I have wanted to write some rules when I started to learn to dance Tango some 10 years ago. The rules I wrote at that time were all focused on low level technical details - the "leaf view". Now ten years later, I wrote this set of rules and I realised these are the "forest view." I shared a draft of these rules with my colleages and friends in the Toronto Tango community and received some positive feedback. I also got feedback from Melina Sedo, and experienced Tango dancer and teacher, whose work I really respect. So here is my list for your enjoyment and amusement.
Your comments are always welcome at TangoILONA@gmail.com ...
NOTE: For all non Tango Dancers who read this, by "Tango Dancers" I mean the people who dance social improvised Argentine Tango, which is danced in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and around the world. This is a dance that is danced like a conversation, using leading and following; usually, the Leader is the man and Follower is the Woman.
Ten Golden Rules for Tango Leaders
– by Tango ILONA von Toronto, Feb 2011
1. Delight your partner - Remember you are dancing not to amuse yourself, or to show off, but to delight your partner.
2. Magic Dance – Cherish each dance & your partner. Dance each dance as if it is your last dance ever!
3. Relax & Don’t Stress - If you are stressed your partner will not enjoy the dance. If you perspire, your partner will not notice if the dance is great!
4. Don’t Over Do It - The goal is to stay connected to the partner and music at each second of the dance.
5. Stay Controlled – Dance at the level of your partner, do not push beyond this comfort level, the goal is to please her not stress her.
6. Less Is More – No one ever complained that some complex move was missing. They complain when your showy tricks flop!
7. Effortless for Follower – Allow your follower to enter a trance, do not disturb her flow until the end of the song.
8. Follow Your Follower – Allow her to contribute to the dance. It is a conversation not a puppet show.
9. Push The Limits – musically, emotionally, expressively, and not physically by using force!
10. More Great Dances – Dance with different ladies, but avoid bad dancers. Encourage those who try to learn, but don’t teach at the milonga. Follow these rules to become the darling of followers, and enjoy many great dances!
Ten Golden Rules for Tango Followers
– by Tango ILONA von Toronto, Feb 2011
1. Delight your partner - Remember your partner is trying to delight you, enjoy & allow this to happen.
2. Magic Dance – Cherish each dance. Dance each dance as if it is your last dance ever!
3. Relax & Don’t Stress - If you are stressed your partner will not enjoy the dance. Let your brain rest. Allow yourself to be led.
4. Don’t Over Do It - The goal is to stay connected to the partner and music at each second of the dance.
5. Stay Controlled – Your balance and technique are your job. Train to improve your technique so you can keep up your side of the dance.
6. Less Is More – Adornments should be used sparingly. Less is better. Too much is amateur and interferes with the lead.
7. Effortless for Leader – Allow your leader to guide you effortlessly. Move yourself, don’t wait to be moved like a sack of potatoes.
8. Follow Your Leader – Make your contribution to the dance gentry and without interrupting. It is a polite conversation.
9. Push The Limits – musically, technically, emotionally, expressively, not forcefully!
10. More Great Dances Avoid bad dances.Encourage those who try to learn. Refuse to dance with bad & pushy dancers who try to teach you at the milonga. Follow these rules and enjoy many great dances!