Teacher Training in Adapted Tango Classes for Older Individuals and Those With Movement Disorders
September 5-7, 2025, Washington, DC | Application Required
This course is being hosted by the non-profit Tango Mercurio and is made possible in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Following the training, they plan to offer two 5-week pilot series of 1.5-hour classes for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.
Instructor training is FREE for those who volunteer for one of the two 5-week pilot series. Otherwise, tuition is $350. No dance experience or partner required — just your enthusiasm, empathy, and expertise.
The course is designed to prepare instructors to provide safe and high quality partnered dance-based programming for older adults and individuals with sensory, motor, and/or cognitive impairments. The workshop is led by a top rehabilitation researcher, Dr. Madeleine Hackney, who is also a certified personal trainer and former professional dancer. Participants will learn the 6 sections of the adapted tango class and understand the syllabus for 12 classes. Participants are provided with a complete plan for each lesson including rhythms, steps of the day, and embellishments. Didactic instruction will be paired with partnered dance-based exercise experiences to ensure that participants are well prepared to work with populations with special needs.
