You have questions, but you're afraid that they are too basic to ask. Well, be afraid no more. We'll answer your most basic questions here. If you have more questions or disagree with a definition, send us an email and we'll try to address it. If there is enough interest, we can add Tango 102, 103, 201, 202, and graduate-level courses, too.
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Argentine Tango is a "traveling dance" that moves around the room, as opposed to a "slot dance" -- salsa or swing, for example -- which generally moves back and forth across a stationary spot on the floor. Tango travels around the room in a contra-clockwise direction. From the lead's perspective, this is your forward direction when your left shoulder is closer to the center of the room and your right shoulder is closer to the closest edge of the dance floor.
Social etiquette and practicality govern the speed of the dancers around the floor. Although you are dancing as a couple, you are also dancing with everyone else in the room. Don't race around the floor, cutting in and out of traffic; don't stop to admire your pose or polish your shoes, holding up everyone behind you; and don't dance opposite to the line of dance. Dance always in harmony with the music, or in harmonious counter-point; dance with an awareness of everything, without panic; dance with the profundity and simplicity of Life.
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A "milonga" is the tango dance party ("Let's go to the milonga!") where one can dance tango, milonga, and vals, as well as the name of a specific dance ("Will you milonga with me?"). This is somewhat similar to going to "the symphony" to hear them play a concerto, a symphony, or an excerpt from an opera. Music is usually organized into tandas, but this can depend on the DJ and the particular venue.
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A practica is a "practice milonga", where you are encouraged to stop and work out a particular step or move, repeating it until you perfect it, or to talk and ask questions while dancing -- things you really shouldn't do during a "real" milonga. Formalities are generally more relaxed at a practica - women frequently ask men to dance, and music does not necessarily follow the tanda format. However, just because someone dances with you at a practica does not mean they are obligated to dance with you at a milonga. Don't be shy about asking for feedback here.
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A tanda — "batch" — is a set of three to five musical selections of similar character, usually from the same orchestra or time period. Grouping music this way makes it easier to choose an appropriate dance partner or to take a breather, because not all dancers are equally adept in all styles. It is expected that you dance at least three of the selections of a tanda with the same partner, unless you feel uncomfortable for any reason. It typically takes at least the first song just to adjust to dancing with someone, even if you've danced with them previously. Remember to thank your dance partner when you are through dancing.
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A cortina — "curtain" — is a brief selection of non-tango music that signals the end of a tanda. All dancers are encouraged to leave the floor to find a new partner to dance the next tanda with (after hearing what kind of music it will be, which orchestra, etc., of course).
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A simple "thank you" at the end of a piece from either the lead or the follow is "code" for "Thank you, I would like to stop dancing now." It could mean "Thanks, I'm tired, but let's dance again sometime" or "Thanks, that was interesting... but let's never do it again." You'll know. Don't take it too personally, but do honor it. Don't say it unless you're done dancing for this tanda. Always be polite.
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Tango 201 -- Tango Etiquette. Now that you have mastered the basics of walking forwards, taking side steps, back steps, and forward steps, what's next? Asking someone to dance with you, of course! allseattletango.com has been working on assembling a clear, concise guide to basic tango etiquette customized to the needs of our Seattle community. In the meantime, however, your homework assignment is to read Ney Melo's excellent guide posted on close-embrace.com (Note, we disagree with #4, The Penalty Box). Even if you are not a raw beginner, these guidelines are worth reviewing every few months. Paying attention to each other should not be limited to the duration of the dance. It should permeate everything we do. Email this article link to every tango dancer you know -- we will all benefit from it. :)
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