Product Description

This book has proved so popular that it has now been published in its second, revised and expanded edition. There are now 260 pages and 133 illustrations. Three new chapters enhance the value. One is on considerations of the Axis, one about Tango Zen and a third is about the author's experiences of a trip to Buenos Aires in 2005.

What you get is the most readable, comprehensive dissection of Tango, as danced socially all over the world. The author has a clear grasp of what works and what doesn't, with explanations drawn from his own experiences as a student of numerous teaching styles. Of all the books about Tango, this is the one that helps.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #62976 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-18
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 260 pages

Marie Morrin Tango Times Dublin
This book may yield many useful insights for experienced dancers, but certainly deserves a place on the passionate beginner’s bookshelf.

Alex Krebs -Tango Teacher, Portland Oregon March 2004
Nice -- like a readable version of someone's tango diary.

A Beginner
It shows not only 'what' and 'how' but 'why' one dances Tango.

Customer Reviews

Read this if you're passionate about Tango - or want to be!
Unlike other reviewers, I'm a newcomer to Tango - six months in and still at the stage of apologising to my partner when I trip over his feet! But I would say that David's book is an inspiration to everyone.

I, as a beginner, am finding that every page contains new insights, new teachings and new 'ahhhh... now I understand.' He not only explains the background, the history, the steps, the techniques, but does it in a way that makes me want to get up and dance immediately!

At the same time, I am increasingly aware that this book offers depth and insights that are useful to experienced dancers; it's a cohesive critique of the dance, It shows not only 'what' and 'how' but 'why' one dances Tango - and the love that David himself has of this art form shines through with every word. (What also shines through are the lovely shots, of real people dancing real tango and loving it!)

Lastly, this is an enjoyable book to read; though it is a 'how to manual', it's not written like one. It's funny, entertaining and moving in turns - a good read in fact even if you are only marginally interested in Tango. Though I challenge even the most marginally interested not to become fascinated by the end of Chapter One!

Happy to be celebrating the second edition
When I first discovered David Turner's personal and passionate guide to Argentinian tango, I was a beginner of six months and described myself as 'still at the stage of apologising to my partner when I trip over his feet!".

I am now two years into my love affair with tango, and - while still occasionally needing to apologise! - have a much deeper understanding of the dance. Does that mean I think any less of David's book, just published in its second edition?

On the contrary. Now I not only appreciate, as I said eighteen months ago, that the book offers knowledge, teachings and insights suitable for beginners. I can also appreciate even more the depth that makes the book essential for experienced dancers. It is a cohesive and elegant critique of the dance, technically useful not only for revision but also for a deep understanding of why we do what we do when we dance.

The text is fast paced, quirky, humorous and always a good read. Knowledge is slipped in when you're not looking, among wonderful descriptions, inspiring comments, funny stories. But it's also moving - as emotional as is the tango ; it's a 'good read' as well as an instruction manual.

There are also now three new chapters - the one on David's recent visit to dance tango in Argentina contains not only advice on how to enjoy the dance experience, but tips on everything from food to street safety. The Tango Zen chapter - linking tango and buddhism, an unlikely combination but a fascinating one - has spurred me on to find out more about this variation on the central dance form.

And so David achieves the impossible - using words to teach what is a wordless activity. Bravo!

passport to a new world
A Passion for Tango lets you into the world of tango, its feeling and its physicality, via the author's own passion fo rit. The result is a wonderful journey. a handbook, and a lovely sympathetic path through the history as well as the dance steps and the feelings they go with them. Buy it!