A few weeks ago my husband and I were travelling home from Glasgow on the regular train service after a days shopping in the city centre. We normally use the first class compartment, as this allows us to use more space for our shopping bags on this busy service. On this occasion the compartment was shared with another traveller who we discoverd to be Francis Bertram. After having a conversation with Francis I could not resist the temptaton of sharing his story with you.

"Hello, my name is Francis Bertram and I have been involved with Tango for around ten years. I started teaching five years ago and now run classes in the Borders region of Scotland but also run workshops around the country. I have recently been teaching Milonga techniques in Glasgow and these have been very popular. I also teach in Carlisle, Gallashiels and Peebles

During 2002 I introduced Tango to the South of Scotland and the North of England including Dumfries and Galloway under the auspices of the The Solway Tango society who have run many classes and workshops. I have been the teacher at many of these events. I also specialise in teaching Milonga Techniques which can be quite different from general Tango

Bring a friend or come alone; no partner is necessary because all students are rotated regularly during classes. Remember, if you can walk in a straight line and count to eight, you can learn the basics of Tango in 10 minutes, but you will enjoy a lifetime of learning how to master this dance.

The "steps" of Argentine Tango are quite different from ballroom Tango. Argentine Tango is more earthy and much more sensual. The steps are the part of the important elements, so every new student is eager to learn them. But even if you learn many of these steps, you will also need to learn something else about the Tango. This is the most important art of dancing Tango, the music. I will show you how to listen to the music, understand the tempos and use these to improve your own dance style. I will teach you the unique style of the Argentine tango, how to lead and follow, and how to navigate around the dance floor. With a little effort you will soon doscover the quite amazing world of Argentine Tango." (quote from Francis Bertram).

To find out more about classes and workshops please visit www.francisbertram.com