement.

You will be working with a lifelong musician who can reveal the beauty of this music. Most dancers struggle with getting to know the music. Steve will fast-track this process so you can engage with this music with passion and understanding. 

Booking is made online via PayPal using your credit card. We have used this method for 14 years and found it to be reliable. 

If you don't want to pay online, please email us or call or text us for an alternative method. 

The days costs £40 for 4 hours of group tuition plus a break for lunch (BYO).