Lisette Perelle

Dancing since the age of 5, Lisette began her training in gymnastics. From there her education continued to Hula, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Ballroom, Argentine Tango and Theater. She received her B.A. Degree from Northeastern University in Speech Communications concentrating in Television and Film production. She has worked in the film industry for over 14 years and has won Canada's Lotus award for Producer of the Best PSA commercial in 1996. Her Minor was in Theater.

She danced and performed with Northeaster Dance Theater Company in 1986-88 where she did choreography under the direction of Sarah Umberger. She was very involved in theater since childhood where she not only acted, sang and danced, but also choreographed numbers for the musicals, "Ghetto" and "Working". She has since done choreography for a music video for the singer Jenifer Taylor.

She was a member of the Argentine performance company called Ballet Pampa Argentina under the direction of Pampa Cortes for 2 years. She has starred in 2 tango film shorts, "Burn" and "Tango in the Park" as well as performed on television for KQED in San Francisco.

Lisette trained in Argentine tango with Julian "Miller" Ramil, Pampa and Valeria Cortes, Fabian Salas, Mariana Flores and Eduardo Cappussi, Julio Balmeceda and Corina de la Rosa, Mariano "Chicho" Framboli, Mariana Dragone, Sabastian Arce and Mariana Montes, Carlos Gavito, El Flaco Danny Garcia, Omar Vega, Daniel Juarez and Alejandra Armenti and many others. She spends extensive time in Buenos Aires each year training as well as teaching.

She has taught tango in the Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Sacramento and Mendocino. She has also taught in Palm Beach, Florida and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has not only performed in her home state of California, but also in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Presently, she is teaching locally in the Bay Area and is currently Directing and Shooting her own Documentary on tango. She is an elegant dancer and patient teacher who concentrates on the techniques necessary for smooth, powerful and beautiful dancing. She works with the whole body focusing on connection, alignment, lines and beautifying steps.

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Ernest Williams

Ernest Williams first discovered Tango in 2000. With Argentina’s Fernando Filipelli as his
instructor it  quickly became a lifestyle. While living in Hawaii in 2002 Ernest began teaching tango
formally at the request of fellow dancers who recognized his ability to translate the more difficult concepts. 
Since 2003 Ernest has traveled nationally and internationally gathering a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of dance from various sources.  He has conducted workshops, seminars and/or dance exhibitions across the country, cities such as Richmond, Charlotte, Washington D.C.,
Baltimore, Philadelphia, Nashville, St. Louis, Wichita, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Honolulu and Chicago.  
He has also taught several intensive tango and milonga seminars in Montevideo, Uruguay
and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  

Some of his most notable US performances include the musical Candombe: Tango
Negro with choreographer Carina Losano and the famous Candombe group Cuareim
1080 at the Gala Theatre in Washington, DC.

During a sojourn to the Rio de la Plata region of South America, he was a three-
time featured tango performer on “La Ciudad de Tango”, a live national TV show in
Uruguay and a two-time featured candombe dancer with the high- profile candombe
organization La Gozadera in Montevideo.

Ernest is regularly recognized and celebrated as an exceptional social dancer at milongas,
tanguerias and other social events across the US and South America and receives
innumerable requests to give demonstrations. He has also given special exhibitions in
milonga con traspie and salsa at the famous milonga/tangueria Viejo Correo in Buenos Aires.  

He is constantly innovating new and unique teaching methodologies and concepts to challenge all levels of dancers to think outside of the box. A graduate of the “Master para Maestros” program at La Escuela Argentina del Tango in Buenos Aires, Ernest’s teaching style is clear and detailed, and his profound knowledge of the many forms of Tango make him an ideal instructor for both the beginner and the advanced tanguero.

Maricela Wilson

Maricela Wilson has trained in dance forms as divergent as hip hop, ballet, tap, jazz,
modern interpretive, African folkloric, salsa, mambo and cha cha.  
Her talent and abilities have been recognized from the very beginning, so much so
that she was able to pay her tuition by working as an assistant to her instructors.

Maricela's first love and expertise is in Salsa, Mambo and Cha Cha.  
A protégé of Michael Angelo Mendez of the Dance Academy of Salsa, Maricela's unique
style has earned her a brilliant reputation throughout the Chicago salsa scene.  She is an accomplished
leader and follower, highly sought after on the dance floor for her skills.

Maricela has recently become a tanguera under the tutelage of Ernest and is now his partner in their
many appearances at Tango events around the country.

Her teaching philosophy is to have fun first and foremost but also to give
her students a strong foundation along with the latest cutting edge moves and concepts.

Together Ernest and Maricela represent the future of tango while respecting the past. They are playful and youthful with their dance.  They believe in knowing the rules before breaking them and that anyone can learn from anyone else, thus they are always seeking knowledge and inspiration from all walks of life.

