Argentine Tango

The original Tango is said to have originated in the brothels on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is still enormously popular there. Argentines view their dance as a national treasure and will readily offer lessons in the smallest of clubs. In the US there are three main styles of Tango: the American ballroom style (think “Rudolph Valentino”), the International ballroom style, and the Argentine style. Here at Dancingly-your’s, we teach the traditional Argentine style.


Although it comes from Latin America, Tango is considered a “ballroom dance,” not a “Latin”style..American and International style Tango are danced in an open position to an eight count beat. They are sharp, stacatto dances with quick head turns and changes in direction.


Argentine Tango is typically danced in a close embrace. The partners literally lean on each others’ chests and the lady drapes her left arm sensuously around the gentleman’s neck. He leads her primarily with his left arm and his torso. And, unlike American Tango, in the Argentine style, there are few set patterns. Of course, there are basic steps: walking, grapevine (right and left), rocking, forward ocho, back ocho, and salida. But the lady literally does not know where she will next place her foot until the man leads it… To be prepared, she dances the entire dance on her toes, shifting her weight from her right to left column. These basic dance patterns are embellished with styling elements such as the “cortada” which stops the woman’s motion abruptly, or kicks between the partner’s legs called “boleos” or “ganchos”. With no change in music, a fast phrase may be followed by a dramatic pause, resulting in intricate and often with steamy choreography.


The most traditional music is played by a small orchestra including at least one bandoneon—something like a concertina. It may be lively and fast, or slow and provocative. It may have a waltz tempo (Tango waltz) or even a march (“Milonga”).

View A Video Of The Tango