Argentine Tango Classes
Authentic Argentine Tango, group and private lessons
tango, milonga and vals
Jorge "Gem" Duras has been dancing tango for 26 years and teaching professionally since 2003. In 1990's he studied with the original cast members of the famous show Forever Tango, in particular the legendary Carlos Gavito. He then visited Buenos Aires numerous times to study advanced technique, ballet and stage tango with younger Forever Tango stars Francisco Forquera and Jesus Velazquez, receiving his tango certificate.
In his classes he emphasizes the "non-verbal communication" and "partner connection" aspect of tango to enable the students to dance with others at local tango events and throughout the world including Buenos Aires. Although he offers choreography and performance classes for more advanced students to train them for weddings, special events and shows, the essence of tango "where the two partners become one" is never forgotten. Gem follows the current trends in tango by visiting Buenos Aires multiple times each year and inviting Argentine guests to the Connecticut Tango Festival, which he organizes annually.
Pricing and Locations
Standard pricing: Each 1 hr drop-in class is $25 with monthly registration, additional drop-in hour at any location the same week is $15, with the week starting on Monday. $15 intro group class for new dancers. Group class rates are based on monthly subscription. Casual drop-ins are $30, first hour, $20 additional hour. Intro one hour private lesson: $80 including facility rental. Ask for rates for regular privates and full time college student discount.
Dance more, get better!
Milford Mondays 7:00-8:00 pm: Essentials |
No activity Tuesdays |
Norwalk Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm: Essentials/Beginners |
No activity Thursdays |
Middletown Fridays Privates in the afternoon (schedule with the instructor) |
West Hartford Saturdays 11:30-12:30 pm: Essentials/Beginners Fred Astaire West Hartford: 141 South Street, Unit F, West Hartford, CT. Directions... |
Greenwich Sundays 7:00-8:00 pm: Essentials Fred Astaire Greenwich: 37 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich. Directions... |
Norwalk Sundays Privates (schedule with the instructor) Dance Dimensions: 15 Cross Street, Norwalk, CT. Directions... |
Private Lessons:
The fastest and most technically detailed way to learn! We offer private instruction for all levels, for individuals or couples and small groups. We would be happy to address specific technical details or choreograph a dance.
We can also teach you to dance an incredible tango that will be unforgettable on your wedding or commitment day!
For detailed information please contact us.
Instruction at Special Events:
How about a one hour fun tango class at a birthday or holiday party? How about your wedding? An introductory but fun tango class can definitely lighten up any mood, and create connection between the participants of your event.
How about preparing a wedding dance?
For detailed information please contact us.
Sample Workshop Themes:
Paradas and Pasadas: The Art of Interruption
Learn the art of elegant interruptions and the beauty of strong responses.
Sensational Sacadas
Invade your partner's space and make each other's legs fly. Subtle or dramatic, we will cover follower and leader sacadas and exciting combinations.
Planeos and Enrosques
Wind and Unwind - let your feet paint elegant circles on the floor!
Volcadas and Carpas
Fall into the arms of your partner: Dramatic leans and legs!
Hooked on Ganchos
How to lead and follow creative ganchos and make them sexy!
Cool Colgadas
Suspend in the air with a fragile balance! Enter a world of possibilities with one of the most dynamic tango figures!
Milonga Traspie
Spice up your milonga and tango of any tempo with rhythmic steps - learn the beauty and FUN of traspie!
What is new?
CTNow video feature
2015 CT Tango Fest opening Milonga as featured on CTNow (Hartford Courant). Gem Duras performing and teaching with Dale Ellison.
recent performance videos
Gem Duras and Dale Ellison perform at the CT Tango Fest 2018, in Norwalk, CT
Gem Duras and Linda Mejia perform at the CT Tango Fest 2017, Tango Passion Show
Gem Duras and Sarah Bell perform in Milford, CT
Gem Duras and Dale Ellison perform in Charleston, SC
Gem Duras and Linda Mejia perform in Wilton, CT
Gem Duras and Dale Ellison perform in Charleston, SC
Gem Duras and Dale Ellison perform in New York, Triangulo
Gem Duras and Dale Ellison perform to Paris, Texas at Vitti's Dance Studio
Gem Duras and Valentina Molina perform at the Crystal Theater
Dale and Gem's performance for Yale Tango Club in New Haven in 2009
Tango Sueño Performance Group at the 2011 CT Tango Fest
Dale and Gem's performance at the Rhythm Club in Norwalk, CT