How to Lead Dance During the Tango

The tango is a very sexy dance that's meant to appear as though one partner is chasing the other. The partners stand very close to one another while they move back and forth, turn, rock and promenade, as if the man has the woman under his spell, compelled to follow his lead wherever it takes her.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Place your right hand on the woman's back just below her shoulder. Take her right hand in your left and hold it head-high. The woman will place her left arm on your right shoulder, resting her arm lightly on yours.

2. Pull the woman close so her body is in contact with yours.

3. Use your hands and hips to indicate to the woman what you want her to do. For instance, if you want to change to the promenade position, turn your hips to the left while moving your right hand toward the woman so she can turn to her right easily.

4. Remember that the tango is meant to begin in the upper body, which leans in the direction of travel before your feet move. The woman, therefore, will follow your hips, hand, and even your chest, not your feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Count the steps as "one, two tan-go close" to help you remember when to close your feet. You can simply step to the closed position or raise your heel and drag your toe toward the other foot.
• Don't try to change your weight to the closing foot because that is the foot that will take the next step.