How do you choose your teachers?

This is what our students have told us, but without ever being asked, or even hinted to.

 

UNSOLICITED Testimonials

From D. H. Santa Barbara, June 2011. "Thank you again for the workshop[s] on 'TIME'. That was my first exposure to those concepts. (!) Or the first encounter where I actually let them in. It was very good. There was a conceptual "click" with the material and what we do on the dance floor."

From S. G. of Montreal, Canada, March 2011. "First, thank you very much for that very good “workshop” on Friday and Saturday, that was very helpful, efficient  and very enjoyable! I’d like to register for next WE (full program). Please let me know if there is still room for me!"

From M. A. of Santa Barbara, CA, December 2010. "Thanks for making our year more musical and graceful.  I know I and my dance partners have thoroughly enjoyed your teachings and your wonderful sense of humor.  Looking forward to 2011."

From A. A. Santa Barbara, CA December 2010. "Thank you for the gift of dance which you strive so hard to impart upon us. We are very lucky to have the quality of lessons and the consistency. Thanks for the special attention to both Linda and myself, and especially Linda during my absence."

From D. B. Camarillo, CA November 2010. "You demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects of the dance that I found impressive. "

From L. T. in Somis, CA September 2010. "You are an exemplary instructor and [we] wish to continue with you; your attention to detail is outstanding."

From D. H. Santa Barbara, CA August 2010. "Michael, I loved the milonga class last week."

From Cathy E. in Los Angeles January 2010. "I have learned more from you in 6 classes than all that I have learned in other places so far" (Cathy E. was dancing for more than one year.)

From Cathrine in Santa Barbara, January 2010. "I have learned more from you in 2 hours than I have in my other tango classes in the last 6 months".

From L. R. Santa Barbara, June 2009. "I've been working on my turns and exercises you showed us.  I'm improving and loving it. You are an exceptional teacher, very passionate about tango, articulate and precise.  I have great respect and admiration for you. Thanks, L."

From Dr. G. K. Santa Barbara. April 2009. "Dear Michael, Thank you for your passion and commitment."

From A. W. Los Angeles. Feb 2009. "Your passion in teaching tango makes me want to learn :)"

From R. K. Los Angeles, Feb 2009 on A Structural Approach Rooted in the System of Turns program. "Hi Micheal! I danced in El Baron tonight, and it was the first night after I had taken your workshops, I really loved doing those tight turns ... my dance was so much better in a crowded floor. Thnx."

From M. J. D Los Angeles, October 2008. " ... You are both terrific teachers and dancers."

From C. C. Santa Barbara, August 2008.  "... Great class last night. I'm very inspired to learning Tango from you."

From D. H. June 2008. "... Many thanks for your great instruction, the personal attention, and the inspiration you always provide. "

From Kathy and Rick's website: "Friday. September 2, 2005 Tango and Milonga Class with Fardad Michael Serry and Julie Stillman. . . Rudenko School of Dance, Santa Barbara. Going to this class was a surprise present from my daughter. Fardad Michael Serry and Julie Stillman are exceptional teachers, with constantly watchful eyes. Thus they are able to assist each student individually, with the right thing said at the right time. Even as a one time visitor, there are several suggestions that Michael made to me that I will never forget!"

From S. A. May 2008. "... Thank you so much for your hospitality and great workshop and milonga. We really had fun and I must congratulate you for a nice group of dancers that you gathered around."

From J. F., Fillmore, 2006. "Hello Michael, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how grateful I am for your class and teaching. I have noticed many 'light bulb' moments where a light was turned on. A new realization was brought forth or an old one understood in a new and improved way. Your intensive series [Structural Approach Rooted in the System of Turns], to me at least, really seems to be working. I am getting more out my Tango! Thank you, J. F."

From K. C., Santa Barbara, 2006. "you are a caring person, which is one of the reasons why you are such a good teacher. With best wishes, Keith"

From Jim. G. 2007. Santa Barbara. "I so appreciate what you put into being a teacher and I hold you in high esteem in that role."

From L. R., Santa Barbara, 2007. "You are incredible teachers, and Michael, your passion for the dance touches something deep inside of me.. It brings the dance to life..."

From L. S. Santa Barbra, March 2008. "Thanks a million zillion for the wonderful tango instruction. Monday night classes are the highlight of my week."

