Video Resources for the Tango Dancer

by Stephen Brown
Last Update 22 December 2012
We are No longer maintaining this page

Listings, reviews and ratings of videos offering instruction in Argentine tango; including sections on videos about beginning tango, technique and structure, intermediate and advanced tango steps and figures, milonguero-style tango, orillero, canyengue, fantasia, milonga, vals and individual styles.

Part 2: Reviews of Bridge to the Tango videos

Introduction
New Listings, Ratings and Reviews
What's Available on DVD
What's Available on Video Downloads
Bridge to the Tango Videos
Index of Instructors
Listings, Reviews and Ratings (for 200+ Instructional Videos)
Videos Most Suitable for Beginners
Videos of Intermediate and Advanced Tango Steps and Figures
Videos Offering Comprehensive Programs of Instruction
Videos about Technique
Videos about Structure
Videos about Milonguero-Style Tango
Videos about Orillero-Style Tango
Videos about Canyengue-Style Tango
Videos about Tango Fantasia (Tango for the Stage)
Videos about Milonga
Videos about Vals (Tango Waltz)
Videos Documenting an Individual Style
Other Video Resources

Introduction

The number DVDs, video downloads and video tapes offering instruction in Argentine tango continues to grow. As recently as the mid-1990s, about 20 instructional video tapes were available in North America. Some were of dubious quality. Today, about 200 instructional DVDs, videos downloads and video tapes are readily available. Many are excellent or outstanding.

The market has made a decided shift toward DVDs and video downloads. A number of the titles that were once available on video are now only available on DVD. A growing number of titles are available on video download.

The large number of DVDs, video downloads and video tapes suggests that many people find such instruction helpful in learning Argentine tango. If you are fortunate enough to live in an active tango community with regular instruction, videos can offer a different perspective and new ideas. If you live in an area that is without regular instruction, videos may be the only way to learn Argentine Tango.

For a number of years, I have been watching, reviewing and rating videos that offer instruction in Argentine tango. I started these reviews by getting my hands on the 22 videos that I knew existed at the time—buying some and borrowing others. In my naivete and inexperience in dancing tango, I found it relatively easy to rate the videos by a simple criterion; could I learn something useful from them?

As the number of videos grew and my experience with Argentine tango expanded to include a number of years teaching, I moved on to other subjective criteria such as the quality of the dancing (including the form and musicality of the movement), the quality of the video production, the clarity of the instruction, and the usefulness of the material for social dancing (or other stated purpose). For videos intended for advanced dancers, I also look for originality, which puts an ever increasing burden on the newer videos offering advanced material. Always at the forefront of my mind is a variation of my original question: Can the viewer learn something useful from the video?

People who know me, my dancing, my tango friends and my tango mentors are likely to know the inherent biases that I have in rating instructional videos even better than I do. I dance social Argentine tango improvisationally. Moreover, I consider improvisation a basic skill rather than an advanced skill. Only a few of the videos offer instruction that is designed to develop improvisational skills. Most notable are those by Christy Coté and George Garcia, Gustavo Naveira and Olga Besio, and Daniel Trenner. A few other videos offer instruction in structure and technique.

Nearly all of the available instructional DVDs, video downloads and video tapes could convey the impression that Argentine tango is a collection of frozen step patterns, including those videos that provide instruction in milonguero-style tango. Although, I do not consider learning rote patterns to be a foundation for dancing, learning such patterns can provide knowledge that is useful for dancing. One can look at the best of these videos as being of similar instructional value as a jazz musician listening to and copying the solos of great jazz musicians. Consequently, I accept these videos for what they are rather than what they are not.

Although the Osvaldo Zotto/Mora Godoy videos can convey the impression that Argentine tango is a collection of frozen step patterns, they remain a standard by which to judge the quality of other videos. I consider Osvaldo Zotto to be one of the great dancers of his generation. In addition, the Zotto/Godoy five-video series is a model of production values and clarity in instruction.

To date, I have identified more than 200 instructional videos about Argentine tango that are readily available for purchase in the United States. (Although I make every attempt to keep abreast of the growing number of instructional videos for Argentine Tango, there may be more. Please excuse any omissions, and let me know if you discover any additional instructional video downloads, video tapes or DVDs that are available.) For tango videos, readily available is relative. It means someone will sell the tape to you via mail order without having previously taught you the material.

Caveat Emptor: A number of videos once sold as Argentine Tango offer instruction in ballroom Tango or a mixture of ballroom and Argentine Tango. I include several such videos in the reviews, but I make no attempt to provide comprehensive coverage of such videos.

New Listings, Ratings and Reviews

The most recent additions to the listings are as follows:

Added 22 December 2012
Fabián Salas with Lola Díaz — Learn to Dance (8 DVDs)

Added 1 September 2012
Alex Krebs and Daniel Trenner — Tangologues 1 (Video Download)
Rebecca Shulman — Boleos (Video Download)
Rebecca Shulman — Cool Moves from the Dark Side (Video Download)

The most recent additions to the ratings and reviews are as follows:

Added 2 September 2012
Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Tango de Salon (2 DVDs)

What's Available on DVD

Anyone who uses a DVD quickly recognizes the advantages of the medium for instruction. If well indexed, an instructional DVD can provide the viewer with rapid access to each segment that is of particular interest. It is also an ideal medium for reviewing segments. Currently, the number of instructional DVDs is limited to about 100 titles, but that number has grown rapidly, and a number of titles that were once available only on video are now only available on DVD.

What's Available on Video Downloads

Video downloads represent a movement away from the constraints of playing physical media. If well indexed, an instructional video download can provide the viewer with rapid access to each segment that is of particular interest. It is also an ideal medium for reviewing segments. Currently, the number of instructional downloads is limited, but the number is growing, and a number of Bridge to the Tango titles that were once available only on video tape are now available as video downloads.

Olga Besio — The Art and Technique of Adornment
Juan Bruno — The Kid from Ciudadela
Puppy Castello — The Tango of Puppy Castello
Maria and Rodolfo Cieri — The Tango of Maria and Rodolfo Cieri
Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Leader's Tango Technique
Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Follower's Tango Technique
Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Salon Tango Figures
Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Tango Waltz Figures
Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Tango Salon
Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Advanced Tango Figures and Sequences
Anton Gazenbeek accompanied by Cecilia Gonzalez — Tango al Revés
Anton Gazenbeek assisted by Sergio Segura — Leading in Tango
Alex Krebs and Daniel Trenner — Tangologues 1
Tommy O'Connell — Tango in the Close Embrace
Tommy O'Connell — Milonga Falcety
Elina Roldan — Follower's Technique in the Close Embrace
Victor Romero and Norma Galla — The Tango Orillero
Rebecca Shulman — Technique for Followers
Rebecca Shulman — Boleos
Rebecca Shulman — Cool Moves from the Dark Side
Florencia Taccetti — Technique and Adornment for Followers
Tete and Silvia — Fundamentals of Salon Tango
Tete and Silvia — Advanced Salon Tango in Waltz Rhythm
Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Instructional Video (Levels I-III)
Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Advanced Close Embrace
Daniel Trenner with Rebecca Shulman — Milonga Traspie
Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Exchange of Lead and Follow
Omar Vega — Intermediate/Advanced Tango
Omar Vega — Milonga
Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida — Advanced Training in Buenos Aires

Bridge to the Tango Videos

Updated 1 September 2012

Between 1996 and 2001, Daniel Trenner produced 72 instructional videos for his Bridge to the Tango label. The videos cover his own teaching and dancing, Rebecca Shulman's and that of a number of other masters from the older and younger generations.

An era came to an end on January 1, 2007 when all Bridge to the Tango instructional videos were officially withdrawn from the market. Nonetheless, several vendors have remaining copies of most of the Bridge to the Tango videos for sale in VHS format. Among the sources are Daniel Trenner's store and Phil Seyer's Argentine Tango webpage. In addition, Daniel Trenner is in the process of releasing the material as video downloads available through itangocafe.com. In addition, Daniel has recorded several new videos which are only available as video downloads.

Information about the complete Bridge to the Tango catalog is available through Daniel Trenner's store.

For my complete assessment of the Bridge to the Tango titles, see Bridge to the Tango Videos or click on the links below for information about videos made by particular instructors.

Individual Bridge to the Tango Titles:

Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman

Masters of the Older Generation:
Pepito and Suzuki Avellaneda, Miguel Balmaceda and Nelly Argañaraz, Raul Bravo, Juan Bruno, Puppy Castello, Maria and Rodolfo Cieri, Manolo and Coca, Tommy O'Connell, Petaca, Pocho Pizarro and Stella Barba, Puente al Tango, Mingo and Esther Pugliese, Victor Romero and Norma Galla, Tete and Silvia

Masters of the New Generation:
Olga Besio, Eduardo Cappussi and Mariana Flores, Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski, Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo", Zoraida Fontclara and Diego Alvaro, Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli, Jose Garofolo, Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo, Pablo Inza and Veronica Alvarenja, Alex Krebs, Gustavo Naveira and Olga Besio, Puente al Tango, Pablo Pugliese, Elina Roldan and Julio Mendez, Florencia Taccetti, Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman, Luciana Valle and Gabriel Guerberoff, Omar Vega, Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida

Index of Instructors

Martha Anton and Luis Grodona
Eduardo Arquimbau
Claudio Asprea and Agustina Videla
Pepito Avellaneda
Suzuki Avellaneda
Julio Balmaceda and Corina de La Rosa
Miguel Balmaceda and Nelly Argañaraz
Olga Besio
Paul and Elaine Bottomer
Raul Bravo
Juan Bruno
Carolina and Diego
Eduardo Cappussi and Mariana Flores
Puppy Castello
Mauricio Castro
Chicho
Maria and Rodolfo Cieri
Claudio and Veronica
Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti
Juan Carlos Copes with Johana Copes
Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves
Christy Coté
Dolores De Amo
Diego and Gabriela
Lola Díaz
Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski
Gloria and Rodolfo Dinzel
Marcela Duran
Eduardo & Mercedes
Lorena Ermocida
Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes
Zoraida Fontclara and Diego Alvaro
Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli
Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy
George Garcia
Nito and Elba Garcia
Jose Garofolo
Carlos Gavito with Marcela Duran
Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia
Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo
Gloria and Claudio
Gloria & Eduardo
Mora Godoy
Gabriel Guerberoff
Cecilia González
Luis Grodona and Martha Anton
Valorie Hart
Pablo Inza and Veronica Alvarenja
Ricardo Klapwijk
Alex Krebs
Carlos "El Tordo" Kronos and Liliana Tolomei
Diego Ladeveze and Gabriela Lopez
Lampazo
Daniel Lapadula
Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn
David Liu and Nancy Solano
Natalie Laruccia
Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas
Manolo and Coca
Julio Mendez
Chris Morris and Oliana Foraponova
Ron and Karla Montez
Nicole Nau
Gustavo Naveira and Olga Besio
Jorge Nel
Nito and Elba
Tommy O'Connell
Orlando Paiva
Alberto Paz
Petaca
Pocho Pizarro and Stella Barba
Puente al Tango
Mingo, Esther and Pablo Pugliese
El Pulpo and Luiza Paes
Ricardo and Nicole
Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum
Elina Roldan and Julio Mendez
Victor Romero and Norma Galla
Claudio Omar Rubio and Maria Veronica Ruggieri
Fabián Salas
Emile Sansour
Rebecca Shulman
Ive Simard
Marcelo Solís
Florencia Taccetti
Tete and Silvia
Liliana Tolomei
Carlos "El Tordo" and Liliana Tolomei
Daniel Trenner
Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett)
Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman
Luciana Valle
Omar Vega
Agustina Videla and Claudio Asprea
Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco
Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida
Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy

Listings, Reviews and Ratings

Below or on related pages are a listing and description for each of the approximately 200 readily available videos and DVDs offering instruction in Argentine tango. I also provide ratings and reviews for most of the videos. Although my ratings have been influenced by other opinions, they are mine alone. Unless otherwise specified, all videos are in English with VHS format and conform to NTSC standards.

Rating System:

Not Recommended for Purchase

Fair

Good

Very Good

Most Excellent

Truly Outstanding

Not Yet Rated (principally new videos)

Martha Anton and Luis Grodona are well known for dancing Canyengue, a form of Argentine tango that was popular during the 1920s and early 30s that may or may not be accurately captured by its current and recent practioners. From his memories of his parents' generation of dancers, Luis has recreated his vision of the style. The embrace is close and in an offset V; the dancers typically have bent knees as they move; and the woman does not execute a cross. The steps are short and frequently executed in the stacatto rhythm that is characteristic of the tango music played by the old guard. Although Grodona's Canyengue uses somewhat different figures than that of Ruben Terbalca or the late Rodolfo Cieri (who are also known for the style), it corresponds quite well to the dancing of other older tango dancers from outlying districts and cities who learned tango as children.

Martha Anton and Luis Grodona — Asi Se Baila Canyengue I & II (2 video tapes)
Produced by Solo Tango, this outstanding two-video series well captures the Canyengue of Martha Anton and Luis Grodona. The first video covers the embrace, a basic step called "el horqueta," and 11 other step patterns. The second video offers nine more advanced step patterns. All of the patterns are taught as elements to be added to the horqueta. Instruction is clear and concise, covering the step patterns, the footwork, and the lead and the follow. Instruction is primarily provided in Spanish with English subtitles, supplemented by voice over in English. The leading that comes from leg flexion is not explained and occasionally aspects of the instruction depart from the demonstration dances. Martha and Luis exhibit strong rhyhtmic drive and great musicality in their numerous exhibition dances. The video would be most useful for those who want a look at tango's history. A few of the step patterns could be adapted to milonguero-style tango. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires; TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York; Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany; or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

The late Pepito Avellaneda was a well-regarded milonguero who had many students. He was particularly well-known for his style of dancing milonga.

