Understanding Mirada in Argentine Tango: A Guide for Followers

Argentine Tango is a dance full of uniqueness. One of it's controversial etiquette is called, mirada.

This non-verbal invitation respects the traditional codes of Tango and maintains the elegance and respect that the dance embodies.

Dance without verbally asking for it, a glimpse to the magic of tango.

Read More
How to Politely Say 'No, Thank You' to an Unwanted Dance During Argentine Tango Milonga Without Hurting the Leader's Ego

Receiving an invitation to dance is one of the best feeling in attending a milonga. However, there are a few instances where you want to say no for some personal reasons.

You want to politely decline but you don't know how to do it without hurting the ego of the one who invited you.

How do you actually say no?
The art of declining a dance invitation at a Milonga while maintaining the delicate balance of respect and camaraderie is an invaluable skill in the social dynamics of Argentine Tango.

Read More
Sweeping and Dragging: All You Need To Know About Barridas

Derived from the Spanish word “barrer,” meaning “to sweep,” the barrida is a graceful sweeping action that adds a touch of drama and excitement to the tango dance. To create an elegant and visually striking barrida,

the leader should aim to sweep the follower’s leg towards her back rather than outward.

This subtle adjustment adds depth and dimension to the movement, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the barrida.

Read More
Leaning Out Away: All You Need To Know About Colgada

Within this rich dance style, there are numerous techniques and movements that dancers strive to master.

One such movement that adds elegance, dynamism, and excitement to the dance is the colgada.

Whether you are an avid tango dancer or simply intrigued by the art of dance, let us provide you with everything you need to know about the colgada!

Read More
Close Embraces and Falling Off: All You Need To Know About Volcada

Over the years, tango has evolved and incorporated various styles and techniques, captivating dancers and enthusiasts worldwide.

One of the most intriguing and challenging movements in Argentine tango is the volcada.

Learn everything about volcada.

Read More
The Argentine Tango Merry-Go-Round: All You Need To Know About Calecita

Many tango dancers do this step, but not everyone knows what it really is.

A graceful and dynamic movement that creates a beautiful sense of rotation more commonly known as the Merry-Go-Round step is called Calecita.

Explore and learn more about calecita and why you should add it on your tango repertoire!

Read More
Tango as an Art Form: Most Famous Tango Shows

From the passionate embraces that fill dance floors and stadiums around the world to the lively music that drives it home, tango influences every aspect of life in Argentina and beyond.

Tango’s complexity allows us to be creative and express ourselves differently. Its complexity is indisputable, but its artistry continues to lure people in. Why?

Because tango enables us to understand “art” in ways other dances just cannot.

Watching a couple dance tango is like watching a story unfold on the floor; learning how they’re making something complex look simple and smooth is an art.

Read More
When the Embrace Whispers: A heartwarming novel …about unexpected turns, rediscovering passion, and tango

…it was the photo of the red dress that resonated with her the most. The fluid movement of the dancer, her dress a cascade of crimson, had etched itself into Sarah's heart, evoking feelings she couldn't quite name but always longed to experience.

… He worked hard to provide a comfortable, calm life, she knew that. A life she couldn't have imagined creating on her salary. With him, she was safe. No man is perfect, but she felt he was as close to it as a woman approaching her forties could hope for. Traveling, children, and dreams could wait one more year. Good enough, she thought, looking at the half-cleaned stain on her shoes, the rest will wash away with the rain.

Read More
UNESCO’s Recognition of Tango as a Cultural Heritage

When UNESCO declares one thing as part of a nation’s cultural heritage, it means something.

And UNESCO’s recognition of tango in 2009 was a big deal.

Explore the history of the Argentine tango, its impact on the culture of Argentina, and what UNESCO’s recognition means.

Read More
What Is the Color of Tango?

When it comes to tango, colors are probably one of the last things a dancer or enthusiast thinks about. Of course, it matters when choosing your tango dress or suit. But about the dance itself, it’s rare to wonder if there’s really a color associated with it. Some do, however, and we’re here to wonder with you!

