Chit-Chat & Video with tango instructor Netza Roldan: Roldan teaches closeness with Argentine tango lessons

The passion of the Argentine tango moves into Downers Grove, with lessons offered by Chicago’s American Tango Institute. Tango lessons are taught every Thursday evening in a dance studio on the lower level of Elite Sports Complex in Downers Grove. A beginners class starts at 8 p.m., and an intermediate class starts at 9 p.m., with drop-ins welcomed. American Tango Institute Founder Netza Roldan instructs the classes in Downers Grove and says the Argentine tango is about more than 1-2-3 steps; it’s about connecting with your partner, so closeness is inevitable.

American Tango Institute Instructor Netza Roldan teaches his class at the Elite Sports Complex in Downers Grove Thursday February 18, 2010. Netza is the founder of the Institute. STAFF PHOTO BY ERICA BENSON

Why bring the tango to Downers Grove?
I’ve been working in athletics all my life, and I became involved with the Sokol organization (an organization for athletes, especially gymnasts) and met a lot of new people. I met the owners of the Elite Sports Complex in Downers Grove… I talked to them about having tango classes at their facility in Downers Grove, and they loved the idea. There isn’t any authentic Argentine tango classes being taught in the area. We’re happy to be able to bring this to Downers Grove.

You continue to say Argentine tango. Are there various forms of the tango?
Ballroom tango is completely different from Argentine tango. Argentine tango is about improvisation. It’s a very close, very romantic dance and has a lot of movement… Ballroom is more showy and (has) more choreography. Argentine tango is about connecting with your partner and moving with them. It’s attractive because it’s more like a conversation. It’s a social dance, and all the moves are natural. I tell my students that it’s like taking a walk in the park together to music.

What gender seems to have the more difficult time picking up the dance?
At the beginning, it’s more difficult for the men because they are afraid to get close to the women; they get nervous. The Argentine tango is a close dance. The ladies are more outgoing and adventurous… The women are always the ones that rule after each class. (laughs)

Does it take two to tango?
Absolutely. One cannot exist without the other… We actually show them how important it is to have two to tango. It’s about communication with each other; the language of the dance of the Argentine tango.

TO KNOW

• No partner is needed to participate in the classes.
• No special attire is required.
• Students should wear hard-soled shoes, not rubber soles.

DANCE THE TANGO
WHAT Argentine tango lessons   
WHERE Elite Sports Complex, 6360 Belmont Road, Downers Grove; (630) 968-2699
WHEN Beginners: 8 p.m. Thursdays; and Intermediate: 9 p.m. Thursdays
HOW MUCH $15 for one class, $80 for a six-week session
WEB SITE www.americantangoinstitute.com