Argentine Tango - What Is It?
There isn't room here to go into all the theories as to the origin of tango, but perhaps the most important thing to say is that it ISN'T ballroom tango! Argentine tango and ballroom tango are quite different - the latter being a "development" of the original Argentine versions.

Argentine tango is an intimate dance. There's not much debate that tango originated in Buenos Aries, Argentina in the late 1800s. One popular legend is that it was developed by single male African and European immigrants to impress the local women of the night - although some dispute this theory. It has progressed through the social layers of society, from Argentina to Europe and back, and through political and social changes. It has been considered seedy, raunchy, exciting, and respectable - depending on the era and continent. Today, just about any country you visit will have a tango community where you can communicate with the locals through the common language of tango.

The Basics of Argentine Tango
In essence, tango is a led dance - the lead (male usually) decides the moves, sequence, and direction of the dance. The follower (female usually) - while relieved of choreographic and navigational decision-making - generally makes the more intricate steps of the pair and has the opportunity to add adornments to the lead's routine. Although there are some clear principles and hundreds of set moves, the overall sequence of steps is entirely improvised - which adds an extra dimension of invention and playfulness for both leader and follower.

The roles of leader and follower are quite distinct but neither is more important than the other - as they say, it takes two to …… The magic of tango comes from the silent communication between the couple - the lead suggesting what might come next, the follower responding with an interpretation of that intention. The connection for this communication is partly in the physical hold (which may be anything from an open embrace to an intimate hug) and partly in the positioning of both bodies such that the follower stays facing the lead. Tying the whole dance together is the music. Rhythm and tempo as much as anything else help to keep the couple co-ordinated.

Tango Etiquette
- In practice classes and milongas we dance
anti-clockwise round the room. Try to stay
round the outside rather than crowd into the
centre.
- If you bump into another couple apologise
politely (assuming there are no injuries!)
- If the floor is crowded adjust your style
accordingly. Large flailing steps will not be
appreciated by your fellow tangueros.
- At a milonga, you should not stop in the middle
of the flow to explain a step to your partner -
that is what practice sessions are for. Find a
quiet corner away from the dance floor if you
want to discuss or practice moves with your
partner.
- It is customary to stop when the music stops -
a sign of respect to the band that you can't
dance without them. It also allows you to play
the game of guessing the final beat to finish
with a classic pose!
- If you aren't dancing then stay off the
dancefloor.
- Don't talk while dancing! This applies equally in
class unless you need to discuss something
about the step you are practicing. If you have
the time and spare brainpower to chat then
you may not be focusing sufficiently on the
dance!
- The embraces used in tango vary in closeness.
Don't assume your partner is comfortable with
a very close embrace. If in doubt start with an
open, relaxed embrace. A closer embrace can
be offered but let your partner accept or
refuse. If you feel that your partner is being
uncomfortably over-intimate you can make an
excuse and retire from the dance floor
(although a slap on the face is much more
dramatic!)
- It is customary to dance two or three tangos
with someone before sitting out or changing
partners. But if you aren't enjoying it just say
"thank you" and retire. If you want to be really
traditional then a man may escort a woman
back to her seat.
- Use a light touch with perfumes and
aftershaves. Your dance partners may not
enjoy your choice of fragrance as much as you
do.