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T A N G O

Representative List of the

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - 2009

The Argentinian and Uruguayan tradition of the Tango, now familiar around the world, was developed by the urban lower classes in

Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the Rio de la Plata basin.

Among this mix of European immigrants to the region, descendents of African slaves and the natives of the region known as ''criollos,''

a wide range of customs, beliefs and rituals were merged and transformed into a distinctive cultural identity.

As one of the most recognizable embodiments of that identity, the music, dance and poetry of tango both embodies and encourages diversity

and cultural dialogue. It is practiced in the traditional dance halls of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, spreading the spirit of its community across

the globe even as it adapts to new environments and changing times. That community today includes musicians, professional and amateur

dancers, choreographers, composers, songwriters, teachers of the art and the national living treasures who embody the culture of tango.

Tango is also incorporated into celebrations of national heritage in Argentina and Uruguay,

reflecting the widespread embrace of this popular urban music.

"Tango conquered a long time ago a universal transcendence," it said in a statement.

© 2008 Ministerio de Cultura Ciudad de Buenos Aires

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Social Dance Culture Awareness

Having been raised in music culture, and professionally involved in international social dance culture for over 20 years,

I have no doubt that I have been incredibly blessed in a world of magic and delight unknown

to the majority of the masses.

As a developer, I have experienced dance students flirt with the joyful aspects of social dance culture,

only to be swept away into a vast world of creativity, passion and pleasure for a lifetime.

I have watch many people spontaneously transform themselves, and there lives before my eyes.

simply in their loving devotion to people, to quality relationship and to dance.

“Tango is a revolution”

In no uncertain terms, I have witnessed and experienced in Tango a world of splendor,

not only of social and artistic delight, but more astonishingly, of individual and communal transformation.

The immeasurable benefits of becoming involved in international social dance culture are evident to all,

but the greatest benefits of bliss are available only to those who diligently explore deeply within and without.

“The secrets of creative transformation and functionality can only be discovered through balance”

Tango is a natural development process that opens up pure possibility for

individual and collective expression, and enrichment.

“Communion”

“Dance and music culture you see has throughout time been used as the primary tool, in all cultures across the globe,

to bring people and community together, authentically, and in high spirits,

to provoke the creative forces,

primarily to empower individual and communal consciousness, happiness and wellbeing.

Deon Wood

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1. Welcome to Tango

2. Tango yesterday and today

3. Tango basics

4. Is Tango the same as Ballroom Tango?

5. Is Tango the stage dance?

6. Attending Tango group classes

7. Should I have a dance partner?

8. Tango teachers

9. Learning with media resources

10. Attending workshops & international festivals

11. Taking private lessons

12. Tango practice & The practica

13. Tango dress sense & shoes

14. The family of Tango dances

15. Styles of Tango

16. Tango music

17. Attending the Milonga or Salon (Tango functions)

18. Useful Tango terminology

19. The beginners check list

20. Final note

The Beginners Guide

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The Beginners Guide

“ Many years ago Argentina started a Love affair with the world

and the world responded… “

Argentine Tango has been thrilling dancers for more than 100 years.

Tango is loved by dancers and audiences for it’s beauty, passion, drama and excitement.

Learning to dance Tango socially is primarily based on improvisational movement and

respecting both your partner and the other dancers on the floor.

The essence of Argentine Tango is about life, it expresses the emotions and all the

experiences of a life fully lived and It is a true expression of the relationship.

Tango in fact, is a creative interweaving of the principles that sustain balance in

the dance, but also balance of functional relationship.

Graciela Gonzales, a leading Tango instructor, calls the dance

“The history of love in 3 minutes”.

In this guide you will find a brief overview of understanding, dancing and

experiencing the culture, and the art of the Argentine Tango.

Be aware though, that Tango is much more than a mere dance.

You will be embarking on a journey of self discovery through true

self expression, an authentic process of transformation and a

new awakening to the ‘Passion of Life’.

