About Us

The Magdalena Technique offers authentic Argentine Tango instructions.

Is a rigorous, soulful method for learning the Argentine Tango. Students of the technique are given solid foundations that include the basics: walking, timing, and feeling, as well as advanced techniques of storytelling through dance. These essentials provide a framework for improvisation and spontaneity.

Steps are not taught, however, as students’ progress to the intermediate stage they will have acquired tools that allow them to dance and create dynamic combinations with ease, grace and beauty.

The technique also provides instruction in the Tango Vals (Waltz) and the Kizomba (a rhythmic form of partner dancing)

The technique was created by Jean-Pierre Sighe, a native of Cameroon. Mr. Sighe is director/owner of the Tango Magdalena Dance Studio in Oakland, California and has worked with hundreds of students privately and in group format. After seeing so many individuals that had struggled with learning steps he realized that their foundation for learning needed to focus on the “essence” of the Tango-the walking-which he called “the Walking Technique.” Seeing the success of the students inspired his partner, Oshalla Diana Marcus to prompt him to create a curriculum that would clearly define his contribution to the Tango community. Out of this collaboration the Magdalena Technique was born.

Central to the technique is the African roots, so long buried and even denied. Jean-Pierre along with several other San Francisco Tango Instructors, received a specific request from Facundo Posadas, an Afro-Argentinean Tango Master to spread the truth about the African-Roots of Tango. Mr. Sighe, responded to this call by establishing the Afro Roots in Tango Society. A.R.T.S., a member organization that continues to grow daily.

Jean-Pierre Sighe is the Founder of the "THE MAGDALENA TECHNIQUE ®" . He has owned and operated his own Dance Studio in Oakland, from 2007 until 2013 ( TANGO MAGDALENA DANCE & ART STUDIO , at 580 Grand Avenue # 305, CA 94510), when he lost the location. During all that time, a unique curriculum was created and followed diligently. Asserting the fact that Argentine Tango is an improvisation, Jean-Pierre insisted on the fundamentals of the dance, replicating his own learning from Alberto Paz and through the other Tango Masters he studied with, and most significantly, Carlos, Eduardo Gavito.

Since Tango is an improvisation, it does not make any sense to teach people a bunch of steps, that they will undoubtedly forget, or, the steps that will freeze their dancing experience. The reality, is that, on the dance floor, especially, on a crowded floor, the steps would quickly be proven useless. worst, they will take the dancer into the clumsiness and ultimately, to personal frustration.

The curriculum taught here is a proven one, in its efficiency and authenticity. Hundreds of satisfied students who have studied at Tango Magdalena Dance Studio over the past years, have been enjoying their Tango experience and excelling on the dance floor whreever they show up to dance.

Jean-Pierre met Oshalla Diana Marcus, who has a long dancing background. Oshalla is a Business Owner with her practice in Pilates, Yoga and Posture instructions, all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Oshalla, immediately understood the importance of what was dispensed at the Tango Magdalena Dance Studio, and decided to become a Certified Teacher in the program. She is an avid learner and deeply involved with "THE MAGDALENA TECHNIQUE ®" . She is actively involved in the expansion of the Program. She is the Assistant and she is in charge of the booking and enrollment issues.

WHAT IS THE MAGDALENA TECHNIQUE ?

THE MAGDALENA TECHNIQUE ®

Private Classes- Group Classes

Photography :

Guillermo Hernandez ; Victor Hugo Mena Pio ; Margaret Mitchell