Friday, January 25, 2008

Try to tango

Master tango instructor makes it easy


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Besides teaching the Argentine tango Alex Krebs is a DJ, plays the sax and the bandonion, an instrument that captures the heart of tango music. Photo by

Dancer Alex Krebs, hailed as one of the Northwest's most innovative tango instructors, will return to the Wood River Valley this weekend to teach an Argentine tango workshop in Hailey. Krebs is responsible for establishing the Portland, Ore., tango scene and has several CDs to his credit.

"Alex was my first exposure to tango at a festival in Seattle," said workshop organizer and Argentine tango dancer Linda Reiss. "He is a highly sought-after instructor. He came two years ago. He is also a snowboarder, which is why he enjoys coming to Sun Valley."

It's rare to have someone with his talent in a small and intimate setting, Reiss said. He is known to take beginners and make them feel advanced in a relatively short period of time.

"Alex has a holistic approach and addresses steps, emotion, music and connection," Reiss said. "There is the tango trance, which is a euphoric experience and a nice place to reach."

Reiss said Krebs is a born teacher and knows how to point you in the right direction and is the best nurturer for any level.

"With beginners he is very kind," Reiss said. "But he will challenge you when you are advanced. A few of us in the valley consider him our first mentor. He makes everyone feel comfortable."

Reiss hopes the workshops and possible class opportunities could be the makings of a regional event attracting people from Boise, Montana, Salt Lake City and Spokane. In addition, there may be a possibility of a tango retreat to Mexico.

"We have lucked out with two workshops and now there may be more opportunity," Reiss said. "The nexStage Theatre would like to offer partner dancing and classes."

Learn to tango

What: Tango Fundamentals class with Alex Krebs.

When: Friday, Jan. 25. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Pratica dance: 8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26. First class: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Second class: 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Third class: 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Milonga—a dance party that Krebs will DJ. Additional classes Sunday, Jan. 27, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 to 6:15 p.m.

Cost: $75 or $20 per class. Private one-hour and semi-private lessons $80. Milonga is $10.

Where: The Gateway, 613 N. River St. in Hailey.

Details: reissort@cox.net or 788-6686.




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