In the early learning stage, it is important to grasp a full understanding

of the roots and culture of Tango.

Covering all the important aspects outlined here in the manual will give you a healthy foundation

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The Beginners Guide

The exact origins of the Tango, both the dance and the word itself are lost in myth

and an unrecorded history. The generally accepted theory however is that in the

mid-1800’s, African slaves were brought to Argentina and they began to influence

the local culture.

The word “Tango” may be straight forwardly of African in origin, meaning

“an enclosed space” or it may derive from the Portuguese and from the Latin

verb (tanguere – to touch) and was picked up from Africans on the slave ships.

Whatever it’s origin, the word “Tango” acquired the standard meaning of the

place slaves and free blacks gathered to dance.

Argentina was undergoing a massive immigration during the later part of the

1800’s and early 1900’s. In 1869, Buenos Aires had a population of 180 000.

By 1914, it’s population was 1,5 million, the intermixing of African, Spanish,

Polish, British, Russian and native Argentineans resulted in a melting pot of

cultures, and they all shared dance and music with each other.

Traditional polkas, waltzes and mazurkas were mixed with the popular

habanera from Cuba and the candombe rhythms from Africa.

Most immigrants were single men hoping to earn their fortunes in this newly

expanding country. They were typically poor and desperate, hoping to make

enough money to return to Europe or bringing their families Argentina.

The evolution of Tango reflects their profound sense of loss and longing for the

people and places they left behind.

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The Beginners Guide

Most likely the Tango was born In African - Argentine dance venues attended by the compadritos - young men, mostly native born and poor,

who liked to dress is slouch hats, loosely tied neckerchiefs and high-heeled boots with knives tucked casually into their belts.

The compadritos took the Tango back to the Corrales viejos - the slaughterhouse district of Buenos Aires and introduced it in various “lowlife”

establishments where dancing took place like bars, dance halls and brothels. It was here that the African rhythms met the Argentine milonga

music (native) and soon new steps were invented and took hold.

Although high society looked down upon the activities in the barrios, well-heeled sons of the porteno oligarchy were not averse to slumming.

Eventually, everyone found out about the Tango and by the beginning of the 20th century, the Tango as both the dance and as an embryonic

form of popular music had established a firm foothold in the fast-expanding city of it’s birth.

It soon spread to provincial towns of Argentina and across the River Plato to Montevideo,

the capital of Uruguay, where it became as much a part of the urban culture as in Buenos Aires.

The worldwide spread of Tango came in the early 1900’s when wealthy sons of Argentinean society

families made their way to Paris and introduced the Tango into a society eager for innovation and

entirely averse to the risqué nature of the dance or dancing with young, wealthy Latino men.

By 1913, the Tango had become an international phenomenon in Paris, London and New York.

There were Tango teas, Tango train excursions and even Tango colors-notably orange.

The Argentine elite who had shunned the Tango were now forced to accept it with national pride.

The Tango spread worldwide throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s.

The dance appeared in movies and Tango singers travelled the world. By the 1930’s,

“the Golden age” of Argentina was beginning.

The country become one of the 10 richest nations in the world and music,

poetry and culture flourished.

The Tango came to be a fundamental expression of Argentine culture, and the Golden age

lasted through the 1940’s and 1950’s.

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The Beginners Guide

Tango’s fortunes have always been tied to economic conditions and this

was true in the 1950’s.

During this time as political repression developed, lyrics reflected political

feelings until they started to be banned as subversive.

The dance and it’s music went underground as large dance venues were

closed and large gatherings in general were prohibited.

The Tango survived in smaller, unpublicized venues

and in the hearts of the people.

The necessity of going underground combined with the eventual invasion

of rock and roll sent the Tango into decline up until the mid 1980’s

when the stage show Tango Argentina opened in Paris. Once again,

Paris was ground zero for igniting Tango excitement worldwide.

