Four legs and one body – this description of a couple dancing the Argentine tango says is all. It’s intimate and sensual with intricate leg movements – the perfect choice for that all-important first wedding dance.
Argentine tango teachers Erika Abbatt and Ken Smith offer intensive private tuition and an individually choreographed piece for couples who want to wow their wedding guests with their impressive moves. But you’ll need your passport to get to their classes. Their dance studio is situated in their Andalucian mountain retreat, Casa Media Luna, near the ‘pueblo blanco’ of Colmenar, just 40 minutes’ drive from Malaga Airport.
Yorkshire-born Erika and Ken, originally from Dublin, have created a luxurious and tranquil villa with just two guest rooms where they offer bed and breakfast accommodation. Outside there’s a swimming pool and terraces with glorious views over their almond and olive groves to the stunning mountain range. Eagles can often be spotted riding the thermals in the valley and the only sound is the tinkling of goat bells - or the evocative music of an Argentine orchestra filtering from the dance studio.
“The months before the wedding can be hectic and a few days at Casa Media Luna gives the bride and groom the chance to chill out together while perfecting their dance for the big day,” Erika explained. “We’ll help the couple choose the right piece of music – it could be a traditional tango tune or their own favourite piece of music – then create a dance that is uniquely theirs.
“People come to us saying they have two left feet, but they leave us full of confidence with a stunning dance for their special day. If you can walk, you can dance the tango.”
After class guests can explore Colmenar, an unspoilt Andalucian town, hike in the nearby Montes de Malaga national park, drive over to Granada to see the spectacular Alhambra or simply relax at the villa and sample Erika’s tasty home-made tapas and wonderful cakes. In the evening Ken and Erika are happy to escort guests to milongas (social dances) in Malaga where they can try out their new steps.
Ken and Erika fell in love with tango more than 10 years ago when they took their first class in Leeds. They’ve travelled all over Europe and to the home of tango, Buenos Aires, to learn with world-renowned teachers. And they’ve introduced hundreds of would-be tangueros and tangueras to the dance during five years of teaching in West Yorkshire. Last year they quit their jobs as HR manager (Erika) and IT consultant (Ken) to live and work in Spain. “This is a glorious place to live,” says Erika, “and we’re loving sharing Casa Media Luna and our passion for tango with our guests.”

For further information, contact Erika
Email: info@casamedialuna.es
Phone: +44 (0) 114 360 6576 or Skype casamedialuna
Mobile: +34 622 560968
www.casamedialuna.es