La Chispa - Nicole Mazza & Matías Mono mini-class & guided práctica

Chispas! The stream of opportunities to steal knowledge from highly advanced floor crafters hasn't stopped yet. In this case Nicole Mazza & Matías Mono from Buenos Aires have been touring -whilst teaching and performing- all over Europe extensively lately and are now landing on our shores, coming to La Chispa to share their touch and approach to Argentine tango with us. It is Nikita & Roxy who brought them to our attention as they have been taking many classes with them in BsAs. So we have a first-hand recommendation. Still making up our minds whether we pick 'milonga' for the mini-class or 'secrets of the old milongueros/as'... Scroll down for some background information on them. A guided práctica at La Chispa means you can approach and ask the teachers for help, instruction and advice on anything tango, and they will answer, demonstrate, try with you. It is completely hands on. Take your chances! No partner and no registration needed. 📍The entrance fee is still €5,- but we will have a donativo in the high hat - for you to show your appreciation. 📍Nicole and Matías have been dancing together for over six years. They were semifinalists in the 2024 and 2025 Mundial de Tango and have won or placed in various national competitions in Argentina, including the Mundial Preliminaries, Tango Envenado, and Copa Marabú. Their performances have been featured in some of Buenos Aires’ most renowned milongas, such as Muy Lunes, Bravita Milonga, El Zorzal, A Las Brasas amongst many others in Buenos Aires and the different cities throughout the Province of Santa Fe. Nicole and Matías are also regular teachers at Muy Lunes and Muy Martes as well as El Zorzal and other schools in the city. Nicole and Matías approach tango as more than just a dance—it's a living expression of Argentine history and culture. Their teaching goes beyond movement, immersing students in the essence of tango by deepening their understanding of its origins, music, and social significance. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and independence within the partnership, helping dancers build confidence in their own bodies so they can express themselves fully while remaining deeply connected to their partner. Through a focus on body mechanics, they guide students to move with natural efficiency and ease, allowing for greater freedom and authenticity in their dance. Their goal is to transmit not just technique, but the heart and soul of tango. 🔥Free entrance for you (and you only) if you bring someone with you who has never been to La Chispa before! La Chispa Tango Práctica: 📍A práctica, not a milonga. No cortinas. 📍Less advanced dancers practicing with more advanced dancers - like in Buenos Aires in the Golden Age of tango. Because two beginners practicing together usually means doubling mistakes and perpetuating bad habits. This ‘knowledge transfer’ also allows the more accomplished dancers to test and transfer their understanding and skills. Teaching is learning twice. 📍Be careful giving feedback, be considerate. 📍Practice with more than one person as La Chispa is community-focused, though of course this does not mean you need to practice with everyone! Change around a bit, with whomever you feel comfortable practicing. 📍Use mirada/cabeceo or be more direct but respect boundaries. ‘PRÁCTICA’-LITIES: 💰Entrance fee €5 - in CASH! Free entrance for you (and you only) if you bring someone with you who has never been to La Chispa before! 🍷BYOD: Bring Your Own Drinks – and snacks! 🏫LOCATION: De Wittenstraat 100, 1052 BA, Amsterdam 🚇BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: From Central Station bus 18 or 21, stop Nieuwe Willemsstraat, or bus 22 stop Nassauplein. Or rent an OV-fiets and pedal westwards for 8 minutes. Tram line 13 stops at De Wittenkade, just 2 minutes walking. 🚗 BY CAR: Sunday free parking on Isaac Gogelweg, at 15 minutes walking. Monday-Saturday evening free parking around Contactweg 30 then take bus 22 to Nassauplein. Additional option: P+R at Leeuwendalersweg 23b (price around €4,50 p/h + bus ticket - check P+R rules), then take bus 21 to Nieuwe Willemsstraat. Parking in the street near the venues €6,50 per hour. MyWay parking at Tussen de Bogen, Jordaan or De Wittenkade approximately €3,50 per hour (but check price, and reserve), or ParkBee De Wittenkade approximately €4,50 per hour (but check price, and reserve). ✨What is La Chispa? La Chispa is a social tango práctica inspired by the Golden Age tradition. Dancers of all levels are encouraged to learn from each other, with the more accomplished dancers helping the less accomplished - just as it was back then in the prácticas of Buenos Aires. No rigid structures, just a space for exploration, learning, and community. Abrazo, André, Asta, Becky, Iulia, Sabrina, Willem