Pepito Avellaneda — Asi Se Baila Milonga (3 videos or DVDs)
From Solo Tango, this well produced video series captures much of the the milonga of Pepito Avellaneda. The first volume is a wonderful homage to Pepito, containing archival footage of the maestro's dancing and interviews of Pepito and some of his many friends. Volumes 2 and 3 are instructional, with volume 2 providing coverage of beginning and intermediate step patterns in Pepito's style and volume 3 providing coverage of advanced steps in his style. After opening with Pepito's advice on posture, the embrace, and the salida, volume 2 covers 10 step patterns that quickly proceed from some basics to more challenging material. For most patterns, Pepito demonstrates the figures with Dolores De Amo or Suzuki and carefully explains the movements in Spanish with English subtitles. That is followed with details of the man's steps, the woman's steps, the man's footwork, and then woman's footwork as descibed by voice over and variously shown by Pepito, Dolores, Suzuki, Fernando Soleau or Mariana Bonavente. To round out the instruction for each step pattern, voice over provides a brief description of the lead as demonstrated by Pepito, Pepito gives some advice on learning or using the step pattern, and then he dances a fairly lengthy demonstration with Dolores and Suzuki usually only the step patterns taught to the point. Volume 3 continues in the same format to provide coverage of 10 additional step patterns, most of which contain double-time elements. In both videos, the material is interesting, instruction is clear and well paced, and many of the demonstration dances will have viewers wanting to get up and dance milonga with Pepito. Although the instructional videos start with the basics, they are probably best suited to those who have at least some knowledge of milonga. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Also see Suzuki Avellaneda (with Pablo Nievas) — The Advanced Milonga of Pepito Avelleneda on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa are well-regarded instructors from Buenos Aires who tour frequently to teach. Julio took his first lessons from his father (Miguel Balmaceda), and during many years he had accompanied and assisted his father in tango practices. After his father's death in 1991, Julio was in charge of his father's classes in Salón Canning. He is well known worldwide as well as in Argentina for his naturalness, quality of movement and musicality. In 1993 together with Omar Viola he opened the Parakultural. Corina has taught dance since she was 17. She studied theater for five years with the directors Agustín Alezzo and Augusto Fernández. She graduated as scenographer from the Art School of the Salvador University. She has applied all this knowledge to tango by developing an approach where the essence of tango essence and its structural analysis are joined together. Her classes consist of making, creating and learning tango movements based on the equality of the woman and man in the dance.

Julio Balmaceda and Corina de las Rosa — Tango Basics and Secrets (DVD only)
The first DVD, in what is planned as a series, covers a variety of techniques, movements and basic step patterns in Argentine tango. Julio and Corina teach the use of contra-body motion, the embrace, the eight-count basic, crossed basic, a walking sequence, forward ochos, backward ochos and some turns. In keeping with their teaching philosophy, Julio and Corina emphasize the fundamentals of individual movements as well as the techniques and qualities necessary to dance in a salon. The DVD opens and closes with exhibition dances. Julio and Corina frequently travel with copies of the 70 minute DVD to sell. For more information, see Julio and Corina's webpage.

Julio Balmaceda and Corina de las Rosa — Giros (DVD only)
The second DVD, in what is planned as an expanding series, covers turns in Argentine tango. In keeping with their teaching philosophy, Julio and Corina emphasize the fundamentals of individual movements as well as the technique and qualities necessary to dance in a salon. Julio and Corina frequently travel with copies of the DVD to sell. For more information, see Julio and Corina's webpage.

Paul and Elaine Bottomer seem admirable in their willingness to swim upstream against the British ballroom dance establishment and abandon the strictures of ballroom tango for Tango Argentino, where the parameters of acceptability are socially defined, and no single technique reigns. Having danced in a number of competitions sponsored by the International Dance Organization (Switzerland), Paul and Elaine Bottomer claim to be European and world champions of Tango Argentino, but the graceless and inauthentic dance technique demonstrated on their one available video suggests very weak competition. Certainly authenticity was not required to win the competitions.

Paul and Elaine Bottomer — Tango Argentino
Emile Sansour once suggested that British Tango compares to the Argentine Tango about the same way that British beef compares to Argentine beef. In this video, British couple Paul and Elaine Bottomer do nothing to dispel the notion that the British Tango scene could be in the grip of mad-cow disease. In the book that accompanies this video, Paul Bottomer writes, "There is now an opportunity for the Dancing Profession to guarantee the integrity and character of the real Tango with its nostalgia and mystery, its drama and passion, the Tango Argentino." Unfortunately neither the video, nor the accompanying book and CD have captured authentic Argentine Tango. The video and the book offer instruction that combines ballroom and fantasia elements with salon-style Argentine Tango. Students with a sufficient knowledge of Tango to recognize the differences will find little to learn in this mercifully short video. The music on the CD lacks the cry of a bandoneon and is not particularly suitable for dancing. Available from Bill Rowe’s Ballroom Dance Supply.

Mauricio Castro is the founder of Tango Discovery and teacher of Argentine Tango. He created and developed a personal style of dancing and system of teaching tango in Buenos Aires and, through Tango Discovery, has taken it to the rest of the world.

Mauricio Castro — Tango Dance Training (Three DVDs only)
Each DVD in this series is more than an hour in duration and presents elements of the Tango Discovery system including tango awareness, structure, improvisation, step sequences as an application of structure, deleted scenes and extras. Available from Tango Discovery.

Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti are elegant, expressive and personable dancers who are quite at home in front of the camera. They appeared in both Tango: The Obsession and the Tango Lesson. They were also featured in one of the many productions of Forever Tango.

Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti — How to Tango (4 tape set)
In this very well-produced set of videos, Carlos and Alicia offer detailed instruction rather than the extensive coverage of steps that characterize most instructional videos. The instruction starts with the basic (with and without an initial back step) and progresses through 12 figures in the first two videos. The third and fourth videos together offer seven sophisticated combinations. Instruction covers the details of each figure and pattern including lead and follow. Carlos and Alicia also explain and demonstrate improvisation, but offer no direct instruction in improvisational skills. Some viewers may be disappointed by the slow pace of instruction and with the limited number of figures that are covered in each video. All would be advised to ignore Carlos' instruction to lead with the right hand. Fortunately, he ignores his own instruction. Adam Boucher (director of Tango: The Obsession) directed the four-camera production. Each tape is just under 60 minutes long. Available either in Spanish or dubbed English. A vendor is uncertain. The videos may be available through Carlos Copello's website.

Juan Carlos Copes is widely regarded as one of the great masters tango fantasia in the latter half of the 20th century. He had a long partnership with Maria Nieves dancing in shows from the 1950s through the 1980s, including the show Tango Argentino which is widely credited for reviving popular interest in tango as a dance form. Copes was recently acclaimed as the dancer of the century by the City of Buenos Aires and Buenos Aires Athenaeum. He also was honored at the American Film Choreography Awards for his choreography in the Carlos Saura movie, Tango. His daughter Johana is an excellent tango dancer in her own right and appeared in the movie, Tango.

Juan Carlos Copes (with Johana Copes) — Tango and Milonga (video tape or DVD)
In this 45 minute video, maestro Copes is assisted by his daughter Johana in teaching and demonstrating essential elements of his tango and milonga style. Both Copes and his daughter have a very strong presence on the video, and the way they hold themselves and move with clarity and grace is impressive and instructive. The well-produced video opens with a demonstration tango and then covers ten steps and figures in a little less than half an hour. Instruction in tango starts with the basics (including two salidas with the back step) and progresses to an intermediate combination. Those of who taken workshops from Copes in the past will recognize most of the steps. For some of the tango steps, Copes and his daughter demonstrate the steps individually before demonstrating them in an embrace. In doing so, they highlight the quality of balance and movement that is required. Voice over explains all the tango movements, but the lead, follow and movement technique are not covered in any detail. After the tango segments, Copes and his daughter dance a milonga and then take less than 15 minutes to cover ten useful intermediate steps and figures in milonga. Voice over names the milonga step or figure, and Copes and his daughter are shown demonstrating it several times from a variety of angles. The milonga segments are not instruction, but they are instructive. The rating is a composite of four stars for the tango segments and three stars for the milonga segments. Those who are capable of learning simply by watching may want to add a star to the milonga rating and a half star to the overall rating. The videos are available in Spanish and English in both PAL and NTSC format. A DVD in NTSC format that includes extensive footage of Copes' performances along with the instructional material is also available under the title Copes Tango Copes. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Christy Coté began her career as a ballroom and Latin dance instructor for Arthur Murray Dance Studios, and she has danced, choreographed and taught professionally for more than 20 years. Since 1998, she has danced and taught Argentine Tango becoming one of San Francisco's most well-known dancers and teachers. Her name appears on the roster of several annual Argentine Tango events such as the Portland Tangofest, the Tango at Sea Cruise and the Las Vegas Tango Weekend for which she is also a co-producer. George Garcia has danced and taught in Hawaii for more than 20 years, covering ballroom, latin and swing. In 1997, George attended the first Argentine tango workshop in in Hawaii—taught by Fabian Salas and Michele Baidon—and it instantly changed his life. Tango became his obsession, and he set about developing Argentine tango in Hawaii.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango, Milonga and Vals (20 DVDs)

