How to Do Basic Tango Step

The tango, an intimate dance that many couples want to learn, is a dance with a long history. The basic two-step is pretty simple and can be learned quickly.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Slow Music (preferably Argentine Tango)

Getting Started

1. Pick music with a slow, steady one-two-three-four beat with emphasis on the one and three beats. Argentine Tango music is best, but even something like slow rock or a rumba will work.

2. Listen to the music and find the beat. Begin to walk in a counter-clockwise circle around the room.

3. Land on the balls of your feet as you walk around the room.

4. Walk backward around the circle now.

5. Look over your shoulder to see where you are going. Women look over their right shoulder; men look over their left shoulder.

Men's Instructions (Lead)

1. Stand facing your partner. Place your right arm on her lower back. Straighten your upper body.

2. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.

3. Use your right hand to pull your partner toward you. You might have to shift to the side a bit so the two of you won't bump knees when you dance.

4. Extend your left arm up and to the side. Keep your arm firm, applying gentle pressure to your partner's palm. This gentle pressure against her palm will actually help her feel which way you are going as you lead.

5. Stand with your feet close together. Step forward with your left foot and then forward with your right foot.

6. Bring your left foot next to your right. Keep your weight on the right foot. You are now back at your starting point.

7. Repeat this basic step guiding your partner around the room in a circle.

Women's Instructions (Follow)

1. Stand facing your partner. Place your left hand on his arm above his bicep. Straighten your upper body.

2. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.

3. Extend your right arm up and to the side. Keep it tense. This tension will allow you to feel your partner's movements better and make it easier to follow his lead.

4. Stand with your feet close together.

5. Step backward with your right foot then with your left foot.

6. Bring your right foot next to your left. Keep your weight on the left foot. You are now back at the starting position.

7. Repeat these steps as your partner guides you around the room. Be attentive to body language and any little pushes or pulls as he guides you.

Variations

1. Vary the basic step by standing in place as you do the two-step. This is called la Cadencia, or Cadence.

2. Step backward on the second step to do la Cunita, or the Rock-Step.

3. Combine the basic two-step with some of these variations and don't be afraid to improvise.

Tips & Warnings

• In a roomful of tango dancers, they will still move in a counter-clockwise circle, with the faster dancers on the outside of the circle. Beginners would be best to find a spot at the center of the circle.

• Men, if you are dancing with a large group of people, avoid stepping backward as it can stop the circle, or worse, cause a collision.