Visited October 10th while exploring Old Sacramento. I saw the flyer where they were going to do a performance October 10th. I checked the website and they were sold out! I think it was 40 bucks per person and included appetizers and wine. That would have been a great experience because I love this venue! ( would love to learn as well!) read more

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When I was younger I often sought out friends that shared my common interests and generally held similar beliefs. Now that I'm a little more seasoned, I often seek friends that I may share common interests with, but for the most part they are different than me in many ways. I have discovered that these friendships often expose me to adventures and challenges that I would have probably never sought out on my own. When one of our favorite couple friends (I didn't know how else to say this) invited us to join them in a one hour private Tango dance class, my wife and I were elated. Although I was excited to dive into the unknown and learn something new, the competitive side of me was hesitant. Hesitant because I like to be exceptional at everything that I do; however, because this was something new (not to mention I have never been a good dancer), I couldn't approach this with much confidence. Upon entering the dance studio, we were warmly greeted by owner/main instructor Donna and her husband Michael. After providing us with a summary of the dance moves that we would cover, Donna and Michael gave us a demonstration of our first dance pattern. As we attempted to learn each dance pattern, Donna and Michael did a great job of being patient and giving us space to perfect our moves. Whenever they identified an error, they would kindly jump in and make a suggestion. On some occasions, Donna would politely ask my wife if it was ok if she demoed a move with me (I assume this is also how it's done at the Tango parties) and we would hit the dancefloor (a very intimidating experience for someone like me who had no prior tango experience). As we "mastered" each dance pattern, Donna and Michael would add a new dance pattern to add to the previous one. By the end of the session, we had learned three separate dance patterns that we had combined into one move (hopefully that makes sense). My wife and I are somewhat perfectionists, so we did not feel 100% confident in our moves; however both Donna and Michael said that we + our friend's did well. We had a great time at Tango by the River, I highly recommend this as a first date option or for established couples wanting to learn something new together! read more

Outstanding! Atmosphere and friendly group of people learning the Tango together. Excellent forgiving instruction for those w two left feet. Thank you Donna! read more

This has provided an incentive for me to get into far better shape! read more

Tango by the River - The Storefront for "Tango by the River" - Dance Studios Near Me - Sacramento, California

Every time I visited Old Sac I would always see this place but never wander inside. I saw a special event offer on their website and had no excuse not to check it out! Attended a free one-hour Introductory Tango Lesson at the end of the month, which included a two-hour Practica afterward. The moment you walk up those stairs, you can just hear the music draw you in, and the whole feel of the place was even more inviting and transported you to Buenos Aires (if you weren't already enjoying the Old Sacramento vibe)! I had taken Argentine Tango classes before in Davis so la caminada, ochos, and la cruzada were nothing new, but more like a refresher after four years away. The first hour we only covered the tango walk and the cross, line of dance. It was also a good excuse to dress up, grab those old heels and just dance and have a good time. I didn't bring a partner but there were enough men and women to pair up for every song or two, rotating in between. The instructors Donna and Nicholas were awesome, funny, patient and fun! Real pros. During the practica/milonga some of the regular intermediate students showed up and it was an open dance floor, with traditional and modern tango music. I had an opportunity to dance with Nicholas (the co-instructor) and as the conversation flowed the dancing came easily. It also helps of course with this sort of dance to have an amazing leader to guide you across the floor without crashing, and choreograph the dance in real-time. Beginners, I still prefer the closer rather than open embrace just for communication purposes. I like Donna's saying, that if you change dance partners often that will make you a better dancer since you can adapt to anyone's style. I didn't partake in the special pricing offer which included private lessons, but this is a nice hidden gem that I may revisit in the future! Parked in the nearby garage, didn't remember to ask if they validate. read more