Perhaps, it matters because colors play an important role for humans. As said by ARTECHOUSE in “THE IMPACT OF COLOR,”

colors help us communicate our ideas and emotions and define experiences.

They add richness to our lives, influencing how we feel and think!

And since tango is a dance that thrives in connection, emotion, and communication, colors can also be relevant in tango.

Read More
Tango Song Structure: Your Guide To Dancing Tango

Regardless of how you got involved with tango, it’s inevitable to feel confused about tango music at some point. While some communities dance the tango to non-tango music,

many firmly believe it’s only considered tango dance if it’s danced to tango music.

But what if the tango song makes it feel impossible to move? That’s likely because you don’t understand the tango song structure. Learning about tango structure is vital as a tango dancer. That’s what we’ll be discussing in this article!

Read More
The Three Characters in Tango: Compadrito, Guapo, and Malevo

Let’s dive deeper into tango songs and the stories they tell that reflect upon Argentine culture. As listeners who don’t speak the language that tango songs are written in, it’s unsurprising that we don’t know the repetitive themes and characters. As shared by Nati & Bruno in “Famous tango (song) characters,” the heart of Argentine culture who are often depicted in tango songs are the gauchos, compadres, and compadritos.

the heart of Argentine culture who are often depicted in tango songs are the gauchos, compadres, and compadritos.

Read More
Jorge Luis Borges and Pablo Neruda: The Writers Enchanted by Argentine Tango

Explore the influence of the Argentine tango on two key literary figures: Jorge Luis Borges, who wrote combinations of mystery, fantasy, metafiction, riddles, and many others. And Pablo Neruda, who eventually became one of the literary world’s most beloved poets.

These two great authors have inspired generations with their work and showed the world the power of tango. Tango has been the source of great inspiration for them and will continue to be for generations. Who knows?

Maybe among us, there’s the Jorge Luis Borges or Pablo Neruda of dancing, personifying tango as a timeless and universal art form that transcends boundaries!

Read More
When Shall You Start Learning Argentine Tango

Tango offers a gateway to self-discovery, personal growth, and a vibrant community.

If you're wondering when to embark on this enchanting journey of Tango, the answer is clear: the time to start learning Argentine Tango is now.

If you're seeking a dance that ignites passion, fosters deep connections, and invites you into a world of rich cultural heritage,

Argentine Tango might be the perfect choice for you.

Read More
What Makes Tango a Tango?

If you’re new to the tango scene, it’s natural to wonder what makes tango a tango.

Just like you wonder what makes pop music different from jazz or what separates hip-hop from ballet, it’s perfectly normal to feel curious and confused about tango. In this article, let’s get to know Argentine tango and understand what makes it a tango.

Let’s start with tango as a dance. For some,

identifying tango as a dance is easier and more possible than music.

When an enthusiast finds a couple in a close embrace on the dancefloor, it’s probably tango. When they create cat-like movements and display a unique balance of sensual, athletic, and artful, it’s definitely tango!

Read More
Can One Divorce Over Tango? AKA My Wife Doesn’t Want To Dance With Me

Many people say that before you get married, you should try tango.

It makes sense because many characteristics in the dance are similar to those in real-life relationships.

Two people have individual responsibilities and styles but become one when they dance. Like in a marriage, they must be willing to compromise and find a balance.

But sadly, while the tango can bring couples together, it’s also been known to tear them apart.

If you’re unfortunately one of these couples, you may wonder, can you divorce over tango?

Read More
Is Tango a Dance, Music, or Both?

Since the Argentine tango has gone through so much change since its conception, more questions have arisen about tango dance and tango music. And one famous question is… Is tango a dance, music, or both?

Perhaps the most significant reason for this question is the birth of alternative tango, which has created a divide in the tango community. Questions like, “Is it still tango if the music isn’t tango?” lead to much debate. But if we figure out whether tango is a dance, music, or both, we may find an answer to all our tango questions.

Read More