Tango, the dance of passion and precision, is a journey that begins with the basics and evolves into a sophisticated art form. If you've already mastered the fundamentals and are ready to take your Tango to the next level, you're in the right place. Here, we'll explore the essential steps to elevate your dance from intermediate to advanced, ensuring you not only keep up with the rhythm but also lead with confidence and grace.
1. Refine Your Posture and Connection
At the heart of Tango is the connection between partners. As an intermediate dancer, it's crucial to refine your posture and the way you connect with your partner. Focus on maintaining a strong, upright posture with your chest lifted and your shoulders relaxed. Your connection should be firm but not rigid, allowing for subtle communication through your embrace. Practice maintaining this connection even during complex movements to ensure seamless transitions.
2. Master the Basic Figures with Precision
While you may have already learned the basic figures, mastering them with precision is key to advancing in Tango. Focus on the details: the timing, the placement of your feet, and the flow from one figure to the next. For example, perfecting your Ocho involves not only the footwork but also the fluidity of your upper body. Practice these figures in isolation and then integrate them into your dance to build a solid foundation.
3. Explore Variations and Combinations
Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to explore variations and combinations. Tango is rich with possibilities, and experimenting with different sequences can add depth to your dance. Try combining Ochos with Ganchos or integrating Boleos into your Giros. This not only keeps your dance interesting but also challenges you to think on your feet and adapt to different rhythms.
4. Develop Your Musicality
Musicality is the soul of Tango. As an intermediate dancer, it's essential to develop your ability to interpret the music and express it through your movements. Listen to different Tango orchestras and pay attention to the nuances in the music—the pauses, the accents, and the phrasing. Practice dancing to different pieces and experiment with how you can accentuate certain beats or follow the melody. Your goal is to make each movement feel like an extension of the music.
5. Practice Partnering Skills
Tango is a dance of partnership, and as you advance, your ability to lead or follow effectively becomes crucial. Practice your partnering skills by dancing with different partners and focusing on clear communication. As a leader, ensure your signals are precise and your movements are clear. As a follower, work on responding to these signals with grace and precision. This mutual understanding will elevate your dance and make it more enjoyable for both partners.
6. Embrace the Emotional Aspect
Tango is not just about the steps; it's about the emotion. As you progress, start to explore the emotional aspect of the dance. Think about the story you want to tell through your movements. Whether it's passion, longing, or joy, infuse your dance with emotion. This will not only make your Tango more compelling but also deepen your connection with your partner and the music.
7. Attend Workshops and Milongas
To truly elevate your Tango, immerse yourself in the community. Attend workshops with experienced instructors who can provide personalized feedback and introduce you to new techniques. Additionally, frequent milongas (Tango dance events) to practice in a social setting. Dancing with a variety of partners in a milonga will challenge you and help you refine your skills in real-time.
Mastering the intermediate Tango is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and a deep connection to the dance. By refining your posture, mastering basic figures, exploring variations, developing musicality, practicing partnering skills, embracing the emotional aspect, and immersing yourself in the Tango community, you'll be well on your way to becoming an advanced Tango dancer. So, put on your dancing shoes, and let the passion of Tango guide you to new heights!
