Argentine Tango Frequently Asked Question


1. Do I have to come with a partner?
No it isn’t necessary as we quite often change dance partners during the class anyway, as it does help with the learning and also means you get to know the other people in the class, making it more fun.


2. I’m used to dancing with my partner and don’t like the idea of having to change partners during classes?
Although we think it’s beneficial to dance with others, it isn’t compulsory, you decide what you prefer to do.


3. I think I have “2 left feet” when it comes to dancing, what chances do I have of learning tango? Argentine tango is completely improvised (unlike Ballroom tango) so you won’t have to memorise complicated sequences of steps. The basis of tango is a good walk, so if you can walk, you can tango..


4. Do I need special shoes? The correct type of shoe can certainly help, but you may not need to buy special dance shoes straight away, if you have well fitting, smooth soled shoes that don’t slip off the heel when dancing, * see advice on shoes on our “tango wardrobe” section.


5. What should I wear? For classes and workshops, simply wear something you are comfortable in and that doesn’t restrict your movement, so best to avoid very straight pencil type skirts, or tight jeans for example. * more advice in “tango wardrobe” section.


6. Does it matter if I miss a week’s class as sometimes I have to do something else? No, its not a problem, learning tango will hopefully become an enduring passion for you, and its not something that you learn in a few weeks course, but a pleasurable interest which you can develop slowly or quickly as you wish.


7. Do I have to pay for a course of lessons? No, we are a club, and you pay weekly whenever you drop-in.


8. What is milonga? This can be confusing, milonga can certainly mean at least 3 things. Originally, a milonga was an early type of Argentinean folk song, then it was adapted specifically for dancing. When you first start dancing tango, you may not realise that there are 3 dances which come within the general tango family, milonga is one of these which is normally danced to a different rhythm to traditional tango, can be faster and has a more playful mood to it.


But also, a milonga can be the social event where the tango is happening, and during the evening you could find all 3 tango dances, with traditional Argentine tango, Milonga and Vals all appearing.

 

9.What is "cabezeo?"
This is the traditional Argentinean way of literally "looking" for someone to dance with..instead of walking up to someone and asking them to dance directly, a man can look across and make eye-contact with a lady who he'd like to dance with, she can then reciprocate by subtly agreeing via an encouraging look. He should then walk across to her and only then will she go on to the dance floor. The art of "cabezeo" needs practise to perfect but ultimately gives freedom to both men and women to initiate dances and also if preferred, to discreetly decline. also see Tango Malvern Etiquette page