Tango

The Basic Requirements of the Tango

• The Tango is a very emotional dance and this should be conveyed
• Must see lots of clipped movements, it's not fluid like a waltz
• The action must always be staccato
• Sharp head turning and stops
• The hold is different in the tango. The man's left arm is more towards head level. The general hold is far more compact and the couple are much tighter together
• No rise and fall. This should be a very flat dance. The legs are therefore always slightly flexed (i.e. the knees should be slightly bent at all times)

• Walks - with the heels leading on the walks
• Links - these are the sharp movements in-between the walks (the head turns from the girl). These are known as staccato movements
• Rock Turns - rock whilst turning
• Promenade position - (is in all ballroom dances) this is when both the dancers walk forwards using identical footwork, side by side, whilst maintaining the hold

Tango - Closed promenade

MAN

 

Step	Count	Q/S	Feet	Notes
1	1-2	Slow	Left foot forward	-
2	3-4	Slow	Right foot forward	-
3	1	Quick	Left foot forward	-
4	2	Quick	Right foot closes to left foot	-
5	3-4	Slow	Left foot side in Promenade Position	1/8 turn to left
6	1	Quick	Cross right foot over left foot in P.P.	-
7	2	Quick	Left foot side in P.P.	-
8	3-4	Slow	Right foot closes to left foot	1/8 turn to right

LADY

LADY

 

Step	Count	Q/S	Feet	Notes
1	1-2	Slow	Right foot back	-
2	3-4	Slow	Left foot back	-
3	1	Quick	Right foot back	-
4	2	Quick	Left foot closes to right foot	-
5	3-4	Slow	Right foot side in Promenade Position	1/8 turn to right
6	1	Quick	Cross left foot over right foot in P.P.	-
7	2	Quick	Right foot side in P.P.	-
8	3-4	Slow	Left foot closes to right foot	1/8 turn to left