Review by Library Journal Review
Argentine tango is a beautiful and, some would say, addictive social dance, but it is also notoriously difficult to learn. However, this has not stopped its rising popularity in the United States. Fabian Salas is one of Argentina's leading dancers and frequently guest-teaches in this country. Basic Elements is the first volume in Salas's instructional series. The video opens with two numbers by Salas and his partner, Cecilia Gonzalez. (Unfortunately, the lighting is poor, making them difficult to see well.) Ten lessons follow that present the basic elements of Argentine tango, including the walk, the embrace, lead and follow, and figures and turns. The steps are filmed at different speeds and angles, and each lesson is clear, simple, and well thought out. Salas teaches in English and has a nice sense of humor, but at times his delivery can be stiff. Although few people are able to learn tango solely from a video, Basic Elements is still an excellent resource for both beginning and more advanced students. Highly recommended for public libraries. [Vol. 2: Basic Caminadas and Vol. 3: Basic Giros, each $29.95, are also available.]-Michelle Visser, Univ. of Colorado Lib., Boulder (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
