Tango Tip – An exercise to dance tango more musically
The following is a copy of the notes provided to participants at a “Tango Tips” musicality interlude at the Toca Tango Practilonga in Auckland.
TANGO TIPS – 9 March 2025
INTRODUCTION
Would you like to dance more musically than you currently dance?
Would you like the people you dance with, to dance more musically?
TWO FUNDAMENTALS NECESSARY FOR MUSICAL TANGO DANCING
1. To hear or sense which of the main repetitive beats of the music are its pulse and be able to match steps to the pulse as and when we want to
2. To recognise new phrases and new sections of music, then execute repetitions or changes in steps to reflect changes (if any) in the phrases or sections
THE EXERCISE
It is a sequence using basic tango steps nearly all dancers use each time we dance
Fwd Fwd Fwd Close —> Side Close Side Tap —>
Fwd Fwd Fwd Close —> Side Close Side Tap —>
USES AND BENEFITS
The practice system began as a way to improve my own understanding of tango music and to improve the musicality of my dancing. I have since found it to be a really useful structure for nearly all the tango things I want to learn or practice.
My advice is to practice the exercise as frequently as you need to, to internalise it and to be able to apply your timing of the pulse, steps, pauses and phrasing (but NOT the sequence) to your dancing.
In time try refining the practice sequence to incorporate changes in the ways you step, variations in timings & rhythms, incorporation of classic sequences, etc.
N.B. The structure is also effective for vals & milonga (with only minor refinements)
N.B. It can be practiced solo, with a partner or in a group
THINGS TO PRACTICE
basic musicality – walking techniques – alternative timings & rhythms – syncopations – leading & following – intention & resistance – class learnings – dance sequences etc
Stu Johnstone
9 March 2025
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