Dance Vision has produced a series of 20 videos (available on DVD or video tape) by Christy Coté and George Garcia covering the DVIDA Bronze, Silver and Gold Argentine tango syllabuses, follower's technique, leader's technique, milonguero-style Argentine tango, milonga, vals, tango fantasia, improvisation, volcadas, colgadas, ganchos and enganches, boleos, and sacadas. All 20 of these DVDs and videos are available from DanceVision.com. For more information, contact DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — DVIDA Bronze, Silver and Gold Argentine Tango Syllabuses (3 DVDs)
In this series of videos, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer comprehensive instruction in salon-style Argentine tango starting from the most basic figures and continuing through advanced figures and patterns. The videos support a comprehensive syllabus for learning Argentine tango, but stand independently of the certification that could be obtained through the syllabus. Although Christy and George are careful to explain that Argentine tango is an improvisational dance, the instruction emphasizes learning tango through the mastery of figures rather than improvisational techniques. The instruction is clear and comprehensive, but production values are average and the videos are not entertaining to watch, as Christy and George move slowly and explain each movement in what some will consider excrutiating detail. Many viewers will be disappointed that these videos only include exhibition snippets based on the taught elements and no full demonstration dances. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango Follower's Technique (DVD)
In this nearly two-hour video, Christy Coté is assisted by George Garcia in teaching follower's technique for the basic movements of Argentine tango. Christy's instruction is animated, clear and comprehensive. She covers follower's technique in embrace, walking, cuzada, forward and backward ochos, molinetes (giros), boleos, paradas, blocks, sandwiches, pasadas, barridas, ganchos, enganches, sacadas, points, planeos, calecita, carpa, change of direction in turns, volcada, colgada, surprising moves and embellishments with some overlap with technique taught on the DVIDA Syllabuses. Mastery of the skills taught on this excellent video would give any beginning to intermediate follower a solid foundation for dancing Argentine tango. Many viewers will be disappointed that the video lacks demonstration dances. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango Leader's Technique (DVD)
In this nearly two-hour video, George Garcia is assisted by Christy Coté in teaching elements of leader's technique for Argentine tango. Covering embrace, walking, cuzada, forward and backward ochos, molinetes (giros), boleos, paradas, blocks, sandwiches, barridas, ganchos, enganches, sacadas, points, planeos, calecita, carpa, change of direction in turns, volcada, colgada and and embellishments, George's instruction consists of working through the same elements of dance covered in Argentine Tango Follower's Technique and offering a variety of hints about leader's steps and leading. A subtle and smooth leader, George takes a slow pace in teaching with extensive demonstration that sometimes just consists of teaching the step pattern. George fails to provide an overall view of what is required of the leader, but he gives lengthy and detailed explanations of movement. At times these explanations are convoluted and unfocused. At other times, George may provide the very insight necessary for a leader to dance Argentine tango well. George closes the video with a few useful but rambling explanations of milonga etiquette in Buenos Aires. Many viewers will be disappointed that the video lacks a demonstration dance. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — The Art of Improvisation (DVD)
Argentine tango is an improvisational dance built on an underlying structure. In this oustanding video, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach the underlying structure of Argentine tango and the basics of improvisation utilizing that structure. The first 75 minutes of instruction is at the beginning level. Instruction starts with six elements of the woman's movements—walks, cruzada, forward ochos, backward ochos, turns and boleos. After teaching these elements, Christy and George work with tips to improve skills, such as changing weight, collecting feet, pivot, pause, double-time elements, and commonalities in the elements. After teaching the first layer, Christy and George demonstrate the difference between the parallel and crossed systems, how each element is led, and how the leader's footwork complements the follower's. The final 35 minutes covers more advanced elements including paradas, frenos, mordidas, barridas, ganchos, enchanche, sacadas, planeos, calecita, volcadas and colgadas. These numerous elements are covered relatively quickly, and the emphasis is placed on showing how these elements relate to the six basic elements of tango. Overall, the teaching is clear and comprehensive. This outstanding video would be great for a beginner, intermediate or anyone who wants to improve their improvisational skills by developing an understanding of the underlying structure of tango. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Milonguero-Style Argentine Tango (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer comprehensive instruction in milonguero-style Argentine tango, starting from the embrace and walk and continuing through the most basic elements and some advanced patterns. Once mastered, all of the material is likely to prove useful for dancing in crowded venues. The first video covers the embrace, basics of walking, ocho cortado, back ochos, basic left turns, sacada from cross system basic, right turn, molinete (giro) left, molinete (giro) right, boleo and spiral cross, and progressive left turn. The second video covers, running step, point and pivot, barrida, enganches, outside partner left, carpa, turns, volcada and colgadas. Although Christy and George assume some basic familiarity with Argentine tango, their instruction is clear and comprehensive, if sometimes a little to detailed and longwinded. Much of the material is taught in relatively small step patterns, but the dancers who expect to use the material to dance socially in a crowed venue will have to go beyond rote memorization of the patterns to a mastery of the individual elements from which the patterns are constructed. For some of the basic elements, the instructors are careful to explain the importance of moving along the line of dance and how to make adjustments to accomodate the presence of other dancers on a crowded dance floor. Such explanations disappear as the material grows in complexity. Many viewers will be disappointed that these videos only include exhibition snippets based on the taught elements and no full demonstration dances. Strangely, all the exhibition snippets are danced to Di Sarli which works against the rhythmic drive that often characterizes milonguero-style tango. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Milonga (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach a collection of step patterns, starting with basic elements of milonga and working through to some more complex elements. The first video starts with the baldosa box and offers 14 additonal step patterns as variations from or elements to be added to the baldosa box including ochos, some traspie elements, zig zags, grapevine, a right turn left turn combination and a gancho. The second video offers 14 more advanced step patterns, including amagues, double-time steps and more traspie elements. Some patterns contain steps that move against the line of dance. For those who already know Argentine tango, the instruction is clear and comprehensive, and the production values are good, but the videos are not at all entertaining to watch. Offering occasional insights, Christy and George move slowly, carefully explaining each movement in what some will find to be excrutiating detail. In their dancing and teaching, Christy and George capture little of the rhythmic drive, playfulness and improvisation that characterizes milonga. Stripped of these characteristics, the milonga that is presented loses authenticity. Ballroom dancers who wish to learn milonga, may find these videos create a bridge from ballroom sensibilities to milonga. Many viewers will be disappointed that the first video has no full demonstration dance. Most viewers will be disappointed by the full demonstration dance that ends the second video. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Vals (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer basic and intermediate instruction in vals. The first video starts with an extensive explanation and demonstration of the rhythmic elements of vals. After working with the rhythmic elements, Christy and George proceed with what they call "the progressive cross system basic" and then teach nine figures as variations from or elements to be added to the progressive cross system basic. The second video stands alone (without much reference to the progressive cross system basic) and offers instruction in 12 additional step patterns, many of which are interesting. On both videos, most of the figures work well, but several figures contain elements that move against the line of dance. Some of the figures combine many elements, and particularly on the first video most students would be better served by instruction in smaller elements of movement. For those who already know Argentine tango, the instruction is generally clear. Christy and George move slowly and explain each step pattern in careful detail, though not always accurately. Most of the figures are taught in an open embrace, but Christy and George switch back and forth between open and closed embraces as they demonstrate the step patterns to music. Oddly, they say the back ocho they teach in volume one works only in a close embrace. Their dancing suggests that Christy and George are more comfortable dancing vals in a close embrace without double-time elements. Each video ends with a demonstration dance based on the taught elements. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Tango Fantasia (2 DVDs)
In this two-video series, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach a collection of step patterns that are much better suited for exhibition dancing than social dancing. Most of the elements are small in scale suggesting an exhibition in a salon rather than on a stage. Though most of the elements are challenging, the overall content is a little dull. The numerous closing elements and slicing entrada stand out as the most interesting. Instruction is generally clear, but it assumes that the viewer has a good knowledge of tango. For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, and demonstrate the figure to music. No instruction or comments are offered about what is required in an exhibition—such as selecting music, projecting, dynamics, composition, etc. The same lackluster exhibition closes both videos. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Tango in Carpa with Volcadas (DVD)
The volcada has emerged as one of the most popular elements of Argentine Tango. This video begins with technique for Carpa (Spanish for tent) or the leaning position and progresses into technique for a basic forward volcada (spilling action) in a leaning position. Despite a title implying a variety of volcadas, the video shows only one volcada incorporated in a variety of step patterns. Instruction in the lean and volcada is extremely clear and comprehensive, but the video grows tedious as the viewer slowly realizes that the same lean and volcada are being repeated over and over in a variety of different figures. The step patterns may be of interest to some dancers, but many will wonder whether a video with only one volcada is worth their money or viewing time. The rating represents a compromise between the high-quality instruction and the limited content. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Volcadas (DVD)
In this 105 minute video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction on backward and forward volcadas, 19 step patterns in which volcadas are used, and a demonstration dance laden with volcadas. Anyone who has an intermediate to advanced understanding of tango and wants to learn volcadas will find that the video covers what seems to be nearly every possible use of volcadas. Not every variation will appeal to every dancer, but each dancer is likely to find several uses of volcadas that appeal to him or her. For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music. Instruction is generally clear, but it assumes that the viewer has both a good familiarity with techniques for dancing on the body and terms used in teaching tango. The latter includes the knowing the difference between the cross and parallel systems and knowing the numbering of steps in the eight-count basic and cross-foot eight count basic. The instruction misses a few points that some consider essential to good volcadas—planting the woman's supporting foot, the man supporting the woman on his body, and the man supporting the woman's back with his right arm. The concluding demonstration dance, which is heavily laded with volcadas, shows how too many volcadas can reduce the visual appeal of the dance. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Colcadas (DVD)
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction in clockwise and counterclockwise colcadas, 15 step patterns in which colcadas are used, and a dance demonstration laden with colgadas. Anyone who has at least an intermediate understanding of tango and wants to learn colcadas will find that the video covers many uses of the colgada. Because there are essentially only two colgadas (clockwise and counterclockwise) with minor variations, the instruction grows a bit repititious, but each dancer is likely to find a use of a colgada that appeals to him or her. For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music. Instruction is generally clear, but it assumes that the viewer has a good familiarity with the terms used in teaching tango. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Ganchos and Enganches (DVD)
Frequently people who are new to tango become obsessed with using ganchos and enganches wherever they can. Although this video would seem to be ideal, technique is extremely important to successful and safe ganchos and enganches. For someone who has learned their technique elsewhere, the video might provide a few good ideas about uses of ganchos and enganches. In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction in numerous step patterns in which ganchos and enganches are used. For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music. Too much of the teaching is about the figures and not enough is about ganchos and enganches themselves. As the result of his poor body and leg positions, George frequently appears slightly off balance leading ganchos. George occasionally fumbles when explaining the men's step patterns, and for the ganchos themselves, he offers little instruction about the man's body rotation or leg movements. Christy's instruction for all the woman's movements are generally clear and more thorough. The techniques demonstrated for enganches are generally better, but the explanations of the men's parts remain shaky. Some of the enganche combinations are downright silly and scary to imagine at a milonga. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Boleos (DVD)
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia offer instruction in backward, forward and linear boleos for women, numerous step patterns in which boleos work well, and a dance demonstration laden with boleos. Anyone who has at least an intermediate understanding of tango and wants to improve their command of boleos will find the video quite useful. For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music. Instruction is quite clear and thorough, particularly for the women's movements. Available from DanceVision.com.

Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Sacadas (DVD)
In this video, Christy Coté and George Garcia teach a variety of sacadas incorporated in 19 different step patterns. Through the figures, Christy and George provide a great overview of the many ways sacadas can be used in tango, and anyone who has at least an intermediate understanding of tango is likely to find mastering the figures will greatly expand their dancing. Instruction on technique for sacadas is found throughout the figures rather than a single section devoted to the subject. For each figure, Christy and George provide a demonstration without music, show and explain the man's steps, show and explain the woman's steps, explain the techniques for men and women, and demonstrate the figure to music. Some of the explanations of men's technique are a little vague, but instruction is quite clear and thorough for the women's movements. Available from DanceVision.com.

Dolores De Amo and Daniel Lapadula are from the missing generation of tango dancers in Buenos Aires. Both have lifetime backgrounds in dance and eventually found their way to tango. Dolores has worked on several projects for Solo Tango and is a graceful dancer and charming teacher. Daniel danced with the Miguel Caló orchestra, and eventually found his way to the United States where he taught tango for many years. Daniel and Dolores have often taught together.

Dolores De Amo and Daniel Lapadula — Tango Estilo del Centro (3 volumes on video tape; 2 volumes on DVD)
This well-produced set of videos from Solo Tango covers club-style tango. As taught by Dolores De Amo and Daniel Lapadula, club-style tango is danced in an upright posture with a close embrace. Some separation occurs during turns, and the use of double-time steps is at the leader's discretion. The instructors are first-rate exponents and teachers of the style. The series is designed for graduated learning from the first video through the third, but the instruction assumes a prior knowledge of Argentine tango. Each video contains about 15 elemental steps or complex step patterns, with about four minutes coverage of each. Most of the material is interesting, and Daniel and Dolores dance all of them quite well. Daniel and Dolores demonstrate each element of the material several times and explain most of it carefully, but the videos are best suited to visual learners who use the rewind and slow-motion buttons on their VCRs or DVD players. Given the complexity of much of the material, the dancer who wants to use these videos to learn to dance socially will have to go beyond rote memorization of the patterns to a mastery of the elements from which the patterns are constructed. The dancer who puts this much effort into learning will be well served by the completeness of instruction offered in this series of videos. The first and second videotapes each close with a demonstration dance. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. The videos were created using broadcast-quality equipment and are available on video tape and multizone DVD. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski are two young stars in the world of theatrical tango. They toured with Forever Tango, including its stay on Broadway, and they appeared in the PBS special Tango Magic. Diego trained with the late master Antonio Todaro. Together their dancing is stunning and compelling. They are highly regarded as teachers.

Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further (4 DVDs only) Possibly Discontinued
Originally released on video tape in 2003, this four-DVD series is a classic. The series covers much of the material that Carolina and Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America from 2001 to 2003. The extremely well-produced videos were shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Each video opens with a dance that is entirely improvised, as an example of one way to put together the steps taught on the video. Carolina and Diego provide careful coverage of each figure taught—showing each figure twice in complete form and then the man's and woman's parts in slow motion. Carolina and Diego provide voice-over descriptions in English of each of their movements. As described in the next four reviews, there is one DVD each for tango salon, complex tango, vals and milonga. Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVDs are available as a set of four from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's and Diego's website.

Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Tango Salon (1 of 4 DVDs) Possibly Discontinued
This DVD covers the smaller elements of salon tango that Carolina and Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised tango, as an example of one way to put together the steps taught on the video. After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego demonstrate ten step patterns, most of which are likely to prove challenging to intermediate tango dancers. For the tenth pattern, Carolina and Diego show six interesting variations. For each figure taught, Carolina and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each figure twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating the pattern, they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over descriptions in English of each of the movements. The 60-minute program was shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's and Diego's website.

Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Complex Tango (1 of 4 DVDs) Possibly Discontinued
This DVD covers the more complex elements of tango that Carolina and Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised tango, as an example of one way to put together the step combinations taught on the video. After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego demonstrate nine step patterns, which danced in their entirety would be most useful to advanced dancers who are preparing to dance exhibitions. The beauty of these combinations may inspire some to take to the stage, but for those who are more interested in dancing tango socially, elements of all the figures could prove useful. For each figure taught, Carolina and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each figure twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating the pattern, they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over descriptions in English of each of the movements. The 45 minute program was shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's and Diego's website.

Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Vals (1 of 4 DVDs) Possibly Discontinued
This DVD covers the elements of vals that Carolina and Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised vals, as an example of one way to put together the elements taught on the video. After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego demonstrate nine step patterns, which danced in their entirety would be most useful to advanced dancers who are preparing to dance vals during exhibitions. For those who are more interested in dancing vals socially, elements of all the figures could prove useful. For each figure taught, Carolina and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each figure twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating the pattern, they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over descriptions in English of each of the movements. The 42 minute program was shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's and Diego's website.

Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Milonga (1 of 4 DVDs) Possibly Discontinued
This DVD covers the elements of milonga that Carolina and Diego taught in highly regarded workshops that they taught throughout North America from 2001 to 2003. The video opens with an improvised milonga, as an example of one way to put together the steps taught on the video. After a brief explanation of how learn from the video, Carolina and Diego demonstrate 11 step patterns, most of which would add to the milonga vocabulary of many intermediate tango dancers. None of the combinations are highly complex, but most are likely to prove challenging to intermediate tango dancers. For each figure taught, Carolina and Diego provide fast-paced, but careful coverage—dancing each figure twice to the music of Color Tango. After demonstrating the pattern, they show the man's and woman's parts in slow motion with voice-over descriptions in English of each of the movements. The very short (27 minute) program was shot in a studio with high-quality digital technology. Produced by Broadway Tango Productions, the DVD is now available as part of a four-DVD set from Carolina and Diego. (Apparently, the material is no longer offered on video tape.) For additional information, see Carolina's and Diego's website.

Also see Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Tango Techniques for the Stage, Leader's Tango Technique, Follower’s Tango Technique, Salon Tango Figures, and Tango Waltz Figures on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Gloria and Rodolfo Dinzel are best known as theatrical tango dancers who appeared in the stage show, Tango Argentino. They operate a tango school in Buenos Aires with international branches using their own system for teaching, and they have written the book Tango: An Anxious Quest for Freedom.

Gloria and Rodfolfo Dinzel — A Master Class for Beginners
This well-produced video includes three demonstration dances that tend toward theatrical. The instruction is very clear and covers many of the beginning steps as taught in the tradition of Todaro, such as basic, ochos, etc. Once available through See-Do Productions, the video does not appear to have a North American distributor the moment. The Dinzels do travel with copies of the video to sell, and the video is sometimes available from Nora Dinzelbacher, a San Francisco Bay Area instructor, who does not take mail orders. It may also be available through branches of the Dinzel's school.