The show toured the world and stimulated a revival in Europe,

North America and Japan that we are a part of today.

Tango has since permeated almost every corner of the world and

thousands of Tango enthusiasts, dancers and musicians continue to

enjoy, share and enrich the dance that is engraved in history as one of the

worlds truly remarkable phenomena in social

participatory art form and expression.

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The Beginners Guide

Tango is an improvisational dance based on the four building blocks of walking, turning,

stopping and embellishments.

With the primary emphasis on balance, control and harmony.

The dance is like a puzzle that gets put together differently each time, depending on the

individuals music interpretation, feeling and expression.

Woman and men bring their own unique style and embellishments to the dance which

contribute significantly to the sensation and unpredictability of the experience.

Even through dancers follow certain conventions, they never know how someone will

construct a dance, add an embellishment or interpret the music.

The surprises possible within the dance are certainly what make the dance so addictive.

It really does take 2 to Tango, because the dance isn’t just about the man leading

and the woman following.

Both partners have important roles to play and things to contribute like any balanced

conversation or relationship.

The Tango dance experience encompasses and expresses all the emotions of love:

It has been asserted that “ all the human emotions are to Love what all the colors are

to white.” If you have a spinning wheel of all the colors and you spin the wheel it all

fuses and becomes white.

So we will use this as an effective example of how Tango interweaves

all the emotions and through it all - we experience Love.

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The Beginners Guide

The dance position hold, which is referred to as the “embrace” and this

is one of the key elements of the dance. If you have ever embraced

a departing friend or lover, having shared much trials and trivia

together and of course through it all - the Love experience, you will

have a better understanding of what the Tango is about and more so,

the feelings that stir within when dancing the Tango in close embrace.

The flood of emotions is said to be saturations of the Soul of Tango

“El alma de Tango”

Tango is danced counter clock wise around the floor just like

a horse race.

Dancers try to stay on the outside of the edges of the

dance floor and away from centre space.

If you were to look down on a Tango dance floor,

you’d see dancers move as if floating down a river,

flowing smoothly forward sometimes occasionally stopping

for a spin in a shallow eddy.

“ To be truly loving

is simply to be totally present” - Osho

Presence and connection is of prime importance:

Connection with oneself, with your partner, with the music

and with the group.

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The Beginners Guide

No, they started out from the same roots, but location, time and the ever evolving nature

of the dance have made them completely separate dances.

Argentine Tango is the authentic dance culture whereas ballroom Tango is a

derivatives or altered form of Tango, determined primarily by the change in the

principles of the dance.

Ballroom Tango and the like are very different from the Tango danced in Argentina.

Argentine Tango is different in it’s posture, embrace, improvisation, movement,

balance, steps and music.

It is almost entirely different from the top of your head to the bottom of the soles of

the shoes you dance it with.

If you have a background of Ballroom Tango, just think of the Argentine Tango as a

completely new dance, not as an enhancement of the one you already know.

Although of course many dance attributes that you might have already acquired in

Ballroom Tango may benefit your Tango, as would any other dance or physical

development .

In fact, most of Ballroom and Latin dance is based off authentic dance culture,

but is very often considerably different.

If you learn Samba for example in Ballroom & Latin dance studios you will be most

surprised to find that Samba in Brazil is almost an entirely different dance.

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The Beginners Guide

Most people are first inspired by the Argentine Tango and will

develop an interest in learning to dance because they have

seen a stage performance of Tango.

The Tango you see on stage is related to social Tango,

but it is also quite different.

Stage Tango is also called “fantasia” and is a lot more

elaborate, theatrical and even exaggerated than social Tango,

for the simple reason that the audience must be able to see it

from the back row.

Show Tango is also, of course, presented in the tradition of

stage entertainment or showbiz culture.

The Argentine Tango can be separated into 2 main categories:

Show Tango and Social Tango.

