Frequently Asked Questions What is Argentine Tango?  Argentine Tango is an uncanny, seductive dance. Unlike ballroom dance where each figure is lead, Argentine Tango is characterized by "lead-and-follow" where each step is lead. The follower must not even anticipate the direction of her next step. The lead emanates from his chest rather than from his arms or hands. The "hold" (embrace) is central to Argentine Tango. Posture and positioning of the feet are critical to Tango. Legs and feet are grounded, rooted in the floor. The upper body stretches forward and upward. This produces a slight lean. Chests are close (salon style) or touching (milonguero style). The embraced couple have room to implement complex foot and leg movements. The upper body remains relatively still--the dance occurs below the waist.
Tango is a walking and turning dance. Each step is placed (an invitation, an acceptance, and a following), generally danced in a straight line. The rules of walking and turning are reflected in a simple code that is taught in beginning and advanced lessons. When dancers are skilled in the dozen or so basic movements, have an understanding of the embrace and develop the skills of lead and follow (invitation and acceptance), the fun begins! The leader creates each dance in the moment with the music. The dancers know that with a followers' feet in a given position, the slightest alteration in the angle of the shoulders and chest will initiate a specific response according to the logical structure of the Tango code. Tango offers the dancers an opportunity to connect in an intimate embrace and move elegantly with the phrasing of the music, each step improvised, creating a truly unique and individual dance. To learn more about Argentine Tango, see Tango Links. What do I need to know to begin learning tango? Nothing! Argentine tango is a social dance, not a competitive one. You don't need to know anything about dancing to start learning tango. Do I need to come with a partner? No. Many, if not most, of the people in our group come as singles and partner with other participants. During classes, workshops and practicas, we change partners often, giving everyone a chance to dance and increasing everyone's proficiency by dancing with multiple partners. What should I wear? Attire--We dress neatly but in comfortable casual clothes for the lessons, workshops and practices. The Milongas (dance parties) are dressier affairs--many choose to wear cocktail party attire. Ladies, long flowing skirts are inappropriate because a your partner's legs can get tangled! Shoes--You don't need special dance shoes but you do need shoes with soles that won't stick to the wooden dance floor (running-type shoes won't work well). Ladies, you will find it much easier to wear shoes that stay attached to your foot--slides and flip-flops are difficult to dance in. Contact Us |