Tango in Tucson

Here are a few “Things to Know” about the Tango and Tango in Tucson

1. Enjoy the Journey, have FUN! Tango is a cultural experience as well as a dance.
2. Dancing is about expressing yourself.
3. Tango is a passionate conversation and connection between two people even if only for ten minutes.
4. Tango is like Argentine “Footsie” there can be a lot of fun foot and leg interaction unlike other dances. It is considered to be a “social” dance. However Tango etiquette is respected at all times. (No “Bumper Tango” on the dance floor). More on that later.
5. At a “Milonga” (dance party and also the name of a type of Tango music & dance) the DJ plays “Tandas” which is a set of 3 or 4 songs that are usually danced all with the same partner. If the partnership isn’t working out you can say “Thank You” after one of the songs and this will indicate that you are finished dancing the tanda. Unless you are done, don’t say thank you. (We are so polite here that this can create a miscommunication if we are not careful.) Keep talking on the dance floor to a minimum so everyone can hear the music clearly.
6. Dancers move around the floor in a counter-clockwise circle called line of dance. Courtesy on the dance floor is essential. Make sure to avoid bumping into or kicking any other dancers. Enter the dance floor from a corner and leaders be sure to make eye contact with the leader that you are merging in front of so he knows you are there so you have a little agreement about the entrance.
7. In Argentina men ask women to dance with a look and head nod from across the room called the Cabeceo. If you would like to dance with him smile and perhaps nod back, keep eye contact until he reaches you so he knows you didn’t change your mind in the middle.
8. In Tucson, men and women will approach and verbally ask each other to dance as well as practice the Cabeceo.
9. Tango is ALL ABOUT THE SHOES!!!! And, the music of course. There are three styles of music that will be played during the Milonga 1) Tango 2) Vals (waltz) 3) Milonga .
10. You learn to dance Argentine Tango at group or private lessons and then through practice at the “Practicas”.
11. We have A LOT of opportunities every week to dance.
12. Come back next week to learn more!

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