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How to Tango

Instructions

  • Step 1: Stand in closed position Decide who will be Partner A and who will be Partner B. Stand so that A faces B with his left arm up at a 45-degree angle, and his right hand in the middle of B’s back. In turn, B mirrors A, holding her right arm up against A’s left, and resting her left hand on B’s right arm.
  • TIP: Traditionally, A’s steps are performed by a man, and B’s steps are performed a woman.
  • Step 2: Get used to the beat The tango has a special rhythm to it: slow, slow, quick-quick, slow. Get more familiar with the rhythm by repeating this out loud several times.
  • TIP: You can also count out the rhythm by saying:1, 2, 3-and, 4T, A, N-G, OOr walk, walk, tan-go, close
  • Step 3: Step forward or back on the “1” Assuming you’re counting using the “1, 2, 3-and, 4” method, “1” will symbolize your first beat. On the “1,” A should step forward on his left foot, while B steps backward on her right foot.
  • Step 4: Step in the same direction on the “2” On the “2,” A steps forward with his right foot, while B steps backward with her left foot.
  • Step 5: Take another step in the same direction on the “3” On the “3,” A should step forward on his left foot, while B steps backward on her right foot.
  • Step 6: Side step on the “and” On the “and,” A steps to his right side with his right foot, while B steps to her left with her left foot.
  • Step 7: Close on the “4” On the “4,” A’s left foot closes next to his right foot, while B’s right foot closes next to her left foot.
  • Step 8: Practice and repeat Practice these steps until they’re comfortable, and repeat the sequence throughout the course of the song.
  • Step 9: Add some drama The tango is a passionate dance, and both partners should feel free to sell the fire and the drama. Look away from your partner! Clench a rose between your teeth! And have fun showing off the romance of the tango!
  • FACT: Buenos Aires is credited as the birthplace of tango, and is still a global destination for learning and performing the dance.

You Will Need

  • A dance partner
  • Patience
  • Melodrama

Lessons in this Guide