TANGO DANCE TIPS

1.


Listen to the music and try to follow the beat and the rhythm. The Tango is generally a slow dance and movements should be smooth and unhurried. Try to finish each step at the end of the beat so that the next step can commence immediately, thereby giving the dance the smooth characteristic required.

2.


Make each step clear and precise. Complete each step and transfer weight before commencing the next step. A normal stride length should be used; avoid steps which are too long or too short. Steps should be made with the balls of the feet touching the floor first. The moving leg should be straighter than with a normal walking action; avoid excessive flexing of the knees.

3.


Do not wear boots or heavy shoes; you need to feel and ‘grip’ the floor. Non-slip trainers are also unsuitable as you need to be able to pivot on the balls of the feet. Leather-soled shoes are best.

4.


Both partners should keep their weights forward over the balls of the feet and, when facing, should make an inverted V shape. Tension should be maintained in the arms and upper body. All the action takes place below the waist and the upper body should be relatively still; do not move the arms independently of the body. Ladies, support your own right arm; do not hang on the man.

5.


Dance close. This is the way the Tango should be danced. Because of the inverted V shape made by the dancers, the first bodily contact will often be at the head. Men should look slightly to the left and ladies slightly to the right. When slightly separated to dance open figures, such as Giros, look at your partner’s face. Do not look at the floor or at the other dancers.

6.


Men, do not hold your partner too tightly; good dancing requires freedom of movement for both partners. And, in the words of the great Juan Carlos Copes, ‘always remember that you are dancing with a lady’.

7.


Do not dance in one place, move counter-clockwise around the floor. Figures may be characterized as progressive (linear) or stationary (rotary). If you dance a stationary figure follow it with a progressive figure. Remember how to change direction so that you are always moving in the correct alignment. Do not meander around the dance floor.

8.


Ladies, do not anticipate moves. Follow and add your own style; there are many embellishments that you can add to the dance which do not require a lead from the man. Men, provide clear leads and signals; always remember, your most important job is to lead the lady.

9.


Both partners should maintain good body posture at all times. The Tango is an upright dance; keep the body straight, the head up, the shoulders and elbows down and the man’s left arm back. Maintain tension throughout the body, do not be too relaxed.

10.


Do not just execute the steps. Dance with energy and style. Try to add some emotion; men, be bold; ladies, be playful, suggestive or seductive. Use some imagination; remember, the Tango is more than just a dance.