How to Tango Dance

Tango dance, originally having evolved in South America, has adapted to various dance forms over time. Initially, people were meant to perform the tango alone. However, soon partners were involved, and it transformed into a dance to be performed by couples. It has, thus, become a form of sensuous ballroom dancing to be performed with a partner. That is why this Latin dance form is also sometimes referred to as 'the dance of love'.

Like all other dance forms, tango has its own unique music to be performed to, the tango music. To be able to perform the tango, it is essential that you relate to the music, and get a feel of its rhythm and beats. As such, before you begin to perform the tango, get hold of some tango music, and experience the beautiful sensations it creates. Any music with a one-two-three-four beat, such as Argentine Tango music will be helpful in learning the basic tango moves. You are now ready to learn how to tango dance.

Basic Tango Dance Steps

The tango dance is simple, and these basic tango moves will further introduce you to the depths of the tango. Before you begin dancing, ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes, and have an amply spacious and smooth floor to dance on.

* While learning how to tango dance, remember walking is the most basic tango dance step. In fact, it is only walking in a defined manner that comprises the tango. As you begin, first listen to the music, identify the one-two-three-four beat, and walk to it, around the room, in a counter-clockwise direction.
* As you walk, try to do so in a graceful manner, while landing on the balls of your feet. Now walk back in a clockwise direction, taking straight and larger steps than usual, in a cat-like manner, to avoid bumping knees with your partner.
* While doing the tango, the rule is that men look towards their left, while women look towards their right. Follow this rule while walking to the beat.

Once you are comfortable with the beats, start gliding smoothly instead of walking, as this adds more grace to the tango dance.

Easy Tango Steps with your Partner

After mastering the basics tango moves, you can begin learning with a partner, to be able to get the hang of this beautiful 'dance of love'.

1. Begin by standing close to your partner, so that your torsos touch.
2. If you are leading the dance, in the center of your partner's lower back, place your right hand. Loosely hold your partner's right hind with your left hand, while keeping your arm bent. Maintain this position towards the left of your body. If you are following the lead, place your left hand on his right shoulder and hold his left hand with your right hand, while keeping your elbow bent.
3. The lead will begin his dance by walking slowly, starting with the left foot, and landing first on the heel followed by the toes. The partner will replicate the steps, however, beginning with the right foot, and landing first on the toes, followed by the heels.
4. Slowly, take a step with your right foot so it glides past the left, on the second beat of the music.
5. To the third beat, replicate the first two steps, quickly, beginning with a forward movement with the left foot and a quick movement to the right with the right foot, while shifting the weight between both feet.
6. Slide your left foot towards your right foot, while keeping it bent, on the fourth beat. Maintain the weight on the right foot.
7. Now, shift the weight from the right to the left foot. Take a half-turn in a clockwise direction, and while doing so, quickly step forward with your right foot, and quickly shift the weight back to the left foot. Now, complete the half-turn by stepping forward with your right foot.
8. Repeat the same pattern after joining your feet together at the end of the beat.

You have successfully learned how to tango dance! As you practice and improvise, you can add further variations to your dance and make it unique.

Find more information on tango dancing lessons: tango dance steps.

It has been said that 'Tango is not in the feet. It is in the heart.' Learning how to tango dance requires both dancers, not only to relate to the music, but to each other as well. It is a romantic and passionate dance, and unless these feelings aren't experienced, the outcome may not be as perfect. If you don't have such feelings for the partner you are dancing with, imagine yourself dancing with someone you do have such feelings for, or allow the music to generate such feelings in you, so you can bring out your best, and do justice to the tango. Bona Fortuna!