From Dona H. Santa Barbara, April 2008. "... In the mean time, I'm getting a lot out of the Monday night Classes (for which I'm very grateful)."

From S. N. Camarillo, May 2008. "... I find your eye and explanation the best for me and P. so far... we value you."

From E. R. Westlake Village, May 2008 " ... Thank you so much for sharing Tango with me. I truly appreciate your excellent thoughtful and soulful teaching."

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"When tangos dancers start taking their tango education even half as seriously as their non-tango education, then they may start seeing the difference between different tango teachers. Until then, any teacher will do." Fardad Michael Serry.

We are serious students of tango teaching.

Less than 2 years into his tango career, Fardad Michael Serry was invited by Yolanda Rossi to teach and perform as her partner at the 2004 Las Vegas Tango Festival, where together they taught several group classes. Students who took private lessons from him in Las Vegas that year, later brought Fardad to teach group workshops in Reno, NV.

Since 2003, Fardad has studied tango in 200+ hours of one-on-one coaching sessions and private lessons with world-class tango dancers, including some with the gift and the passion for teaching tango. The result is that Fardad is able to teach his students with an awareness that is unique in breadth and depth.

As a Jazz artist, Fardad was used to improvising long before he danced the tango. He is a classically-trained musician and has played the piano for 8 years, and the Jazz trumpet and the flugelhorn for another 10. He emphasizes musical sensibility and the structure of the dance in his teaching, educating his students about different genres of tango the dance and tango the music, and making them aware of how the dance and the music have evolved together. Fardad is the creator of the class series Tango Dancing with Freedom in which creativity, originality, good navigation, musicality, and adornments are approached from a fresh perspective that is rooted in the fundamentals of the tango. Fardad is also the creator of A Structural Approach to Tango rooted in the System of Turns, a unique series of workshops that premiered in Santa Barbara, CA, USA in 2006, in Reno NV, USA in 2007, and in Los Angeles, CA, USA in 2009. Fardad's students who learned this material well are among the best educated tango dancers in the world when it comes to the structure of the dance. They not only understand the dance at a deeper level, but can learn new material easier and faster, from any teacher.

Fardad's first and most influential mentors were Alberto Paz and Valorie Hart. Serendipitously, very early in his tango career Fardad met Alberto and Valorie, who shared with him a goldmine of knowledge and experience. Alberto Paz was the teacher who taught Fardad not only how to dance tango, but also how to correctly identify a good tango teacher. Fardad is currently studying tango almost exclusively with Julio Balmaceda and Corina De La Rosa and with Gustavo Naveira and Giselle-Anne and Graciela Gonzalez.

Fardad's most influential studies in private lessons:

• Alberto Paz & Valorie Hart 20+ hours New Orleans and Santa Barbara 2003-2006.
• Julio Balmaceda and Corina De La Rosa 20+ hours Buenos Aires, Argentina; Denver, Austin, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle, USA. 2004-2008.
• Gustavo Naveira and Giselle Anne 2 hours San Francisco. 2008.
• Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn 20 hours Los Angeles. 2004-2006.
• Yolanda Rossi 15+ hours Los Angeles. 2004-2005.
• Graciela Gonzales 2 hours Buenos Aires and Santa Barbara. 2008.

In addition, Fardad has studied in group classes and seminars with Gustavo Naveira and Giselle-Anne:

• Open Seminar 20 hours Boulder, CO, 2007.
• Nora’s Tango Week 12 hours, San Francisco, CA, 2007.
• Program “C” Seminar 20 hours Boulder CO, 2008.
• Nora’s Tango Week 12 hours, San Francisco, CA, 2008.
• Rhythm, Phrasing and Musicality Seminar “B” Seminar 20 hours Buenos Aires, 2009.
• Tango Milonguero Seminar 20 hours Boulder, CO. 2009.
• Colgadas and Volcadas Seminar 20 hours Boulder, CO. 2010.
• Boleos and Sacads Seminar 20 hours Emeryville, CO. 2011.
  

And in group classes with Julio Balmaceda and Corina De La Rosa:

• 4 hours Tango Fireworks Los Angeles, CA 2003.

