Feedback & Reviews
HOME CLASSES & EVENTS Toronto Tango Info Contact TangoILONA
Jul 2018, Junko Mita Bodie, Winner 2nd Place, Canadian Championship of Argentine Tango, Montreal, July 29, 2018
“Thank you, Ilona! Thank very much you for your support and advice!
It helped me a lot!!! I tried to dance like a queen and it worked! Thank you ilona”
Feb 2018, Desmond Chan, Winner 2nd Place, Canadian Championship of Argentine Tango, Montreal, July 29, 2018
"You taught me how to relax when dancing and approach tango with an open mind."
Nov 2012, Feedback from Tango Workshop at Baycrest Terrace, Centre for the Aged, Toronto Attended by Seniors residents of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and Support Staff.
I raised my leg, this is something that I can't normally do, but dancing and following during the exercise, I was able to do it! - Female Resident, 90 year old.
It is really hard to follow - Male participant, 75 years old.
I have never tried leading before it was hard and fun to try. - Female Staff member, 45 years old.
I was feeling the music as she hears it and she is the age of my granddaughter. The younger generation hears the music differently and I felt her music. It was very interesting and very different than my music. - Female Resident, 86 years old.
October 2017, Ankita Dolawat, Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor, Workshop Participant, Mumbai, India
She came and she just captured our HEARTS literally!!! Ilona introduced us to the beautiful world of Tango today... She says that your connection with your partner is through your heart and she did prove it to us just in 2 hrs… and we felt 2 hrs was a very little time to be in her world! A workshop to remember! Thank You Ilona for the beautiful workshop we hope to see you again pretty soon, please!?
October 2017, Anuj Bhargava, Dancer, Workshop Participant, Mumbai, India
Truly Fantastic session it was. Thanks a lot Ilona for your time. It was a pleasure to be part of your class. Argentine tango was always on the top of my list and you helped me to take one step forward towards it . Thanx a ton!
June 2016, Courtney Roy feedback from Tango Lessons at El Abrazo, Toronto
★★★★★ Ilona & Andy are enthusiastic, encouraging instructors with a genuine love of tango. They have taught me so much, and their classes have given me practical lessons in walking the walk, talking the talk, embrace, connecting to the music, tango etiquette and perhaps most of all the confidence to get out of my comfort zone and experience the many joys of this rich dance tradition. Many thanks!
March 2016, Berenice Gonsen, Tango DJ and Dancer, 8 years experience, feedback from Tango Lessons at El Abrazo, Toronto
★★★★★ Andy & Ilona are very dedicated teachers, who care more about make their students have the right foundations in tango, instead of making money out of them with useless steps.Their love for Argentine Tango is shown in every lesson, where they immerse you not only in the technique of the dance, but in the feeling that tango provides in the embrace. Their one by one assistance is always a plus each student can receive.
I personally took lessons with them back in my beginnings of tango life, I am fortunate they rescued me from my first 3 years wasted on learning the wrong foundations and lost in steps. Always will be grateful for the time they spent helping me to improve my dancing back in those years.
Feb 2016, Eric Cortlett, Tango dancer, 2 years experience, feedback from Tango Lessons at El Abrazo, Toronto
★★★★★ I have been going to this class (El Abrazo with Ilona & Andy) for two years and I have been very happy with the experience. It has several things going for it that I have come to believe are necessary for a really good dance class.Firstly, the teachers' knowledge of the dance is quite good. They can talk knowledgeably about both its history and current trends, and they are clear about who they have learned from themselves. In addition, they have, in the time that I have worked with them, continued to learn from others to refine their own dance.
Secondly, they are active and connected with the community. The teachers participate in events around town beyond those that they organize, and I have found that I can talk to them and get honest information about what is happening.
