Tango Dancing Lessons: Tango Dance Steps

Tango first originated in Buenos Aries, Argentina in the late 19th century. At first it was looked down upon and considered a dance only of the working class. It took many protests and a tango renaissance for tango to attain the position it enjoys today. After the world-wars, tango started spreading all over the world. It was first a rage in Paris; followed by Britain and Germany. In this process many new styles of tango were developed.

Famous Styles of Tango

Tango Argentino: This is the most famous form of Tango. The most important part of this dance is your leg movements. It is in fact popularly known as the 'war of legs'.

Ballroom Tango: Ballroom tango is a conservative form of Tango which originated and evolved in Europe and America.

Tango Canyengue: This style evolved sometime in the late 1990's. This dance is very rhythmical and is very close to the original tango.

Finnish Tango: As the name suggests, this style evolved in Finland. The music is generally slow and contains a note of melancholy.

Tango Dance Steps

It takes two to tango, so friends get your partner, wear your dancing shoes and start dancing. The most important part of this dance is your body frame. Stand straight, pull your stomach in and drop your shoulders at the back. Face your partner. Usually the man is the lead in tango. Now men, put your right hand on your lady's left shoulder and hold her right hand with your left, while the girls need to place their left arm, midway on the man's right arm. Remember, you just need to place the arm, and not its actual weight. Now bent your heads towards your back. This is the main posture you need to learn before trying any step.

Now let's try a very basic step of tango. You can give counts to your steps so that they fall in rhythm. The men will slowly (using 2 beats) put their left foot forward, while the women will place their right foot backwards. Repeat the same step with your other leg too. Once you get your co-ordination correct, repeat the whole step in a single beat. Now the men will step to the right with their right foot and slide the left foot to the right one. Keep your left heel slightly up when doing so. Same goes with the ladies, step to the left with the left foot and slide the right foot to the left one, with the right heel up. If you cannot pick up the step at one go, do not get frustrated. Just practice for some time and you will do it perfectly.

The music used in tango is quite fast. In the early days, orchestras used to be played with the tango dance group. They consisted of instruments and occasionally a vocalist. Now this part is done by D.Js.

Like all other dances even this dance has a particular apparel. Girls should choose a dress with dropwaist styling ends with a full skirt and uneven hem. Don't shy away from dark colors. Tango is an expression of inner passion. Use colors like red, orange, flashy pink or animal print. The dress can be knee length or ankle length. Choose something that you are comfortable with. A simple blouse with a flashy skirt or pants is the next best option. If you are wearing skirts you may wear stockings or stretched leggings. For footwear, use sandals with medium heels. They provide your leg steps with the grace that is needed. Preferably tie your hair at the back. Avoid using jewelery, which may distract your attention during the dance. Men should wear black pants with flashy shirts. You can wear a tight-fitted shirt with open collar. You can use the same type of shoes that are used for ballroom dance. Whatever clothes and accessories you choose, just be sure that you are comfortable in them.

The best way for learning tango is by joining tango classes. Don't just learn tango for imitating your friends or celebrities; learn it for the love of the dance. Tango is also used in the therapeutic treatment for patients suffering from mental depression. It is not only a good form of exercise for your body but also for your mind and soul. So; amigos baile justo!