Makela Tango – Argentine Tango Classes & Lessons in Los Angeles

Great teacher! Makela runs an excellent class for all levels. She is an exceptional teacher that I would recommend especially to a beginner. Her foundation in tango helps you grow as a dancer. She runs class almost every day and with fun social dancing afterwards. So it is sure to fit into your schedule. Monday nights are especially fun with dancing after class, lots of fun with good people. A must teacher in Los Angeles. Very world renown!

Makela is WONDERFUL! Not only is she fun, patient and a master of her craft– she is also a wonderful human being. Kind, decent and an unforgettable person. I’ve known her for years and I have seen firsthand how her students (me included!) grow and also become better dancers and better people. She has also experience as a choreographer and was in charge of the dance sequences in two theatre productions I had the pleasure of seeing. Don’t think about it, go check her classes out!
PS: I’m very excited about her new location! Can’t wait to dance and learn and live tango with the help of Makela :)

I have been taking classes with Makela for a little over a year and am constantly amazed at the wonder of always being a beginner. The depths and subtlety of Tango is a magical universe that just keeps unfolding. It’s not just a dance but a study of yourself and Makela is a master and is there with you every step of the way. I have Makela Tango Gratitude. Sherri Mac Clelland

Makela is the very best! Her classes are lively, fun and the teaching is straight to the heart of the dance. There is infinite subtlety to learn about your own movement and in dancing with every partner. Makela is the very best you could wish for in a teacher. She points out exactly what is at work to make the dance experience better and better every time. her classes are so fun and fabulous (and addicting!!), and the community that has grown around her is absolutely wonderful.

Makela is a consummate Tango dancer and instructor. I have taken her group lessons in Tango and Milonga (the dance itself) on a weekly basis and always learn how better to improve my steps and movement. As a «portena» herself, Makela is also great at educating her students about the CULTURE of tango (how to cabaceo, correct posture while dancing, and the rhythm and flow of tango).
Also, Makela hosts a Practica on Monday nights in Venice. At least 30 – 50 people show up each week. It is a great place to practice and dance with Tangueros and Tanguera of all different levels. It is one of my go-​to places on Mondays for Tango.

Makela was awesome. My husband and I learned the tango for our wedding dance. We wanted to surprise my Argentine and Italian family. She was very patient and helpful in choreographing our dance. Our family and friends loved it. Thank you, Makela!

If you want to learn learn real Argentine tango, go to Makela, nobody else. You won’t regret it.

Makela has been my Tango instructor of choice ever since I discovered her classes.
Having lost my original instructor several years ago (he moved back to Argentina,) I needed someone whos methodology & elegance reflected the authenticity I experienced in Buenos Aires.
She is literally the best in Los Angeles. I highly recommend her starter package for beginners.

First review of my four class package!
First class was last night in Venice!
Very scary experience because me and another girl were newbies but the others were really experienced. They were really nice too. I felt so bad being the new person for the guy. But the guys I danced with were SO kind regarding dancing with me.
Her regulars actually helped me with steps as Makela was helping all the students.
I’ve never done TANGO before. I’ve danced other forms of dancing (as you see in my reviews) but tango is SO different. I thought it’d be similar to salsa… but no. I still need to get used to a man leading.
It wasn’t bad for my first lesson. I need to keep practicing and go to more of her classes. So we’ll see if I will continue.
I’ll be updating my review once I complete the series to update you on how the learning process is.
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LOCATION:
Venice — Electric Lodge
They have a parking lot but very crowded so street is a good option.
The room is spacious and you can dance freely — just don’t dance in the shark zone.
PARTNER DANCE:
I thought it’d be individual dancing, but we did dance with partners and LADIES — the men will lead and it’s helpful.
TEACHING:
She goes very slow and critiques you while you dance… she’s very stern about the dancing. She’s a professional dancer so she knows her stuff. I totally understand the style is sexy and very stern so I have a lot to learn.
NOTES:
* Ladies — bring heels. It’s hard to dance in sneakers. I dance salsa and my other dances either barefoot or sneakers (and sometimes stilettos) — but you need short heels to be able to pivot and walk/​slide.
* You will have to get close to your partner which helps because it helps the guy lead you. I need to allow it! :P
Thanks David and I forgot the other guy’s name (Greenpeace shirt) for helping me SO much with technique. I can’t wait for the next class!

I had my first lesson with Makela’s last night and it completely re-​invigorated my passion for Argentine Tango. I’ve found that many of the Tango venue’s in LA can make Tango intimidating and inaccessible — but with Makela you really feel welcome and encouraged. I was lucky enough to dance with her and the experience was absolutely thrilling — the dance equivalent of driving a Ferrari. If you like Tango and Makela is involved — it’s a good bet! I’m back :)

Makela teaches with stern encouraging love. Her patience holds not bounds. I took a 6 week semi-​private class with her and in June/​July and I just have to shout how great she is. She is an angel to work with. She’s always very prepared and has an excellent selection of music. Her awareness of the level of skill of the class is awesome. I always felt I was learning the exact right next move for my level of experience. Thank you, Makela. You are an amazing teacher and a beautiful soul.

I am taking tango lessons for 2 years. I’ve been a student with long list of tango teachers in Los Angeles, but Makela’s teaching style and her elegant dancing style are the main reasons to come back to her classes over and over again. Over the last several months, I am taking classes exclusively with her. She has several classes available to accommodate different dancing levels of her students. Makela is very patient and takes her time to make sure that her students perfect each tango element. I highly recommend her as a teacher of authentic Argentine tango.

I have been taking regular tango lessons from Makela for 18 months now, and she is one of my all-​time favorite dance teachers. As an 11 year swing-​dancer, it was difficult for me to switch to a new dance, but Makela was extremely patient with me and took the extra time I needed to learn. Now, I have people who have been dancing Tango for many years coming up to me and asking me how to do a particular move! I would highly recommend Makela to anyone who wants to learn Argentine Tango.