(...Or things I really wish I had known when I started dancing tango. They would have saved me a lot of time and a few pretty embarrassing situations 🤦🏻♀️)
The Embrace is Everything
Tango is all about connection, and that connection begins with the embrace. You’d be surprised how much we overthink a hug when it’s part of the dance. Don’t stiffen up. Embrace, trust yourself and your partner, and let your frame and posture be soft and grounded. It’s not about leading or following perfectly; it’s about dancing together. Shoulders down, breathe and…
Walk
The walk, or caminata, is just that. There isn’t a basic step in tango, but there is the walk. Tango isn’t about fancy steps; it’s about walking. Some in class have been known to call it the Vampire Walk. (They’re not wrong!) Focus on the walk (and the musicality), and everything will start falling into place. Complicated dance figures are overrated and quite boring. Step with intention, breathe (promise you’re holding your breath already), and…GO!
Musicality
Tango isn’t rushed—there’s a particular elegance in taking your time and pausing. Tango is huge on pausing, breathing (promise you’re holding your breath again), and…yes, walking. Find a favorite tango song or several, have a playlist ready to go, and listen. There is so much to discover, and once you start paying attention to the lyrics, there is no looking back.
There are lots of truly amazing websites dedicated to tango musicality, but I have used Poesia de Gotan consistently in my research and my graduate thesis on…yes, tango’s place in Argentina’s history, its music, and lyrics.
Communication
Tango is a silent conversation between partners, not a monologue. It’s clear communication, gentle embrace adjustments, and an awareness of your partner’s comfort. If you’re leading, clarity is key; movements should be intentional and rooted in the music, providing a clear invitation for the follower. If you’re following, sensitivity and active listening within the embrace allow for fluid responses and shared expression. Both roles require trust and adaptability, as the embrace becomes a space for shared creativity. It’s not about perfection but about being present, listening to your partner's body, and interpreting the music together.
Etiquette
Tango etiquette, or los códigos, are essential, especially once you start going out dancing. Truth be told, los códigos were invented and implemented to protect the dance from those who might ruin it. This requires a blog post (or many) in its own right, but to address just the very tip of the proverbial iceberg…
Floorcraft: Tango is danced in a circle, counterclockwise. Stay in your lane, avoid cutting into others’ space, and please be aware of your surroundings to prevent collisions.
You do not ask anyone to dance verbally. Everything is done via eye contact (mirada) and a nod (cabeceo). Mirada and cabeceo not only ensure a mutual agreement to dance and avoid awkward refusals, but are also a perfect, discrete way to respect boundaries.
Milongas are our tango socials. You go to socialize, drink fernet (very much an acquired taste), listen to live music, watch a performance, and ideally, have a good time. Practicas are practices; same principle as milongas, but more casual and feedback-friendly. In other words, if you want to practice, definitely go to a practica. Teaching on a milonga dance floor or otherwise is a huge no! Likewise, asking for advice on a milonga dancefloor is a huge no! In that case, a practica might be a better option. But also, ideally, go to class.
Tango music is played in tandas (sets), which are separated by cortinas (curtains) of very obvious non-tango music. Usually it’s four tangos to a tanda, three milongas, three valses.
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