Sunderland Practica
Most of the people know about Sunderland. When my friend told me about the practica on Monday and Wednesday, supervised by Carlos and Rosa, I was very interested in going. The problem with going to Sunderland, however, is that it is far away from the center. It costs about 30-40 pesos by cab.
Bus 41 has a stop one block from Sunderland, and it costs only 1.25 peso (35 cents). The ride takes about 30-45 minutes depending on the traffic. We got there early due to the light traffic, and we had coffee in the shop.
The last Mundial Salon champion couple, as we all know, came from Japan and were trained by Carlos and Rosa. So there have been quite a few professional couples from Japan attending the practica.
The practica always starts with 45 minutes of walking exercise for men, supervised by Carlos and woman’s technique supervised by Rosa. It was a humbling experience to walk along with 30 some men, some are established professionals, along two straight lines.
After, it was just dancing. Carlos and Rosa watched attentively, and made correction and gave pointers to different couples from time to time. There were so many young but great dancers. I didn’t practice much after the walking exercise. Instead, I sat and watched dancer practice. It was a very inspiring experience. People were genuine, and carried no attitude. Good dancers danced and worked with less skilled ones. And I felt welcome from the beginning. And after practica, we shared a table with Carlos and Rosa downstairs at the restaurant, along with other students. We chatted casually, and it was a very relaxing atmosphere. I ordered a steak, it was so juicy and tasty. 
I am going to attend every practica till I return home. Here is a video of some of the dancers practicing performance at the end of the practica. I am seriously in love with the Argentine girl in blue skirt. I think she will rise up in the tango world in just a few years.
What is the floor like at Sunderland?
Sunderland Practica… drool.
But seriously, what is the floor like?
The practica is on the second floor of the restaurant. Tiles, but less harsh than the basketball court where the Sat. night milonga is held.
Lovely dancers and great information! Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Purrrrr — I wish I was back there. Made my heart skip a beat.
But seriously, why are you all asking about the floor?
It is so great to see young folks dancing like that. How refreshing! Finally I am seeing my dance. Thank you for sharing this, and enjoy!
Hi, I’m curious about what you were supposed to
be looking for when doing the 45mins of walking.
I often practice alone and am looking for such
an exercise. It would help if I had some pointers
about how and what. thanks!
Briefly, walking in straight line, walking naturally (relaxed yet strong, no up and down) and smoothly, and walking with cadencia. Experienced eyes could tell how tell one dances, by judging just one of two steps one walks.
@Simba
Because no basketball court that I have ever walked onto has ever inspired me to consider it a decent dancing surface.
Hi TP, would you please give a description of what you
think of when you hear “Walking with Cadencia” ? A definition
if you can? thks
When I see it, I can tell if the walk has cadencia or if some one walks with cadence. Very few, even in bsas, as I have seen, walk with cadence.
Just wanna say, utter pleasure to dance that one tango with you yesterday. Quite heavenly.
And Carlos was delighted to meet you too. ‘Un placer’ all round for us.
Enjoy the rest of your trip
SC
TP, can you distinguish between ‘Cadence’ and ‘Cadencia’ ? I’m sure that I’m not the only one that wants to define these two words..I take it that cadence is with the music…but what is ‘Cadencia’ ? thks
Sally,
It was the highlight of my trip: seeing all the old friends once again, meeting new ones and dancing a song of Calo together. And Carlos seemed so kind, so gentle.
Abrazos y Besos
Mario,
What do I know?
I had asked this question to various Argentine maetros before. There were different answers. I have asked it again, on your behalf, 
to Andrea. She answered “flavor, color”. I think I understand what Cadencia means: the movement that expresses music. Then again, the definition is not important. 
Thank you soooo much for that video.
They are incredible dancers.
Is it possible you could video even a couple of minutes of that exercise just so we can see it too.
I couldn’t… I am leaving BsAs.
You’re so afortunado!!!! I’m right next to Argentina and I’ve never been… Now that I have a reason to go and having read your posts I feel the BA tango pull more strongly than ever. Abrazos!