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Local Instructor Team
Our instructors collaborate based on three shared goals:
1. the commitment to personal, ongoing education and development
2. the desire to discuss and evolve teaching approaches together
3. the conviction that tango dancing is beneficial and worthwhile in the broader context of urban community building and enrichment.
Noora-Lisa Aberman began dancing as a child of five. Starting with intensive ballet training, she later branched out to modern dance, flamenco, and Barata Natyam. Eventually discovering partner dances, she dabbled in samba de gafiera, lambada, salsa, meregene, and finally Argentine Tango. Since discovering tango, it has become her primary dance passion. She began teaching and performing in 2007. Noora loves the subtlety and depth of the dance. She sees the communication and connection achieved between leader and follower as that which make tango unique among dances. As a teacher she works to make this available to her students by developing their technique and lead and follow ability, while emphasizing that the fundamental purpose is to enjoy the experience with one's partner. Her main influences in Argentine Tango have been Luren Bellucci and Michael Walker, Sharna Fabiano and Isaac Oboka, Jaimes Friedgen, Diego Benavidez and Natasha Agudelo, and Javier Rochwarger.
Dima Berk was attracted to Argentine tango music and the unique sensuality of the dance shortly after moving to DC. Between 2001 and 2006, Dima made several journeys to Buenos Aires to study the art of tango with legendary maestros. Dima spend next several years investigating the complexities of the dance with local and guest instructors. Fabian Salas, Chicho Framboli, Javier Rochwarger, and Sharna Fabiano heavily influence his style, which is characterized by fluidity and seamless transitions between traditional and modern tango. He has over nine years of dance experience including a variety of modern dance and martial art influences. Dima has been teaching since 2004 and has performed at Fiesta DC, the World Bank, and the 9:30 Club, as well as numerous private events. His teaching style emphasizes musicality, improvisation, and strong communication between partners.
Aja Fenn is a tango instructor, performer and DJ. Originally from the UK Aja has been dancing and exploring the art and technique of Argentine tango for more than a decade. She makes regular trips to Argentina to refine her skills and deepen her understanding of the dance. During one visit she spent a year and a half engaged in consistent study with master teachers and nightly dancing in the traditional milongas and popular practicas of Buenos Aires. Ballet training at various stages of her life have contributed to her graceful understated style. Aja has studied with many great names in Tango such as Naveira, Chicho, and Arce. Her most influential teachers and those whom she holds dearest are among Matias Facio, Evren Sayin, Gaston Torelli, Mariela Sametband, and her mentor and inspiration, Sharna Fabiano. Aja's teaching approach has been described as being "full of honest integrity." She believes that dancing tango, is about creating a physical manifestation of the music and emphasizes the importance of self-exposure and courage in bringing who we are to our dancing. She is a passionate advocate of women's leading and men's following in order to awaken people to a holistic understanding of the dance. Aja's teaching career has taken her to London, throughout the United States and Australia. More about Aja at www.ajafenn.com