Tango Etiquette: The 101 and how to on getting started

Tango is growing in popularity amongst the bustling cities of the Americas and Europe. Its elegance and passion fills us with a sort of curiosity and longing to be that elegant mystical lady or gentlemen of the Black and White movie. Tango like many other classical arts has undergone a transformation to adapt more modern sounds starting with the revolution of Astor Piazzolla. To learn more about his revolution follow http://www.piazzolla.org/biography/biography-english.html

We now here more modern sounds of Nuevo Tango in restaurants and public places and often can't attribute these to tango unless a lover of the music as I am. However even in these modern interpretations that often lend the artist more acrobatic freedom the classical notes and rhythms are heard.

It sounds mysterious and scary maybe but anyone can do it but first a few rules of the game that novices often overlook. Although Tango has gone a transformation there are still inherent rules and traditions. You will be frowned upon and dismissed as novice if you do not at least try to respect and follow them.

If you are a novice the best way to start is by taking a few lessons and then going to a Practica at the dance studio. Here most of the people are students too and you will be in a learning atmosphere. The next step is to go to a Milonga near by.

For New York City checkout the tango calendar for a place to go:

http://www.newyorktango.com/

If it is your first ones. Start by attending the often included dance lesson. Then watch the others dance. Their style, how they carry themselves, music interpretation. Just take it all in it will help you become a better dancer.

Preparing for the Milonga

Personal hygiene and a festive dress is the norm. Unless you are an acrobatic Nuevo tango interpretationist dress elegantly. For a milonga dress up a little for a Practica be comfortable. Wear clothing that is not elegant and sexy but not slutty save that for the clubs. If you wear jewelry that is bulky make sure it is not of a kind that can become dangerous on the dance floor.

Dance Stance

If you are interested in dancing and not only watching and listening. Either stand by the dance floor or sit in the rows of chairs. If you are in a group or in a couple most likely this will signal that you are not interested in dancing at the moment.

Be Polite

Ask for the dance politely. If the answer is no accept it as such. We will get to the duration of No shortly.

The Tanda

Is a musical unit of the tango dance. The DJ or band usually plays a few songs of the same style or orchestra followed by a Cortina - an interlude. It is customery to dance the tanda with the same partner. If you decide to stop you are sending messages. Also if you say thank you after a song that generally indicates that you had enough dancing with the partner and want to sit down.

If you say thank you after the first one most likely it means that the dancing is just nor happening at this point.

The second well you tried it but no the chemistry is not working lets try with someone else Third or later can indicate different reasons such as fatigue, boredom or just needing a change from dancing. If you believe your partner inadequate use your power of no, this will help your partner improve.

The Cortina

It is customary to switch partners during the cortina. You are at no obligation to dance with the same partner but are welcome to continue if both parties agree. If the lady sais thank you the gentlemen should escort her to her seat. If the gentlemen says thank you he should escort the lady to her seat. It is not customary to talk while dancing, thus use the cortina to do the socializing and the getting to know each other or to switch partners.

http://www.tangoblivion.com/media/video.html

Courtesy to a couple

If you wish to dance with someone who has a significant other next to him or her, ask the permission and acknowledge who the person is with. It is utterly rude otherwise, this goes for ladies and gentlemen.

Be Perceptive

It is usually obvious who wants to dance. Body language and eye contact is key. If the lady makes eye contact with you go over and politely ask her to dance. If a man makes eye contact with you and you absolutely do not want to dance with him, or at least do not want to at the moment look away. If someone looks perfectly comfortable where they are, if they are not in close proximity to the dance floor let them be. When they want to dance you will know it.

Respect your partner

Different people have different comfort levels and although Tango is a close dance, respect your partner's tolerance level. If you bring her close and she pushes away let some space in or she will never dance with you again. during

No Teaching During a Milonga save it for the Practica

No no no absolutely no teaching on the dance floor. So you have taken three lessons or have been dancing all your life and your partner is horrible. Respectfully say thank you after the dance, maybe during the cortina recommend politely some teachers. But do not start teaching your partner during the dance. Followers usually get offended and annoyed. In addition you are disturbing the other dancers on the floor, as a tango is a continuous constantly moving dance.

Ladies its always his fault

If he tells you he is supposed to step on your feet, ummm excuse me NO. If he is saying you are not doing this move or that, guess what he did not lead it. So gentlemen if your partner is not doing what you expected her to do you are not leading it. She was not in the Thursday class and has no idea what your teacher taught you. So let it be and continue enjoying the music, your beautiful partner and the sensual dance. If it is really no working say thank you, take a break get a drink and begin with another.

Ladies NO BACK LEADING

If you want to have the power to blame everything on him you have to let the leader drive. If you back lead he does not understand if he is making you do that or you just went to the same class and know that when he does that strange shrug with his shoulder it is a signal for a boleo. Let the leaders learn. It is tough for them to navigate and think of fun steps to amuse you with. You are only making it more difficult by trying to help out by cheating and doing the step without him leading you to do it.

Most of all have fun with it. Respect your partner enjoy the atmosphere, tango is a great social dance where you will make many friends that you will meet over and over again. Do not get discouraged it will take time to learn but oh how much fun you can have on the journey.