Click here for a video of Mrs. Ronina and David Mendoza demonstrating the Argentine Tango (Watch in 720P)

Mrs. Ronina of Mills’ Mathematics Department has graciously invited two professional dance instructors, David and Nancy Mendoza, to host free Argentine Tango classes in the dance room every Friday after school. She believes that it is an excellent idea for students to engage in something so passionate and powerful like the close embrace of two tango dancers.

“I wanted to share my love of dance and in particular, Argentine Tango with the students. I have previously taken classes with both David and Nancy, and they are very good at teaching all levels of students, ranging from beginners to advanced. They are able to instill the proper foundations needed for any beginning student. They were actually my first instructors,” explained Mrs. Ronina.

Mr. David and Nancy Mendoza began the classes by teaching fundamental footwork to the students. They have steadily progressed to more complex movements such as “ochos” since the first classes in October. Throughout the lessons, David Mendoza also emphasizes the importance of learning the cultural aspects of the dance by conveying tidbits of information regarding the origins of certain steps.

“In addition to instructing the students dance moves, we’ve also been teaching them about the different styles of tango. There’s a lot of unique history and interesting culture behind the dance,” Mr. Mendoza explained.

Currently, about fifteen students, mostly upperclassmen, and some staff members such as Ms. Durham, the school nurse, and counselor Mr. Nakamoto, attend the class. Most of the students, however, are females, creating a slight inequality in gender roles.

Mr. Mendoza encourages more students, especially males, to attend the class: “There are a lot more girls than boys here. If more guys could attend that would be better, since right now everyone is learning how to lead [traditionally a male’s role] and how to follow. The tango is easy to learn, and it’s really good for kids to learn it now. It is similar to raising a baby; there are no mistakes to correct, just starting from scratch and going through stages.”

Similarly, Mrs. Ronina would also like to get more people to participate in the classes.

“It is important for all to have a hobby that they are passionate about. Sometimes it takes time to find an activity that one enjoys. These Friday classes provide students with an opportunity to try something new, something very unique, that might end up being their life-long hobby,” Mrs. Ronina stated.

Many of the classes’ students find the class enjoyable and exciting. Some students really get inspired to dance, even practicing outside the dance room when class is over.

“I have a lot of fun dancing with my friends, and the tango is actually really addictive,” Alba Peris, a junior, said.

The Argentine Tango class Mrs. Ronina hosts and the Mendozas instruct is a wonderful opportunity for all to try. In the class, students can learn all about the beautiful history and culture of the tango in the best possible way: by dancing it. The classes are free and anyone can attend them every Friday after school in the dance room from three-thirty to four-thirty p.m. Joining the class might just get your feet moving passionately to the powerful music that is tango. Check out millsthunderbolt.org for more photographs and even a video of the class!