Ashland Tango

Yes, Tango has a few different forms, most known being Ballroom Tango and Argentine Tango. There are sub-genres in both styles, but the big differences are between these two main categories. We all specialize in and teach/dance Argentine Tango.

Some classes are setup and taught in a series, which are meant to be taken as a whole and cover a curriculum that the teachers create.  You usually pay/attend the whole series of classes.

Drop-In means you can come to the classes one at a time as your schedule allows. Classes are usually catered to a variety of people and levels and can be more flexible to new students or inconsistent attendees.

No Street Shoes.
For classes: Clean socks are required at a minimum (don’t have to wear shoes).
Comfortable leather/suede soled dance shoes. Ballet shoes. Some floors high heels are appropriate, other types of floors for classes may require flats or more jazz/thick heeled shoes.

A partner is usually never required, but can be suggested to help facilitate consistency.

A majority of time, a Milonga is the social dance of tango.  Dressing up and going out dancing socially with others.  A class may happen as well, but a Milonga is just meant for a fun night of dancing.

Milonga is also a specific style of tango music which is usually faster and danced in smaller steps.

A Practica is similar to a Milonga, but facilitates feedback, practicing, and working on improving your tango dance. More informal/relaxed, but many aspects of the rules and courtesies are adhered to. Going to practicas are always highly suggested!

The cabeceo is usually how leaders ask others to dance.  This is a non-verbal invitation to dance with the eyes/head usually from a minimum arms length away if not further. This is a non-invasive/threatening way you ask people to dance which can easily be accepted or refused non-verbally.

Tango has a few different types of music.

The regular “Tango” songs are a steady 4/4 beat music with repeating patterns. This is a majority of music you will hear.

The Vals is the Tango version of the waltz, in a 3 step timing (3/3 or 3/4 usually). This is played 1/6th of the time.

Milonga is a quicker beat with a variety of rhythms (usually a 2/4 timing and syncopation). This is also played 1/6th of the time.

Cortinas are the curtain/inbetween songs.  Non-tango, usually not music to facilitate dancing that are played between the sets of tango music playing above.

Alternative music is anything that is not tango that is meant to be danced to. Sometimes techno, modern orchestras, remixes, etc.

Tango is dances in circles around the room/dance floor. Dancers will travel counter-clockwise around the dance floor, staying in their lane to not dance into people.  Think of it like car lanes, except you do NOT pass people. If there is room in front of you, you want to move forward in the line of dance.  You do NOT dance against the flow of traffic more than a single step.  This allow for predictability.

Keep moves simple. Keep feet on the floor (no jumps/high kicks). Don’t pass other dancers. Don’t hold up the line of dance. Don’t talk forever between songs. Leave the dance floor when the Tanda is over. “Thank you” means you are done dancing with your partner. Apologize if you bump into people (try not to hit people). Have fun!

If someone tells you “Thank you” that means you are done dancing.  Respect that and accept that you are done dancing. It may be feet are hurting, that they are uncomfortable, not feeling it, or any number of reasons, but your dance with them is over. You don’t question why or anything, but just politely accept it. Some newer dancer in tango may not be aware of this, so experienced dancers can tell and may clarify along the lines of “are we done?” or similar.

At a milonga, teaching on the dance floor is HIGHLY frowned upon. Sometimes teachers with newer dancers may do very simple posture or embrace adjustments, or simple words/concepts, but never instructing/talking about moves/combos or other things. Usually asked if their partner wants feedback, but never done unsolicited. The point is to dance at a milonga, not teach/overthink. Dancers may try to lead moves you aren’t familiar with, but if it requires words/talking, it’s not acceptable at a milonga.

At a practica, this is a learning environment and people may be working/practicing/teaching on the floor. Feedback towards others is usually asked/requested ahead of time and not just told unsolicited.