They are an exciting new couple on the national scene with something truly different to offer, so come check them out.

Check their Web site

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Lana Nasser

"The body is a musical instrument, like a violin, reed, or drum. Dance is a tool to tune the keys, open the air passage-ways, loosen the skin- or tighten it…To dance is to simply allow the body to move the way it wants to…to express, to flow, and to be a channel for creative energy." L. Nasser


Performer, writer, and researcher, Lana is a self-trained dancer and singer, with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Consciousness Studies. Her choreography and teaching draw on her study of Middle Eastern mythology, archetypal psychology, and dreams. Lana has been living in the United States for the past 14 years; she taught and gave workshops in California and New Mexico. She leads trips to Jordan twice a year- the place of her birth and upbringing. Her one-person performance "Arab Woman Talking" was first born in March 2008; it is the accumulation of her training and research; re-opening in June. Samples and details at :

www.ArabWomanTalking.com

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Todd & Marizabel

Todd Martin and Marizabel Arango formed TangoAlma in 1999, and with their unique chemistry have become one of the most popular tango performing and teaching couples in California.  Their performances have taken them across the continental United States, Hawaii and Mexico, sharing the stage with some of the world’s greatest tango dancers. 

They bring to the dance not only technical mastery but an amazing ability to flow from sensuality to comedy to sassiness while keeping faithful to the magical embrace that makes tango the world’s most expressive dance. Between them they posses an extensive background in classic music, dramatic arts, other social and ethnic dances including belly dance, hip hop, modern, flamenco and swing dancing. 

They are recipients of the House of Argentina Millennium Commission 2000 Award for Outstanding Dedication to the Dance and Music of Tango.  Performances have included the popular Las Vegas and New Orleans Tango Conventions as well as appearance with the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Camarada Chamber Ensemble.

STAY TUNED FOR THEIR WORKSHOPS SOON

Check their web site

Judith Hutcheson

Judith Hutcheson is a certified Instructor in the The Method® Pilates of the PhysicalMind Institute.  She has been teaching Pilates for three years and has a background in dance and bodywork. She teaches at the Piedmont Adult School as well as other East Bay Pilates businesses.

The Method® Pilates Mat classes consist of floor and standing exercises using Pilates’ principles. This method of physical conditioning is designed to isolate and work muscle groups without joint stress. The classes focus on core and pelvic floor strengthening, flexibility, and posture.  The benefits include enhanced over-all well-being, ease of movement, strength, and appropriate body and postural alignment – all of which are appropriate for any age or fitness level.

Prerequisites: Participants must have taken some Pilates or Yoga classes before taking intermediate Pilates Mat classes.

Judith teaches at Tango Magdalena on Monday nights. Classes limited to 10 students per class. Please visit her website for details:

Lakiesha Golden

LaKiesha Golden is a performing artist of more than 10 years with a specialization in Congolese Dance, central african dance from the Congo.  Currently, Ms. Golden is an Artist in Residence, teaching in Oakland Unified School District high schools via Dimensions Dance Theater.  She also teaches Congolese dance at Dance Mission Theater in San Francisco.  Previous to residing in Oakland, CA, Ms. Golden's dance career was dedicated to Bichini Bia Congo Dance Theater, which means "dancers of the Congo", directed by Biza Sompa in Ann Arbor, MI.  Astonishingly, LaKiesha had the opportunity of studying Congolese dance and culture in Congo-Brazza (RC), Central Africa in 2005 and in Paris, France in 2002 and 2003. 

Due to living in the Midwest, Ms. Golden also learned an urban style of Ballroom Dance a.k.a. Motown Style Ballroom or Club Style Ballroom, which she gained a great passion for.  Among training through Congolese and other African dance classes, LaKiesha has had experience with other forms of dance including but not limited to Haitian, Salsa, Jazz, Dancehall, Modern, Ballet, Hip-Hop and Swing, and other social dances.

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Rachel

Rachel has been involved in the Bay Area salsa and Latin music scene for more than 15 years. She has performed in San Francisco Carnival, taught salsa in various youth programs and has choreographed for numerous festival performances. Rachel focuses on Cuban style salsa, also known as Casino, and draws on her travels to Cuba and the Bay Area Cuban dance community for inspiration. She is passionate about dance and has recently added Tango to her repertoire. She enjoys sharing her love of salsa with others, especially those new to the genre.

