Tango Tips

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 heel of the foot touching the floor first. 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 [but not stiff!]; 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 be at the chest. Men should look over the lady's right shoulder while ladies may look at the man's head or slightly to the right or left; this is the ladies choice but do not move the head while dancing.

6.

Men, do not hold your partner too tightly; good dancing requires freedom of movement for both partners.

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 embellishments that you can add to the dance which do not require a lead from the man. Men, provide clear leads; always remember, your most important job is to lead the lady.

9.

Both partners should maintain good forward body posture at all times. 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.

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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 heel of the foot touching the floor first. 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 [but not stiff!]; 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 be at the chest. Men should look over the lady's right shoulder while ladies may look at the man's head or slightly to the right or left; this is the ladies choice but do not move the head while dancing.
6.	Men, do not hold your partner too tightly; good dancing requires freedom of movement for both partners.
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 embellishments that you can add to the dance which do not require a lead from the man. Men, provide clear leads; always remember, your most important job is to lead the lady.
9.	Both partners should maintain good forward body posture at all times. 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.