Basic Tango Terms:
Tango as a dance has in
effect 3 variations:
Tango 4/4 timing
and a 3-count
timing.

Milonga:
This is the word for both a
dance which is one of 3
original dances from
which Tango sprung
and/or a place
were Tango is
danced, such
as a dance
party or
dance
hall.

Portenno:
Term for a resident
of Buenos Aires,
which is
a port
city.

Lunfardo:
A slang used in Buenos
Aires, often used
in Tango
lyrics.

Caminar:
to walk
Caminata:
a walk

Ocho:
The criss-cross
walking step
often done by the
lady.

Cruzada:
The Cross, a step in which
1 foot crosses in front
of the other and is
placed along side
so that the in-
step of each
foot faces
outwards.

Arrepentida:
A repent step, in which one
checks the movement for-
ward or backward to
reverse direction.

Eight-Count Basic:
Known in spanish as
the "Salida Basica" is
literally what it says:
an 8-count
sequence
of basic
steps

Calesita:
or "Carousel", is a movement in
which the man circles the lady
as she stands on one foot.
If done at a sufficient
angle, she leans
on him.

Molinete:
The grapevine
step of that the
lady used on
turns.

The Dancers' Dance: Tango
"Bel Tango"

Tango originated in Argentina during the 19th century.
In 1910,

Rudolph Valentino brought it to the
United States and it instantly gained in popularity.
It was traditionally danced in disreputable sections of the
cities in "Roadhouses" as they are known in USA.

The "Staccato" action of the music and "Attitude" of the
dancers make for a most dramatic, passionate,
even "hostile" appearance of the dance.

Argentine Tango

is a more intense, intimate form of Tango where the couple
dances cheek to cheek, using intricate, intertwining leg
actions and fast foot flicks, giving the Argentine Tango
is a uniquely dramatic appearance.

Both Salon Tango and Argentine Tango are favored by
dancers and popular in ballrooms the world over.

Basic Tango Walk Steps:

Walk-walk-Tan~go close ~ 5 beats to one measure

Lady's Part - Basic Step:

Beginning with right foot:

- 3 steps back, left foot to left - close with right foot

Gentleman's Part - Basic Step:

Beginning with left foot:

- 3 steps forward, right foot to right - close with left foot

Let the music allure you, take partner position
and dance ... the Tango

"The Tango is not a dance but an obsession. For the Tanguero, it is
as much a part of life as eating and sleeping. Passionate, haunting
and melancholy, it involves not only the body, but also the soul"
- Felix Chavez, famous American Dancer and Teacher -
1991/1992 "Feather Award" Winner for Best Tango Performer/Professor