"I have been a Tango student of Mira’s for over one year. Like the dance itself, her presence when teaching Tango makes every lesson a gift. Mira has the sensitivity to “read and discern” what I want and need to learn at a level beyond what words express. She instructs with courage and a dedication to the craft that inspires and motivates me to improve and express my Tango with an increased level of connection. Taking lessons from Mira will FastTrack one’s Tango to become more developed, empowered and connected. Whether you are a leader or follower and able to take lessons from Mira, you are in for a rare and wonderful treat!"
--Steve L, Santa Clara, CA
Classes
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Whether you are new to Tango or seeking to improve your dance, I provide personalized, professional instruction focusing on social dancing. Schedule your first private lesson and try Tango for yourself! Or check out my group classes and workshops listed below.
Use the button below if you wish to receive updates about upcoming class offerings.
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Private Lessons
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Private lessons are the fastest way to make improvement in your dance!
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Great for individuals who want to get out on the dance floor or spiff up their dancing.
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Recommended for couples as a fun an activity to learn together and a way to explore connection.
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I recommend weekly private lessons in order to make steady improvement.
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Hourly rate: $140/hour
Couples' discount: 2nd student is free!
Package discounts:
$135/hour - package of 5 lessons ($675)
$130/hour package of 10 lessons ($1,300)
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Sliding scale: I offer several sliding scale spots for students who cannot afford my full rate. If this applies to you, please inquire when you contact me!
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Where: I teach at my home studio in North Oakland (see photo of my beautiful teaching space below).
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Referrals: I also refer to two wonderful junior teachers who I mentor. Their hourly rate is less expensive than mine. I highly recommend them and students have been loving working with them! Great option if you are new to tango or looking for a more economical rate. Please contact me for more information if you are interested.​​
Winter/Spring 2026
Upcoming Group Classes & Workshops:​
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La Bruja: January Beginning & Intermediate 4-week Class Series
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Weds Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, 2026
7:00-8:00 Beginning Class
8:00-8:30 mini práctica
8:30-9:30 Intermediate Class
9:30-10:00 mini práctica
at Berkeley City Club: 2315 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA
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Join for this true beginning series (7pm) or intermediate class. Great place to start, brush up on basics, or learn the 'other' role! Friendly, inclusive, welcoming community. No partner necessary. Sign up for the series or drop-in (pay at the door via cash or Venmo).
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Note: I teach often at La Bruja, but this event continues almost every Wednesday, even when I'm not teaching, so check it out! I recommend this beginning class as a place to start learning tango.​​​
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The BEAT:
Intermediate class & práctica
February 5-week special Musicality series!
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Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, & Mar 2, 2026
8:15-9:30 Intermediate class
9:30-12:30 Práctica
at the Beat: 2560 Ninth St. #119, Berkeley, CA
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I’ll be teaching and hosting the popular Monday night class and práctica at the Beat in Berkeley while Felipe and Ayano are out of town. In February, I’m especially excited to be offering a Musicality series.
Each week, we’ll focus on a different musical style—melodic, dramatic, vals, rhythmic, and milonga. We’ll explore the core technique that supports dancing each style well, along with expressive options to enrich your dance, and learn a step or figure that captures the essence of that style. I’m really looking forward to sharing this series!
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Each class will stand alone. I encourage you to take the whole series, but as always at the Beat, drop-ins are welcome!
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Abrazo Queer Tango
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Upcoming dates:
Sundays January 11 & 18, 2026;
All Sundays in March, 2026
3:30 Fundamentals Class
4:30 Práctica
5:30 Deep Dive Class (one month+ experience)
at Finnish Hall: 1970 Chestnut St. Berkeley, CA
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I teach approximate regularly at Abrazo Queer Tango, which holds classes on Sunday afternoons. Supportive environment, welcoming community of queer, trans, & non-binary folks & allies. No partner necessary. Register for a month-long series or for individual dates.
Dates above I am teaching, but this event continues almost every Sunday even when I'm not teaching -- check it out!
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Mindfulness, Embodiment & Tango Workshop
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Note: November 9, 10am-noon - cancelled
Next date: TBA
at my home studio, Oakland CA
Note: Limited spots available
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In this workshop we will explore silence, gravity, space, our hands and feet, as they relate to our axis, stillness and movement. We will inquire into our inner experience as we meditate, walk, and dance on our own and with partners. This is as much a mini meditation retreat as a movement workshop, more of a guided awareness practice than a tango class.​
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Some tango dance experience required: the workshop is intended for tango dancers, and we will use tango as one of our methods of exploration. The workshop will be held in silence (no talking) to foster mindfulness and awareness of our inner experience.
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Cost:
sliding scale $15-25 Early Bird registration by Oct 26
sliding scale $30-40 general registration by Nov 8
Payment via Venmo to @Mira-Barakat or via Paypal to mirab3@gmail.com (friend & family option only please!)
Please note date & event title with your payment.
Limited spots available. Pre-registration required. To register, please complete payment and sign up here:
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Stay in touch!
Use the button below to receive occasional updates about upcoming class offerings.
Teaching Philosophy
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Tango is above all about connection - connection to oneself and one’s own body, connection to one’s partner, connection to the music. Besides learning to dance an elegant and fun dance, through learning Tango you will gain body awareness, improve posture, connect to your partner, and discover many surprises that Tango has to offer along the way!
My classes focus on learning technique and connection, and integrating this into the whole body. I love helping beginners to discover this dance, and I am equally happy helping intermediate and advanced dancers to find more stability, ease, creativity and freedom in their dance.
As I have spent years practicing yoga and other movement disciplines, I am passionate about teaching a holistic technique that fosters body awareness, integration, connection, and musicality. I also practice mindfulness meditation and am studying Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychology. These practices inform my teaching and the way that I view the unfolding process of learning Tango. I'm also interested in consciously supporting how learning Tango can be a part of personal growth and healing processes for individuals and couples.
I work extensively with the queer Tango community and support each individual to learn and dance the role/s of their choice regardless of gender. Traditionally Tango students learn either the leader or the follower’s role in the dance; I encourage students who are interested to explore both roles or to begin studying the 'other' role.