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The Beginners Guide

When you’re a beginner Tango student, attending group classes consistently is the best way to get your bearings in the dance.

Every good dancer I know, stands out as a good dancer because they completed a beginners program and then sort out instruction on a consistent

basis whenever and however they could. Learning to Tango is a wonderful commitment you make for yourself and consistency is as important to

achieving this goal as it for any others in your life. Even though you might find yourself in somewhat remote places at times, where there is the Love,

there will be the way.

A good Tango class should introduce you to the following elements of Tango:

Walking; turning; stopping; navigation; musicality and some embellishments.

Tango is a dance based on walking and will eventually realize that this is an essential

element that requires practice and more practice. The good news is that you already

know how to walk, you just need to practice taking a partner with you and finding

harmony in that. All great dancers work on their walk continuously throughout their

learning experience. In fact, this is the greatest compliment a Tango dancer can

receive is , “Look at his superb walk “

After you have “walked miles” you’ll learn how to turn, how to stop momentarily on the

floor, how to navigate a crowded floor, how to listen to and interpret various types of

Tango music and how to add your own signature to the dance in the form of

embellishments.

Because Tango is an improvisational dance, you should also be exposed to that creative aspect of the dance as well. Tango is a dance you create

on the fly with another person.

It isn’t memorized steps that go together the same way every time. This is one of the most beautiful aspects of Tango and is the one that makes the

dance so endlessly interesting and sensational.

It is important to be aware though that in the early learning classes, the teaching process might at times be quite repetitive with an somewhat over

extended focus on simple basics, but this is an essential process and won`t last for too long before your on your way to faster learning and progress.

Repetition is a fundamental element of learning to dance.

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The Beginners Guide

No, you do not need a partner to start learning to dance the Tango.

There is always a variety of people taking classes and it’s unusual for everyone to

come along with a set partner.

Like in your life, it can be swell having a consistent partner and it’s own blessings

and shortcomings but also we find that it is not essential, you can get along pretty

well without a partner when you must and this too has it’s blessings and it’s

shortcomings. Either way, never depend on a consistent partner in order to

consistently learn, grow and enjoy in Tango.

Remember above all else, your Tango is a gift to you. You will lightly learn and enjoy

with many fellow students and teachers, most will come and go in your experience,

but Tango will be forever.

I personally thrive on the variety of partnering, the excitement of the complete

unknown or new experience can be dazzling in dance as it is in life.

It is lightly too, that as your grow in Tango you will inevitably match up in a primary

partnership with a suitably selected dancer, even if it`s only from time to time.

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The Beginners Guide

If your lucky to be in a city or town with at least one or more Tango teachers,

try them .They can be your guides to the world of Tango.

In addition to teaching classes, local teachers usually help arrange (or know of)

workshops with visiting instructors and opportunities to dance Tango socially.

If your city does have more than one instructor, take a batch of classes from all

of them. Attend their practices and functions. See who is teaching with what

methods and style and most important who offers instructions that feels

right for you.

In my experience, the best Tango teachers are the ones who bring out the best

in you at the same time sufficiently challenge your potential and abilities and the

ones who truly ignite your inspiration. Although some of these teaches may not

always be of agreeable temperament, they do tend to be more effective in the

long run in offering the best results.

Be also very aware of the different roles played between those who simply offer endless new patterns, and those who teach Tango. The difference

in the roles can be the same as in the mother and the nanny. Best of all, better don’t get attached to any particular teacher .

Every teacher, partner, fellow dancer or performer can bring you incredible new insights in every new moment. However, the essential point to

realize and understand is that: You are your own teacher.

You are the craftsman, selecting and using whatever “effective” tools that may serve you crafting of your Tango.

Many teachers will come and go, simply get the best from the best, whatever and whenever you can, again, variety can be the spice.

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The Beginners Guide

Whether you do or don’t have any local instructors available, there are many

Tango self-training videos and other resources available on various Internet

Tango sites – generally offered at very low cost.

