About the instructors...
Marika Landry
She was drawn to dance at an early age, studying jazz, modern and classical techniques. In 1997 she turned her full attention to Argentine Tango. Marika has studied with and been influenced by many tango masters and has rapidly gained an international professional reputation. Since 2004 she has toured Europe on 4 occasions, teaching and performing in Switzerland, France, Germany and Italy.
Recognized for her precision, fluidity and interpretive range, Marika is often sought to teach technique for women. In class she shares techniques to help one achieve relaxed postural balance and to develop controlled articulation and correct placement of the body and feet for directional accuracy as well as attractive lines, poetic ornamentation and ease in complexity and rhythm. She is also concerned with heightening ones sensitivity to connection and the subtle transference of cues between partners. With a strong belief that through tango a woman can express her femininity, Marika inspires sensuality and elegance.
More information about Marika can be found at www.tangofabrika.com.
Robin Thomas
A well-known and respected dancer and DJ, Robin's enthusiasm for Argentine tango can be seen most clearly in his wholehearted dedication to teaching. He believes that it is very important for students to dance simply and musically from the very beginning. Building that strong base of connection and musicality early, Robin believes, will allow even very new beginners to feel comfortable and confident on a crowded dance floor and will also lead to a more comprehensive and fluid understanding of more complicated techniques later on. Robin's teaching style reflects this philosophy, and his students appreciate the humorous but still down-to-earth way he presents the material.
Robin's travel schedule is a busy one, reflecting his growing popularity as a teacher and tango DJ. Recently, he has taught in Portland, Denver, Ann Arbor, Washington DC, Seattle, Berlin, Edinburgh, San Diego, Providence, Pittsburgh and at the universities, Yale, Princeton, and Cornell.
More information about Robin can be found at www.robinthomastango.com.