Argentine Tango with Debbie & John

Knights of Columbus Building, 167 Tunstead Ave., San Anselmo

(415) 482-7588; www.AlmaDelTango.com

What do they offer?

“We decided to create a community in San Anselmo," said teacher Debbie Goodwin, who, with husband John Campbell, offers group and private instruction in Argentine Tango. "Tango is a lifestyle, it affects everything." 

New sessions begin the first Wednesday or Friday of each month and drop-ins are welcome. Singles are encouraged, because in the tango culture couples don’t just dance with each other. “In the milongas (clubs), you always change partners,” said Goodwin. “There is a silent language ‘cabaceo’ to ask.”  

As with most dances, one partner is the leader and the other the follower. Though they demonstrate the steps as a couple, Campbell works with students who are “the leaders” and Goodwin teaches “the followers.” See their website for class details and costs.

The upcoming show, Tango Tales, conceived and directed by Goodwin, will be performed Feb. 17, 18, and 19 at the San Anselmo Playhouse. “It is a student dance production, a story being told, which has all its roots in the customs and culture of Argentine Tango,” she said. 

Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased online or by calling (800) 838-3006 or $25 at the door. The Valentine’s Special includes two tickets to the show plus a month of group classes.  

Who are they?

“Dancing is my work, my love, my passion,” said Debbie Goodwin, who has both an undergraduate degree and graduate degree in dance. Raised in Sacramento, she has lived in Egypt, Spain and now Marin. “I did Lindy Hop and Salsa for a long time, but sixteen years ago I found Argentine Tango and never went back.”

In the summer of 1996, she attended Stanford Tango Week, a workshop at Stanford University, where she met future husband John Campbell. He was there the previous week and had such a good time he decided to stay on for another session. Fue el destino. 

When not on the dance floor, Campbell is an eye surgeon and partner of Marin Eyes in San Rafael. So they could teach tango together, he commuted to Auburn where Goodwin was living at the time. After seven years of dating, eight years ago they got married.  

Goodwin, a professional dancer and choreographer, is committed to tango and the community it creates. She is a founding member of the all-women group Tango Con*Fusion. "It explores gender roles and interpersonal relationships through performances of modern dance pieces informed by the themes of Argentine Tango,” she said.   

The couple and their students often visit Buenos Aires. Besides the total immersion tango experience and fabulous memories, many return with authentic dancing shoes.

How long have they been there?

Goodwin and Campbell have been teaching tango together for fifteen years and in Marin for five. Goodwin has created an umbrella nonprofit organization, Social Dance Cultures, which is an educational outreach program focusing on endeavors related specifically to Argentine Tango. 

Why are they business of the week?

Students Mindy Toth and her husband Ed Giordano, who drive down from Petaluma, have been taking private and group lessons from Debbie and John for over two years. 

“Tango is an improvised dance,” said Toth, “but there are many building blocks to play with. When you have a moment where it all works it is transcendent. I see tango as a discipline and also as a metaphor. As a married couple, it has taught us many things, including how to communicate better.”

Student Cocco Savelli, who lives in San Rafael, will be singing several solos in the upcoming show and her piano accompanist, Lyudmilla Morry, also takes classes. "Debbie and John are amazing, patient and gracious,” said Savelli. 

When asked what she likes about tango, Thora Blaine of Novato, who has been dancing for three years, responded, “Oh my, everything! The connection. The music. Moving with my partner.” Her partner, Peter Katcoff, from San Rafael, dances in the spiffy shoes he purchased in Buenos Aires.

“I hope this looks as hard as it is,” whispered Deborah Loft while mastering the intricacies of a particular step.  

"Once you get this bug, it takes over," said student Deborah Leiboyman. "The music is sensual, you get to connect with someone and you learn a lot about yourself."