Michael Tennant:
Michael began his tango journey in Seattle under mentorship from Jaimes Friedgen, Homer Ladas and Greg Rolnick. Embracing all aspects of tango, Michael is inspired by the richness of tango music and its intimate relationship with the dance. Driven by his curious, inventive nature, he continuously pushes his personal limits in musical expression and dynamic, fluid motion.
Michael’s teaching encompasses a blending of open & close embrace tango principles while accentuating connection, musicality, and elegance. He strives to create a relaxed, open-minded learning environment for his students and enjoys being part of their overall development. Michael emphasizes a shared responsibility in the dance partnership and encourages his students to cultivate their inner creative energy... enhancing their own personal dance.
Instructors who have been instrumental in Michael’s tango development include: Jaimes Friedgen, Homer & Cristina Ladas, Carrie Whipple, Greg Rolnick & Lera Thompson, Mario Consiglieri & Anabella Diaz-Hojman, Mariano “Chicho” Frumboli, Sebastian Arce & Mariana Montes, Mariana Dragone, Fabrizio Forti, "El Pulpo" Esbrez & Luiza Paes, Cecilia Gonzalez, Oliver Kolker & Luna Palacios, Eugenia Parilla, Damian Rosenthal & Celine Ruis and many others.
Michael is currently based in St Louis, Missouri where he DJs and teaches regular classes.
Carol Smith:
Dancing has been a part of Carol’s life since childhood. She has an extensive background in several dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz and salsa which provides her with a creative insight into intricate body mechanics and musical interpretation. Since the beginning, tango captivated her because of its complex dynamics and the range of personal expression conveyed through connection to the music and a partner.
As an instructor, Carol focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere for students of all experience levels, encouraging and helping them through the development of their own tango. She enjoys watching her students grow and strives to infect new dancers with her passion for tango. Her elegant fluidity on the dance floor is inspirational and beautiful to watch. She has taught and performed with Michael throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Carol has studied tango with Jaimes Friedgen, Homer Ladas, Carrie Whipple, Greg Rolnick & Lera Thompson; as well as, Mario Consiglieri & Anabella Diaz-Hojman, Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli, Sebastian Arce & Mariana Montes, Mariana Dragone, Silvina Vals, Fabrizio Forti, Cecelia Gonzalez, Eugenia Parilla, "El Pulpo" Esbrez & Luiza Paes and Damian Rosenthal & Celine Ruis.
Carol currently teaches in conjunction with Pivotal Tango and The 8th Style in Seattle, Washington.
Natalia Kolk:
Natalia has been in love with dance since her elementary school days and in the years since, has studied several dance forms, particularly; ballet, modern, contact improvisation and now, tango. She first discovered tango while a dance major in college looking for a new form of creative movement. Natalia was immediately captured by the intimate connection and graceful partner interactions associated with tango.
Her wealth of dance experience gives her great understanding of body articulation and fluid motion. She views teaching as an extension of her love for the dance, and seeks to create a balance between technical precision and playfulness in the classroom. Natalia has studied tango extensively throughout the US and Buenos Aires and continues to seek out new tango experiences she can share with her students.
Natalia is currently based in St Louis, Missouri where she teaches regular classes.