Argentine tango music filled the room as Dennis Lavrov danced with his partner, stopping periodically to critique and teach the other couples with him. 

Lavrov, an ecology, evolution and organismal professor, was the substitute instructor for an Argentine tango dance class Nov. 9.

Argentine tango dance classes take place every Sunday in room 3512 on the third floor of the Memorial Union. There are a variety of tango classes, beginning at basic levels, offered to the Ames community.

The Argentine tango is a complex improvisational dance, considered to be the most challenging of all the partnered dances.

“Tango is improvised, you dance with your partner and with the music. You don’t have to memorize anything. I danced tango all around the world. I started in London, and I now dance tango wherever I go. It’s all based on technique,” said Valerie Williams, the regular instructor of the class.

According to her website, Williams teaches students how to dance the melody by teaching improvisation as well as steps. Williams teaches all skill levels and also gives private lessons.

“I am a professional dancer. I make my living as a modern dancer and for me, social dance is a completely different thing, for me tango is the best intersection of technique and expression. I also love that I get to have a conversation with my partner while I’m dancing,” Williams said.

The first section of Argentine tango class takes place from 4 to 5 p.m. Beginners are introduced with a different figure or element of tango each week where they practice technique and beginning figure.

From 5 to 7 p.m., the dance floor is opened for more experienced dancers where they are able to show off their different styles.

“Depending on the Sunday, there is a variation of people who come to both the beginner’s classes and [to] attend the open dancing,” Lavrov said.

In Tango 1, the beginning level, individuals learn the basics of dancing, learn what it takes to get moving on the dance floor, how to dance from the center of the body and how to link basic figures.

In Tango 2, which is the intermediate level, individuals learn vocabulary for dancing tango like axis, giro, parade, gancho, sacada and more.

In Tango 3, which is the advanced level, participants learn the necessary techniques to improve dancing, learn more complex figures and gain a stronger understanding of the underlying structure of tango dancing and music.

“There is a physical benefit, which includes balance, improved rhythm, clarity of walking. You have all those direct benefits for anybody who studies Argentine tango. Beyond that there is an exhilaration in dancing tango,” Williams said. 

These classes are open to the public. Anyone has the ability to purchase a punch card, or entrance fee to the class, and is encouraged to attend as often as their schedule allows.

For five punches, it costs $35 for students and faculty who are affiliated with Iowa State. For the public, it costs $45 for five punches. They are good for any Sunday but must be used within a year.

Tango dancing is also available at Cafe Diem and at the ISU Ballroom Dance Club’s socials.

“It is such a wonderful class to come to,” said Sarah Hansen, Ames resident. “It helps me get out of the house and this a passion of mine.”