Some of the top Tango dancers that I have come across have accredited

“video training” as one of their most reliable and effective training tools.

There are several great advantages to learning by video, the least of which,

you can take as long as you like and you can scrutinize every

detail at your own pace. Using VLC player can be a great advantage in that

you can adjust the playback speeds to as slow as you prefer.

The process of effective integration is immeasurably enhanced through the

repetition from video reviewing, but of course, when it comes down to the

practical, the regular feedback from a reliable teacher`s hands-on

experience and instruction is irreplaceable.

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The Beginners Guide

Workshops are generally offered on beginner, intermediate and advance

levels. Generally also for specialized teaching with focus on specific parts of

the dance development. As you become comfortable with the essential

elements of Tango, you may want to attend, in your own city or

internationally, special weekend workshops that provide the opportunity to

meet and learn from some of the world’s best professional dancers.

In addition, several week-long workshops are held in Argentina and in most

cities of the world. This also offers a incredible chance to combine travel with

learning in Tango.

You would probably be astonished at the amount of participation in Tango

throughout the world by almost every nationality.

You will be excited to find that you are becoming a part of the global family of

Tango dancers and enthusiasts who share your pleasure and passion and

generously welcome your participation.

One of the real values of Tango is in the infinite benefits of international

exposure and development.

These international events offer enormous opportunity to experience and to

learn in every aspect to Tango – dance, music, resources and top world

performances.

Many tour operators and agencies promote and offer ridiculously low

package rates over these festival periods, particularly for Argentina.

If you do have the means and opportunity arises - Go and experience.

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The Beginners Guide

Private lessons of course offer the greatest opportunity for complete Tango development.

It has been said that one hour of private tuition can be the equivalent of three group classes,

be that as it may, both can benefit your dance proficiency alike, it’s simply a matter of time

span and of course initial expense.

Take into consideration that, although private tuition would cost more initially, over time,

this could be evenly measured against the cost of group classes.

Private lessons allow for individual attention with specific focus on correction in body, dance,

expression and every other area of Tango development. One hour of private tuition can also

save you many hours of frustration and help you avoid painful mistakes, both emotionally

and physically.

“Whatever you continue to repeat in your dance will be ingrained permanently in most cases” - Another important aspect of learning in Tango, is for

you to be aware from the beginning, that you will either be integrating the correct or the incorrect, so be sure not to develop bad habits or

“shortcuts” early in your foundational training. It is far more tricky to unlearn than it is to learn.

It is also advised to first complete a beginners program or workshop and attend a Tango salon (function) or two before shopping for private lessons

as this allows for you to be more enlightened as to your own particular likes or dislikes and most importantly your level of enthusiasm for this newly

introduced art form.

Once you have completed an Introductory program you can pretty much accurately asses your motivation and interest in the Tango.

Also, only take a few lessons with a particular teacher initially to asses for yourself if you would be comfortable with his/her methods of teaching or

style of their Tango.

When you are more sure, commit to a reasonable package of 1 or 2 hours per week with consistent practice and dance time in between lessons for

at least 3 to 6 months. Most importantly, be consistent and maintain your full program for the best results.

On average, most people can learn to dance Tango on a good proficiency level in 6 months, if they apply themselves with a steady commitment to

lessons, independent practice and dancing as much as possible, with a suitable partners and teachers.

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The Beginners Guide

There are 3 main areas of development in dance and no different in Tango, namely: the Tuition; the Practice; the Performance

Each area requires your consistent focused attention and development.

Undeniably, for me, the most important aspect of my learning Tango

has been practicing on my own.

Rather short spouts of 15 to 30 minutes at a time as often as possible,

wherever possible in regular intervals will serve you most effectively,

and will be essential for your proficient Tango development.

Practice can mostly be light and easy repetition with playfulness

rather than hard work.