Eduardo & Mercedes and Copes & Nieves. Eduardo and Mercedes are a Long Island couple who are not to be confused with the famous Gloria & Eduardo (listed below). Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves are among the most famous couples to ever dance Argentine tango. They danced in the original cast of Tango Argentino and helped foster tango's renaissance in the 1980s.

0Tango Argentino with Eduardo & Mercedes and Copes & Nieves Likely Discontinued
This video has some historic interest but weak moments of instruction. It is actually a compilation of five video tapes and motion pictures. Eduardo and Mercedes teach the first section which is about 55 minutes long. The next three sections are vintage footage of Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves demonstrating Tango steps. In these sections, which are packed with information, Copes & Nieves demonstrate a step, name it, and then move on. Be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on your VCR if you want to learn the steps. The last section is footage of an unidentified instructor teaching in a studio in Buenos Aires. Add a star if you want the historic Copes & Nieves footage for your video library. Produced by See-Do Productions who have ceased operations; the video may no longer be available.

The late Carlos Gavito was principally known for his role as the star of the long-running show Forever Tango. Marcela Duran was his long time partner in Forever Tango. Exquisite at dancing slow tangos, particularly those recorded by Pugliese, Gavito and Marcela were legendary for their use of close-embrace salon-style tango on the stage. Many of the elements of their dance were highly individualistic and not taught by others. Recognized as a milonguero, late Gavito taught his material for use in social dancing.

Carlos Gavito with Marcela Duran — Un Tal Gavito (3 DVDs or video tapes)
Produced by Solo Tango, this three volume series of one-hour videos presents many of the social dance elements and techniques that Carlos Gavito and Marcela Duran used on the stage. Although the series progresses from beginning elements to more challenging material, it is intended for those who have some experience dancing tango. Each video contains three exhibition dances and 10 or more identified sections of instruction. All instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. The first volume is by far the most compelling. Gavito and Marcela dance three beautiful exhibitions to Pugliese. Just watching Marcela's technique and their changes in timing and use of pauses are instructive in their own right. Gavito and Marcela start by teaching relatively small elements that include their embrace, salidas, and basic, but they quickly progress to more challenging material. Their teaching is clear and careful with Gavito explaining the step patterns and man's part and Marcela explaining the woman's part. I cannot imagine a better instructional video. With expectations set by the first volume, the second is a disappointment. In their exhibition dances, Gavito and Marcela don't seem to reflect the music they have selected—a relatively fast tango, a vals, and a milonga. The figures taught on the second video are more complex, and the teaching is less clear. Moreover, when Gavito and Marcela demonstrate these more advanced elements at dance tempo, their dancing becomes much rougher. Some of the sacadas are particularly rough, with Gavito kicking in his displacements. The third volume is stronger than the second, but doesn't quite scale the heights established by the first. The exhibitions are better than on the second video, but not as magical as those on the first. The first few elements of instruction are lengthy explanations that boil down to suggesting that one dance tango simply and musically and maintain the relationship with one's partner. The remaining eight elements are relatively small step patterns that are sufficiently unique to pose a mental challenge to some dancers. The teaching is relatively clear but is sometimes drawn out or vague, particularly when the material is complex. Overall, this series is best suited to those dancers who already have some familiarity with tango and want to learn Gavito's relatively unique steps and ideas and/or Marcela's technique. Though many of the elements taught on all three videos can be used to dance socially, Gavito shows little respect for the line of dance, and some work will be required of those leaders who want to use the material to dance socially. For those who are looking for a video that captures the magic of Gavito's and Marcela's dancing, the first volume should be sufficient. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy are young stage dancers and tango teachers from Córdoba, Argentina. During the 5th Buenos Aires Tango Festival, held in March 2003, they won the international tango award in the stage tango competition.

Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy — Tango Lessons with the World's Champions (DVD only)
On this DVD, Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy focus on the two styles of tango as a dance. The Salon Tango section conveys their conpcept of how to dance at milongas. They take the approach of teaching 15 steps including basic step, ochos, and other elements such as sacadas, ganchos and voleos. The Stage Tango section conveys their ideas for designing tango choreographies. Instruction is offered in Spanish, German, French and Japanese. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy — Tango Lessons 2 (DVD only)
On this DVD, Gisela Galeassi and Gaspar Godoy focus on dance sequences designed especially for advanced dancers. Instruction is offered in Spanish, German, French and Japanese. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia are young disciples of Raul Bravo and teach from the system that Antonio Todaro and Bravo developed.

Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Tango Salón (DVD or Video Download)
On this DVD, Anton and Natalie teach basic salon tango, starting with walks and continuing through the 8-count basic, cross-step basic, front ochos, back ochos, rock step, etc. Explanation is provided for the leader's and follower's roles, posture, the embrace and walking. The DVD includes ancedotes are also included about how the dance was traditionally interpreted, and includes a chapter on etiquette at milongas. The 80-minute video is produced by Sergio Segura and is available from antontango.net.

Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Advanced Tango Figures and Sequences, Vols. 1 and 2 (2 DVDs or Video Downloads)
On each DVD Anton and Natalie teach 8 complex figures from the Todaro-Bravo system complete with instruction on both the man's and woman's role and the technique necessary to execute the figures properly. Both DVDs also includes anecdotes about those who created the figures. The first includes a photogallery of Maestros Antonio Todaro and Raul Bravo. The 80-minute videos are produced by Sergio Segura and are available from antontango.net.

Anton Gazenbeek accompanied by Cecilia Gonzalez — Tango al Revés (DVD or Video Download)
Sometimes known as, Tango Doble Frente, Tango al Revés is a way of dancing tango with both partners facing forward along the line dance and the woman's back to the man. On this DVD, Anton Gazenbeek is accompanied by Cecilia Gonzalez as he teaches Tango al Revés using the method of Antonio Todaro. The instruction covers a number of ways to enter the position and continues through six figures. The DVD also looks at the history Tango al Revés, including anecdotes about its creation in the 1960s. The 68-minute video is produced by Sergio Segura and is available from antontango.net.

Anton Gazenbeek assisted by Sergio Segura — Leading in Tango (DVD or Video Download)
On this DVD, Anton Gazenbeek is assisted by Sergio Segura as he teaches skills for leading. The instruction covers such topics as basic concepts, leading tools, the three directions, lead then follow, weight change, contain vs. freedom, application in step, energies, tips for followers, and "the chair." The DVD also looks at the history of the men's practica. The 68-minute video is produced by Sergio Segura and available from antontango.net.

Ten years ago, Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo were among the more exciting young performers of tango fantasia (stage tango). Now they are among the stars of performance tango and are well established and regarded as teachers in workshops and festivals throughout the world.

Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Main Exercise Program (DVD only)
On this DVD, Fernanda and Guillermo teach exercises for building tango skills, including warmups, introduction to tango, pivot, building the embrace, and after the workout. The DVD also includes behind the scenes and interviews the Fernanda and Guillermo. The DVD is available from Fernanda's and Guillermo's website.

Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Tango Elements (2 DVDs only)
On these DVDs, Fernanda and Guillermo teach elements of tango including the walk, the stop, the cross, ochos, boleos, barridas, giros, sacadas and ganchos. The second DVD also includes behind the scenes and interviews the Fernanda and Guillermo. The DVDs are available as a set from Fernanda's and Guillermo's website.

Also see Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Salon Tango Technique, Follower's Technique, Intermediate/Advanced Tango Figures, and The Art of Performance Tango on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Gloria and Claudio (who should not be confused with the famous Gloria and Eduardo listed below) are a couple from Argentina who are now based in the Los Angeles area where they dance and teach Argentine tango, ballroom and Latin dance.

Gloria and Claudio — Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Argentine Tango Lesson (3 tapes) Likely Discontinued
Each video covers basic styling, foot and body positioning, and about a half hour of instruction covering ten new steps. Gloria and Claudio dance a short choreography using the steps they teach. Possibly available through Gloria and Claudio's webpage. Gloria & Eduardo are among the most famous dancing couples in tango history. They were in the original cast of Tango Argentino.

Gloria y Eduardo (3 tape or DVD set)
A number of years ago, Gloria & Eduardo developed a series of instructional video tapes designed to take a dancer from neophyte to accomplished intermediate in salon-style Tango (not the club-style tango Eduardo often teaches). The material has been converted to DVD. At the time the videos were produced, they set the standard of comparison for instructional videos, and they are still among the best available. The first volume covers the basics including the proper embrace and elementary steps. The second and third volumes cover additional steps including complex figures and embellishments. The second volume is particularly good in its coverage of giros. The video quality is high and so is the instruction. The voice over is a bit dramatic and sometimes slightly out of synch with the steps. The videos are a somewhat expensive for the amount of material covered, but this is a good series for anyone just starting in Argentine tango. These videos are sold worldwide in several languages and formats including DVD, but the U.S. supplier, Bill Rowe's Ballroom Dance Supply, offers them in English with NTSC-VHS format. For information about the DVDs, see Gloria and Eduardo's webpage.

Mora Godoy is a highly regarded stage dancer who has a well-known tango school in Buenos Aires. Mora has appeared in Tango X 2 stage shows as the partner of both Miguel and Osvaldo Zotto. She first reached wide public attention through her outstanding instructional videos with Osvaldo Zotto which were produced by Solo Tango. See Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy below.

Mora Godoy — Curso Básico de Tango (2 volumes)
These two videos contain more than two hours of material including footage of Buenos Aires, demonstration dances, comments on dancing at milongas, and fifteen step patterns ranging from the basic to more complex figures with additional instruction on ochos, boleos, ganchos and giros. Mora's partner on the instructional portion of the video is her brother Horacio Godoy. Instruction starts with the basic (without a back step), progresses through a fairly standard and complete set of beginning steps, such as forward and back ochos, molinetes, giros, paradas, embellishments, boleos and ganchos. Instruction concludes with two fairly complex figures incorporating back sacadas that seem out of place in a video intended for beginners. The instructional parts of the video were produced with three cameras, and each of the steps and figures is shown from a variety of angles. Detailed instruction is provided for both the man's and woman's part of each step and figure, and much of the material is shown in slow motion. Few viewers will find a need to use the slow-motion or rewind buttons on their own VCRs to learn the material. The videos are available in Spanish and English in both PAL and NTSC format. A vendor is uncertain. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Valorie Hart and Alberto Paz are a New Orleans-based teaching couple who also tour to give workshops and performances of Argentine tango.

Alberto Paz and Valorie Hart — Gotta Tango (DVD and book)
An instructional program that combines a book and DVD. The book describes, illustrates, and explains the fundamental concepts and techniques, and the DVD visually demonstrates real dance situations. For more information, see Planet Tango.

Valorie and Alberto — Tango, Our Dance: Confessions of a Reformed Step Collector (DVD only)
This video presents twelve lessons and three performances that were captured live, unrehearsed and improvised, and then edited for distribution. Available on DVD from Planet Tango.

Carlos "El Tordo" Kronos and Liliana Tolomei are natives of Buenos Aires who are currently based in Europe. Carlos studied with legendary maestros such as Pepito Avellaneda, José Vazquez "Lampazo," Rodolfo Cieri and Luis Grondona. Carlos has integrated traditional and contemporary tango through the analysis of movement. Liliana graduated from the Maria Amelia Ramirez School of Theatre Arts and trained in tango under Carlos.

Carlos "El Tordo" Kronos and Liliana Tolomei — Tango Argentino de Salón (DVD only)
This DVD offers instruction in the foundations of the Tango de Salón that Carlos "El Tordo" Kronos learned directly from the legendary teacher and dancer Jose Vázquez "Lampazo". In the DVD, Carlos offers instruction and analysis of nearly 70 elements of the style created by Carlos Estévez "Petróleo" and learned by Lampazo in the 1940s. For further information, see eltordotango.com.

Diego Ladeveze and Gabriela Lopez are tango dancers and instructors from Rosario, Argentina. They are students of Orlando Paiva, and his influence shows in their elegant and expressive style of dancing.

Diego & Gabriela — Tango Romantico, Volume I, Basics (VHS or DVD)
Volume I is intended for beginners who have some experience. It is well recorded and includes three demonstration dances, instruction on ten figures, and two additional dance sequences constructed from the figures taught on the video. Diego and Gabriela dance the steps slowly and then alternately explain the men's and women's parts, which makes the instruction easy to follow. In keeping with the intent to market volume one to beginners, the video starts with the embrace and 8-count basic (with back step). From there the video inexplicably skips over ochos to slightly more complex figures that seem to presume the students using the video already know the back ocho. Although none of the steps are very complicated, the material taught is better suited for beginning stage dancing or for incorporation into the repertoire of social dancers that already have some mastery of floor craft. Some of the steps on this video would be a hazard to everyone on the dance floor if they were unleashed by a beginner at a crowded milonga, and that is the basis of my reservations about the video. Possibly available from www.tangoromantico.com or Kevin W. King; 2236 Durant Ave., Suite 2 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 486-1271 Fax (408) 947-7327.

Diego & Gabriela — Tango Romantico, Volume II, Great Steps (VHS or DVD)
This well-produced video presents interesting and relatively unique figures that would be useful for social and stage dancing. Instruction is very clear. Ten figures are presented at full speed and then slowly, as Diego and Gabriela alternately explain the men’s and women's part. Experienced dancers will have little reason to use the rewind and slo-mo buttons on their VCRs except to see the gorgeous figures once again. The video also includes two dance sequences constructed from the figures that Diego and Gabriela teach on the video, as well as two demonstration dances. Possibly available from www.tangoromantico.com or Kevin W. King; 2236 Durant Ave., Suite 2 Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 486-1271 Fax (408) 947-7327.

