Learn Argentine Tango Volume 1 4+

Best Argentine Tango app out there

Lots of video - lots of useful points and a great thing to use and learn from along with regular weekly classes.
Easy to practise things from this app series then try out on fellow dancers to get feedback and practise.

The video quality needs improving - there are now 1080p screens, 5.5" and 10" screens, 128GB devices - happy to pay extra for a larger quality version through an in app purchase for example or separate app. With AirPlay to an Apple ATV, some higher resolution video would be great.

Practical movements, sage advice. I'd recommend also getting at least volume VII for the musicality info (something that is excellent for a beginner to start on as soon as possible to get ahead of the pack).
volume V and VI for walking, Milonga also worthwhile too.

Please update the app and lose the splash screen or at least have it auto hide after a second or two.

Developer Response ,

Thank you, Tom, glad you enjoy it!

A good start to an interesting series

This is good: particularly at its modest price.

Alex Krebs is a well-known figure in the tango world, and his presentation and demonstration of fundamental principles and a small repertoire of typical tango actions is well done and very clear. In the time available (around 30 minutes) the initial introduction could perhaps have been shorter, and the time saved devoted to a better presentation of the giro or molinete turning pattern. The brief section that introduced the pattern really ended up presenting something different (but interesting), and the only entry shown was from a back ocho. But this criticism is very minor, and overall the material was very good.

Other volumes may treat their material differently, but there was little here that was not sequence or pattern based, and perhaps just a minute or two could have been found to talk about the essentially improvisatory aspect of tango as a social dance. That said, anyone who could use the elements shown (ie that the leader could lead them and the follower follow them) would have more than enough variety to begin to dance socially.

At a pinch, you could teach yourself using this material, but probably it would be a better approach to use it to reinforce instruction from an experienced tango teacher, or to create the initial interest to go and seek out a teacher. More volumes awaited with interest. I have not seen a better presentation of the basics of the dance in 30 minutes.

Useful for busy people who already take lessons

Expecting to learn Tango using an iPad app is impractical and even a little sad but this series does make an excellent accompaniment to the hobbyist who is already taking lessons. My wife and I have been learning Tango for a few years but our lifestyle doesn't allow us to spend too much time or mental effort practicing.

This app does allow you to study a series of moves and refer back to them anytime during home practice sessions. Sadly, that's about as far as it goes though they are well enough structured there is no wow factor in the lessons.

If the price doesn't bother you then by all means buy it, I am happy with it.

Developer Response ,

Thank you so much!