Gone are the 70 year old recordings and stuffy conservatism of traditional Argentine Tango. In its place is 'Neo Tango' electric fusion music, drawing from Platinum Age artists such as Gotan Project, Bajofondo and Otros Aires. No one doubts that Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley were brilliant musicians, but nightclubs today don't keep playing their music decade after decade. Why should tango milongas keep playing Gardel and Pugliese?
Also gone is rigid tradition. Instead we embrace the original creative impulse of early tango, drawing freely from all dance styles, both within the tango cannon and from other traditions. Fusion, creativity and experimentation supersedes the enshrinement of old-world conservatism. We waste no energy fussing over what is or is not "authentic tango." All we want to know is: Does it work and is it fun?!
This is Tango Fusion.
COME PLAY!
Derek Madson is the face behind Tango Fusion. He is a strong advocate for the "big tent" approach to dance, blending and sampling all the different dances rather than hiving them off into their own little hermetically sealed categories. He has crafted an easy to learn program of dance taught up and down Vancouver Island by hand picked instructors carefully chosen to retain his unique and fun teaching style.
Derek has been running dance classes and events since 2003, when he founded the highly successful Camosun Ballroom Dance Club, which he ran until 2011. Known for his clear and effective pedagogy, Derek keeps his program fun and light-hearted. He has taught and DJ'd at numerous venues in Victoria, including UVic, Camosun, the Edelweiss Club, Passion & Performance, the Martin Batchelor Gallery and the Black Stilt Cafe. Derek and his authorized assistants have taught his program up and down Vancouver Island, ranging from Victoria to Courtenay, Comox, Black Creek and Campbell River.
"You are by far the best dance teacher ever! Richard and I are very glad we are learning from you. We have both been to other dance instructors so I know what I am talking about! I just about gave up thinking I could ever learn the dance!"
- Jennifer and Richard, Victoria
"Bruce and I want you to know how much we enjoy our classes and how much
we appreciate you, your skill and your patience. We have learned so
much and had fun doing it. Definitely we will be back for more. Thank you!"
"Derek is a fantastic instructor, he keeps the atmosphere light and makes learning to dance easy!"
- Bruce and Ellen, Victoria
"Derek is a fantastic instructor, he keeps the atmosphere light and makes learning to dance easy!"
- Katie, UVic Student
"My wife and I recently took dance classes from Derek over the last several months and were thoroughly impressed by his ability to teach us a multitude of fairly complex moves in a short period of time. He did this with a mix of professionalism, patience, easy to follow instruction and humour. We definitely will return to learn more. Thanks Derek!"
- Brian, Victoria
“I’ve always wanted to learn Swing, but as a single 60-year old woman I had reservations about signing up for this class with no partner. I needn’t have worried. Not only is Derek a good teacher, he smoothly mixes it up so even couples learn to take dance cues from any partner and there are no wallflowers. Go. Have fun.”
"My partner Asmira (Bellydancer!) and I were pleasantly impressed with the deceivingly simple and progressive manner in which Derek Madson taught his beginner tango lesson during Yam Magazine Dance Days event. His articulation on technique was clear, and the exercises given to the class very helpful to real world social dancing. Derek has obviously honed his teaching style and given a lot of thought to the design of his tango program. I highly recommend his classes to anyone who has the slightest interest in Argentine tango and desires quick results to get dancing on the floor while learning proper techniques to build upon! He is by all accounts an expert in bringing tango within reach of the average person."
- Cynthia, Victoria
"My partner Asmira (Bellydancer!) and I were pleasantly impressed with the deceivingly simple and progressive manner in which Derek Madson taught his beginner tango lesson during Yam Magazine Dance Days event. His articulation on technique was clear, and the exercises given to the class very helpful to real world social dancing. Derek has obviously honed his teaching style and given a lot of thought to the design of his tango program. I highly recommend his classes to anyone who has the slightest interest in Argentine tango and desires quick results to get dancing on the floor while learning proper techniques to build upon! He is by all accounts an expert in bringing tango within reach of the average person."
- Richard Hum, Photographer for annual Victoria Tango Festival
