Whether or not you know much about dancing the tango, you have likely heard the famous idiom, “It takes two to tango.” The saying reflects the tango dancers’ close proximity to one another and the dance’s in-sync and opposing movements. It is a passionate, dramatic, and visually exciting dance that steals the show in any room.
For this reason, the tango is not only internationally popular but also a classic ballroom dance and, naturally, a go-to choice for couples who are interested in dance lessons.
But because the tango differs slightly from other ballroom dances, such as the waltz or foxtrot, it is helpful for beginners to know a few things before your first tango lesson:
- It Is A Walking Dance
- The Leader Begins on the Right Foot
- Tango Is Intimate in Nature
- Tango Requires the Right Outfit
- The Goal Is Connection
Interested in private or group tango lessons in the Nashville area? Visit us at World Champion Productions!
It Is A Walking Dance
There is a Zimbabwean proverb that says, “If you can walk, you can dance,” which is the perfect encouragement for anyone wanting to learn the tango! This is because the tango’s basic movements involve a combination of slow and quick steps, oftentimes backward.
Tango beginners usually start with an 8-count basic or tango basic lesson. Tango basic, for example, is made of five steps that are taken over eight counts of music. So, the rhythm of the steps go like this: slow-slow-quick-quick-slow. The slow steps account for two beats of the music while the quick steps account for one. Practice taking steps in this rhythm, if you like!
The Leader Begins on the Right Foot
Oftentimes, ballroom dances begin with the leader taking a step forward with his left foot. For anyone who has learned ballroom dances before the tango, then, will notice a difference from the start: In the basic style, the tango leader begins with the right foot, and he takes the first step backwards.
While this variation is unique, it allows the follower to travel around the leader and add some intricacies – such as fancy footwork and kicks – before the step count is complete. Such spontaneous and personal touches become more comfortable to beginners over time.
Tango Is Intimate in Nature
As mentioned previously, the tango is a style of dance that is passionate and intimate in its very nature. A key element of the tango, then, is the embrace. The embrace serves as the frame and point of connection the leader of the tango uses to communicate the coming movements with his partner, the follower.
There are also different styles of embraces. In the open embrace, there is space between the bodies of the leader and the follower; they are holding hands and the lead places his other hand on her back at the base of her ribcage. In the closed embrace, the dancers’ upper torsos are pressed against one another as if to feel each other’s heartbeats.
Tango Requires the Right Outfit
Different tango styles use different types of leg positioning, including being intertwined, hooked together, and swinging into the air. From a practical standpoint, tango dancers need to wear outfits that won’t restrict their movements or potentially catch on each other during the dance.
At the same time, tango dancers traditionally opt for looking their best! It is not uncommon to see women wearing high heels and both long or short dresses, depending on their style, that flatter their figures. Men’s tango fashion is much more traditional; they will wear straight-cut trousers, good dancing shoes, and sometimes vests, hats, and suspenders.
The Goal Is Connection
Tango is about connecting with yourself, the music, and your dance partner. So, it only makes sense to elaborate more on the importance of the communication and connection between the tango dancers.
The tango – like other ballroom dances – depends on the follower responding to the subtle cues and silent communication of the leader. At World Champion Productions, we teach tango that involves less steps and that focuses on your body awareness, connection points with your partner, and your response to the music.
Contact World Champion Productions about tango lessons in Hendersonville and Mt. Juliet, Tennessee!