Tackling the tango is no easy proposition. There is style to consider, as tango comes in many flavors: Argentine, Uruguayan, Finnish, vintage--and, of course, ballroom, the style seen on "Dancing with the Stars" and popularized in such dance films as "Mad Hot Ballroom" and "Strictly Ballroom." The ballroom style of tango is known for its audience-rousing head snaps and its succession of staccato moves.
Instructions
Beginning Ballroom Tango
1. Turn to face your partner. Place yourself closer than the typical partner dances, with torsos touching. The lead places his hand on his partner's lower back, extending his left arm to the side. The partner places her left hand on the lead's right shoulder and loosely places her right hand in her partner's palm.
2. Listen to the rhythm. Tango has a slower pace than many popular dances, and moves like a slow, albeit stylish walk. In fact, the most basic tango step is called el Paseo, or "the Stroll." Using his right foot, the leader takes one step back. The partner uses her left foot to take one step forward.
3. On the next beat, step forward, then quickly slide the foot to the side (the right side for the leader and the right side for the partner), shifting your weight to that foot. On the following beat, the leader steps forward two steps, leading with the right, and the woman steps back two steps. Bring both feet together and pause; the lead then crosses over using the right foot, steps out to the left and brings the feet together. From this position, you can begin the steps again.
4. Add some style. Remember that ballroom tango emphasizes the legs and the feet, rather than the hips and the pelvis. Land on the heel first, then place your toes. On the first beat, walk forward slowly with your left foot, placing your heel down first and then your toes.
5. Cut a path in the dance floor. These basic moves can continue across the dance floor in a line, called la Caminata, or "the Walk." Partners can incorporate a couple of S-curves or move in a circle, called el Circulo.
