THE TANGO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 258, 28 September 1935, Page 15

THE TANGO

(By-a Ballroom Professional.) Tlie tango lias been danced in the English style since 1919, when it was standardised by the English authorities on ballroom dancing. Hence its technique has remained very much the same in the basic steps, while each season brings its new crop of variations for the advanced dancer and demonstrator. The technique and appearance are difference from that of a foxtrot, for it has a slow creepy movement, and beginners dancing it should be careful not to have their tango appear like a peculiar foxtrot. This is often done in the effort- to gain effect; the hold is exaggerated and the knees bent too much. It is considered one of the easiest dances to learn, besides being very suitable for our ballrooms as its movements are controlled, not a series of dashing twists and turns as the word “tango” often suggests. The walking steps are medium to short with the knees kept slightly relaxed throughout the dance. The feet are lifted from the floor and placed is position for the next step, and do not skim the floor from heel to toe as usual. Each step is held to the last possible moment before taking the next step, but the shoulders move continuously forward and remain parallel to the floor throughout. There is no rise and fall, no sway; the poise of the body is kept central, not forward. Avoid a lilt in the walk and never bend at the waist. The hold is more compact than for the other dances, the gentleman’s right arm being further round the lady, while his right hip and shoulder are forward so that he faces almost diagonally to the centre of the room. His feet follow the line of his body by being placed diagonally to the centre, and vice-versa for the lady. In the foxtrot the gentleman leads his partner by the movement of liis liips and shoulders, but in the tango the feet are placed “in” or “out” to indicate the direction of the turn. When necessary a slight pressure of the hand is used to lead.

The tango steps are mostly simple and attractive. One of the basic figures, the progressive side-step, which is three side steps beginning on the L.F. (danced diagonally, to wall) is said to have been used originally by the Spanish toreador to avoid the beast when charging. The rocks, swivels and steps danced in promenade position are characteristic of the tango. Promenade position is also used in the foxtrot and modern waltz, but has been adapted from the tango. As in the rumba, the music of the tango, with its distinctive rhythm, is one of its chief assets. It is written in 2-4 time, which the dancer counts as one and two; each slow step occupies one beat and each quick step occupied half a beat. The correct tempo is 32-34 bars a minute. “Tango Serenade” or any tango played by Geraldo’s Band is suitable for practice.