Lampazo. The late Jose Vasquez "Lampazo" was a master of classic caminada (walking-style) tango and a member of the original cast of Tango Argentino.

Lampazo at Stanford (DVD only)
This well-produced video covers intermediate to advanced material that Lampazo taught during the Stanford Tango Weeks in 1995. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California, Lampazo and an unidentified partner demonstrate steps while Barbara Garvey provides voice over. To best use the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn are Argentines who are best known for their partnership in the stage show Forever Tango. They are among a number of relatively young stage dancers who travel to teach throughout the United States and world.

Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn — Let's Dance Together (DVD only) Possibly Discontinued
This DVD offers 40 minutes of exercices to improve balance, footwork, pivot, posture and musicality, alone and with a partner; information on applying the exercises to steps and a performance by Miriam and Hugo. A reliable vendor is uncertain.

David Liu and Nancy Solano teach Argentine tango in the Phoenix area. David has studied movement reeducation (Ideokinesis and Feldenkrais) and also rhythm analysis. He has studied modern dance with Marni Woods (former dancer and currently the director of the Martha Graham school) and with Ethel Dias (current teacher with the Alvin Ailey Company). In addition, he has studied Argentine Tango with Michael Walker and with many world class Argentine performers and instructors (including Milena Plebs). Nancy had an extensive education in classical art and music, as well as studying classical dance for over 20 years. She has performed in New York City and at prestigious Jacob's Pillow. She has studied Argentine Tango with David and with Michael Walker.

David Liu and Nancy Solano — Learn to Dance Tango (2 DVDs)
On these two DVDs, David and Nancy cover orientation, beginning steps, foundational technique, common combinations, introduction to intermediate, adjusting for your partner, flashy stuff, simple hardcore technique, some step combinations, and putting everything together to create tango. Together, the two DVDs provide four hours of instruction in 71 chapters. For information, see the website, learntodancetango.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas are relatively young dancers and teachers who are known for their compelling style of dancing and excellent teaching. Oscar starred on Broadway in Forever Tango and toured with the show for seven years. Georgina performed in major tango shows in Argentina, Italy, and Japan, and she has taught around the world. Together since 2006, Oscar and Georgina are considered among the premiere couples in Argentine tango today.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango Basicos Fundamentales (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach the basic skills and movements of tango in 14 lessons. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell. It is also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango, Vals y Milonga (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach step patterns that can be used in tango, vals and milonga. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell. It is also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Giros (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach techniques for turns and step patterns that use turns. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell. It is also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Pasos Para Lucirse (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina teach a variety of step patterns. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this DVD to sell. It is also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Romantic Style Tango (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina use a practice session to provide instruction in 13 different tango sequences that have been designed to help the student improve dance skills, refine techniques, and develop an understanding of a smoother form of tango that is danced to the later music of tango's golden age. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this 100-minute DVD to sell. It is alsoavailable through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Rhythmic Style Tango (DVD only)
On this DVD, Oscar and Georgina provide instruction in 16 different tango sequences that have been designed to help the student improve dance skills, refine techniques, and develop an understanding of rhythmic tango as it is danced to the early music of tango's golden age in Buenos Aires milongas. The DVD also includes a performance by Oscar and Georgina. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of this 100-minute DVD to sell. It is also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango Secrets (2 DVDs only)
Years of teaching have taught Oscar and Georgina that proper technique is the single most important secret to becoming a good tango dancer. With the intent of supplementing classroom instruction, Oscar and Georgina created this two DVD set to give students further opportunity to observe and practice on their own, The DVDs address technique for a variety of common elements in Argentine tango. These elements include, but are not limited to, posture, connection, elasticity, density, projection, and lead and follow. The DVDs also address specific techniques for pivots, turns, ochos, boleos, lapiz, enrosques, paradas, traspies, sacadas, and embellishments. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango de Buenos Aires (2 DVDs only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways Argentine tango is danced in Buenos Aires with emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Romantico Tango de Buenos Aires (DVD only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways Argentine tango is danced in Buenos Aires with emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Vals de Buenos Aires (DVD only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways vals is danced in Buenos Aires with emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Milonga de Buenos Aires (DVD only)
This DVD provides continuing instruction in the ways milonga is danced in Buenos Aires with emphasis on technique, energy, dynamics, coordination, connection, density, elasticity, musicality rhythm, and timing. Instruction is in Spanish with English subtitles. Oscar and Georgina frequently travel with copies of these 100 minute-DVDs to sell. The DVDs are also available through their website, tangodebuenosaires.com.

Chris Morris and Oliana Foraponova are well-known ballroom dancers and teachers.

Chris Morris and Oliana Foraponova — Argentine Tango, Vol. I & II Likely Discontinued
These videos offer a ballroom interpretation of Argentine tango. The result is inauthentic. Was available from DanceVision.com.

Ron and Karla Montez are well-known ballroom dancers and teachers.

Ron & Karla Montez — Anyone Can Dance Basic Latin Vol. IV: Argentine Tango Likely Discontinued
This video offers a ballroom interpretation of Argentine tango. The result is inauthentic. Was available from DanceVision.com.

Jorge Nel is among the pioneers of Argentine tango in south Florida. He is widely known for his skill in dancing tango.

Jorge Nel and Laura — Learn to Dance Argentine Tango Likely Discontinued
The experience that Jorge and Laura have in helping to launch a tango community shows in the clear, careful and practical instruction on this video. Beginners who master all of the material on the video will be well on their way to dancing Argentine tango authentically. The instruction starts with a standard eight-count basic and progresses through four additional figures. Along the way, Jorge and Laura demonstrate and explain rhythm, walking and elements for improvisation. As shown in their demonstration dances, these simple elements can be combined to create a rich and varied dance. Jorge and Laura dance and demonstrate with elegant, slow and rhythmic movement, but the video represents a triumph of content over limited production quality—including some rather strange split screen effects. Instruction is bilingual in Spanish and English. May be available from Tango in Miami, 1.800.936.9537 or 786.888.6619.

Jorge Nel and Marta — Learn to Dance Milonga Likely Discontinued
This video may be available from Tango in Miami, 1.800.936.9537 or 786.888.6619.

Jorge Nel and Milena — Milonga Traspie, vols. 1 and 2 Likely Discontinued
This video may be available from Tango in Miami, 1.800.936.9537 or 786.888.6619.

Nito and Elba. Always spontaneous and exciting dancers, Nito and Elba Garcia teach an elegant and original style of tango with emphasis on technique and lines. Because Nito and Elba have lived in Mar del Plata, Argentina for many years, their approach to tango has not been fully assimilated into the standard set of steps and patterns that are commonly taught and danced in Buenos Aires.

Nito & Elba —Workshops 1993 (DVD only)
This video covers the material that Nito & Elba taught in workshops in Northern California during 1993. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Nito & Elba — Workshops 1995 (DVD only)
This video is packed with the intermediate to advanced material that Nito & Elba taught in a series of workshops in Northern California during November and December 1995. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California, Nito & Elba demonstrate technique and steps while Barbara Garvey provides English narration on this relatively simple production. To best use the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Nito y Elba — Teach Tango at Stanford - 1996 (DVD only)
This video shows in detail all of the steps, exercises, movements and patterns (including tango and milonga) that Nito and Elba taught during the Stanford University Tango Weeks in July 1996. The material is absolutely first rate and probably best suited for intermediate to advanced dancers. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California, Nito & Elba demonstrate technique and steps while Barbara Garvey provides English narration on this relatively simple one-camera production. To best use the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Nito y Elba — 1997 U.S. Tour (DVD only)
This video covers the material that Nito and Elba taught in their 1997 workshops in Atlanta, Boulder, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California, the video is intended as reminder of the workshops rather than an instructional tape. Those who did not attend the workshops will have to work a bit harder to learn the outstanding intermediate material included on the video. Barbara Garvey provides English narration on this relatively simple production. To best use the material for instruction, the viewer needs to be prepared with the rewind and slow-motion buttons on the DVD player. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Nito & Elba — Teach Argentine Tango 1999 (DVD only)
A triumph of content over production values, this video covers the outstanding material that Nito and Elba taught in their January, February and March 1999 workshops in Dallas, San Francisco, New York, Tucson, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Re-shot in a well-known Tango Bar in Northern California, the 35 minute video is intended as reminder of the workshops rather than an instructional tape. Those who were fortunate enough to attend the workshops in one city will find the video is packed with more variations than they can recall. Those who did not attend the workshops will have to work harder to dig out the outstanding intermediate material included on the video. Everyone will want to use the slow motion and rewind buttons on their DVD player. The demonstration dance at the end of the video shows the excellence of Nito & Elba's dancing. Barbara Garvey provides English narration for this relatively simple production. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Orlando Paiva was considered by some to be one of the most elegant salon-style dancers in the world today. His every move was fluid, precise, and uniquely his own. Orlando taught tango in Argentina, the United States, and Chile for over 40 years, creating many figures that were exclusively his own.

Orlando Paiva & Susana — Teach Argentine Tango (DVD only)
This solidly produced video is packed with nearly an hour of material that captures the essence of Orlando Paiva's unique and elegant style. The video is divided into three sections: basic, intermediate and advanced with a total of 37 steps or combinations. Each of the steps or combinations presented on the video is shown three times from different perspectives, ending with a close-up of the feet. In addition, Orlando and Susana perform three exhibition dances. The narration provides a concise, simple description of each step with helpful comments on technique. Some viewers may be put off by Orlando's somewhat different interpretation of rhythm and the lack of drama in his dancing. Knowledgeable dancers will find elegant, precise, slow movement and many of Orlando's ideas for developing figures. Although the video starts with basic steps, the material is probably best suited for intermediate to advanced dancers who have already developed the ability to reinterpret or modify the figures when dancing at a crowded milonga. If I have a reservation about the video, it is that dancers of lesser skill may attempt to execute the figures as they are shown without regard to the others with whom they are sharing the dance floor. Add a half star if you want a documentary of Orlando's style. This video is now available on DVD (but no longer on video tape) through Tango Bar Productions.

Orlando Paiva — Argentine Tango Elegant: Volume I, Basic (DVD or video tape)
In this video, Orlando demonstrates and teaches 10 basic steps with Los Angeles tanguera Yolanda Rossi. Each step is repeated several times in regular motion and then several times in slow motion. A split screen is used in the slow-motion presentations, one screen side showing a head-to-toe view, and the other the legs only. Editing, slow motion, and split-screen effects were by a professional TV production company, and duplication was by a professional movie studio. Available on DVD or video tape in either English or Spanish. The video is a bit expensive for the amount of material covered. Available from Yolanda Rossi, 2514 Hollister Terrace, Glendale, CA 91206. For additional information telephone Yolanda Rossi at (818)244-2136 or (213) 628-8484 FAX: (818) 547-9160.

Orlando Paiva — Argentine Tango Elegant: Volume II, Intermediate (DVD or video tape)
In this video, Orlando demonstrates and teaches 11 intermediate steps with Los Angeles tanguera Yolanda Rossi. A split screen is used in the slow-motion presentations, one screen side showing a head-to-toe view, and the other the legs only. Editing, slow motion, and split-screen effects were by a professional TV production company, and duplication was by a professional movie studio. Available on DVD or video tape in either English or Spanish. Available from Yolanda Rossi, 2514 Hollister Terrace, Glendale, CA 91206. For additional information telephone Yolanda Rossi at (818)244-2136 or (213) 628-8484 FAX: (818) 547-9160.

Pocho Pizarro and Stella Barba. Pocho Pizarro is a self-taught artist who found tango at an early age through his family and the local bars. Both a social and a stage dancer, Pocho influenced many young stage dancers with his approach to tango fantasia (stage tango). Stella Barba, Pocho's partner for several years, collaborated in two videos produced by Bridge to the Tango.

Pocho Pizarro — His Dancing, His Life and the History of Tango (DVD only)
This instructional DVD is designed to teach the nature of tango without step patterns or predesigned choreographies. The idea is to enable dancers to find their own improvisational style and musicality. Instruction consists of 15 lessons about tango and a series of warm-up exercises. The four-hour DVD also includes an interview of Pocho, a short film on the history of tango, demonstration dances by a variety of non-professional couples, and a recommended list of recordings. Audio is recorded in Spanish, English, Portoguese, French, Dutch, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Subtitles are available in German and Italian. Possibly available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Also see Pocho Pizarro and Stella Barba — Intermediate/Advanced Tango and Antique Tango on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Mingo, Esther and Pablo Pugliese. Mingo Pugliese is regarded among the great tango educators of his generation. He distilled the innovative concepts developed by "Petroleo" and Salvador Sciana during the golden age of tango into eight-count right and left turns (giros) that can be used as a frame of reference for all turning steps. Together with his wife Esther, Mingo has taught many of the young tango stars of today, including their son Pablo. Using what is now the family method, Esther and Pablo teamed up for several highly successful teaching tours of the United States including the Stanford Tango Weeks in 1996 and 1997. Pablo now resides in the United States and performs and teaches with other partners.

See Esther and Pablo Pugliese — Basics of Salon Tango, Intermediate Salon Tango, and Milonga on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos. Also see Esther and Mingo Pugliese — Advanced Salon Tango I and Advanced Salon Tango II on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Esther and Pablo Pugliese — Recuerdos Likely Discontinued
In the introduction to this video, Mingo and Esther demonstrate the eight-count giro which is the basis for much of the family's teaching method. The remaining material preserves the scenes and sounds of Esther and Pablo's very crowded classes as they occurred at Stanford, July 6-11, 1997. The video will stir fond memories for those who were there, but the faint sound, distant and occasionally wandering camera work, as well as the slow pace necessitated by closely following the classroom instruction will do little for those who were not. The two-hour video ends with an excellent performance that Esther and Pablo gave for the public on the closing night of what turned out to be the last Stanford Tango Week. Was available from Planet Tango.

