Tango Etiquette
Tango dance etiquette has gone through more than a century of developments and tango scenes follow some or all of these codes (códigos). Our intention in providing this information is to create a pleasant, safe space and fluid dance floor that feels welcoming to all dancers.
The Music: As milongas (tango dance parties) transitioned from live orchestras to recorded music played by DJs, a tradition evolved of playing music in sets, called tandas, separated by cortinas (curtain, or the end of a tanda). Tandas are sets of 3 or 4 songs played by one orchestra or a similar orchestra, era or feeling. Quite often, tandas of tango music consist of a 4 song set and Vals (Waltz-timing tango music) and Milonga (driving rhythm tango music) sets consist of 3 songs. Cortinas are usually a shortened piece of music that is distinctly not tango.
Your Partner: It is expected that you will dance a full tanda with one dance partner. If you start mid-way through the tanda, it is appropriate to finish the tanda with that dance partner. The cortina then signals the end of the tanda where the floor clears and leaders will often escort their followers to the edge of the floor. You can stop dancing before a tanda ends if needed (physical discomfort, inappropriate behavior). You simply say “thank you” at the end of a song, which translates to being done. Some believe that dancing during a cortina is not acceptable. Some also believe that asking someone to dance more than 2 tandas in one night is not acceptable. Some couples will come to a milonga and only dance with each other.
Asking: Asking someone to dance verbally is acceptable. Another common method of asking someone is called the cabeceo. To create this invitation, approach the general area, then catch the invited person’s eyes and nod. If the person accepts, they nod back and approach you. If the person looks away instead of nodding, that means they are declining the invitation. Some traditional milongas might be set up with leaders seated on one side of the floor and followers on the other to allow for a clearer line of sight
Floorcraft: we try to dance smoothly with all the other dance couples on the floor. The dance proceeds slowly in a counterclockwise rotation around the dance floor. Look for ways to keep the flow of traffic smooth as you navigate the floor, not tailgating and not holding up the rotation. There can be an outside lane and sometimes a second, inside lane (or more). The center of the floor is generally left empty, but can provide a brief escape spot.
Entering: As a leader, before you enter the flow of dancers, make eye contact with the leader coming toward you. They will nod, dancing in place briefly so that you have the space to enter the floor. Leaders are responsible for keeping their followers safe from hazards so please stay aware of couples around you. If possible, keep 1-2 paces of space between you and the couple ahead of you so that they have the option to step backward when needed. It is common for a follower to dance with eyes closed.
Consideration of Space: Refrain from dancing in a way that cuts other dancers off (switching lanes often), only pass other couples in extreme situations, and try not to remain in one spot for too long. This results in backing up the flow of dancers on the floor. Milonas also are not the place to practice high kicks, high boleos or other steps that take up a large amount of space.
Talking: It is customary to talk for a short time as the song begins, then refrain from talking while dancing. It is kind to not dance above the level of your partner, noticing what is working in this particular partnership. Teaching is not appropriate during a milonga. Practicas (not milongas) are a place to work on new steps, and give feedback to fellow dancers when invited to do so. If a collision happens, apologize.
Hygiene: Argentine Tango is an intimate and elegant dance. For a pleasant experience, good hygiene is essential. Arriving clean and with fresh breath is appreciated by all of your partners. Do not over use perfume or aftershave as some are sensitive to these. Consider bringing a handkerchief, towel and/or second shirt if you think you might need it.
Santa Fe Tango, Inc. - 2024