How To Tango
- January 5, 2009
- 20,529 Views
from
Nate Wood
(and 4 others) Subscribe
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Writer
Rachel_Korowitz
- Source Barbara Maskos
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Voice Over Artist
Peter Coleman
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Music
Jonathan Roberts
As one of the sexiest, most passionate things you can do while still standing upright, the tango takes romance. It takes drama. And it definitely takes two.
You Will Need
- A dance partner
- Patience
- Melodrama
Step 1: Stand in closed position
Decide who will be Partner A and who will be Partner B. Stand so that A faces B with his left arm up at a 45-degree angle, and his right hand in the middle of B’s back. In turn, B mirrors A, holding her right arm up against A’s left, and resting her left hand on B’s right arm.
Traditionally, A’s steps are performed by a man, and B’s steps are performed a woman.
Step 2: Get used to the beat
The tango has a special rhythm to it: slow, slow, quick-quick, slow. Get more familiar with the rhythm by repeating this out loud several times.
You can also count out the rhythm by saying:1, 2, 3-and, 4T, A, N-G, OOr walk, walk, tan-go, close
Step 3: Step forward or back on the "1"
Assuming you’re counting using the “1, 2, 3-and, 4” method, “1” will symbolize your first beat. On the “1,” A should step forward on his left foot, while B steps backward on her right foot.
Step 4: Step in the same direction on the "2"
On the “2,” A steps forward with his right foot, while B steps backward with her left foot.
Step 5: Take another step in the same direction on the "3"
On the “3,” A should step forward on his left foot, while B steps backward on her right foot.
Step 6: Side step on the "and"
On the “and,” A steps to his right side with his right foot, while B steps to her left with her left foot.
Step 7: Close on the "4"
On the “4,” A’s left foot closes next to his right foot, while B’s right foot closes next to her left foot.
Step 8: Practice and repeat
Practice these steps until they’re comfortable, and repeat the sequence throughout the course of the song.
Step 9: Add some drama
The tango is a passionate dance, and both partners should feel free to sell the fire and the drama. Look away from your partner! Clench a rose between your teeth! And have fun showing off the romance of the tango!
Buenos Aires is credited as the birthplace of tango, and is still a global destination for learning and performing the dance.
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Comments (3)
I so want to learn. I'm going to clear some space in my living room and practice this with my cat. I hope she's a good dancer....
over 3 years ago by HeatherM
It would be nice to see one with real Argentine Tango...this is more the ballroom version...
over 2 years ago by Paul_Akmajian
This video is poor, they show the man walking on the same track as the lady's feet which causes her to be stepped on and the man to be afraid to move properly. The man must align his body to the left, so his feet walk between her. Then the comment about Buenes Aires and Argentine Tango, does not belong in this article, because this is the American Tango taught in America.
over 2 years ago by Stephen2009
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