I started going to taking Argentine Tango at TBTR in November. It is fantastic. I have wanted to do this for years -- and finally got the nerve up to do so. Not only are their classes reasonably prices ($50/month) - you have several options: Tuesday or Saturday classes and Thursday classes with a practica. You can also do drop-in prices too. Each month they focus on different types of tango. I haven't gotten bored yet ;). They also bring in maestros to do workshops. I was lucky to take a few workshops with Oscar Mandagaran and Georgina Vargas. It was mind-blowing. To quote Oscar, "No vacations here!" In addition to the instruction, they also give you resources for top-notch tango shoes (helllo NeoTango shoes) during select times. Usually posted on their website. Finally, I love that you can pay for your lessons, workshops, milonga entrance fees online via paypal. You can also purchase it at the studio or downstairs in the Visions of Eden. But being a geek as I am - I'd rather do it online and leave my wallet at home. Well, unless they are selling shoes that day :) read more

Tango by the River - Dance Studios Near Me - Sacramento, California

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A specialized dance studio in the Big Tomato that's quite special. Tango only; no salsa, swing, waltz, bachata, or even the electric slide. And not Arthur Murray's salon style either (dancers will understand that phrase). Just Argentine Tango. As soon as I walked in, I could tell that Donna, the owner/operator, puts a lot of effort into setting the atmosphere. Dark wood paneling. Dance-related photos and paintings. Plants (plastic, but who's complaining?). Wine bar. A tourbook of Buenos Aires. I'm far from being a tanguero, salsa is my bag, so there's a lot I'll miss in this review. But I've been to tango classes in a few different locations now, and all have their distinctives. Donna is different from Emeryville's Nora Dinzelbacher, but is just as good. She aimed to get the crowd (and it was a crowd, free night!) doing AT and feeling comfortable doing it. She joked about one facet of discomfort, the close embrace, and has a way of putting people at ease about the sudden evaporation of your personal space. And no dreaded 8-count basic that starts AGAINST the line of dance. Emphasis on technique. I could see the results. I personally did far better. And my partners didn't have much of the nervous "am I doing this right?" grimace nor the self-appointed instructor mindset; they were relaxed and having a good time too. It's a good date night place, if the two of you have any interest in AT. BUT discuss ahead of time if you'll dance with other people or not, and revisit the question at least twice while at Tango By The River. There is a reason it's called open/close *embrace* instead of open/close *position* . . . Here's a solution: There's a difference between love of the dance and love of the person. So you could think "love of the dance" with other people, then dance with each other and do "love of the person shown through a lovely dance" ;-) I hope to be back soon . . . it's far better than Annabelle's Pasta . . . read more

This place is great. The atmosphere is amazing and Donna and Daniel are great. Highly recommend.

Amazing and I won a month of Tango lessons here through a silent auction generously donated to the Aerospace museum. We finally decided to use them this month. Donna REALLY knows her stuff, and she and her instructing partner really establish themselves as credible dancers in a short period of time. A few lessons in, and Amazing and I are truly having a great time, and we are likely to continue these lessons after our month is up. And I tell ya what... this is what some younger people should be doing. More people should know some traditional dance, and the interaction you get with all kinds of people in a setting like this is incredible. I can't recommend this place more. read more

As a dance instructor who does not dance tango, I have to say I have had nothing but good experiences with the studio. I have used the studio to teach as well as run a weekly venue with several friends, and the venue is beautiful. Also in a great part of town. If you plan on learning how to dance, I woud reocmmend TBTR to anyone. Great date idea or new relationship idea: sign up for a dance series... its not too expensive there, get dinner in old sac somewhere, get some ice crea, and then go take your class at Tango. I promise it will be a good night. read more

Tango on the river is a very special dance studio. Upon entering you feel like you have gone to a dance in Buenas Aires. I have been taking classes from Donna Tiesch for over 3 years. Donna makes learning Tango fun but most of all she teaches you how to dance at a milonga With grace and beautiful movements. Tango on the river is the best place to learn Tango. read more

