How To Tango

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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…more »
Added January 5, 2009

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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, 4
T, A, N-G, O
Or 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.