Tango for Beginners: Master the Basics in 5 Easy Steps
Are you ready to experience the passion and energy of Tango? This sensual and dramatic dance style is a great way to improve your coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness. But, where do you start? In this post, we'll break down the basics of Tango into 5 easy steps, so you can master the fundamentals and get started with your Tango journey.
Step 1: Understand the Basic Position
The first step in mastering Tango is to understand the basic position. In Tango, the leader (traditionally the man) stands with their feet together, while the follower (traditionally the woman) stands with their feet slightly apart. The leader's right foot is usually placed in front of their left foot, while the follower's left foot is placed in front of their right foot. This position is called the "closed position."
Practice standing in the closed position, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. This will help you develop good posture and balance, which are essential for Tango.
Step 2: Learn the Basic Footwork
Once you're comfortable with the basic position, it's time to learn the basic footwork. In Tango, the leader's footwork is typically more straightforward than the follower's. The leader takes a step to the side with their right foot, followed by a step to the side with their left foot. The follower, on the other hand, takes a step to the side with their left foot, followed by a step to the side with their right foot.
Practice the basic footwork, focusing on keeping your knees bent and your weight evenly distributed between both feet. Remember to keep your posture straight and your core engaged.
Step 3: Master the Basic Turns
Turns are an essential part of Tango, and mastering them will help you improve your overall technique. The leader's turns are typically more straightforward than the follower's, as they involve simply stepping to the side and rotating their body. The follower's turns, on the other hand, require more coordination and control, as they involve stepping to the side and rotating their body while maintaining connection with the leader.
Practice the basic turns, focusing on keeping your posture straight and your core engaged. Remember to communicate with your partner through gentle pressure and subtle movements.
Step 4: Learn to Connect with Your Partner
Connection is key in Tango, and learning to connect with your partner is essential for a smooth and enjoyable dance. The leader should use gentle pressure to guide the follower, while the follower should use subtle movements to communicate their intentions to the leader.
Practice connecting with your partner, focusing on maintaining a gentle and subtle connection. Remember to communicate through gentle pressure and subtle movements, rather than pulling or pushing.
Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice!
The final step in mastering Tango is to practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the basic position, footwork, turns, and connection. Try practicing with a partner, or take a class to learn from an experienced instructor.
Remember, Tango is a dance that requires patience, practice, and dedication. Don't be discouraged if you don't pick it up right away – with time and practice, you'll be dancing like a pro in no time!