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Ruben Harymbat

&

Enriqueta Kleinman

Ruben Harymbat (Ruben de Pompeya) is a milonguero from the golden era of tango. Ruben was born, bred and still living with his wife Haydee in the Buenos Aires barrio of Pompeya. Ruben known as "Ruben de Pompeya" is 69 years old. He began dancing when he was 14 years old. In those days before professional teaching developed, he learned from his brothers and male cousins and friends. They would practice together every year to participate in the annual carnival.
Although highly respected for his dancing, Ruben never wanted to take his dancing to a professional level. He describes himself as a humble man who has always kept a low profile. Ruben worked for 43 years in the Argentine Post Office; the first 10 years as a locksmith. He later became responsible for the Department of Locksmiths of the Argentine Post office.
Ruben raised his family with his wife, Haydee, "a beautiful dancer" he says. But Haydee had problems with her knees which means she can no longer dance.
Ruben's passion for the tango is evident as soon as you see him on the dancer floor. His energy belies his age, or perhaps it is indicative of the many years he has expressed himself through the dance. Ruben is the "master of improvisation" and owner of enormous creativy. Ruben is highly sought out dancer in Argentina for performances. His performance partners have included Anna Maria Schapira, Alicia Pons, Susana Miller, Maria Plazaola, Enriqueta Kleinman , and Marisa Galindo among others. Ruben was invited to perform in November 2007 for the Congress of the Nation of Argentina in homage in "Recognition to the Milongueros of the night in Buenos Aires."
Ruben's first visit to the United States was last year when he participated in the 2008 Chicago Mini Tango Festival. Ruben has also participated in the 2007 and 2008 Festival Tango Estilo Milonguero. He has given seminars with Susana Miller and Maria Plazaola at "La Academia" in Buenos Aires. Ruben has also made numerous trips to Brazil to teach and perform.
Enriqueta has danced tango for over 15 years. She presently teaches group and private classes in Buenos Aires. The classes are for both men and women. She is an expert in Salon Tango - Milonguero Style, Tango Waltz and Milonga. Enriqueta also specializes in teaching technique for women and has led many courses and seminars. She performed at the Third and Fifth Metropolitan Championships in Buenos Aires. She has done a number of performances in Buenos Aires including at Salon Canning, Cachirulo (Maipu 444), and at the Confiteria Ideal at the First Milongueando Festival in Buenos Aires. She has been an instructor at Susana Miller's La Academia and presently teaches at Maipu 444. Enriqueta has taught and performed in San Diego, Iowa, Chicago, and at 2008 May Madness at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Enriqueta also speaks English, having lived for several years in New York City. Enriqueta is also an artist by profession.
For more information go to http://www.enriquetak.com.
For information regarding Enriqueta's paintings go to http://www.enriquetakleinman.com.ar

WORKSHOP or CLASSES In MARCH 2009

Tam Jai Yoga with Katherine

I first discovered yoga a decade ago while living in Northern Thailand where I studied yoga and Thai massage. In this community I learned many powerful lessons about the mind-body connection which continue to inform both my practice and my instruction.
I have been blessed to be able to study with a variety of generous and gifted teachers. My current mentors include Ann Dyer who has exposed me to the wonders of sound and chanting, and Gay White who has opened my eyes to the beauty of yoga movement. I am an active member of Gay’s Yoga Garden Dancers and have been working closely with the troupe in rehearsing an original work to be debuted in April, 2009.
I am also currently enrolled in Piedmont Yoga Studio’s 200-hour Advanced Training Program where I am deepening my knowledge of anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodologies.
I am an educator by profession (language arts, literature, ESL) with 20 years of classroom experience. This has given me a deep understanding of the importance of trust and compassion in the classroom and the power of metaphor to instruct and inspire students.
There are so many styles of yoga being taught these days; it’s important for people to choose the class environment and structure that suits them best. I emphasize curiosity in my classes--the instructor is the guide but the student on the mat is the best judge of what feels inherently right. This allows students to rediscover their physical and mental acuity each time they enter the classroom.
I encourage my students to explore their physical and mental edges, to savor the breath, and to stay rooted in the present moment. In short, to experience the joy that yoga can bring!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. I hope to see you in class!

Check her web site

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Alana Zerbini

Alana Zerbini has been practicing yoga since 2003 in California. In 2008, she received her certification from the Heartwood Institute in Garberville, Ca. Her focus is in the Iyengar style, and she has a daily meditation practice. Her teachers are Juliet Heizman at the Yoga Center in Santa Cruz, Ca, Vicki Russell Bell, in Oakland, Ca and Gayna Uranski in Garberville, Ca.

IYENGAR YOGA: Held poses allow students to pay close attention to the precise muscular and skeletal alignments this system demands. Specific to Iyengar is the use of props: belts, chairs, blankets, bolsters & blocks.

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Tangia Hardy

Tangia Hardy was born on April 1, 1975 in Bridgeport, Connecticut where she resided for the majority of her life.  Since the young age of 8, she became actively involved in the arts and holds a particular love and zest for dance.   She studied gymnastics for 6 years, was a cheerleader in both high school and college, plays the flute, participated in her high school marching band, and studied various forms of dance, which includes African, Modern, Jazz, Latin, and Hip Hop. 

