"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 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: $130/hour
Couples' discount: 2nd student is free!
Package discounts:
$125/hour - package of 5 lessons ($625)
$120/hour package of 10 lessons ($1,200)
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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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Beginning & Intermediate 6-week Class Series at La Bruja
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Every Wednesday, Nov 13-Dec 18, 2024
7:00-8:00 Beginning Class
8:00-8:30 mini práctica
8:30-9:30 Intermediate Class
9:30-10:00 mini práctica
Location: 2315 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA
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Join me 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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The Beat: Monday Night Class & Práctica
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Nov 25, Dec 2, 9, 23, 30, 2024 & Jan 13, 2025
8:15-9:30 Intermediate Tango Class w/ Mira
9:30-12:30 Práctica
Location: 2560 9th St, Suite 119, Berkeley, CA
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I will be teaching the class and hosting at the Beat select dates in November, December, and January! True intermediate-level class, drop-in, no partner necessary. Stay for the práctica which is one of the most popular tango events in the Bay! Join me!
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Mindfulness, Embodiment & Tango Workshop
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Saturday January 4, 2025, 10am-noon
My home studio, Oakland CA
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.
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This is as much a mini meditation retreat as a movement workshop, more of an awareness practice than a tango class.
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Some tango dance experience required, as 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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$15-25 sliding scale Early Bird registration by Dec 21
$30-40 sliding scale general registration by Jan 3
Payment via Venmo to @Mira-Barakat or via Paypal to mirab3@gmail.com (friend & family option only please!)
Please note date or workshop name with your payment.
To register: complete payment and sign up here:
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Abrazo Queer Tango
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Next series: dates tbd
3:30 Beginning Class Series (pre-register)
4:30 Práctica
5:30 Intermediate Class Series (by pre-approval)
Location: 1970 Chestnut St. Berkeley, CA
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I teach approximate every other month for Abrazo Queer Tango classes on Sunday afternoons. Supportive environment, welcoming community of queer folks and allies. No partner necessary. Register for a month-long series or for individual dates.
=> Beginning series tends to sell out so register in advance!
=> Intermediate series by pre-approval only so contact me or the organizer for more info.
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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.
