How to Dance the Tango

The tango is a sexy dance of seduction. Although it may seem mysterious, the basic steps of the dance are relatively simple. Whether you plan to learn the tango for a wedding or for fun, Mahalo's guide to how to dance the tango can help you avoid stepping on your two left feet (or worse, stepping on your partner's toes).

  • Although it can be extremely elaborate, the basic tango step is an 8-part choreography in which feet alternate, much like walking. Each partner in the dance has a different set of steps, which mirror the steps of the other dancer. It may take some time and practice to become fluent in the tango steps, but this is true of virtually any style of dance. In addition, you may wish to practice with your partner before stepping out onto a public dance floor, just to make sure that the two of you are in sync with your routine and can perform the dance relatively smoothly.

Step 1: Man's Part

  1. Right foot back

  2. Left foot to the side

  3. Right foot forward

  4. Left foot forward

  5. Right foot together with the left

  6. Left foot forward

  7. Right foot pivot to the left

  8. Right foot together with the left

Step 2: Woman's Part

  1. Left foot forward

  2. Right foot to the side

  3. Left foot back

  4. Right foot back

  5. Cross with left

  6. Right foot back

  7. Left foot pivot to the left

  8. Left foot together with the right

Step 3: Dance Lessons

  • Some people may find it easier to learn the tango by taking dance lessons. Ballroom dance studios that provide lessons to individuals and couples can be found across the United States. Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray are two well-known ballroom dancing studios with locations across the country. Lessons might also be offered at a community college or university.

Conclusion

Movies and popular culture have helped the tango to gain popularity. Although the tango may seem complex, it's a fairly easy dance to learn, and is generally danced at a fairly slow tempo, so it is a good dance for beginners.


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