Founder, Instructor, Performer, Event Organizer, Social Dancer
Adam Hoopengardner excels in many styles of tango which gives him the opportunity to dance with everyone from the most traditional salon dancer, to the milonguera, to the more nuevo dancers. Adam’s philosophy of tango is centered on the energy one feels from one’s partner, which he believes should dictate the style and movement of the dance. He doesn’t believe in restricting himself to either an open or close embrace instead he attempts to create a connection with his partner and allows that to dictate what evolves on the dance floor. His teaching style reflects this philosophy. He bases his classes on the abilities of the students and uses different exercises to help them explore the dance. On the social dance floor you will see him moving close or open depending on the connection, space, and music.
Adam has studied extensively with Horacio Goody, Gabriel Angio and Natalia Games, Andres Amarilla, Gustavo and Giselle, Chicho Frumbolli and Lucia Mazer, Tete Rusconi, Nito and Elba, Brigitta Winkler, Tomas Howlin, and Robin Thomas. In addition to teaching in NYC at Empire Dance, Adam regularly guest teaches in Pittsburgh, New Haven, CT (Yale); Princeton, NJ; State College, PA; Bethlehem, PA (Lehigh UN). Adam has also DJ’d tango music in Buenos Aires, San Fransisco, Montreal, Toronto, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, NY, Providence and Pittsburgh, to name a few.
Adam and Ciko are unique to the North American, and especially to New York, tango scene.
They have had the opportunity to study with teachers from all over the world, who come from very different ideologies, which has allowed and fostered their own approach and character of dance. Their dance has evolved by blending these outside influences they had with their own personal growth as a couple. Their style is defined by its sensuality, musicality & creative playfulness.
They emphasize the importance of a good technique with a comfortable, musical walk over complicated moves. Their goal as teachers is to bring their students’ personality out in their dance by teaching them the music and the concept of countless possibilities the dance offers. They cannot over emphasize the value of active followers which makes the dance much more interactive and fun. When teaching they are able to transmit their mastery of the complex concepts of tango while retaining their innate humor and humility.