Social tango dancing
Dancing Together: A Note on Respect and Enjoyment
The following suggestions open the way for dancing to become not just movement, but a shared language of kindness and connection.
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
… happens with the permission of the leader to the left in the Ronda, again through a nod (cabeceo) or an inviting hand gesture. Merely looking (mirada) does not constitute an agreement – please be mindful of that. If the couple prefers not to make space in front of them, we simply respect it. There can always be good reasons. Sneaking in from the side between other couples or pushing through disrupts the flow and we want to avoided that.
If you’d like to dance, but the piece of music is already halfway through and the floor is full, you’re too late – “the train has already left.” Instead of rushing on and disrupting the flow of the Ronda, it’s nicer to relax, enjoy the music, and step in with your partner for the next piece.
When entering, move quickly to the open space furthest ahead without disturbing others — even if it’s across the floor. This way, several couples can enter together without creating a bottleneck.
The Ronda
Once on the floor, we also become part of something larger – the Ronda. It can be thought of as a larger dancing body, where leaders subtly synchronize with each other to create a shared rhythm and flow.
It’s worth asking ourselves: what makes dancing in front of or behind certain couples enjoyable? And what makes it stressful? Simply reflecting on this can improve the experience for everyone.
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
… chatting on the floor between songs is best kept short. There’s always time to talk off the floor, but the tanda is a chance to tune in with your partner and the music. It’s also a sign of respect toward the musicians, the DJ, and the other dancers.
At the End of the Tanda
… we accompany each other back to the spot where we originally agreed to dance - it’s a small gesture that brings the tanda to a graceful 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
Dancing Together: A Note on Respect and Enjoyment
The following suggestions open the way for dancing to become not just movement, but a shared language of kindness and connection.
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
… happens with the permission of the leader to the left in the Ronda, again through a nod (cabeceo) or an inviting hand gesture. Merely looking (mirada) does not constitute an agreement – please be mindful of that. If the couple prefers not to make space in front of them, we simply respect it. There can always be good reasons. Sneaking in from the side between other couples or pushing through disrupts the flow and we want to avoided that.
If you’d like to dance, but the piece of music is already halfway through and the floor is full, you’re too late – “the train has already left.” Instead of rushing on and disrupting the flow of the Ronda, it’s nicer to relax, enjoy the music, and step in with your partner for the next piece.
When entering, move quickly to the open space furthest ahead without disturbing others — even if it’s across the floor. This way, several couples can enter together without creating a bottleneck.
The Ronda
Once on the floor, we also become part of something larger – the Ronda. It can be thought of as a larger dancing body, where leaders subtly synchronize with each other to create a shared rhythm and flow.
It’s worth asking ourselves: what makes dancing in front of or behind certain couples enjoyable? And what makes it stressful? Simply reflecting on this can improve the experience for everyone.
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
… chatting on the floor between songs is best kept short. There’s always time to talk off the floor, but the tanda is a chance to tune in with your partner and the music. It’s also a sign of respect toward the musicians, the DJ, and the other dancers.
At the End of the Tanda
… we accompany each other back to the spot where we originally agreed to dance - it’s a small gesture that brings the tanda to a graceful 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