El Pulpo. Starting at a relatively young age, Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" has been dancing tango for about 25 years. He is known for a complicated, deliberate, languid and turning style of Argentine tango that is densely packed with unusual adornments. For some observers, El Pulpo's style evokes an image of an octopus, hence his nickname "El Pulpo" (the Octopus). Luiza Paes was his long-time partner and mastered the woman's counterpart to El Pulpo's style.

El Pulpo and Luiza Paes — Tango en La Patriótica (DVD only) Possibly Discontinued
This DVD provides instruction on Pulpo's complicated style of tango, covering Pulpo's take on sacadas and variations, then a variety of ganchos of increasing complexity, and then enganches. The material is very demanding in technique. Availability is uncertain.

Also see Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes — The Technique of El Pulpo and The Art of El Pulpo on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Ricardo and Nicole. As a couple, Ricardo and Nicole were known for their expressive style of dance, rapid footwork, and improvisational stage dancing. No longer dancing together, their one-time prominence in tango shows in Buenos Aires and extensive marketing has helped make their instructional videos among the best selling in Buenos Aires and Europe.

Ricardo & Nicole — Curso de Tango (2 DVDs only)
These videos start with the 8-count basic with back step and progress through numerous elements and figures. Most are variations on the basic including in-line walking (which is reserved until mid-way through the third video). The choice of figures may help to illustrate some limited elements of improvisation, as is suggested toward the end of the first video, but the video does not teach improvisational skills directly. Production values are excellent, and instruction is very clear. Ricardo and Nicole demonstrate each step at full speed and then alternately demonstrate the men's and women's parts discussing what they see as the essential elements of lead and follow. The figures are shown from many angles (including from above), explanations are reinforced with on-screen graphics, and clicks time the steps. Viewers will find little need to use the slow-motion or rewind buttons. Although most of the figures are relatively simple, some do not respect the line of dance and cannot be recommended for use on a social dance floor by inexperienced dancers. Both volumes are available in NTSC or PAL with seven selectable languages. Ricardo offers the DVDs through his webshop. The DVDs also may be available from Zival's Tango Store.

Ricardo & Nicole — Milonga (DVD only)
For someone who already dances Argentine tango, this well-produced video contains everything but the dance floor necessary to learn the basics of milonga, as well as a few advanced steps. Instruction is extremely clear and progresses logically from basic steps to more complex variations. Even those who know milonga well may find a few new steps or ideas. Ricardo and Nicole demonstrate each step at full speed and then alternately demonstrate the men’s and women’s parts discussing the essential elements of lead, follow and body position. The figures are shown from several angles including from above. Viewers will find little need to use the slow-motion or rewind buttons. Ricardo offers the DVD in NTSC or PAL with seven selectable languages through his webshop. The DVD also may be available through Zival's Tango Store.

Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum
Ricardo has formed a partnership with Rotraut Rumbaum, and since 2003 they have taught in Germany, Holland, Buenos Aires, etc; coached other teachers and performing couples; given tango peformances in Europe and Buenos Aires and appeared in a number of productions including the tango opera "Orestes' Last Tango."

Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Tango de Salon (2 DVDs only)
This two DVD series teaches salon-style tango using the eight count basic. Dancers new to tango who master the material on these two discs can attain intermediate skills. The first disc covers the eight-count basic, cortes, the embrace, back and forward ochos, mordidas, some very basic turns, using elements of the step patterns to improvise, some basics of moving to the music, and some basics of dancing at a milonga. The second disc covers caminada (tango walking), variations on the basic, body alignment, figures with ochos, pauses and firuletes, additional elements of improvisation, some ganchos, and more giros including molinetes and sacadas. The instruction focuses on learning tango through step patterns. Every step pattern is shown with Ricardo and Rotraut together, then separately. Coverage is from multiple angles including from above. Common errors are shown for nearly every step. The instruction is very clear and quite complete, but viewers will have to work out some of their own body mechanics, develop their own lead and follow skills, and provide their own excitement. On the NTSC DVDs, the viewer can choose one of eight languages—Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Portugese, Japanese or Korean—for a combination of dubbed and voice-over explanations. The first DVD is 130 minutes long. The second is 150 minutes long. The DVDs also include bonus footage of Buenos Aires, real people dancing at milongas and demonstration dances. Ricardo offers the DVDs in NTSC and PAL with multiple selectable languages through his webshop.

Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Vals (DVD only)
For someone who already has a basic knowledge of Argentine tango (as taught with the eight-count basic) and wants to learn vals, Ricardo and Rotraut have produced a DVD that could prove to be the perfect place to start. Their instruction covers a variety of step patterns and techniques incorporating walks, ochos, a colgada, giros, enrosques, boleos and sacadas as variations on the eight-count basic. Anyone who masters all the material on the DVD should be quite comfortable dancing vals. The extensive coverage is evidenced when Ricardo and Rotraut conclude their instruction by dancing a demonstration that uses only the elements they've taught without conveying any sense of limitation. When new material is introduced, the instruction is quite careful and well explained. In contrast, the instruction lacks detail for material that is covered in Ricardo's and Nicole's Curso de Tango. As such, the DVD would be most useful to someone who is just beginning to learn vals but already has a basic understanding of tango as taught with the eight-count basic. Without such knowledge of tango, the instruction on many elements is likely to prove sketchy or incomplete. Most viewers are likely to find occasional use of the slow-motion and rewind buttons essential. The viewer can choose one of seven languages—Spanish, English, German, French, Italian, Portugese and Japanese—for a combination of dubbed and voice over explanations. The DVD also includes bonus footage of vals dancing in Buenos Aires. Zival's Tango Store may offer the DVD in NTSC and PAL. Note: This DVD may have been discontinued and replaced with new one with the same title that currently is only available in PAL.

Claudio Omar Rubio and Maria Veronica Ruggieri are tango dancers from Rosario who have studied with Cecilio Garcia, Osvaldo Zotto, Pocho Pizarro, and Orlando Paiva. Claudio and Veronica adopted Orlando Paiva's style and elegance as their own becoming disciples of his dance. They have participated in numerous tango festivals as featured dancers and teach regularly in Rosario and the United States.

Claudio and Veronica — Argentine Tango Fever (two volumes) Possibly Discontinued
This two video series begins with walks and progresses through the basic step, ochos, walking skills, sandwiches, and turns. Each video contains three demonstration dances. Availability is uncertain.

Fabián Salas is an innovative tango dancer, who is known for his superb style and command of tango's structure. He helped develop the tango nuevo pedagogy that emphasizes a structural analysis of the dance in which previously unexplored combinations of steps and new figures can be found. A dancer in several shows and a well-regarded instructor, he came to international attention as one of the three principal dancers in the movie, The Tango Lesson.

Fabián Salas (with Cecilia González) — The Tango Fundamentals (3 volumes on DVD only)
This three-volume series is designed to convey the fundamentals of Argentine tango. In volume one, Fabián teaches basic elements of Argentine tango including the walk, the embrace, the lead and follow, the fundamental figures and turns. In volume two, he teaches variations of the authentic Argentine tango walk, including normal- and cross-foot movements, inside and outside partner, and changes in rhythm. In volume three, he teaches the basics of turns including proper technique and the basic elements of turns, as well as few sequences. In all three volumes, Fabián provides instruction in English and is assisted by Cecilia González. Once available on video tape, all three volumes were created using broadcast-quality equipment and are available only in NTSC on DVD. Available from Gotan Enterprises, Inc., 8005 Greenbury Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770 USA or through the related Tango Dynamics website.

Fabián Salas (with Lola Díaz) — Learn to Dance (8 volumes on DVD only)
This eight-volume series is designed to convey a comprehensive knowledge of Argentine tango, but it focuses on elements rather than the gestalt of tango. In volume one, Fabián teaches the tango fundamentals including the walk, the embrace, lead and follow, the basic step, cross-foot basic, back and forward ochos, the fundamental figures and turns, and the structure of Argentine tango. In volume two, he teaches sacadas, including forward and back sacadas for men and women and four sequences using saccades. In volume three, he teaches turns, including proper technique and the basic elements of turns, as well as few sequences. In volume four, Fabián teaches enrosques, including technique and two sequences. Volume five covers boleos, including back and & forward boleos, associated and contra-body position, exercises for leaders and followers, technique and four sequences using boleos. Volume six covers ganchos, including ganchos for men and women, exercises for leaders and followers, technique and four sequences using ganchos. Volume seven covers volcadas, including forward and back volcadas, exercises for leaders and followers, technique, and two sequences using volcadas. Volume eight covers colgadas, including explanations, exercises for men and women, technique and four sequences using colgadas. In all eight volumes, instruction is provided in English, Spanish and Italian; and Fabián is assisted by Lola Díaz. Available only on DVD from Fabián's TangoPal.

Emile Sansour is a long-time teacher of Argentine tango who maintains a regular schedule of classes in the German cities of Stuttgart, Heidelberg and Mannheim.

Emile Sansour — Inspiración Tango (DVD only)
On this 90 minute DVD, Emile teaches basic and intermediate elements of tango with Nazan Greiner and Hülya Bilaloglu as his partners. The beginning section of the DVD contains 30 minutes of instruction and one demonstration dance, and the intermediate section 45 minutes of instruction and two demonstration dances. Instruction is provided in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Turkish. I am unsure about compatibility with NTSC broadcast standards. Available through the Inspiración Tango website.

Ive Simard is a former ballroom dancer whose idea is to create a graded syllabus for Argentine tango, so that it can be regularized and taught by certified instructors in the same manner as ballroom dancing. Ive operates a dance school in San Diego that is modestly called El Mundo del Tango.

Ive Simard — Tango Argentino (3 tape series) Possibly Discontinued
These three tapes offer graded instruction in tango figures progressing from Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. Unfortunately, the resulting dance does not bear the slightest resemblance to Argentine tango, in form, style or content, as danced in any of the barrios of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata or Rosario. The video production quality is high. If you like the idea of graded instruction and do not care about authenticity, add 4½ stars, but please do not ask me to do so. A vendor is uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com for more information.

Ive Simard — Milonga (3 tape series) Possibly Discontinued
These three tapes offer graded instruction in milonga progressing from Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. A vendor is uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com for more information.

Ive Simard — Vals Cruzado (3 tape series) Possibly Discontinued
These three tapes offer graded instruction in tango waltz progressing from Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. A vendor is uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com for more information.

Ive Simard — Pecho Argentino Possibly Discontinued
This video offers graded instruction in milonguero-style tango progressing from Bronze through Silver to Gold like ballroom dancing. A vendor is uncertain. See www.elmundodeltango.com for more information.

Marcelo Solís is a young dancer and instructor from Rosario, Argentina. Although he has studied with a number of highly regarded dancers; including Juan Carlos Copes, Miguel Angel Zotto, Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy, Graciela Gonzalez and Pupi Castello, Gloria and Eduardo Arquimbaun, Mingo and Ester Pugliese, Susana Miller, Juan Bruno, Gustavo Naveira and Olga Bessio and Orlando Paiva; Marcelo has developed his own style of tango dancing that combines milonguero and salon sensibilities. He has performed and taught throughout Europe and the United States but is particularly well known in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Marcelo Solís — Argentine Tango I: Dance of Possibilities Seemingly Discontinued
Available on DVD or video tape, Marcelo offers instruction from the very basic elements to more complicated ones. The video covers such material as walking exercises, basic steps, forward ochos, parallel and crossed systems, backward ochos, crosses, and sentadas. The video does not present just patterns. Marcelo also teaches how the steps are composed and how to put them together in the dance. The video also containsmaterial for those who already dance tango and want to improve fundamentals and technique. Marcelo's former partner Romina assists with the instruction. Current availability is uncertain. For more information, see Marcelo Solís' webpage.

Marcelo Solís — Argentine Tango I: Moving Circular Seemingly Discontinued
Available on DVD or video tape, Marcelo offers instruction in turns and changes of direction. The video covers such material as full change of direction, boleo, embellishments, molinete, half change of direction, sacdas. chains and other elements. The video does not present just patterns. Marcelo also teaches how the steps are composed and how to put them together in the dance. Marcelo's former partner Romina assists with the instruction. Current availability is uncertain. For more information, see Marcelo Solís' webpage.

Daniel Trenner is known as an innovative teacher who has helped introduce authentic Argentine tango throughout the United States and the world. He first developed a reputation during his partnership with Rebecca Shulman. (Also see Rebecca Shulman and Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.)

Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango (vols. I-IV) Seemingly Discontinued
In 1997 Dance Vision produced a set of instructional videos by Daniel Trenner with Brooke Burdett as his dance partner. The first three volumes cover what is generally referred to as salon style in North America and progress in complexity from the first video through the third. These three videos emphasize the skills for building steps over the steps themselves, an approach that many students (including this reviewer) find unlocks the secrets of learning tango. The fourth is of milonguero style. Some people have been critical of these videos for what they perceive as poorly executed dancing. The series was available from DanceVision.com.

Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol. I Seemingly Discontinued
Volume 1 is an introduction to tango as a social dance. It begins with exercises for the development of movement and technique for the leader and follower. Dance frame or position is introduced. Games are taught for practicing lead and follow in walking and turning. Step construction and navigation of the dance floor are introduced. The pace of the video is slowed by explanations that some viewers might find excessive. Was available from DanceVision.com.

Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol. II Seemingly Discontinued
Volume II covers step creation. It explains how to phrase sequences of elements into complex combinations in both walking and turning figures. The concept of step adornment is also introduced. The material in this video is taught as a layer of complexity to be added to the material taught in the first video, but should prove accessible to experienced Tango dancers. Was available from DanceVision.com.

Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol. III Seemingly Discontinued
Volume III continues the study of the tango step vocabulary. Lapiz, Boleo, Arrastre, Llevada, Sacadas, Ganchos, Paradas, Calesitas and advanced decorations are taught. Ideas for varying the dance position and exchanging the lead and follow are also introduced. The material in this video builds on the second video, but should prove accessible to experienced Tango dancers. Was available from DanceVision.com.

Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol IV (Basic Close Embrace) Seemingly Discontinued
Volume IV explores the milonguero style tango (also known as apilado, cafe-, or club-style tango) that is popular in some crowded clubs of central Buenos Aires. This introductory video covers changes of technique from the salon style more familiar in North America for the embrace, lead, follow, walking and figures. The approach assumes familiarity with salon-style tango. Was available from DanceVision.com.

Luciana Valle is among a younger generation of tango dancers in instructors, who has taught extensively in North America. She is an excellent dancer with a command of many styles of Argentine tango and is well regarded for her instruction.

Luciana Valle — Fundamentals of Tango (DVD only)
Fundamentals of tango is a 90 minute DVD with all the material needed for a solid foundation in tango, including the walk, ochos, turns, boleos and more. There are seven instructional sections plus a performance. The video is intended to teach and improve fundamentals for all levels from beginner to advanced. It covers technique, mechanics, structure and the dynamics of the basic elements of Argentine tango. For more information, see LucianaValle.com.

Also see Luciana Valle and Gabriel Guerberoff — Tango of the New Generation on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

The late Omar Vega cut a dashing figure in milongas in Buenos Aires with his salon-style tango and milonga. He was among the few dancers of his generation that was accepted as a milonguero by the older dancers. He was known for his musical interpretation and was regarded as a master of improvisation—creating unique and innovative ideas on the social dance floor.

Omar Vega — Milonga con Traspie (DVD only)
The DVD opens with a foreward by the late Carlos Gavito. Assisted by Karina Burutaran, Omar covers such topics as opening and relaxation, musical tempos, musical and body exercises, the embrace, balance of the body, the milonga basic, vaivén (to and from), vaivén with basic ending, turn to the left, the little retention, Cunita (rock step), the crossing retention, the Cachafaz, and changes of front. At least one demonstration dance is included. English voice over is provided by Mark Rector. Omar Vega frequently traveled with copies of the DVD to sell. It is available from Celebrate Tango.

Also see Omar Vega (with Luciana Valle) — Intermediate/Advanced Tango and Milonga on the webpage Bridge to the Tango Videos.

Agustina Videla and Claudio Asprea are have been dance partners since 1997. In 1998 they performed at the Tango Argentino Show, officialy representing the Republic of Argentina at the Universal Lisboa Fair - Expo '98 (Portugal). Since then they have danced in many shows with orchestras such as Sexteto Mayor, Color Tango, Nestor Marconi's Orchestra, Alfredo Marcucci's Veritango Sextet, Pablo Ziegler's Quintet for New Tango. As intructors, they participated in many tango festivals including "Ecuentro de Tango Argentino" (Porto, 2000), "L'Ete du Tango" (Nimes, France 2001/2002), "New York's Summer Festival", (US, 2001/02); Hannover Tango Festival (Germany, 2001); "Tango Island" (Sweden, 2003); "White Nights Festival" (Saint Petersburg, Russia 2002/03/04); "V Frankfurter Tango Tage" (Germany, 2004). They have also traveled to teach workshops in Argentina, Europe, United States and Canada.

Agustina Videla and Claudio Asprea — Tango from the Heart (DVD only)
The DVD offers three levels of instruction with a total of 25 lessons (aproximately 230 minutes). The lessons include the embrace and walk, basic step, amagues and cunitas, musciality, forward ochos, back ochos, technique, turns, half turns, cross system walking, crossed walk with change of ftront, half turn with planeo, technique, half turn to the right, corte and ocho cortado, parada and half turn, apilada, leader's barrida, follower's barrida, back boleo, forward boleo, leader's back sacada, follower's sacada, follower's gancho and leader's gancho. Agustina and Claudio demonstrate with instruction provided by voice over. The DVD includes interactive menus and access to each lesson, comments on dancing at milongas, images of Buenos Aires, video clips Agustina and Claudio dancing with the Musamistonga orchestra, and other features. For additional information, see www.actango.com.ar.

Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy are highly regarded stage dancers and instructors of Argentine Tango. Some consider Osvaldo to be among the greatest dancers of his generation. Also see Mora Godoy above.

Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy — Asi Se Baila El Tango (5 tape set)
This five video series is taken from the television series Asi Se Baila El Tango, a program that appears on Solo Tango—a Tango-only television station in Buenos Aires. Instruction closely follows the style of the late master Antonio Todaro and is very detailed—requiring about 15 minutes per figure. The first two videos present basic figures and the latter three present intermediate and advanced figures best suited to more accomplished tango dancers. Taken together the five-video series offers a comprehensive program of instruction. Production quality is outstanding and the pace of instruction was designed for television broadcast where the viewer could not use the rewind or slow-motion features of a VCR. The videos are available in Spanish, English, French and Japanese in a variety of broadcast standards. The first three volumes are now available as a single DVD with condensed presentations. On the DVD, the English language sound track is out of synch with the movement during the instruction of the sandwich. A second DVD with the material from the fourth and fifth volumes is anticipated, but is yet to be released. The videos and first DVD may be available from Zival's TangoStore in Buenos Aires, TangoCD.com in Niagra Falls, New York, Danza y Movimiento in Hamburg, Germany or TangoDirect.com in Buenos Aires.

Videos Most Suitable for Beginners

In the opinion of most Argentine Tango dancers and instructors, videos are a poor substitute for live instruction, particularly at the beginning level. With that warning in mind, a number of videos do offer material intended for beginners.

	Julio Balmaceda and Corina de La Rosa — Tango Basics and Secrets
	Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti — How to Tango, Volumes I & II
	Juan Carlos Copes (with Johana Copes) — Tango and Milonga
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Beginning/Intermediate (Bronze) Argentine Tango Syllabus
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — The Art of Improvisation
	Diego & Gabriela — Tango Romantico, Volume I
	Gloria and Rodolfo Dinzel — A Master Class for Beginners
	Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Tango Salon
	Gloria and Eduardo — Gloria y Eduardo, Volume 1
	Mora Godoy — Curso Básico de Tango (2 volumes)
	Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango Basicos Fundamentales
	Jorge Nel and Laura — Learn to Dance Argentine Tango (likely discontinued)
	Orlando Paiva — Argentine Tango Elegant: Volume I, Basic
	Esther and Pablo Pugliese — Basics of Salon Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Ricardo & Nicole — Curso de Tango, Volumes 1 and 2
	Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Tango de Salon (Vol. 1)
	Fabián Salas — The Tango Fundamentals (3 volumes on DVD)
	Fabián Salas — Learn to Dance, Volume 1 Tango Fundamentals(DVD)
	Daniel Trenner with Brooke Burdett — Argentine Tango, Vol. I
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Instructional Video Level I (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy — Asi Se Baila El Tango, Vol. I & 2

Comprehensive instruction for beginning Argentine tango dancers includes a number of essential elements. One is to see how tango is danced. Another is to learn that tango is improvisational and to develop an understanding of the structure from which the dance is constructed. Another is to learn to move to the music. Another is to learn lead and follow skills. Another is to learn principles of good form. Last is to learn some beginning steps and patterns.

None of the beginning videos take an integrated approach to these topics. To get the most complete coverage, I generally recommend Christy Coté's and George Garcia's The Art of Improvisation combined with the Zotto/Godoy, Mora Godoy, Copello/Monti, Coté/Garcia (Syllabus), Gloria y Eduardo, or Ricardo and Rotraut videos. The Pugliese video is particularly good in its coverage of basic turns.

All of the beginning videos with the exception of the Zotto/Godoy and Coté/Garcia (Syllabus) videos provide complete demonstration dances—with the best to be found on the Copello/Monti and the Diego & Gabriela videos. Daniel Trenner's videos explain that tango is improvisational and teach the basic structural elements of tango. Fabián Salas' videos also teach the basic structural elements of tango. The Pugliese video offers some instruction on improvisational methods.

Only the Jorge Nel video attempts to teach rhythm directly. The Trenner and Pugliese videos offer instruction on lead and follow skills while the other videos emphasize lead and follow parts. The Copello/Monti, Gloria y Eduardo, the Pugliese, and the Zotto/Godoy videos offer some instruction on form, but the Trenner/Burdett video is more comprehensive on the subject. The instructors demonstrate the best form in their own dancing on the Copes, Copello/Monti, Zotto/Godoy, Pugliese, and Diego & Gabriela videos.

All of the beginning videos provide instruction on steps and patterns with the exception of the Trenner videos. Of those teaching steps and patterns, the clearest instruction and strongest production values are found on the Zotto/Godoy, Mora Godoy, Copello/Monti, Coté/Garcia (Syllabus), Ricardo & Nicole, and Ricardo and Rotraut videos. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

Videos of Intermediate and Advanced Tango Steps and Patterns

After learning the basic steps and movements of tango, many dancers seek to increase their knowledge of tango through the mastery of more challenging steps and figures. A number of videos offer such instruction. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

	Julio Balmaceda and Corina de La Rosa — Giros
	Juan Bruno — The Kid from Ciudadela (Bridge to the Tango)
	Puppy Castello (with Luciana Valle) — The Tango of Puppy Castello (Bridge to the Tango)
	Maria and Rodolfo Cieri — The Tango of Maria and Rodolfo Cieri (Bridge to the Tango)
	Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti — How to Tango, Volumes III & IV
	Juan Carlos Copes (with Johana Copes) — Tango and Milonga
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Advanced I (Silver) Argentine Tango Syllabus
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Advanced II (Gold) Argentine Tango Syllabus
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Tango in Carpa with Volcadas
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Volcadas
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Colcadas
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Ganchos and Enganches
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Boleos
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Strictly Sacadas
	Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Tango Salon
	Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Complex Tango
	Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Salon Tango Figures (Bridge to the Tango)
	Diego & Gabriela — Tango Romantico, Volume II, Great Steps
	Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli (with Sharna Fabiano) — Changes of Direction in Turns (Bridge to the Tango)
	Jose Garofolo (with Sharna Fabiano) — Improvising Figures from Salidas (Bridge to the Tango)
	Jose Garofolo (with Sharna Fabiano) — High Sacadas in Advanced Figures (Bridge to the Tango)
	Carlos Gavito with Marcela Duran — Un Tal Gavito
	Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Advanced Tango Figures and Sequences
	Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Intermediate/Advanced Tango Figures (Bridge to the Tango)
	Gloria y Eduardo Volumes II & III
	Lampazo at Stanford
	Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Giros
	Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Pasos Para Lucirse
	Miguel and Nelly — Homage to Miguel and Nelly
	Gustavo Naveira and Olga Besio — Seminar Review I–V (Bridge to the Tango)
	Nito & Elba — Workshops 1993
	Nito & Elba — Workshops 1995
	Nito y Elba — Teach Tango at Stanford (1996)
	Nito y Elba — 1997 U.S. Tour
	Nito & Elba — Teach Argentine Tango 1999
	Orlando Paiva & Susana — Teach Argentine Tango
	Orlando Paiva — Argentine Tango Elegant: Volume II, Intermediate
	Esther and Pablo Pugliese — Intermediate Salon Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Esther and Mingo Pugliese — Advanced Salon Tango I (Bridge to the Tango)
	Esther and Mingo Pugliese — Advanced Salon Tango II (Bridge to the Tango)
	Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes — The Technique of El Pulpo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes — The Art of El Pulpo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Ricardo & Nicole — Curso de Tango, Volumes 2 and 3
	Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Tango de Salon (Vol. 2)
	Elina Roldan and Julio Mendez — Combining Two Popular Styles (Bridge to the Tango)
	Rebecca Shulman — Cool Moves from the Dark Side (Bridge to the Tango)
	Omar Vega (with Luciana Valle) — Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida — Advanced Training in Buenos Aires (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy — Asi Se Baila El Tango, Vol. III-V.

Videos Offering Comprehensive Programs of Instruction

Videos that offer a comprehensive programs of instruction that starts from the beginning and continue through to intermediate or advanced learning may appeal to some dancers. The comprehensiveness of these programs varies somewhat, but all the videos listed here progress from basic elements of salon-style Argentine tango to more advanced movements.

	Carlos Copello and Alicia Monti — How to Tango (4 video tapes)
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — DVIDA Bronze, Silver and Gold Argentine Tango Syllabuses (3 volumes)
	Gloria and Eduardo — Gloria y Eduardo (3 video tapes)
	Pablo, Esther and Mingo Pugliese — Salon Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Ricardo and Nicole — Curso de Tango (2 DVDs or 3 video tapes)
	Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Tango de Salon (2 DVDs)
	Daniel Trenner and Brooke Burdett — Argentine Tango, volumes 1-3 (3 video tapes)
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Instructional Videos 1-3 (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Mora Godoy — Asi Se Baila El Tango (5 video tapes)

Comprehensive instruction in Argentine tango includes a number of essential elements. One is to see how tango is danced. Another is to learn that tango is improvisational and to develop an understanding of the structure from which the dance is constructed. Another is to learn to move to the music. Another is to learn lead and follow skills. Another is to learn principles of good form. Last is to learn steps and patterns.

None of these video series provide full coverage all of these topics. To get the most complete coverage of topics, I generally recommend Christy Coté's and George Garcia's The Art of Improvisation, the Trenner/Burdett videos, or the Trenner/Shulman videos combined with the Zotto/Godoy, Coté/Garcia (Syllabus), Gloria y Eduardo or Ricardo and Rotraut videos. The Pugliese videos are particularly good in their coverage of turns. The videos that teach follower's and leader's technique that are listed in Videos about Technique also would contribute to a complete program of learning.