Taking the time to integrate material taught will also save a great deal of

time and money in the future and not to mention, countless episodes of a

disgruntled teachers nagging. And the frustration and pressure build up

from not practicing which eventually could create enormous

despondencies in you.

It is also very important here to warn you of the occasional inspirational

dissatisfaction that you will encounter throughout your Tango experience.

My advice , live with it. Allow it to push you forward to greater heights and deeper experience. \Tango, you see, will always require more and more,

but this experience is priceless and will continue to excite and inspire you for a lifetime and beyond.

The practica is a relaxed dance session, sometimes supervised, but essentially for dancers to focus more carefully and particularly on the recent

material taught. This is an important process for effective integration.

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The Beginners Guide

Tango, you see is very much a social drama experience which like any other may require certain

specific dressing. I personally believe that a woman can appear her most

beautiful when dressed Tango, and in the dance of course,

Dressing well and suitably does aid the expression and certainly the

overall sensation of the dance performance.

If you dress smoothly you dance smoothly, simply so.

I know when I’m dressed hot I feel hot and Tango allows for

tremendous heat to say the least, so hey you will decide.

Look around examine other dancers and you will feel what’s the

appropriate dress for you.

For ladies and men alike. The Tango style is chic and passionate.

Tango is typically danced in shoes with leather bottoms that have

a snug fit and stay on the feet well. Shoes with stapes for women and

lace up shoes for men are the most common.

Woman also need to wear shoes with a heel, perhaps at a

selected height and width. Open-toed shoes for woman and

slip on shoes for men are usually a disaster. There are shoes

specifically designed for Tango dancers, but your main consideration

should be find shoes that support your feet, don’t squish your toes and

are comfortable enough to dance in several hours.

Don’t underestimate the importance of a good pair of dance shoes – an investment in the most

suitable pair will be worth every penny spent (cheap can be expensive).

It is also advisable to add suitable inner pads. Spenco pads work very well. Avoid the gel-filled

pads they generally prove to be extremely disappointing.

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The Beginners Guide

There are actually 3 Tango dances that form the family of the Argentine Tango. Each with it’s own music and rhythm. During the course of an evening of dancing all three will be played and danced. The first is simply – Tango.

The is the dance most people would recognize as Tango and the dance most beginners learn first. It’s music is based on a slow, steady four-count beat.

The second dance is called – Milonga.

Milonga is a faster-paced dance based on simplified Tango steps. It has much the same rhythm and feeling as the polka. Milonga music is historically older than Tango music, but the dance itself is actually newer. Milonga is a dance simply for fun, somewhat jovial and skippy.

The third dance is called – Tango Vals

Called vals or vals cruzado. Tango vals music is based on the classic 1-2-3 timing of the waltz, but in this type of Tango, dancers typically dance on the ones. also with simplified Tango steps. Special note:

The word “milonga” has 3 uses in Tango. It means:

The dance - Dance called Milonga The music - Music you dance the Milonga to The dance party - Tango dance party It’s possible to dance a Milonga to a Milonga at a Milonga. And believe me this Is not such a strange thing.

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The Beginners Guide

Within Argentine Tango there are various styles you may hear people refer to. They will say, “Oh, he’s milonguero dancer” or “she dances salon style”.

Styles are as unique as dancers and think it’s rather foolish to try a categorize either. Just remember if you hear terms like “salon””or “milonguero” or “fantasia” or “orillero”, someone is talking about a certain style.

As with any evolving art form, trying to pin down the rules is impossible. Every day, new styles come forward and dancers find new ways to play with them and incorporate them into their dance.

In the past few years, styles known as Nuevo, liquid and electric have appeared. Who knows what’s coming next? All we know is that it is sure to come.

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The Beginners Guide

The music of Argentine Tango is as rich and interesting as the dance. Tango music in Argentina followed

much the same evolution as swing music did in the United States. It started as simple rhythms played for

dancers by orchestras led by some colorful and charismatic bandleaders.

