Nina Tatarowicz from Tango Elixir on tango alignment:
Letʼs look at our Tango Alignment from the ground up. So starting with the feet:
We always make sure that our weight is on one foot or the other.
But how can we be sure that weʼre stable?
Try to find the connection onto the floor from the big toe root, the little toe root (which is your metatarsal: this band, but on the other side of my shoe) and the center of the heel. So, for followers, itʼs a little more challenging because of the stilettos, but both followers and leaders need to find that triangle connection.
So we have:
We change weight, ground, and think about spreading: so itʼs like, going in opposite directions, itʼs spreading. Spreading your foot to create that sense of grounding.
Keeping the ankles together, and making sure that you release the other leg. The knee comes in. The knee comes in: we donʼt keep it out– boom– it relaxes in.
We need to make sure that the legs stay springy, so making sure that thereʼs always a sense of bend and compression. So that theyʼre never locked completely back, and theyʼre never completely bent down where thereʼs no life. Always a little bit of that resistance.
Depending on your style, it can be more lifted, or it can be a little bit more bent. Also depends on the size of the step we want to take.
Every summer there are always a ton of great performances to see in Chicago. Here are some great shows coming up from some of the Companies that Chicago Dance Supply Sponsors!
Chicago Tap Theater Presents: Mama’s Boy - a tale of love, rivalry and revenge told entirely through tap dance and set to live music! This tap opera will be performed June 21 – June 30 at Stage 773.
For more information and tickets visit their website here: http://chicagotaptheatre.com/events/062113-mamas-boy
NoMi Dance Company Presents: A Few Great Men - an evening of exciting works past and present choreographed by some of Chicago’s finest male artists including Nomi’s own award-winning Dancer/Choreographer Paul Christiano!! This one night event takes place July 13 at The Athenaeum Theater.
For more information and tickets visit their website here: http://www.nomilamaddance.com/A_Few_Great_Men.html
Thodos Dance Chicago Presents: New Dances, a dance/choreography project that has fueled the evolution of Contemporary Dance in America for over a decade. This exciting show can be seen July 19-21 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
For more information and tickets visit there website here: http://www.thodosdancechicago.org/NewDancesConcertpage.html
Enjoy a great summer seeing some incredible dance! 
Chicago Dance Supply offers a wide selection of pointe shoes including Grishko, Repetto, Gamba, Capezio, Fuzi and Russian Pointe. Walk-ins welcomed but pointe shoe fitting appointments are highly recommended especially for first time fittings! contactus@chicagodancesupply.com or 773-728-5344
Photo: our current selection of pointe shoes available at Chicago Dance Supply.
Related links: Pointe shoes and accessories at Chicago Dance Supply
In addition to the talented local instructors who teach here on a regular basis, Chicago is fortunate to also attract internationally renowned Argentine tango maestros nearly every month. Below are videos of visiting instructors in May and June. For more information and to register for workshops, check out Tango Mango.
Virginia Pandolfi and Ney Melo
Sol Alzamora and Leandro Capparelli
Santiago Croce
We are excited to introduce the Entrada from the Classic line of Russian Pointe shoes. Flexible shank, high crown, medium toe platform. Great for dancers with high arches. Contactus@chicagodancesupply for your pointe shoe fitting appointment!
Now that we are officially past the winter season, it is starting to get pretty hot out quickly. Many dancers love this time of year. It’s a time when warming up is easier and staying warm isn’t even a question. The one downside is that now we are sweating more and for longer periods of time. Since 
performance season is in full swing, dancers need to make sure that they stay hydrated so that they can perform with ease and grace! Here are some easy ways to make sure you stay hydrated without hardly trying!
1) Water, water, water. Yes water is the key to all hydration, but not all water is created equal. As much as I am for drinking tap water with a reusable water bottle, there are times when it is necessary to drink water with electrolytes. Some examples would be: Smart Water, and Propel Fitness Water. Keeping your electrolytes up will help with replenishing your body’s needs.
2) Sports drinks: how to drink them. While I love a Gatorade from time to time, they aren’t always the healthiest choice. The problem is that sports drinks help replenish your sugar, potassium, electrolytes, and sodium. Everything your body might need to help it recover quickly. The down side is that the sugar isn’t the best in those drinks. A great way to use these is to add ice or water to them, which might sound gross, but it actually doesn’t taste that bad and it makes the sports drink better for you!
3) Fruits and Veggies! Most fruits and vegetables have a high amount of water in them. By adding around 3 servings of fruits and/or veggies at each meal you are increasing your water intake while giving your body energy and filling up on the good stuff. This is probably the easiest way to get extra water and nourishment in your body. It’s almost like you don’t have to even think about it! Just pack a few extra fruits and vegetables and you are set!
4) Track your fluids. At the end of the day if you are feeling a little weak and have a headache, you are probably dehydrated. If you’re not sure if you are getting enough fluids throughout your day, start tracking what kinds of fluids you drink and how much you get of them. This will create an awareness of your liquid intake and it might give you some insight into what you are and are not getting!
Tips:
-Always keep a water bottle with you
-Over pack on the fruits and veggies
-Don’t be afraid to buy water if necessary
-Listen to your body, if you’re feeling woozy take a second to drink some water, eat some food, and see how you feel. Take a break if you need it!
Resources:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-tips-for-staying-hydrated.html?page=3
Rejoice and be glad!
Hava Nagila (2007)
Choreography: Mark Yonally
Costume Design: Joshua Allard
Dancers: Rich Ashworth, Samantha O’Connell, Christine Thielke, Kirsten Uttich, Jessica Williams, Hannah Wilson, Jennifer Pfaff Yonally, Mark Yonally
Chicago Tap Theatre
The newest shipment of Comme il faut tango shoes arrived this week! Come in today for the best selection of styles in your size!
Photo: Leni in Comme il faut, ek pencil skirt, American Apparel top
