Preparing for my move from  Ramsey to Paramus, I am  overwhelmed by the amount of stuff one can accumulate in thirty years.  Considering that the move will have been planned and executed in the space of  thirty days, this newsletter will probably suffer.  Forgive me -- or thank me, whichever you prefer.

I just learned that the Cat's Away Milonga has been postponed.  That gives me the opportunity to find something in my jam-packed freezer to make for my Firehouse friends so I won't have to move it.  I'm not sure what it will be, but next week's meal will come from me. 

 Our dear friend Felix will be the DJ at Firehouse next Thursday. El Tordo
 incorporates composers from the "Golden Age of Tango" to
 replicate the best of the Milongas of Buenos Aires.

Milonga Los Pitucos is the first and only Milonga to offer gourmet food,
 prepared fresh, by our chef "El Tordo". 
 Chef Tordo takes pride in creating a
new dish for every event.

Hi everyone, Pat here with the follower’s technique for taking a step forward, when her leader executes a backward step. I think it’s fair to say that all followers, at some point in their Tango life, will experience probably one of the most awkward, uncomfortable, and downright embarrassing of Tango movements – the dreaded “Tango Lurch.” There is but one reason for this: It occurs, when the leader decides to take a backward step, and simply forgets to prepare and execute this movement in a way that will allow his partner to follow him!

If a leader suddenly steps backward and yanks his follower forward during this movement, she is completely unprepared and has to lurch forward –very often slumping into him – to save herself from falling. This unfortunate circumstance typically results in a complete break in the dance, while the follower attempts to regain her composure, her balance and her dignity. When this happens, more often than not the leader will look at her in such surprise, as if he cannot understand what on earth she’s doing… surely it’s not difficult to take a simple forward step, he thinks.

The leader’s back step, as we have so often said, is one of the most dangerous steps to take in social Tango (due to the strong possibility of stepping on the follower behind) but many leaders will also neglect to use any technique they may have learned in executing this movement. The result for the follower is as I have described above.

However, if a leader knows how to execute a back step appropriately (see last week’s Tango Tip), the follower can comfortably move forward. When she feels her leader moving backward – but not pulling her toward him with his right hand – the fact that he is moving away from her is her signal to take a step forward so that she can maintain the embrace. All this should happen almost at once, with both partners in balance and ready for the next move.

Followers: just a word about your technique for actually taking the forward step. Move your free foot forward gently along the floor, initially using the toe but then bringing your full weight onto that foot as you bring your feel together. Posture is very important, when moving forward. As you make this movement be sure that your shoulders are down, and that you are standing up straight. This will help you to be in balance after the movement.

If you practice this, and get good enough, you might even be able to save yourself from the dreaded forward lurch…. but sorry, no promises.

Hi everyone, we have decided to postpone our Cat's Away Milonga until sometime in the future, when we have more time to prepare properly. Thanks very much to all who offered to participate. We'll be calling on you again soon, when the timing is right.

Fran & Pat

Yes, you've decided you really do want to learn how to dance Tango. Now, it's time to put those feet on the floor, and go for it. Starting October 5, 2015, there's a brand new way to fire up your Tango skills, and get serious about learning this fabulous dance. It's Fran's Fundamentals Class, every Monday at 6:30pm at Dardo Galletto Studios. 

·      Do you want to build a solid foundation of traditional "Golden Age" lead/follow skills?

·      Do you want to learn the right way from day one instead of spinning your wheels?

·      Do you want to get the personal attention you need in a class environment without getting lost in the crowd? 

Say "yes" to any of these crucial questions, and Fran's Fundamentals Class is the right move for you! You'll approach Tango the way it's supposed to be taught. You'll move step by step, progressing from basic building blocks to more complex techniques, sequences, and improvisational skills -- all at a pace that's perfect for your needs. What about individual attention? Both leaders and followers will enjoy plenty of intense, hands-on work to ensure that they really do learn the primary elements of Tango.

Are you ready to get started?

When? Mondays, 6:30pm, starting October 5

Where? Dardo Galletto Studios, 151 W. 46th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues), 11^th Floor

How much? Only $20 per class, when you sign up monthly online; $25 at the door

Want to learn more? Visit our Web site today:franchesleigh.com

A Special Workshop with Fran Chesleigh and Pat Altman

Sunday, October 18, 2015

12:00 -- 3:00 P.M.

Pearl Studios, 519 Eighth Avenue (between 35^th & 36^th) 12^th floor, Room C

All levels welcome

Top Ten Turns to transform your Tango! is a fast-paced,

3-hour, intensive Argentine Tango workshop that will beef up your classic Tango repertoire, enhance your overall balance, movement, and adornment skills, and bring you closer to your goal of becoming a more complete social Tango dancer.

A few hot spots:

·      Add the "best of the best" turns to your personal step list

·      Learn how to "keep it together" during even the most complex turn

·      Beef up your crucial balance skills as a leader or follower

·      Enhance your adornment profile

·      Show the world that aguja, enrosque, rulo, and lapis are more than just fancy words

With Fran and Pat's Top Ten Turns To Transform Your Tango! you have a unique opportunity to fine-tune your social Tango into the polished, seriously authentic dance you've been working so hard to achieve.

Don't miss it!

REGISTER ONLINE: $35 per person at franchesleigh.com by Saturday October 17^th

$40 per person at the door on Sunday October 18th

Checks and cash also accepted. No refunds. No exchanges.

Please join us for our Saturday Practica at Dardo Galletto Studios, 151 West 46^th Street (between 6^th and 7^th Avenues), 11^th floor; 2-4pm, $10 per person. (Bringing a partner isn't necessary.) We think it’s just like being in Buenos Aires! Pat and I will both be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your dancing, and to help you with material you're working on. Plus you get a new “must-have” tango move each week! If you’d like a private lesson, call Fran directly at 212-662-7692, or email him at franchesleigh@mac.com  

Don’t forget to visit our Web site at www.franchesleigh.com and join is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/franchesleighllc

The following folks helped set up, break down and clean up before and after the milonga. Without them, there would be no Firehouse Tango.

• ​Jesse Barton
• Bob Brillo
• Tsipoyra Sartan 
• Steve Maisch
• ​​Steve Turi
  
• Lynn Gross
  
• Felix Pacheco - for taking a tray from the kitchen to the cabinet and for entertaining the cleanup crew with such enthusiasm
  
• Georgina Blitzer - for carving the turkey with artistry.  She saved my tail.​