Over time, simple rhythms evolved to more complicate ones and finally edged toward more jazz-like

interpretations less suitable for dancing but wonderful for listening.

Tango music is probably most distinguished from other types of music by two things: the bandoneon and the lack of drums.

The bandoneon is a German instrument that looks and sounds like the offspring of an accordion and an organ. In fact the instrument was invented

to provide organ-like music to church congregations unable to afford a real organ. Like a lot of immigrants to Argentina, the bandoneon found

it’s way into the culture and left an indelible mark on it.

You may notice that there are no drums in Tango music. The beat is kept on a bass and the lower register of the piano with usually

bandoneons, violins and the upper register of the piano providing the fascinating rhythms.

When you first start dancing Tango, you’ll most likely be dancing to the most rhythmic music from the 1940’s and 1950’s, known as the Golden Age of Tango. As you become more experience, later music with it’s more modern jazzy rhythms becomes very interesting to interpre t.

You’re preferences in the beginning, might however sway towards the more flowing, smooth modern Tango music which is immediately felt to be more “progressive” or appealing to modern tastes.

However, like the acquired taste for dry red wine, older “classic” Tango music offers a blend of rhythms that offer a variety of: hesitations and explosions (slow pulling and then fast pushing rhythms), which challenge your true Tango improvisation and creative skills.

Modern or Nuevo Tango music is smoother, more consistent rhythms which also lend more toward the ear, whereas, older “classic” music lends more toward the dance rhythm.

The point being, it is more advisable to first learn to dance on more classic Tango music and now and again take a dip into the cool rhythm of the more Progressive styles like modern or “Nuevo” Tango music.

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The Beginners Guide

The pure joy of experiencing Tango in all it’s sensational and infinitive variances we’ve discussed will take

place here at the milonga or the salon.

You will probably find the most interesting of people from all walks of life. It has been said that “when you’re

in the company of artists, praise the moment, as a gift from the Gods”. This is especially true when in the

company of accomplished Tango artists.

What is a tanda and a cortina?

At the milonga, the music is played in sets called tandas.

Usually three to four songs are played by the same orchestra followed by the “cortina” (the curtain)

which signals the end of the tanda.

If you ask someone to dance and they accept, it is assumed that it be for the entire tanda.

Cortinas are often pieces of music not suitable to dance to and sometimes very entertaining or amusing.

Now it is especially important to realize that when at the milonga or salon, everyone may ask anyone, man and

woman alike. And you will always need to be dancing as much as possible with as many

partners as you can get a hold of.

Firstly because this is why you have learned to Tango and, secondly, because you need “mileage” ,

You need to get as much practical experience as possible. So, don’t be shy, get up, be assertive

and have a fantastic time for you!

How someone may ask you for a dance :

In Argentina, it is customary for the men to ask the woman to dance with “a look” – a certain glance

that says “dance with me?”. If a woman is willing, she will smile back and maintain eye contact while

and until he approaches. If she looks away or down, he will take it that she is not interested and that

will be the end of that.

It is important to remember that Tango is a sharing experience with all levels of dancers.

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The Beginners Guide

When you accept a dance it will be assumed that it will be for the whole tanda,

however if at any interval you feel to end the dance, a simple sweet thank you will suffice and that will be

the end of that.

It is also quite acceptable to say no -thank you on direct invitation, but too many “no- thank you” could

leave you isolated on the couch for most of the evening. Try to accommodate their requests as you

would want the same.

Look, listen and learn

Another great benefit of attending milongas and salons is that you get to be exposed to most of what

you will need to learn and here is the opportunity to look for techniques, styles, good habits and

creative ideas to adopt for yourself. Stop, look and listen.

You can learn, adopt or imitate what looks and feels good for you. This will be a very large part of your learning process and can save you hours and hours of lesson time.

Respect for other dancers on the dance floor.