All of these comprehensive video programs, with exception of the Zotto/Godoy and Coté/Garcia (Syllabus) videos, provide complete demonstration dances—with the best to be found on the Copello/Monti videos. Daniel Trenner's videos (with either Brooke Burdett or Rebecca Shulman as his partners) explain that tango is improvisational and teach the basic structural elements of tango. Fabián Salas' beginning videos also teach basic structural elements of tango. The Pugliese videos also offer instruction on improvisational methods. In their syllabus videos, Coté/Garcia, explain that Argentine tango is improvisational, but do not explicitly teach improvisational methods. That is left to their The Art of Improvisation video.

The Trenner and Pugliese videos also offer instruction on lead and follow skills while the other videos emphasize lead and follow parts. Coté and Garcia and other instructors offer individual videos about lead and follow skills, which are listed in Videos about Technique below. The Copello/Monti, Coté/Garcia (Syllabus), Gloria y Eduardo, the Pugliese, and the Zotto/Godoy videos all offer at least some instruction on form, but the Trenner videos are more comprehensive on the subject. The instructors demonstrate the best form in their own dancing on the Copello/Monti, Zotto/Godoy, and Pugliese videos.

All of these videos provide instruction on steps and patterns with the exception of the Trenner videos. Of those teaching steps and patterns, the clearest instruction and strongest production values are found on the Zotto/Godoy, Copello/Monti, Coté/Garcia (Syllabus), Ricardo & Nicole and Ricardo and Rotraut videos. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video series.

More choices in Videos Suitable for Beginners and Videos of Intermediate and Advanced Tango Steps and Figures are listed above. The videos by Carolina Zokalski & Diego Di Falco, Gustavo Naveira & Olga Besio and Osvaldo Zotto & Lorena Ermocida offer extensive coverage from the intermediate to advanced topics.

Videos about Technique

As tango dancers develop their knowledge of the dance, many discover the importance of refining their technique. A number of videos offer such instruction, and most purchasers will find these videos will serve as good reference material for many years. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

	Olga Besio (with Daniel Trenner) — The Art and Technique of Adornment (Bridge to the Tango)
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango Follower's Technique
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Tango Leader's Technique
	Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Leader's Tango Technique (Bridge to the Tango)
	Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Follower's Tango Technique (Bridge to the Tango)
	Anton Gazenbeek assisted by Sergio Segura — Leading in Tango
	Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — Salon Tango Technique (Bridge to the Tango)
	Fernanda Ghi (with Guillermo Merlo) — Follower's Technique (Bridge to the Tango)
	Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango Secrets
	Elina Roldan (with Daniel Trenner) — Follower's Technique in the Close Embrace (Bridge to the Tango)
	Elina Roldan (with Daniel Trenner) — Follower's Technique for Exhibition Dancing (Bridge to the Tango)
	Rebecca Shulman (with Daniel Trenner) — Technique for Followers (Bridge to the Tango)
	Rebecca Shulman — Boleos (Bridge to the Tango)
	Florencia Taccetti — Technique and Adornment for Followers (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida — Advanced Training in Buenos Aires, Vol. 1 (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Structure

As tango dancers develop their knowledge of the dance, some discover the importance developing a knowledge of the structure of tango. A number of videos offer such instruction, and most purchasers will find these videos will serve as good reference material for many years. The individual reviews offer more information about the contents of each listed video. At the beginning level, Christy Coté's and George Garcia's The Art of Improvisation is particularly good. At the more advanced level, Gustavo Naveira's and Olga Besio's Seminar Review is particularly good. Many people have learned about tango structure from the basics to more advanced concepts through Daniel Trenner's and Rebecca Shulman's Instructional Videos.

	Mauricio Castro — Tango Dance Training
	Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli (with Brooke Burdett) — Boleos and Ganchos (Bridge to the Tango)
	Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli (with Sharna Fabiano) — Changes of Direction in Turns (Bridge to the Tango)
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — The Art of Improvisation
	Jose Garofolo (with Sharna Fabiano) — Exploring Parallel and Crossed Systems (Bridge to the Tango)
	Gustavo Naveira and Olga Besio — Seminar Review I–V (Bridge to the Tango)
	Fabián Salas — Learn to Tango in 10 Easy Lessons (3 volumes)
	Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Volumes 1, 2 & 3
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Instructional Video, Level I (Bridge to the Tango)
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Instructional Video, Level II (Bridge to the Tango)
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Instructional Video, Levels III (Bridge to the Tango)
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Exchange of Lead and Follow (Bridge to the Tango)
	Luciana Valle and Gabriel Guerberoff — Tango of the New Generation (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Milonguero-Style Tango

Tango is typically danced in a close embrace in the crowded clubs of central Buenos Aires. One of these close-embrace styles is commonly known as "apilado-style" in Buenos Aires and "milonguero-style" in the United States, but it can also be referred to as café-, confiteria-, club- or salon-style. Milonguero-style tango is characterized by a close chest-to-chest embrace and the use of some double-time dance steps. Some dancers distinguish between club- and milonguero-style tango. Club-style tango uses a close but slightly offset embrace and has some double-time dance steps. It also allows for a slight separation in turns, which permits a wider variety of steps than the milonguero style. A growing number of instructional videos are available in these styles. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Milonguero-Style Tango (2 volumes)
	Dolores De Amo and Daniel Lapadula — Tango Estilo del Centro (3 volumes)
	Tommy O'Connell (with Elina Roldan) — Tango in the Close Embrace (Bridge to the Tango)
	Petaca (with Eugenia Ramirez) — Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Elina Roldan (with Daniel Trenner) — Follower's Technique in the Close Embrace (Bridge to the Tango)
	Tete and Silvia — Fundamentals of Salon Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Daniel Trenner (with Brooke Burdett) — Argentine Tango, Vol IV
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Advanced Close Embrace (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Orillero-Style Tango

Orillero-style tango may have been developed in the outlying neighborhoods of and around Buenos Aires where there was more space on dance floors, or it may have its origins in the streets of poor outlying tenements. Orillero-style tango is characterized by highly rhythmic movement and playful space-consuming embellishments and figures that do not always respect the line of dance.

	Juan Bruno — The Kid from Ciudadela (Bridge to the Tango)
	Victor Romero and Norma Galla — The Tango Orillero (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Canyengue-Style Tango

Canyengue was a dominant style of tango during the 1920s and early 30s, but it was subsumed into other social styles during the golden age of tango. No visual records exist of canyengue danced during its own era. Some older milongueros have recreated the style from their memories of the way their parents generation danced. Written records suggest some authenticity in these recreated styles, but no one can know for certain how canyengue was really danced.

	Martha Anton and Luis Grodona — Asi Se Baila Canyengue I & II
	Pocho Pizzaro and Stella Barba — Antique Tango (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Tango Fantasia (Tango for the Stage)

Stage performances of Argentine tango are typically choreographed, and choreographed tango can range from ballet with elements of tango to tango with elements of ballet. Occasionally performances are improvised with balletic elements and complex figures integrated into the open-embrace style of tango. The few videos listed below are designed specifically for those who wish to develop skills for tango performances, but some of the intermediate and advanced videos listed above—particularly those by Diego & Gabriela, Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski, Carlos Gavito and Marcela Duran, Nito & Elba, Orlando Paiva & Susana, Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes, Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida and Osvaldo Zotto & Mora Godoy—also present useful material for tango performances. The individual descriptions above offer more information about the contents of each video listed below.

	Raul Bravo — Intermediate/Advanced Turning Figures (Bridge to the Tango)
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Tango Fantasia (2 volumes)
	Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Tango Techniques for the Stage (Bridge to the Tango)
	Anton Gazenbeek and Natalie Laruccia — Advanced Tango Figures and Sequences
	Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo — The Art of Performance Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Pablo Inza and Veronica Alvarenja — Introduction to Stage Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Pocho Pizzaro and Stella Barba — Intermediate/Advanced Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Elina Roldan (with Daniel Trenner) — Follower's Technique for Exhibition Dancing (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida — Advanced Training in Buenos Aires, Vol. 4 (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Milonga

Milonga is one of three dances in the family of tango dances, which includes tango, milonga and vals. Danced at a much more rapid pace than tango, and typically without any pauses, milonga is a very rhythmic dance that most often is danced with less complicated movements. For those who already have a basic knowledge of tango, the Ricardo & Nicole video and recently Pugliese video are excellent for beginning milonga. The series Asi Se Baila Milonga by the late Pepito Avellaneda well captures the style of one of the great milonga dancers of all time. The Trenner and Shulman video is excellent for learning how to dance milonga traspie. The new Omar Vega DVD may offer good coverage of milonga traspie. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

	Pepito Avellaneda — Asi Se Baila Milonga
	Suzuki Avelleneda (with Pablo Nievas) — The Advanced Milonga of Pepito Avelleneda (Bridge to the Tango)
	Juan Carlos Copes (with Johana Copes) — Tango and Milonga
	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Milonga (two volumes)
	Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Milonga
	Zoraida Fontclara and Diego Alvaro — Beginning/Intermediate Milonga and Waltz (Bridge to the Tango)
	Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango, Vals y Milonga
	Manolo and Coca — The Milonga of Manolo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Jorge Nel and Marta — Learn to Dance Milonga
	Jorge Nel and Milena — Milonga Traspie (two volumes)
	Tommy O'Connell (with Elina Roldan) — Milonga Falcety (Bridge to the Tango)
	Petaca (with Eugenia) — Milonga (Bridge to the Tango)
	Esther and Pablo Pugliese — Milonga (Bridge to the Tango)
	Ricardo & Nicole — Milonga (Curso de Tango)
	Elina Roldan and Julio Mendez — Milonga and Milonga Traspie (Bridge to the Tango)
	Daniel Trenner and Rebecca Shulman — Milonga Traspie (Bridge to the Tango)
	Omar Vega — Milonga con Traspie
	Omar Vega (with Luciana Valle) — Milonga (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida — Advanced Training in Buenos Aires, Vol. 2 (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos about Vals (Tango Waltz)

Vals (tango waltz) is one of three dances in the family of tango dances, which includes tango, milonga and vals. Someone who dances tango figures to the vals rhythm will do a very credible job of dancing vals, but differences occur in the execution of double-time steps and in the emphasis on turning steps over walking steps. One of the difficulties that anyone new to tango waltz will have is in understanding how to dance to the vals rhythm. Of the reviewed videos, only the first Coté/Garcia video offers explicit instruction on dancing to the rhythm, but the demonstration dances on the Di Falco/Zokalski videos demonstrate a great deal of rhythmic integrity. The individual reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

	Christy Coté and George Garcia — Argentine Vals (2 volumes)
	Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco — One Step Further: Vals
	Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski — Tango Waltz Figures (Bridge to the Tango)
	Zoraida Fontclara and Diego Alvaro — Beginning/Intermediate Milonga and Waltz (Bridge to the Tango)
	Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas — Tango, Vals y Milonga
	Ricardo "El Holandés" and Rotraut Rumbaum — Vals
	Tete and Silvia — Advanced Salon Tango in Waltz Rhythm (Bridge to the Tango)
	Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida — Advanced Training in Buenos Aires, Vol. 3 (Bridge to the Tango)

Videos Documenting an Individual Style

One of the contributions of instructional videos taught by tango masters is in documenting an individual or influential style. To some extent, all of the instructional videos document a particular style, but the following videos are particularly noteworthy in documenting individual or influential styles. I am particularly fond of the video documenting the highly individual style of Victor Romero and Norma Galla. All of the ratings reflect the instructional value of the video, and most would be more highly rated in documenting an individual style. The reviews above offer more information about the contents of each listed video.

	Martha Anton and Luis Grodona — Asi Se Baila Canyengue I & II
	Pepito Avelleneda — Asi Se Baila Milonga
	Juan Bruno — The Kid from Ciudadela (Bridge to the Tango)
	Eduardo Cappussi and Mariana Flores — The Tango of El Brujo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Maria and Rodolfo Cieri — The Tango of Maria and Rodolfo Cieri (Bridge to the Tango)
	Tango Argentino with Eduardo & Mercedes and Copes & Nieves (Discontinued)
	Carlos Gavito with Marcela Duran — Un Tal Gavito
	Lampazo at Stanford
	Manolo and Coca — The Milonga of Manolo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Miguel and Nelly — Homage to Miguel and Nelly (Bridge to the Tango)
	Gustavo Naveira and Olga Besio — Seminar Review I–V (Bridge to the Tango)
	Nito y Elba — Teach Tango at Stanford (1996)
	Tommy O'Connell — Tango in the Close Embrace (Bridge to the Tango)
	Tommy O'Connell — Milonga Falcety (Bridge to the Tango)
	Orlando Paiva & Susana — Teach Argentine Tango
	Petaca (with Eugenia Ramirez) — Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Petaca (with Eugenia Ramirez) — Milonga (Bridge to the Tango)
	Pocho Pizzaro and Stella Barba — Antique Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes — The Technique of El Pulpo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Norberto Esbrez "El Pulpo" and Luiza Paes — The Art of El Pulpo (Bridge to the Tango)
	Victor Romero and Norma Galla — The Tango Orillero (Bridge to the Tango)
	Tete and Silvia — Fundamentals of Salon Tango (Bridge to the Tango)
	Tete and Silvia — Advanced Salon Tango in Waltz Rhythm (Bridge to the Tango)

	Not Recommended for Purchase
	Fair
	Good
	Very Good
	Most Excellent
	Truly Outstanding
	Not Yet Rated (principally new videos)