Thirdly, there is the dance instruction itself. This instruction is based around understanding the fundamentals of the movement of the dance, rather than around passing out a set of canned figures that give the illusion of complexity. Not only does this breakdown of movements into their basic parts help me come to a better understanding of the movements, and not only does it let me adapt my movement to express the music as I hear it, but it also lets the teachers personalize the instruction more than I would have expected in a group class — students with more experience are simply given more to work on. In fact, this type of instruction allows the teachers to be very flexible to a student's individual needs. I have found that the class has been very good for helping me develop and work towards my own dance goals as I learn.
I have taken other classes and workshops, but I find that the apparent basics I learn in this class are always pertinent — and more so, not less, as I learn more. I would definitely recommend it.
Jan 2016, Alexandra Papouchina, Tango dancer, 7 years experience, feedback from Tango Lessons at El Abrazo, Toronto
★★★★★ I have been studying Social Argentine Tango with Andy and Ilona at El Abrazo for the past 7 years, after dancing and performing various other dance styles for 9 years prior. I still remember, from my very first class, that Ilona and Andy made the students feel very welcome by creating a positive learning environment. At the same time, they are very attentive to each students individual needs and learning styles by presenting and sharing ideas which they have learned from their extensive training with renowned Tango masters and their worldwide dancing experiences. I think that El Abrazo’s method of teaching Social Argentine Tango is unique in its approach to training students in proper foundations (i.e.: how to walk or how to connect to another person) through ‘mindful practicing.’ This helps students instill a persevering and positive attitude to tackling their short-term goals and celebrating their small successes on a long road to mastering the magic of the Social Argentine Tango Dance, which Ilona describes as a “Life-Long Dedication.”
This attitude and strong knowledge of foundations has also been a great help to me when I take other classes and explore advanced concepts in workshops held during Tango festivals. I have also been able to apply some of the lessons I learned from Social Argentine Tango to other parts of my life.
I highly recommend these dance classes to all my friends and to anyone who has been dancing Tango or those who want to start learning Social Argentine Tango, including those without any prior dance experience.
Dec 2015, Gary Goswell, Tango dancer, 3 years experience, feedback from Tango Lessons at El Abrazo, Toronto
★★★★★ My wife and I have attended these classes for the past two and a half years. Both teachers are very skilled and knowledgeable and provide a fun atmosphere to learn the Tango. The location is also excellent with well polished floors and free evening parking. Many Tango festivals and Milongas are also held here. The first class is run by ILONA and concentrates on posture, balance and walking techniques and how to use these skills for leading and following. The second class is run by ANDY. These sessions compliment the first class as ANDY teaches various movements and sequences that utilize and develop the skills learned from ILONA. There is also plenty of time after the classes to practice. Both teachers are available to provide advice and assistance during the practica session. The lessons here will help you learn to dance with any partner in any country. Also correct etiquette for moving on a crowded dance floor and inviting someone to dance. The overall emphasis of the classes is to get you to fall in love with Tango and get the most fun and enjoyment from it. Although we now feel able to branch out and experience other teachers we still gain so much from attending these classes.
Dec 2013, Poema, Tango dancer, 12 months experience, feedback from Tango Technique & Musicality Workshops in Wuhan, CHINA
I think you ILONA are a great great tango teacher! I've learned alot today! Muchas Gracias!
Dec 2013, Bobby, Tango dancer, 2 months experience, feedback from Tango Technique & Musicality Workshops in Wuhan, CHINA
Thanks very much for your workshops in Wuhan. The fundamentals you taught us are quite useful, such as how to embrace and walk properly and how to dance in the music. Do you remember your walking game (with our belts), that is quite interesting and helpful for us.
Aug 2012, Shiraz, Tango dancer, 6 months experience, feedback from Milonga Workshop
The workshop was really great. I now have a new found appreciation for Milonga style. And the way it was structured was really great and easy to follow.
