Argentine Tango Steps

Perhaps the term 'Argentine tango' doesn't do Uruguay any favor, as both countries can be credited for the formation and growth of the popularity of Argentine Tango according to the history of tango dance. Widely considered to have come from the Rio De La Plata region between these two countries, the Argentine Tango dance is one of the most lovely Latin dance styles. The Argentine Tango dance is usually performed by two people - a leader who is most often a male and a follower, most often a female. Like most Latin dances, the leader dictates how the dancing routine will play out, while the follower just goes with the flow. So without a doubt, the trick to performing the Argentine Tango perfectly, you need to have a leader who's pretty good and guides the follower effectively. The dance routine in Argentine Tango may or may not be fixed and once again, depends how the leader wishes the dance to pan out.

Argentine Tango Moves

Now the Argentine Tango dance steps are not so easily defined and often, it is the spontaneity that gives this dance its unique feature. While some dancers go into the performance knowing what steps they are going to dance to, the more accomplished tango dancers know that a sudden, unexpected move, which may perhaps even surprise the follower can make good viewing for the audience. A good leader is well versed with not only the basic Argentine Tango moves, but also knows how to bodily communicate to the follower which move to perform, without speaking a word.

Walking
Argentine Tango is a danced with the partners' hands in a closed position. Walking with each others' hands held is the basic Argentine Tango step. The dance starts with the dancers walking over the floor, one step at a time on the beat. Other steps are performed during the walk, which is the basic thread of the dance. The three basic walk steps are forwards, backwards and the rock step. The rock step is where the lead takes one foot forwards or backwards, but then suddenly changes direction half-way through.

Gancho
The Gancho is the next basic Argentine Tango step. Here the leader pulls the follower towards him and the follower wraps her leg around the body of the leader seductively, either on the inside or the outside the leader's body. The leader has to be very firm on this step, so that it looks like the follower is being pulled towards him. What makes this step so tough is that it requires both chemistry and skill in equal measure.

Cruzada
The cruzada is a lovely Argentine dance step, where one of the dancer crosses one of his or her foot in front of the other. Usually the follower makes this step in the 5th count of an 8 beat routine.

Corte
The corte is a cute little move, which can be performed in a variety of ways and is performed all through the dance. The corte means a cut and usually involves the leader pulling the follower front and back first and then to the side.

Media Vuelta
Media vuelta means 'half-turn'. It is one of the very common steps, where the man steps forward with his right foot, and the woman takes a step back with her left foot. The man then leads her to take two steps before making the media vuelta or the half turn.

Like I said, the movements in Argentine Tango are never decided before and it is the leader who spontaneously works them out. And a good leader also ensures that the follower does the move he wants her to.