Do I need a partner ?
No. There are many people who come without a dance partner and dance with a variety of people. Couples are welcome too.
What does “line of dance” mean?
It means that dancers are moving in a counter clockwise rotation in a singular line around the outmost points along the dance floor.
What is “Salon Style?”
This is a style of Argentine Tango that is most commonly danced. There are usually a lot of people in the dance hall and dancers are all moving in the same direction in the line of dance. Dance partners dance together in a “Close Embrace” and there is a significant lack of flashy leg movements as seen in International Performance Tango or “Dancing With The Stars” (that’s not Argentine Tango by the way, that’s show tango, and/or choreography, but its NOT Argentine Tango!).
What is a Milonga?
Milonga has three definitions in regards to Argentine Tango.
1.) A Milonga is a social dance party.
2.) The Dance of ‘Milonga‘, is the forerunner to Argentine Tango. This type of dance is usually danced at milonga along with tango, and vals. Tango, Milonga, and Vals, share the same types of movements but with radically different outcomes.
3.) Milonga is a style of Music, which is written in 2/4 time, and sounds faster than it is. Meaning that there are 2 beats per measure. Whereas by stark contrast Tango is danced in 4/4 time, and Argentine Vals is 3/4 time, but sometimes played in 6/8 time, so it sounds very ‘peppy’.
What is a Tanda?
A tanda is a set of three or four songs by the same orchestra, in the same style of music (tango, milonga, or argentine vals). Note: At a milonga, once you are asked to dance or if you ask someone to dance, you are committing to the entire tanda. It is considered ‘rude’ to say “Thank you” at the end of song, in the middle of the tanda. Because this is saying that you’re done dancing with that person. Proper tango etiquette is that you complete the tanda with that person. However this is not the case at a practica! At a practica you can dance with whomever you want, for as long as you want.
What is a Practica ?
A Practica is a way for dancers to practice what they’ve learned in Classes, and private lessons with other dancers. Tango music is played without cortinas (small musical interludes as would be played at milonga, to refresh the musical palette). The rules of a practica are simple:
a.) You may dance with whomever you want to dance with for as long as you want to.
b.) You may ask anyone to practice (be aware, they may refuse as they may be wanting to practice with someone specifically)
c.) You may stop at any time. However, please be courteous to your dancing partner and inform them that you need to take a break, but that it was lovely to work with them.
d.) Never, EVER blame your partner while practicing with them. However, instead, ask how you could ‘lead’ X better, or what you’re doing as a follower that may be causing an issue. Never assume that its the other person’s problem. Always assume its YOU.
e.) When at a practica, if you run into a problem with material or technical details, please ask a teacher, if they are on hand or the more experienced dancer in the room for their assistance. Remember and be respectful of their time. They are not there to service you, but rather to work on their own dance.
A Few Notes about Cl
Proper Milonga Etiquette
1.) Smile.
2.) Be Courteous at all times.
3.) Be helpful but not intrusive.
4.) Never teach on a social dance floor, even if you are a teacher! Even if you think you know more or that it would be helpful to that dancer.
5.) Never invite feedback of any kind, you’re there to dance, not practice.
6.) Never talk while dancing, if you’re talking, you’re not dancing!
7.) When you are done dancing with someone, you say ‘thank you’ at the end of the Tanda, not before.
8.) Follow the LINE of Dance at all times.
9.) If you bump into someone, make immediate eye contact to acknowledge the error, or say “I’m Sorry”, immediately. Always assume the fault was YOURS, not theirs!
10.) Never walk across the dance floor to get to your dancing partner, always walk around the edge of the dance floor.
11.) When asking someone to dance, use Cabeceo. Do not walk up to them, extend your hand, and ask them to dance. Its considered crude and improper behavior to ask someone to dance without using a cabeceo. Cabeceo, when used properly, can be a lot of fun and rather enticing, try it sometime!
12.) Lastly, this is about fun at all times…so go out there, dance and have a good time….
Can I help Volunteer???
Yes you can!! How you can help the BTS, and here’s how
1.) Students are welcome to come alone or with a partner.
2.) During class, we rotate partners, so you will dance with several different dancers. It is important that for you to improve as a dancer, that you dance with multiple partners. If you are asked to swap roles or move down in the line of dance to the next partner, please do so. The teacher or instructor is actually helping you to improve your skills, variety is the SPICE of tango!
3.) Recommended footwear: Socks! Believe it or not, tango shoes are not required. You can use an old pair of sneakers with tape on the soles to accomplish the goals of ‘applied disassocation’ (which is not the same as a pivot), so that you can ‘slide’. Rubber soled shoes should be avoided if possible for both men and women, unless you tape the soles with masking tape.
4.) Dress casually and comfortably in lite and loose fitting clothing that allows your body to breathe and move.
5.) Do not wear perfume, but do take a shower and try to keep the perfumed soaps to an absolute minimum. No one likes to inundated with wafting scents!
6.) Smile.