In 1997, she attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a BS in Family Studies.   In 2000, she traveled throughout Central America for a year and a half and studied the Latin American culture and language.  In 2002, she moved to Maryland to pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland and graduated in 2005.  She is currently in the process of receiving her LCSW this year.  

Her love for dance and body movement transcended into health and fitness and in June 2005, she was certified to teach aerobics professionally. Since that time, she’s taught various group instruction classes at the YMCA in Bridgeport, CT and has helped women obtain and maintain their ideal body image through personal training.   In November 2008, she moved to California with her fiancé and currently works as a child therapist in the school system.  In her spare time, she continues to participate in various different dance and mental health workshops offered throughout the United States.  She is dedicated to addressing women’s fitness and mental health needs and understands that a healthy mind and body is vital to maintain a happy spirit. 

Her dance aerobics classes will guarantee some exciting personal time after a long day.  You’ll meet new people, learn to feel good about yourself, learn new dance moves, and maintain your ideal body image!  The dance moves are easy to follow, naturally increase your energy level, helps with weight loss, increases muscle strength, will spice up your life, and most of all is fun to do! “Remember, creating a healthy lifestyle is a choice.  You can make it happen! “ (Tangia) 

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Ellarae Miner

Ellarae Miner was introduced to yoga as a child and developed a personal practice as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. She has taught informally since 2006 and is a recent graduate of The Niroga Institute’s Teacher Training program.

Over the past year, she has shared yoga professionally with a wide range of populations including incarcerated youth, the chronically ill, working professionals, and UC Berkeley students. Practicing yoga has greatly helped her physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now, with an explicit understanding of yoga’s physiological and philosophical function, she hopes to share and explore these benefits with others who hunger for self-realization

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Kate Henke

Trained for 9 years in the work of Zhander Remete (www.shadowyoga.com), who evolved the Shiolin martial art forms to integrate with yoga. Trained for 16 years by Mark Horner (www.horneryoga.com), Kate has been able to heal injuries, release blocked energies and gain freedom of movement, fitness and strength.

 Kate's body awareness began at age 7 with classical ballet training from Russian teacher. Explorations in African, modern, and freestyle dance forms has helped free-up the structure of ballet imposed, however, steady yoga practice is what has allowed a true ‘unwinding’ of old patterns and has cultivated a more balanced strength and flexibility.

Until now, Kate has taught this method 9 years only in private clubs/classes and has assisted many students in gaining awareness and ease in movement. 

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Jennifer has been studying dance since she was five years old, training in ballet, jazz and modern dance. Her love of belly dance (Middle Eastern Dance) was awakened when she was 12 years old when her dad took her to The Marrakesh Restaurant in Las Vegas and she saw her first belly dance performance.  It wasn't until she lived in Santa Barbara in 1996 that she started studying this art form and began training with Alexandra King, world-renown teacher, dancer, and director of the Middle Eastern Dance Ensemble at UCSB.
After moving to San Diego in 2002 her training became intensely focused while studying under teacher and mentor, Meleah.  She started dancing professionally and teaching in 2004, performing weekly in many local San Diego restaurants and clubs such as The Marrakesh in La Jolla, The Armenian Cafe in Carlsbad, The Luxor Cafe, Turquoise Cafe, and performed live with the Middle Eastern musical group, Middle Earth. 

A deep love and respect for this art form has led her to study with the best teachers from all over the world, both from the U.S. and Middle East, including Mahmoud Reda, Raqia Hassan, Suhaila Salimpour, Jamila Salimpour, Tito, Cassandra, Hadia, Jillina, Judeen, Zahra Zuhair, Mesmera and many more.

WORKSHOP or CLASSES

Igor Polk

Igor Polk holds Russian masters degree in electrical engineering in automatic control systems. It has to do with something which can be called a Tango of Technology: Lead-and-Follow and various Oscillations and Rhythms and how things respond to it. Igor is an accomplished image analysis engineer and has a number of publications. He is an author of San Francisco virtual tour and Las Vegas virtual tour.

Igor Polk started to research Argentine Tango in 2001. He was concentrated on traditional tango with deep interest in vintage Tango. In 2007 he has founded Palo Alto JCC Tango Club where he teaches 3 times a week. Few people know as many tango styles as he does: Salon, Orillero, Apilado, Canyengue. Special technique developed by Igor allows Milonguero and Nuevo dancers to experience new heights. In tango he especially values complex tango rhythms, connection, energy, sharpness, smoothness, cadencia, structure, and dancing spirit.

Website : http://www.virtuar.com/tango/

WORKSHOP or CLASSES