Tangotanzen macht schön

Tangotanzen macht schön: A Tango School in Kreuzberg’s Rear Building

The address is Oranienstraße 185; the path there leads through the courtyard entrance and into the rear building on the second passage, ground floor right. From there, it’s just a few minutes to Görlitzer Bahnhof and Kottbusser Tor. The studio is larger than one might expect behind a Kreuzberg facade, with parquet flooring, a ventilation system, and a large bar in the milonga room. The school was founded and is run by the teacher couple Susanne Opitz and Rafael Busch, who themselves regularly teach as guest instructors in Germany. Additionally, there are thirteen other instructors.

Classes are taught for all dance levels and age groups, with each session lasting seventy-five minutes. In addition to regular courses, the school organizes its own milongas and special dance evenings for beginners, as well as themed workshops and tango trips, where solo travelers are explicitly welcome.

Why Tango Works After a Breakup

Argentine Tango is the rare case of a partner dance where you come alone and still dance with a partner all evening. Partners switch from one song to the next; you don’t have to bring anyone or explain why you’re there unaccompanied. Furthermore, there’s no talking in tango. All communication happens through posture, weight, and direction, which is a real relief for someone who has just done enough analyzing and discussing.

Starting is straightforward. A single class costs 20 Euros, 18 Euros reduced, and an eight-class card is 140 Euros. Those who want to delve in deeper can opt for a monthly flat rate or a private lesson with an instructor of their choice. Registration is done via message or email, and the studio has its own shop with tango shoes, dresses, and textiles from its own production. Ideally, the first evening doesn’t end with a class, but at a milonga.