Complete programs of

• 10 hours Fandango De Tango, Austin, TX 2004.
• 10 hours Memorial Day weekend, Denver Co, 2005.
• 10 hours Fandango De Tango, Austin, TX 2005.
• 8 hours in Seattle, WA 2006.
• 10 hours Fandango De Tango, Austin, TX, 2006.
• 9 hours in San Francisco, CA 2006.
• 8 hours in Denver, CO 2006.
• 10 hours Fandango De Tango, Austine, TX, 2007.
• 12 hours Santa Barbara, CA, 2007.
• 9 hours Phoenix, AZ, 2007.
• 4 hours Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2008.
  
• 9 hours Intensive Seminar, Seattle, WA, 2010.

In 2010, Lucia Ma and Fardad Michael Serry finished First Place and won the $500 Grand Prize in the Tango Competition of the Tango Mundo Festival in Palm Springs, CA.

In 2005, Fardad Michael Serry together with Julie Stillman won The Gold Award at World Council for Argentine Tango Events Competition in San Diego, both in tango and in milonga, where their highest score was in musicality. Competition was adjudicated by Miriam Larici, Hugy Patyn, Fernanda Ghi, and Guillermo Merlo.

In 2004, Fardad completed a 30-hour class series in teaching tango to beginners, designed and taught by Daniella Arcuri and Armando Orzuzo.

Fardad has also studied in private lessons with the legendary Eduardo and Gloria Arquimbau,  Diego Di Falco and Carolina Zokalski , Pablo Pugliese , Nito and Elba Garcia, Nora Dinzelbacher, Guillermina Quiroga and Claudio Villagra, Natalia Hills, Francisco Forquera, the late Carlos Gavito.

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Lucia Ma emphasizes musicality as the main conduit to connect with her partner and the audience in tango.
 
For Lucia, music has always been a natural language for interacting with others. She first played the clarinet at age 12 in Hong Kong, where she also enjoyed helping younger schoolmates learn to play the instrument. In high school, Lucia's music teachers identified different dimensions to her musicality, some of which they helped her realize over six years: She was asked to teach the clarinet section at three different schools.  In the final year, she was also substitute conductor for her school's entire band, which played on local tours every academic year.
 
Lucia started dancing tango in 2007 in Los Angeles, CA. Her early teachers were Vladimir Estrin and David Ng. She participated in group classes of social dancing and choreography with Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo for a year and a half. Since 2010, Lucia has been studying tango with Fardad Michael Serry, with whom in July 2010 Lucia finished First Place, winning the grand prize at the tango competition of The Tango Mundo Festival in Palm Springs, CA. Lucia studies tango with Gustavo Naveira and Giselle-Anne, Julio Balmaceda and Corina De La Rosa, and Graciela Gonzalez:

• Gustavo Naveira & Giselle Anne: Boleos and Sacads Seminar 20 hours Emeryville, CO. 2011.
• Gustavo Naveira & Giselle Anne: Colgadas and Volcadas Seminar 20 hours Boulder, CO. 2010.
• Julio Balmaceda & Corina De La Rosa: 9 hours Intensive Seminar, Seattle, WA, 2010.
• Graciela Gonzalez: 6 hours group workshops, Los Angeles/Camarillo, CA, 2010.
  

