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Carmel Magazine SP 15

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Tango for Two Teaches Self Expression SHORTCUTS NEIGHBORS 66 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 W hen Amy Lincoln and Santiago Croce welcome students to their Argentine tango classes, they often see newcomers grap- ple with the physical closeness that the dance requires. "You dance in an embrace. That's what sets tango apart," says Lincoln, who co-founded the Argentine Tango Academy of Monterey with Croce. "You're actually hugging somebody for three minutes or 10 minutes, depending on the music. It's a very rich dance." Lincoln, a Carmel High School graduate, was intro- duced to Argentine tango while visiting a Carmel friend living in Buenos Aires. Taken by the city's cul- ture and energy, she relocated there in 2004. After Lincoln met Croce, who grew up in Argentina, they dedicated themselves to learning steps, studying with master teachers and practicing in neighborhood milongas (dance venues) with other enthusiasts. For a few years, the couple traveled frequently between Argentina and Carmel. After they began teaching tango, they accepted invitations to host class- es in Berlin, Rome and beyond. Croce and Lincoln eventually settled on the Monterey Peninsula. In addi- tion to leading dance workshops throughout the United States, they offer year-round local tango instruc- tion. Beginners and advanced dancers can take part in weekly classes in Palo Alto and at Monterey's Blue Fin and the House of the Four Winds. Drop-in options and discounted class packages are available; Lincoln and Croce also take appointments for private lessons. Their goal is to teach techniques as well as the cul- tural context of Argentine tango. At its core, explains Croce, this is a social dance. "At the beginning, you can feel the students' con- cern," he says. "But after a month, people are more relaxed and more confident with themselves. It's not just movement—it's a deeper concept of dancing. We are not just teaching steps. We are teaching people how they can stretch themselves through movement." To view the Argentine Tango Academy of Monterey's class schedules, work- shop information and additional details, visit www.santiagoamy.com or call 831/920-7444. —Renee Brincks The tango is a sensual dance and cultural heart of Argentina. The Argentine Tango Academy of Monterey, founded by Carmel's Amy Lincoln and her Argentine partner Santiago Croce, offers classes and workshops. Photo: Kelli Uldall

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