FAQ
What does "abrazo" mean?
Abrazo means hug or embrace. We chose the name Tango Abrazo because the embrace is so important to how we dance.
Is Argentine tango the same as ballroom tango?
No. Ballroom tango is a style that developed from Argentine tango, but these days they bear little resemblance, in both the dance itself and the music.
Social Argentine tango is, at its heart, an improvised dance. It doesn't rely on patterns; instead the focus is on connecting with your partner and the music.
I've never danced before. Will I be able to dance Argentine tango?
Absolutely! Social tango is based on walking, so if you can walk, you can dance tango.
I've got two left feet? Will I be able to dance Argentine tango?
As long as you've got feet, yes. We welcome two left feet.
There are no complicated sequences to remember; our teaching basis is walking, so if you can walk, you can dance tango.
I'm in my 20s. Will I be able to dance Argentine tango?
Yes.
I'm in my 40s. Will I be able to dance Argentine tango?
Yes.
I'm in my 60s. Will I be able to dance Argentine tango?
Yes.
I'm in my 80s. Will I be able to dance Argentine tango?
Yes.
Do I have to be able to do lifts and high kicks to dance Argentine tango?
No. High kicks, lifts and other athletic moves are stage tango (or tango fantasia). In social tango the feet are rarely lifted above floor level.
Do I need a partner in order to learn?
No, it isn't necessary to register with a partner, but we aim to keep classes more or less gender balanced; sometimes you may be wait-listed until such a balance is achieved. If you're able to register with a partner, this makes being accepted into a course guaranteed (as long as the class isn't full).
During class we change partners frequently, as it greatly speeds up the learning process and prevents you from adopting bad habits (it can also save from too much frustration!). Changing partners also allows you to get to know others in the class as Argentine tango is, after all, a social dance!
Isn't it awkward to dance close with someone you don't know?
At first it possibly will be. But quite quickly it becomes a lot easier and more natural, and before you know it you won't even be thinking about it at all (just ask Richard - he didn't even want to dance close embrace with Paula at first!). Dancing with others is the best way to improve your dancing.
I've taken classes in Argentine tango before. Which classes should I take?
Come along to practica and talk to us about it. If you haven't danced close embrace before, then we strongly recommend the Level 1 course to really get an understanding of the fundamentals.
What do I wear?
Clothes, ideally.
To classes and practicas, anything comfortable is fine. For milongas, people are a bit more dressed up (although you don't need to wear a tuxedo - unless you want to!) but you should still be comfortable in whatever you're wearing and not be restricted in your movement. It's hard to enjoy dancing if you can't breathe.
Do I need special shoes?
The most important thing is that your shoes have smooth soles - sneakers or any shoes with a tread on the sole don't work (you need to be able to pivot). For women, either high heels or flat shoes are fine, as long as your foot is secure; sandals won't work as you'll step out of them as you walk backwards.
Your shoes should also be comfortable!
At practicas, Paula and Lorelle often wear flat shoes or simple high heels; at milongas we break out the really pretty shoes.
How do I improve my dancing?
Dance as much as you can. Experience is the best teacher.
Why do you dance Argentine tango?
Because we can't imagine not dancing it.
Why do people dancing Argentine tango always look so sad?
We're not sad, we're (hopefully) in a rapture!
Leaders tend to look serious, as they're improvising the dance as they go. Followers are very focused on experiencing the music, their partner and the dance (actually, leaders are very focused on these too).
Our joy in dancing is quiet and often missed by those outside the embrace, but it is still joy.