Aug 2012, Roberto & Lena, Tango dancers, 5+ years experience, feedback from Boleos in Tango History class
Thank you Ilona for your lovely workshop on Tango History. It was professionally researched, well presented, knowledgeable and entertaining. The content of the history of Tango was well planned... It could be considered as your mission now to present the material to different audiences to introduce, embrace and promote tango in the world.
Aug 2012, Alexandra Papouchina, 18 yrs old, Tango dancer 2+ years, feedback from Boleos in Tango History class
I loved your presentation - there was a lot of very interesting information, beautiful music, you are one of those teachers who is very good at balancing the visual impact of the presentation (through pictures and videos), the "musical" impact (through playing excerpts of the musical pieces) and the demonstrations of the elements of tango.
Nov 2010, Carolyn K., Tango Dancer, 7+ years dance experience, feedback from a demonstration at a community dance event
We were so pleased and proud of your demo… We both have always admired the way you dance, but we had never seen you do a demo. The whole presentation was amazing. Your costumes were sophisticated and beautiful and the women adored your shoes. You presented each of the four styles of dance and were equally amazing in close and open embrace. The attendees learned so much about tango and they were spellbound and very impressed… I’ve seen quite a few demos both here and in Miami… You could partner with any of the Tango Stars for a demo and the people watching would never miss their regular partners!… I know you love nuevo tango dance style, but your presentation of all 4 styles was faultless and beautiful. You were both so warm with all your admirers after the demo too… Everyone was talking about the demo with us long after you left.
Mar 2008, Beginner Tango Student at University of Toronto, feedback from History of Tango class
I had a great time in your History of Tango Class. I just wanted to say thank you for your great presentation. It helps me understand Tango more clearly. 'Tango fills your soul!' I love that quote!
Jan 2008, Feedback from Participants of Introduction to Tango for Experienced Dancers Workshop
“I am an educator and I have been dancing Tango for 7 years, all around the world. I can honestly tell you that this was the best introductory Tango workshop that I have ever taken.” Tango dancer, 7 years
“Thanks again for the Tango workshop. It was really interesting and I think really well done. Props really helped.” Professional Ballroom Dancer 15+ Years of experience
“Great workshop! Brief history & intro was great, getting deep into technique/basics was very useful and the switching of partners kept it interesting. Thank you.” Salsa dancer, 4 years
“That was the most well structured, informative, and nuanced workshop I've ever attended, thank you!... Hugs for a fantastic teacher, dancer and woman!” Tango dancer, 2 years
“Many thanks for a wonderful workshop and first tango experience. I admit I was smitten. Only ballet has ever been beheld with such beauty in my eyes. Thank goodness innocence is bliss otherwise I could never conjure up the courage to have put myself on the same dance floor with the glorious experienced dancers. I felt like a tango virgin amidst seasoned dancers. The assistants were so sweet and generous with their patience and kindness. I definitely want tango in my future as well as my husband’s… Do this again, many times. Please have another workshop!” Professional Ballet dancer, 50 years experience
“Thanks for everything, the workshop was great! I loved the idea of introducing tango to other experienced "non-tango" dancers. Your demo was amazing and very inspiring! I love how smooth and easy you make all those intricate moves look.” Professional Latin dancer, 15+ years
“Thank you Ilona, I learned a lot today!” – Tango dancer, 3 years
“You taught with great enthusiasm and emphasized important factors. Well done.” Tango dancer, 10+ years
“I recommend more follow up classes!”, Ballroom Latin, 10 years
“Great workshop, Thanks!” Professional West Coast Swing, 10 years
“I applaud you for being brave enough to try this. Do it again!” Tango dancer, 10 years
“It was great.” Ballroom/Salsa dancer 3 years
“Excellent workshop!” Ballroom dancer, 5 years
“Wonderful! Thank you!” Ballet dancer, 6 years
“Make it longer. Thank you! ☺” Salsa dancer, 2 years
HOME CLASSES & EVENTS Toronto Tango Info Contact TangoILONA@gmail.com