PERFORMANCES

* By invitation at the Tango Room, Los Angeles, CA, Lucia Ma and Fardad Michael Serry, May 2011. * By invitation at the 3rd anniversary of The Argentine Association of Los Angeles, CA, Lucia Ma and Fardad Michael Serry, March 27, 2011. * By invitation at El Encuentro, Los Angeles, CA, Graciela Gonzalez and Fardad Michael Serry, June 19, 2010. * By invitation at Cal Tech All-night Milonga, Pasadena, CA, Guillermina Quiroga and Fardad Michael Serry, Jun 18, 2010. * First Place winners, Professional-Amateur Competition, Lucia Ma and Fardad Michael Serry, at TangoMundo Festival, Palm Springs, CA, May 29, 2010. * By invitation at El Encuentro's 11-year anniversary milonga, Los Angeles, CA, Jane Ren and Fardad Michael Serry, April 10, 2010. * By invitation at La Milonga Querida, Los Angeles, CA, Naomi Hotta and Fardad Michael Serry, April 2, 2010. * By Invitation at B.A.S.S.H Festival, stage production at the Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara, CA. Naomi Hotta and Fardad Michael Serry, March 13-14, 2009. * At "La Milonga Del Cine" in Los Angeles, CA, by invitation. Mary Fu and Fardad Michael Serry, February 8, 2009. * SOHO Santa Barbara. Argentine Tango performance by invitation of SalsaLolita. Mary Fu and Fardad Michael Serry 2008. * Argentine Tango and Polo! Santa Barbara, CA. Fardad Michael Serry, Julie Stillman, Marcelo Caceres (Guitar) Pablo Motta (Double Bass) Cocco Trivisano (Bandoneon) July 16, 2008. * B.A.S.S.H Festival, stage production at the Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara, CA. Barbara Salas and Fardad Michael Serry, April 11-12, 2008. * Argentine Tango at the Topa Tower. Oxnard, CA. Fardad Michael Serry, Julie Stillman, Daryl and Sarah Race, and The Marcelo Caceres Trio. February 29, 2008. *A Structural Approach To Tango. Created by Fardad Michael Serry. Santa Barbara, CA, USA, August 31 - Sept 3, 2007, At Truckee River Tango, Reno, NV, Teachers and performers by invitation May 10-13th, 2007. * At El Adoquin, Teachers and performers by invitation of Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn, December 22nd and December 29th, 2006. * "Route 66", a stage production of the Rudenko School of Dance. Marjorie Luke Theater, June 4th, 2006. * Carlos Gardel Tango Festival, Los Angeles, CA. May 21, 2006. * AT&T Telecommunications "Igniting the Night" An evening of Argentine Tango, at The Bacara Resort and Spa, May 12th, 2006, Santa Barbara. * The BASSH festival, April 8th-9th, 2006, Santa Barbara. * The 7th Annual Tango Ball. Sunday November 13th, 2005, San Diego, CA, by invitation, Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * "Red Hot Tango", by invitation, floor show original production at the New Orleans Tango Festival, August 5, 2005.  Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * "The Flappers", by invitation, June 4, 2005. Stage production at the Marjorie Luke Theater, Santa Barbara, CA. Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * Sunday May 15, 2005, Hollywood, CA, by invitation. Stage show at The Fourth Annual Carlos Gardel Tango Festival. Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * B.A.S.S.H Festival, stage production at the Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara, CA. March 2005. Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * World Council for Argentine Tango Events, February 2005. Winners of The Gold Award in Tango and in Milonga competitions, Professional, Rising Star Division: Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * California State University Northridge Department of Music, by invitation, floor show and tango music and history class, Nov 2004. Yolanda Rossi, Julie Stillman, Fardad Serry. * Romance in the Air Music and Dance Festival, by invitation, stage show in Los Angeles, CA, October 2004. Yolanda Rossi, Julie Stillman, Fardad Serry. * Teacher and performer, by invitation, Las Vegas International Tango Festival, 2004. Yolanda Rossi and Fardad Serry. * New Orleans Tango Festival, floor solo show, 2004. Julie Stillman and Fardad Serry. * B.A.S.S.H Festival, stage production at the Lobero Theater, Santa Barbara, CA. 9,10 April 2004. Yolanda Rossi and Fardad Serry. * "Tango", floor show, by invitation, at the California State University Northridge Music Department April 2004. Yolanda Rossi and Fardad Serry. * An Evening of Argentine Tango, floor show at the Woodland Hills Country Club, 2004, Los Angeles, CA. Yolanda Rossi and Fardad Serry. * Valentine's Day Argentine Tango, floor show at The California Club, 2004, Los Angeles, CA. Yolanda Rossi and Fardad Serry. * 2004 Opening Gala, floor show for the Long Beach Opera, by invitation, Long Beach, CA. Yolanda Rossi and Fardad Serry.

March 2011 at The Argentine Association of Los Angeles Third Anniversary Milonga.


November 2011 Santa Barbara with Brian Nguyen & Yuliana Basmajyan and friends of Tango Turns.




July 2010. Los Angeles/Santa Barbara, CA with Graciela Gonzalez and a whole lot of our friends.


2011 Santa Barbara with Gao Zhong and friends before leaving for SF Bay area.


2007 Santa Barbara with Alberto Paz & Valorie Hart and friends.


2005 Santa Barbara with Fardad Michael Serry & Julie Stillman "Structural Approach Rooted in the System of Turns" Seminar.


2006 Santa Barbara at East Beach Studio Birthday Milonga for Julie Stillman and friends.