Social tango dancing
Invitation to Dance
… is no longer a privilege reserved for men today.
When inviting someone to dance, a mere glance (mirada) does not mean that someone is ready to dance – only a mutual nod (cabeceo) gives us the discreet certainty that we’re truly agreeing to dance. This clarity allows us to look at each other in a friendly way without having to dance.
Entering the Dance Floor
… requires the permission of the leader to the left in the Ronda, also through mutual nodding (cabeceo) or an inviting hand gesture from that leader. Merely looking (mirada) does not constitute an agreement – please be aware of that. If the couple doesn’t want to make space in front of them, respect it. There can be many reasons for this. Sneaking in from the side between other couples or pushing them aside is taboo.
If you’d like to dance, but the piece of music has already passed its peak (many bars have already passed) and the floor is full, you’re too late – “the train has already left.” Don’t try to jump on. It’s better to relax, watch, listen and enjoy – and then, after the music ends, enter the ronda with your partner for the next piece.
When entering the floor, move quickly to the furthest open spot without disturbing other dancers – even if that spot is on the far side. This allows several couples to enter from the same point without creating long queues.
The Ronda
… can be understood as a larger dance body. It is the task of the leaders to synchronize, in a way, with the other leaders and to create a flow in the ronda.
What makes dancing in front of or behind certain couples enjoyable or not for most of us? Why don’t we ask ourselves this question and see what we discover?
The ronda is – like life – dynamic: sometimes with more forward movement, sometimes more in place – but never moving backwards or taking shortcuts.
During the Tanda
… standing and chatting on the dance floor should be kept to a minimum once a piece of music has ended and a new one starts. This behavior is a relic from the early 20th century that we no longer need. We can chat anytime and anywhere off the dance floor.
Instead, we can listen to the music and tune in with our partner. This is also a sign of respect toward the musicians, the DJ and the other couples.
At the End of the Tanda
… we accompany each other back to the spot where we originally agreed to dance, to bring the experience to a harmonious close.
___
"We don’t need to see these suggestions as restrictive rules – we can consider them social skills that reflect a way of interacting with one another that we generally perceive as respectful and that make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved."
You may join us on facebook
Social tango dancing
Invitation to Dance
… is no longer a privilege reserved for men today.
When inviting someone to dance, a mere glance (mirada) does not mean that someone is ready to dance – only a mutual nod (cabeceo) gives us the discreet certainty that we’re truly agreeing to dance. This clarity allows us to look at each other in a friendly way without having to dance.
Entering the Dance Floor
… requires the permission of the leader to the left in the Ronda, also through mutual nodding (cabeceo) or an inviting hand gesture from that leader. Merely looking (mirada) does not constitute an agreement – please be aware of that. If the couple doesn’t want to make space in front of them, respect it. There can be many reasons for this. Sneaking in from the side between other couples or pushing them aside is taboo.
If you’d like to dance, but the piece of music has already passed its peak (many bars have already passed) and the floor is full, you’re too late – “the train has already left.” Don’t try to jump on. It’s better to relax, watch, listen and enjoy – and then, after the music ends, enter the ronda with your partner for the next piece.
When entering the floor, move quickly to the furthest open spot without disturbing other dancers – even if that spot is on the far side. This allows several couples to enter from the same point without creating long queues.
The Ronda
… can be understood as a larger dance body. It is the task of the leaders to synchronize, in a way, with the other leaders and to create a flow in the ronda.
What makes dancing in front of or behind certain couples enjoyable or not for most of us? Why don’t we ask ourselves this question and see what we discover?
The ronda is – like life – dynamic: sometimes with more forward movement, sometimes more in place – but never moving backwards or taking shortcuts.
During the Tanda
… standing and chatting on the dance floor should be kept to a minimum once a piece of music has ended and a new one starts. This behavior is a relic from the early 20th century that we no longer need. We can chat anytime and anywhere off the dance floor.
Instead, we can listen to the music and tune in with our partner. This is also a sign of respect toward the musicians, the DJ and the other couples.
At the End of the Tanda
… we accompany each other back to the spot where we originally agreed to dance, to bring the experience to a harmonious close.
___
"We don’t need to see these suggestions as restrictive rules – we can consider them social skills that reflect a way of interacting with one another that we generally perceive as respectful and that make life easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved."
You may join us on facebook