In the beginner it is important to remember that you should dance around the floor in the anticlockwise flow,

staying on the outside of the floor as much as possible and taking special care not to bump or

stump into your fellow dancers around you. If you find it difficult to stay in the flow, better to move to the

centre of the floor and do your thing there, yes?

You will soon see, this is all it will take to very soon be doing all that you see around you.

It’s only a matter of time and a little courage from you.

Good navigational skills dictate that you never bump another dancer.

Always keep your dance compact and comfortable for you and everyone else.

Always remain humble

Don’t present a show unless invited to - Social is not show. Dance with, and for the Love - That’s Tango !

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The Beginners Guide

Here are some terms that are often used to describe specific elements of Tango.

Abrazo – the embrace

Adelante – forward

Al costado – to the side

Apilado – a style of Tango

Arrependida – reverting action. Steps used to retreat from a collision

Atrás – backward

Adorno – adornment or embellishment

Amague – to make a threatening motion as a feint

Arrastre – to drag

Barrida – a sweep

Bailar – to dance

Basico – the basic pattern

Baldosa – a walking box figure

Bailarin – a very accomplished dancer

Brazos – arms

Caminar – to walk (the basic walk Tango)

Cruzada – the cross

Gancho – a hook (an embellishment)

Giro – a turn

Lapiz – literally means a pencil (to draw a cycle on the floor)

Mordida – literally means a bite (to sandwich the feet)

Ocho – an “eight” (a part to turn)

Parada – a stop

Salida – literally means exit, but in Tango it’s an entrance to dance

Sacada – a displacement

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The Beginners Guide

Here is a list of things you should be able to accomplish as a beginner.

For the men - Leaders

1. Know how to ask a lady to dance

2. Follow the flow in line of dance and stay on the outside of the floor

3. Walk smoothly

4. Keep your own balance

5. Keep the basic rhythm

6. Be sharply aware of where you and others are on the floor

7. Know how to walk, turn, stop and lead a few embellishments

8. Know how to interrupt a step from hitting another couple

9. Know how to put basic steps elements together to make a dance

For the woman - Followers

1. Know how to accept or decline a dance

2. Wait for the lead (no anticipation)

3. Walk smoothly and walk to the cross steadily

4. Keep your own balance

5. Keep the basic rhythm

6. Be aware of others on the floor

7. Know how to walk, turn, stop and execute a few embellishments

Once you have mastered the elements on these lists, you are on way to been an intermediate dancer. As an intermediate dancer you will work on

how to dance more with improvisation, how to improve your posture and to improve your balance, control and harmony, how to interpret the music

on a more sophisticated level, and how to combine may basic elements to form new dance steps.

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The Beginners Guide

Open your self up to pure possibility and creativity

Tango offers an infinite scope for creativity, innovation and most important the never ending

avenue of technical mastery of the craft. It is important to realize that your ongoing

development in Tango will – as in any other art or craft – be never ending and ever

expanding. This is probably the most inspiring aspect of the dance, that it never quite

quenches the thirst and continues to excite and tantalize for a lifetime and beyond.

Master the fundamentals first

It is important to understand that, “for the tree to grow tall, strong and beautiful, the roots

must be firm, grow deep and be well nourished”. By this I mean that the basic elements and

the basic technicalities that you will encounter in the early stages of your development , are

absolutely, the most important part of your growth and development in your Tango.

Be prepared to work diligently and consistently at them and you

will grow a fine Tango indeed.

Practice the most vital principle - Commitment

To attendance

To learning

To correction

To your own success

Remember - Tango is an art of refinement, within and without.

May all your dreams come true

Deon Wood

September 2012

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Manual compiled and edited by Deon Wood (SA) (Teachers Associate) 2012

In conjunction with

DEON WOOD

T A N G O MOZAMBIQUE

+258 72 856 3554 | deonwoodtango@gmail.com | www.deonwoodtango.weebly.com