I've been dancing here for years and can say with all confidence that this is the place to be for Argentine Tango in Sacramento. The tango community is very intimate and they share a lot with one another. One thing I can say about the owner/instructor here is that she is REAL. She is there for one reason - she wants to see people dance tango. Her enthusiasm for the dance (and all that is Buenos Aires) is obvious. Her dance partner is also top of the line and will steal your breath with his awesome moves. The milongas (every 2nd and 4th Saturday) are mystical and sultry, with the lights dimmed and candles aglow. Couples glide around the floor to traditional tango music, giving pause only to indulge in the generous appetizers and wine that are included in the inexpensive admission. If you're looking for a good date idea, go to one of the milongas. It's only $15 for lesson, milonga, and refreshments! You can't beat that. All in all, I will say that this is one of my favorite places to be. I look forward to ringing in the new year at the NYE milonga. Hope to see you there! read more

I took this with my GF in 2018. Fell short of my expectations. First of all, I booked everything online. I purchased a lesson for "Two" on the website. I was only charged for one. So the front desk person asked me to sign up again and buy one lesson and he'd refund me the discount price for two. For One $50, for Two $90. So whatever. Technical issues. I get it. We arrived early so there was plenty of time. As a paying customer I expect punctuality. All classes we attended began late. They may not keep a tight schedule but some other people do. No respect for other people's time. FYI the beginning class is a waste of time. You learn to walk. I felt invisible. I only stayed in this for the full 4 weeks bc my GF really wanted to learn some Tango. I understand you want to build a foundation in your dancing and incrementally add building blocks. But gosh, I felt my time was wasted. The floor space is small but doable. Better suited for smaller groups. I was hoping for a bit more guidance. I have taken ballroom before and had better instructors. To be honest I don't even know the instructors name. The lady was the same for each session and the lead was different after night one. Didn't feel like the instructor cared for the people dancing. She just drank her alcohol and socialized with the regulars. It would have helped if she kept her attention on the newest students and not the regulars. But hey it is what it is. Needless to say but I do not recommend this place. Bang for you Buck! If you are a first timer, sign up for the intermediate and take the beginner for free. But that means you'll have to be there more than a couple hours Tues night. And possibly struggle with no attention from the instructor. read more

I think that the biggest issue for me is finding a regular partner. In all sac tango events, there are too many females interested in dancing and not enough males. So, going by myself is fine except, disheartening when I sometimes don't get to dance as much with classes or without. I would be more practiced (I think--speculation) if I had me a partner to continuously practice with. But what is great is that it seems like the tango community is growing in Sacramento. The community is very nice! The only venues I've attended have been the Old Town Sac, TBTR, location and the Firehouse. I haven't felt completely comfortable at either location yet, though there have been a few people who welcome me often. At most events, people come in pairs and they stick to people that they are familiar with most of the time. In a way, as most social events, people formed clicks and socially segregate themselves as such. read more

I'v ebeen taking classes here for almost 5 months... A-MA-ZING experience ! Love love loves it! Donna (the instructor) is a beautiful dancer and teaches in a very understandable way... (She dumbs it down really nicely for people like me... :) I'm addicted to this dance studio and the people that attend. Any desire to learn tango.. this is the place to go. read more

This place is GREAT!!! Although I start and stop like a crazy person when my dance card wears out or I run out of money (gotta prioritize) I love this place Salsa and Tango plus much more. If you want to learn to dance "well" this is the spot! Inexpensive and lots of fun. 'Great instructors ...Donna and Steve Thanks for all you've taught me. See ya soon! read more

A beautiful studio dedicated to teaching Argentine Tango. They always went above and beyond for me. Tango by the river provides the best teachers including masters from Buenos Aires and takes the time to help you develop your dance from embrace and connection to musicality and technique. The people are fun and friendly and the atmosphere is as close as you can get to Buenos Aires. read more

Beautiful venue. Very helpful and organized instructors. Was pleasantly surprised by variety of the age groups. Mid 20s up to 60+. Definitely a great place to be. Love it... read more

I have been coming to this studio for some time now. I love everything about this wonderful place. Thank you for giving me a release and some joy in my life. read more