Learn to dance tango!
Have you always wanted to learn to dance Argentine tango, but for some reason you haven't dared to try it? Now's your chance: Tango Frostbite Festival's weekend-long intensive beginner course will introduce you to the intoxicating world of tango in the company of a safe, warm and approachable pair of teachers.
The course will be taught by dance teacher Saara Tuikkala (tanssinopettaja.fi) and Emilio Cornejo (Astor Tango). Here is their message to those of you who are thinking about participating:
"Teaching the basics of tango is a responsible task for us. The beginner course builds a strong foundation on which students' learning and dance development can grow. In our teaching, we emphasize the connection between the couple, the naturalness of the dance movement and the development of body language in relation to the music of Argentine tango.
Improvisation is included right from the beginning, as it is the heart of tango and the most important means of expression. Through improvisation, the dancer can find their own way of moving, interpreting and communicating with the music and their partner - and at the same time experience the unique freedom and presence of tango."
The course duration is 6 hours
Class times:
21.2. at 13.45-15.15 and 16.00-17.30
22.2. at 12:00-13:30 and 13:45-15:15
- You can register with your partner or alone
- The same number of people who have registered as leaders and followers will be included, a maximum of 15 couples in total.
- The course will change partners from time to time, but if you wish, you can also dance only with your partner
- The language of instruction of the course is Finnish, and if necessary, also English/Spanish.
- Course location: El Àtico dance studio, Kumplantie 1 (8th floor).
- Arrival instructions: You can enter the building from the lower door by calling the number on the door (+358 45 8560608), which will open the door (we will not answer the call, so you will not be charged). Take the elevator to the 8th floor, walk a few steps to the right, and you are there!
Tango is breathtakingly beautiful and often captivates dancers from the very first embrace. Come and experience the magical charm of tango for yourself!
Watch the teachers' greetings!
Tervehdys_EmiliojaSaara
Registration for the Beginners' Course
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We sell class packages in the Tango Frostbite online store (Dance Roll).
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We aim for role balance in the course. We recommend registering with your own partner, but you can also sign up without one if you prefer. In that case, please select either the follower's or leader's beginner course package.
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You can also look for a partner in our Facebook group: Tango Frostbite 2026 Partner Search.
What to bring?
It is a good idea to bring comfortable exercise clothes, a water bottle and dance shoes to class. If you don't have dance shoes, smooth-soled shoes, slippers or even woollen socks are suitable. NOTE! Outdoor shoes must be left outside the hall in the hallway.
There will be a break between the beginner course classes, during which you can warm up and eat snacks in El Atico's kitchen.
What is Argentine tango?
Argentine tango is a music style and social dance that originated in the suburbs of Buenos Aires in the 19th century.
The golden age of tango music was from 1935 to 1952, and recordings from that era make up the majority of the music still played at milongas (tango dance events) today.
Why dance Argentine tango?
Argentine tango is suitable for enthusiasts of all ages, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace. The dance emphasizes a good embrace and a strong connection with your partner. While there’s plenty of technique to explore and practice, mastering the basics, maintaining a positive attitude, and interpreting the music are more than enough to enjoy dancing Argentine tango for years to come.
Argentine tango has grown into an international social dance that you can enjoy in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and Kuopio—or almost anywhere, from Kyiv to Berlin and Paris to Tokyo.
Welcome to our tango community!
"I took a beginner's course in Argentine tango and got a wonderful hobby where I can express myself through dance and I've made lots of new friends!"
"I couldn't have guessed how hard I fell in love with tango and that I would go dancing abroad every year."
"The beginner's course was interesting and the teachers made us relax, even though everyone was a bit nervous. We learned basic steps and a lot about good dance technique. I don't know much yet, but I want to go dancing."
"I took Tango Frostbite's beginner course, after which I had to continue with beginner/advanced level classes at El Ático in Helsinki"
Teachers
Saara Tuikkala
Representing Finland among our cast of tango maestros, Saara Tuikkala is a well-loved and experienced professional with 30 years of teaching partner dances, including ballroom and Argentine tango, under her belt. She is also a qualified dance educator (B.A. in Dance Pedagogy, STOL) who combines clear pedagogy with a warm, encouraging atmosphere. Deeply in love with tango, Saara inspires her students to succeed. With an academic background in natural sciences, she brings structured concepts making the teaching understandable. At Tango Frostbite, she hopes to transmit her deep love of tango to the students taking their first steps at the two-day intensive course.
She is joining the festival lineup for the first time, performing and teaching with Emilio Cornejo.