Argentine Tango: The Do's And Don'ts On The Dance Floor

Step 1: Remember Your Role

The Argentine Tango, putting it simply, is a macho dance - completely controlled, directed and dominated by the man in the partnership.

Strictly speaking it is the man's job to do all the work while the woman follows each of his moves attentively and just 'looks beautiful'.

The best advice for women learning Tango is to go with the flow, follow your partner's instructions and enjoy being shown off. Forget about moaning, ordering your man about or whether he's doing it right or wrong, because frankly, in the tango, it is a man's world.

Step 2: Keep It Discreet

Despite the fact that the Argentine Tango is well known for being a sexually-charged dance - remember the scenes from 'Scent of a Woman' and 'Moulin Rouge'? - traditionally speaking the passion and sensuality of the dance should be kept between the partnership and not put on public display.

Consider it as a private conversation between two people rather than an open discussion.

This is the same with the hold, typically described as an 'embrace' or 'hug'. It should encourage the connection between the man and the woman without going over the top.

Step 3: Facial Expressions

Traditionally, the Argentine Tango apart from being very passionate is a melancholic dance, performed with a serious air, it's not a smiley dance. You will notice that most tango dancers take on dramatic facial expressions which add to the power and feeling of the dance.

Step 4: Dance Floor Rules

As you continue practicing Tango you will learn the various dance floor rules. However one of biggest No- Nos of all is that women should NEVER ask a man to dance - something which is especially respected in Buenos Aires, the birthplace of the Argentine Tango. You can just stand back and enjoy until some handsome man sweeps you off your feet and onto the dance floor. Yes, we're back to the 'macho' thing again but look at it this way, it means you don't have to 'take the initiative'.

Getting to grips with the do's and don'ts on the dance floor can really help improve your technique and overall look.