How To Tango Dance

Learn How To Tango Dance

The tango is a hot, sultry dance full of strutting proud men and softly flowing women. There is a continuous movement similar to other ballroom dances, but there can also be quick flicks and strong, jerky head movements.

When learning how to Tango dance, it should be noted that a proud, strong and quietly dignified expression and bearing is a hallmark of the accomplished tango dancer.

Tango began in the melting pot that was 1880's Buenos Aires. Here the combination of African, Indian, Spanish and Eastern European cultures joined together to create a wildly emotional dance. Some say that it represents a dance of courtship in an era when men vied for the attention of scarce, marriageable women. The man is the dominant figure, while the woman is more yielding and soft. Hence the red clothes usually worn by the ladies of the dance and the austere black formal clothes of the men.

While learning how to Tango dance can be similar to other ballroom dances, the particular movements of the tango are different. There are some of the flowing movements, when both dancers follow each others movement, but there are also quick jerky head changes from side to side as if the dancers are slapping each other with stiff upper bodies. The music itself is a mixture between African drum beats and Spanish and Indian melodies. Legs are kicked with high, quick raises.

The harsh, wild dance was so popular that it soon became exported all over the world. Finding itself in Paris by the early 1900s and then later in America. Here, it was cleaned up and much of the meaning and nuances were lost or changed. The quick pace and fast movement attracting the younger generation who up until then only had the more sedate dances.

Man and woman partners work around the dance floor in a generally counterclockwise way. They can have forward and backward movements which are accentuated by firm foot steps. The man's role is that of brooding dominance. He is angry with the woman and is trying to control her. They kick their feet out to the sides as they in turns, argue then make up.

Modern clothes are very similar to other types of ballroom with plenty of sequins and cut away dresses. Skirts are usually shorter to enable the female dancers to adequately emphasize the leg work and foot movements. It is a very passionate dance to watch and learn.