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Small-Group Classes in Tango and Milonga (limited to just 8-12 persons)
Classes fill up quickly so please review the classes, and once you have decided, register right away (see instructions below) to reserve your spot. If your schedule does not permit you to sign up for any of these, or if your preferred classes were already full, please join the low-volume contact list or send e-mail to get priority notification of future offerings.
These classes are part of a complete Curriculum. Please click here to see a pictorial view of the curriculum, and where these classes fit in the "bigger picture." Other courses in the curriculum will be offered in future sessions.
Thursday evening sections, starting 7 July, 2005 (for 6 weeks) near Harvard Square, Cambridge.
All classes emphasize individual attention & development. You may sign up individually or with a partner.
There will be a complimentary introductory class and open house from 8:00-10:00 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2005. It is recommended for those who haven't studied with Shahrukh before, or those who would like a refresher or brush-up, or wish to evaluate their level, or want to try out the teaching ... or just want to come for the party!
Fees: Pre-discounted fee $110 per session (1 hour 15 min x 6
weeks) for advance registration before 3 July, $130 per session after 2
July. Discount for Tango Society of Boston members: Deduct $20/session
($90 before July 3, $110 after July 2). To ensure continuity and progress for the class, you
should plan to start from the first week; contact the instructor to arrange
make-up instruction if you need to join after the first session or need to
miss a session.
* Membership to the Tango Society
of Boston costs $15 for a year. Those who intend to get memberships
concurrently with the class may use the member rate—membership
materials will be available at the classes.
Class Focus: All classes will focus strongly on figures and elements that are most useful for social dancing, and will pay particular attention to lead/follow, sensitivity to ones partner, floorcraft and improvisation. We’re serious, but emphasize having fun. The style is authentic Argentine Tango as danced in the Buenos Aires Tango salons (but the material is adaptable to other styles). See additional information on Shahrukh's Teaching Philosophy & Style.
Gender Balance: Classes are gender-balanced, but you do not need to sign up with a partner, and partners will be changed frequently. (If you wish to take the class with a partner you intend to practice with a lot outside of class, you may change back to that person at every other partner change, and hence still dance over half the class with your regular partner while retaining the benefits of trying it with others—the best of both worlds.)
Location & Parking: Classes are held at 1643 Cambridge Street (at Trowbridge Street, near Harvard Square, opposite the Cambridge Rindge and Latin school). Ring buzzer No. 43. The studio is air-conditioned. Easily accessible by Subway (Red Line: Harvard + 7 min walk) or Bus (69 directly outside or 68/86 two blocks away). This is one of the few areas around Harvard Square where good free street parking actually is available in the evenings.
Registration: Call 617-877-5666 or e-mail tango@shahrukhmerchant.com to register or for guidance in selecting classes, or for indicating your intent to register. You may register as an individual or couple. Early registration is recommended owing to small class size—space may be held tentatively by phone but is confirmed upon receipt of payment. Payment may be made by check, cash, PayPal (use payee paypal@tangofoundation.com) or credit card (Amex, Visa, MC) via PayPal. If you cannot or don't want to use PayPal, you may mail a cheque to Shahrukh Merchant, 1643 Cambridge St, No. 43, Cambridge, MA 02138-4328 (make the cheque payable to "The Tango Foundation, Inc."). You can register directly without calling or waiting for a confirmation if (a) the course status indicates Open and (b) you are using PayPal to pay the course fee and (c) you are confident of your level for the class. If you are taking the course with a partner, you may register both in one PayPal transaction.
Cancellation Policy: (i) If you cancel: Since classes are in small groups, even a single cancellation can be very disruptive, so please check your schedule carefully! Your position in the class is confirmed when your payment is received. If you simply change your mind, there is no refund unless (a) there is someone already on the waiting list who can take your place or (b) you notify me at least 30 days in advance of the first class; in either case there is a 90% refund. (ii) If I cancel. If there is insufficient enrollment for a particular class (3 men + 3 women is usually the minimum), I may cancel a class and will attempt to give you at least 48 hours notice. There is a 100% refund (cash or credit—your choice) in that case. However, students who did enroll will be given the option of taking the class anyway at the private (individual or 1 couple) or semi-private (2 couples) rate less 10%, shared between the students. This rate is currently $60/hour private (less 10% = $54/hour) or $80/hour semi-private (less 10% = $72/hour). (iii) If the gender balance is significantly unequal. I strive to have an equal number of men and women in each class with a maximum gender difference of one person. If there are significantly more of one gender, it may be necessary to deny previously confirmed spots to the most recently registered of the excess gender who signed up individually (i.e., without a partner). In that case, they will receive a 100% cash refund or a 120% credit towards a future class or private lessons (their choice). (iv) Cancellation of private lessons. 50% of amount is payable for cancellations less than 24 hours before the scheduled time. No charge for cancellations 24 hours or more before scheduled time (if less than 48 hours, notification by telephone at 617-877-5666 is required; if more than 48 hours, e-mail to tango@shahrukhmerchant.com is sufficient. If there are unavoidable circumstances outside your control (serious illness or injury, death in family, job transfer, etc.), please contact me and I will accommodate and give you full credit towards a future class or a whole or partial refund, depending on the circumstances. This cancellation policy is designed to be flexible and fair to all, but if you are affected by it and it doesn't meet your needs, please talk to me and I will try to come up with something that is mutually satisfactory.
Can’t make these classes but interested in future ones?
E-mail tango@shahrukhmerchant.com with your name, e-mail, phone and address, or just fill out the Contact Form, and we’ll keep you informed of future offerings. Private Lessons are also available by appointment ($60/hour for an individual or couple, $80/hour for 2 couples).
All Tango-related services presented by Shahrukh Merchant are done so on behalf of The Tango Foundation, Inc. Copyright 2003-2004 The Tango Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.