Trouble with Tango?

[Ecclesiastes3_4]

So is it just me, or is Tango one of the hardest dances out there?

My standard/smooth has always come a little slower than my Latin/rhythm, but Tango is vexing me to no end. I struggle a lot with turning, taking large enough steps, and counter-body position. I get so caught up trying to remember these that my frame drops.

Anybody else have this problem? Any advice to share?

[jjs914]

We have a different set of problems in tango...but undoubtedly find it to be one of the more difficult dances for us. I think tango has a very different feel than the others dances...different way of moving, etc. In my experience, it does NOT come easily. You're certainly not alone!

[Josh]

Tango is hard in that it is the most different and the only non-swinging dance. The nature of the dance, including differences in the hold, foot action, lack of swing, curve, and all that stuff, presents a set of challenges unique to tango.

My advice would be to tackle one issue at a time. Have an experienced, high level, good coach give you two or three things to work on in different places in your routine, and give them each individual attention when you practice. As with anything, be patient and don't give up! If you want the dance to work correctly and look good, it will take work--there are no shortcuts, so enjoy the ride and have fun with the challenge at hand, picturing how good it will feel and look when you take those small steps of improvement on a weekly and monthly basis!

[Angel HI]

So is it just me, or is Tango one of the hardest dances out there? Any advice to share?I think tango has a very different feel than the others dances...different way of moving, etc. In my experience, it does NOT come easily. You're certainly not alone!
Josh's post is a very good one. Not blowing my own horn, but tango and latin is my specialty. Here's a great place to start.

Tango is different than all of the other dances. The primary difference is in the movement, and that difference is weight placement. 1- stand up - dancing under your partner is a result of the dance position, not a forced squatting of the legs as was once taught years ago. 2- walk with the focus in the center of the steps, and not from foot to foot like waltz and fox; though the international does not pause/stop in the middle, like in american and argentine, you must still place the focus there in order to achieve the proper look. To help with this, also remember to keep the back leg always as straight as possible.

Begin here. When you are ready, like Josh said, you/we, you/DF, you/a good coach can go to the next step. Good luck.

[Chris Stratton]

Look for a teacher who can give you a precise, literally useful explanation of how to create the cbmp and then side lead of the two walks. Once you have confidence in that and have experience of how this use of "sneaky diagonals" lets the bodies work closely together, plus a a bit of work on promenade position, then all the rest is just attitude and practice.

[Ecclesiastes3_4]

Thanks guys :). I think a lot of my problems were because in my Saturday class I had to dance with our teacher who's about 5" shorter than I am, and she had a very difficult time leading me. Later on I danced with a friend who's taller than me and I didn't have a lot of trouble.

The feel of Tango is way different than the other standard dances. But I'm getting there! I think I accomplished a lot even since making that post.

[jwlinson]

The feel of Tango is way different than the other standard dances. But I'm getting there! I think I accomplished a lot even since making that post.

Tango's one of those I've had a love/hate relationship with. First learned it - loved it. Worked more on it - hated it. Worked more on doing it properly - loved it.

Now it's one of my favorite dances. Once you "get it" you'll definitely know it!

[waltzguy]

Yes, tango was my fifth wheel. Eventually, I got the hang of it, and now love it. It will take time, don't worry, keep working on it. You'll get it. I'm glad I stuck with it. The DF members who convinced me get a bit of credit too. :D