How to Sign up for Tango Lessons

More than any of the other ballroom dances, tango is about story and about style. With its Argentine roots deep in the drama between man and woman, the tango is full of pursuit and retreat, dominance and acquiescence. Its smooth style belies its little quirks of personality, much like the interplay between men and women. Sign up for tango lessons and learn the Argentine expression for "awesome."

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Music and practice space at the studio or at home
• Access to an instructor experienced in tango

1. Find out whether the movements of tango are for you. Compared to the waltz, posture is more rigid and movements are quicker and sharper. Expression can be more sexual. Get an idea of tango position for the man and woman by watching a DVD such as "Anyone Can Dance: Tango" at Amazon (see Resources below).
2. Explore tango culture. Sign up for a free class at a club or watch the experienced dancers there to get an idea of who you can expect to meet dancing tango. Read "A Passion for Tango" by David Turner at Amazon to get insights into the dance and the dancers (see Resources below).
3. Find a local tango instructor via bulletin boards at your local dancewear shop--many instructors use this cheap type of marketing.
4. Sign up for tango lessons when you are ready to take the plunge. This intricate ballroom dance requires a good deal of mental and physical commitment.
5. Get into the story. The advance-and-retreat moves of tango depict a story between the dancers, perhaps of a quarrel between lovers or a forbidden love affair. Some of the movements of tango, such as a head snap or foot kick, can be used to punctuate the story the dance is telling.
6. Get into the mix. Explore tango's nuances with other dancers and get tips and support. Join a local dance club or try an online community like Ballroomdancers.com (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• In Buenos Aires, the Spanish equivalent of "awesome" is "¡qué bárbaro!"
• Tango clubs in Argentina stay open till morning, and families frequently dance all night together.
• Tango has an expressive element that other ballroom dances don't share. Try to find an instructor who values this aspect and can help you achieve it.
• Tango has some sharp movements of the head and foot. If you have health issues in those areas, it probably isn't the dance for you.