What is the TESO Evaluation Program?

 Dancers in pursuit of qualified expert opinion, evaluation, and recommendation are invited to take their Tango to a higher level by participating in this exciting program.

Technique, Elegance, Style and Originality are principles of doctrine and teaching adhered to by Jorge Torres and will be the basis of evaluation.  Couples are invited to register and showcase presentations to receive a personal evaluation of their TESO.

The TESO Registration package is per person and includes two workshops, the indivdual entrance fee for the showcase presentation, an optional two hour practica, use of dressing rooms, as well as a professional evaluation by Jorge Torres and the panel of judges.

Registrants are not obligated to attend the designated TESO workshops, but it is highly recommended.

TESO Showcase Presentations will be formal (appropriate tango evening dress).

Showcase dances will be presented publicly during the Bright Lights Milonga.  The crowd will cheer, inspire and motivate you to achieve your optimum proficiency!

 The TESO Project was designed and created by Tango Fantástico with direct consultation and guidance from Jorge Torres.

Elements of TESO

• Posture
• Embrace
• Connection
• Walk
• Line of Dance
• Ochos
• Giros
• Artistic Lines 

Scoring Criteria

Points will be forfeited if all Elements are not included in the demonstration.  Points will be added for:

• Technique
• Elegance
• Style
• Originality in architecture and composition 

General Rules

Salon Tango: Once a couple is formed, the partners shall not separate as long as the music is playing. This means that the embrace, which is considered the tango dance position, cannot be broken. For the position to be considered correct, the partners must constantly hold each other by means of the embrace. Despite the fact that during certain figures the embrace may be flexible, this should not continue throughout the entire piece. 

All movements shall be performed within the space allowed by the couple's embrace.  The Judges will evaluate the couple's musicality and walking style as fundamental to the qualification.

Within these guidelines, participants may perform any figure commonly used, including barridas (sweeps), sacadas al piso (close to the floor), enrosques (twists), etc. No contestant may raise his/her legs above the knee line. Couples, as in a real dancehall, shall constantly move counterclockwise and try to avoid remaining in the same place for too long, obstructing the normal circulation of dancers around the dance floor.  

Registration Categories:

• Less than one year                        Yellow
• One year – three years                   Red
• Over three years                           Black

 If couples vary in their level of experience it is recommended that the couple register according to the appropriate level in which the leader qualifies. 

Showcase Presentation Rules

• Registration is required for couples to participate
• Dance may be improvised or choreographed but will be evaluated according to stated required Elements and Criteria

• Music recommendations are provided but couples may provide pre-recorded music of their choosing
• Presentation Time is limited to 1 minute and 30 seconds
• Jorge will offer a brief evaluation publicly, and provide a greater insight privately with each couple  

Music Recommendations:

• Less than one year                         Francisco Canaro   “Aque no le Crean”
• One year – three years                   Carlos di Sarli  “Organita de la Tarde” 
• Over three years                            Pugliese  “Mala Junta”