Some time ago we learned and performed Tango with a professional Argentine gouchs
group "Los Pampas Devils" on several cruise ships. A wonderful dancer and a fabulous
leader, Hugo Daniel, was my favorite teacher (2001-03).
Hugo learned Tango from Juan Carlos Copes and others. Once Hugo told me: "If you
want to improve Tango technique faster, you need to practice your walk alone, and
while you are dancing it, remember about the torque and listen to the music."
Later, during our several trips to Argentina, we took classes with different
distinguished teachers, but only a few of them talked a little bit about the distinctive
Tango walk. However, we will recognize the real Master of Tango when we see his
tango walk. I was lucky to learn and polished my skills with several Great Masters, and
would like to share some observations and knowledge from my own experience as a
dancer and teacher.
During our lessons we give some historical explanations of some movements, use
different images to help people to understand Tango steps. It brings great fun to the
lessons.
"Gentlemen! I have some news for you: you have to be leaders in Tango! To improve
your dance, learn it persistently...."
- First, an elegant Tanguero always walks with his toes first, never with the heels. He
walks softly, gently as a cat, or as a spy who afraid to wake somebody up.
Before the first movement, you need to check where the weight of your partner is: move
your spine from side to side. Then, send a special energy signal, a lead to her, put your
energy in front of you, and then she begins to dance.
- The energy comes with a strong frame, connection and communication between the
bodies.
- There are no obstacles on the floor, so do not step over. Your energy on the foot in
front of you is crucial. The leg goes first, then your body, never otherwise.
- Your goal is to make a triangle between your legs below the knees: one leg slightly
bends and another is stretched forward.
- In order to control women better, try to keep your right arm on the bra line, across
her spine. It should be under her armpit, and sometimes your arm slides farther to the
left side of your partner in order to give her more space when you lead some
complicated movement.
- Argentine Tango is a dance that asks for a torque. In order to be connected, we
should accompany each other. Your upper body should dissociate from your hips, and
your belly-button is your flashlight ...
More? - Get the lesson and FREE article here!
group "Los Pampas Devils" on several cruise ships. A wonderful dancer and a fabulous
leader, Hugo Daniel, was my favorite teacher (2001-03).
Hugo learned Tango from Juan Carlos Copes and others. Once Hugo told me: "If you
want to improve Tango technique faster, you need to practice your walk alone, and
while you are dancing it, remember about the torque and listen to the music."
Later, during our several trips to Argentina, we took classes with different
distinguished teachers, but only a few of them talked a little bit about the distinctive
Tango walk. However, we will recognize the real Master of Tango when we see his
tango walk. I was lucky to learn and polished my skills with several Great Masters, and
would like to share some observations and knowledge from my own experience as a
dancer and teacher.
During our lessons we give some historical explanations of some movements, use
different images to help people to understand Tango steps. It brings great fun to the
lessons.
"Gentlemen! I have some news for you: you have to be leaders in Tango! To improve
your dance, learn it persistently...."
- First, an elegant Tanguero always walks with his toes first, never with the heels. He
walks softly, gently as a cat, or as a spy who afraid to wake somebody up.
Before the first movement, you need to check where the weight of your partner is: move
your spine from side to side. Then, send a special energy signal, a lead to her, put your
energy in front of you, and then she begins to dance.
- The energy comes with a strong frame, connection and communication between the
bodies.
- There are no obstacles on the floor, so do not step over. Your energy on the foot in
front of you is crucial. The leg goes first, then your body, never otherwise.
- Your goal is to make a triangle between your legs below the knees: one leg slightly
bends and another is stretched forward.
- In order to control women better, try to keep your right arm on the bra line, across
her spine. It should be under her armpit, and sometimes your arm slides farther to the
left side of your partner in order to give her more space when you lead some
complicated movement.
- Argentine Tango is a dance that asks for a torque. In order to be connected, we
should accompany each other. Your upper body should dissociate from your hips, and
your belly-button is your flashlight ...
More? - Get the lesson and FREE article here!
Tango is just a walk with LOVE in your heart
Dear Elena,
I always enjoy your emails and your love for tango.
Thank you for always teaching us about tango and for hooking us up to
all those wonderful websites! Sincerely, Zeina, San Diego, Dec 2006
I always enjoy your emails and your love for tango.
Thank you for always teaching us about tango and for hooking us up to
all those wonderful websites! Sincerely, Zeina, San Diego, Dec 2006
Carlos Gavito: "Tango is an Embrace. The tango is a way of walking in an Embrace with another
person, always looking to the steps together, to understand each other, and have a conversation in
this way of walking. It is the understanding of two people who walk as one."
person, always looking to the steps together, to understand each other, and have a conversation in
this way of walking. It is the understanding of two people who walk as one."
FREE ARTICLE with the description of our tango lesson
"I read your article entitled, "Rules for the Followers" a few weeks ago, and appreciated your great insights
into tango and the nature of men and women.
How similar the dynamics between a leader and follower on the dance floor are to the dynamics between a
man an a woman in a relationship! I really liked that you gave specific advice on how to follow and improve.
I also want to say that you radiate with a passion to communicate the heart, adventure, and discovery of
tango to others. You really have something to say, and everything you write seems to be rich with meaning
and insights. I really appreciate your warm and welcoming spirit, too..."
Billie Jeanne DeSimone, June 2007
into tango and the nature of men and women.
How similar the dynamics between a leader and follower on the dance floor are to the dynamics between a
man an a woman in a relationship! I really liked that you gave specific advice on how to follow and improve.
I also want to say that you radiate with a passion to communicate the heart, adventure, and discovery of
tango to others. You really have something to say, and everything you write seems to be rich with meaning
and insights. I really appreciate your warm and welcoming spirit, too..."
Billie Jeanne DeSimone, June 2007