Tango Dancing

What is Argentine tango?

Probably the only possible definition is that "Tango is an improvised dance based on mutual communication such that two people move as one. One heart and four legs". But other people have their own ideas.

Leaders and their problems

Generally speaking the followers would have us believe that the leaders are genetically disadvantaged since being male they cannot multitask. Well it can be difficult at times especially if we have our oun demons to contend with:

• Oh my God the standard is too high for me.
• I'd love to dance with that follower but she might not like me (much like a school disco - no change there then).

Generally speaking a good venue gets crowded very quickly and its very difficult to find the space to do fancy moves!! Its also worth remembering that the dance is led entirely by the leader so many followers having been subjected to the entire repertiore of ganchos and the like might just like to relax and have a smooth dance.

If you look at all the good dancers "less can be more" in many cases. So followers may be very accomplished but they are not necessarily looking for complexity.

If you ask a good follower her opinion of a particular leader the range of response can be (on the good side) "Wonderful! I danced the entire tanda with my eyes closed" to - "It was terrible! - I couldn't understand what he wanted me to do".

Often having a nice walk around the floor listening to the music can be a pleasant break from trying to impress people. And it's never boring.

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Followers and their problems

A common insecurity is inexperience. For the follower this means be able to understand the lead - the signals. A good leader will start with simple moves and gradually increase the complexity as both dancers become familiar with each other. Failure to start conservatively inevitably ends in disaster.

However, there are a few characteristics that make it difficult for the leader including "She was a whirling dervish - just kept on doing her own thing" and "She hung off me and my back is killing me!"

Generally speaking these are problems that resolve themselves with experience and good teaching. The point is not to let the experience stop any future liaison! On the other hand there are times when it just doesn't work - in which case you just have to live with it. Nobody died!

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Social dancing

Social dancing happens at a "milonga". Milonga is also a type of tango dance but tango the world over is danced at Milongas. These take place in hotels, bars, church halls, village halls - wherever there is a nice wooden floor! They have one thing in common: everyone is there to dance.

What happens when I get in?

All dancing has its own culture. Most people will have a little bag with them containing their dance shoes and having paid to get in they find a seat and change. For both leader and follower it's often preferable to find a friendly face and have the first dance with him/her. After that the general culture that the followers - who generally outnumber the leaders - wait until they are asked to dance. However, this practice although common on mainland Europe is starting to change and it is quite common for followers to ask leaders for a dance.

Of course, both leader and follower can be refused but this is rather extreme behaviour.

How long do I have to dance with this person?

Many venues use "tandas" which are a group of three pieces of music separated by a piece of non-tango music to indicate a break. So if whether you are having a good time or not this "cortina" or curtain (in English) is the point at which to thank your partner and move on.

If there are no tandas then it's generally accepted that you will dance three dances.

What type of embrace?

It's Tango!! Generally speaking you will be move into a reasonably close embrace from the start. Sometimes it can be an open embrace at the start of the tanda moving closer as the relationship progresses.

Of course the music or dancing style might dictate the closeness of the embrace but at any one point in milonga you will see see couples in various states of embrace.

Its worth noting that if you intend to dance up close make sure your personal hygiene is up to it!! In summer everyone gets a bit damp - but odour is unacceptable.

How do I develop my technique?

Practice!! It's no different to rackets sports or golf. If you want to improve your social dancing then you have to develop your physique accordingly. In tango we have to develop our posture, poise and balance rather than strength.

If you have access to a dance studio or a space with a full length mirror then use it to examine your posture so as to ensure that straight spine that allows you to dance on axis. Some people find pilates and other exercises extremely useful. And if practicing at the bar is good enough for ballet dancers then it should be good enough for us.

Finally, don't forget that a few exercises before you dance - even at social events - will not only relax you but also offer some protection against pulling a muscle.

Last updated 16:32 03/06/2009 by MRD

Copyright 2008-2009 Mark Dilloway All rights reserved