Spokane Dance Company

Tango

The Tango is one of the most beautiful of all the dances. It is characterized by earthy and dramatic movements. In order to achieve the distinctive style of Tango, it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork along with fluid graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango practice is essential towards becoming a good dancer.

History:

The Tango was created in Spain by the Basque sheepherders.  The Tango is viewed today as one of the most romantic dances.  However, its signature style of sharp snappy head movements and the rose in the mouth actually came from women trying to avoid the "gamey" smell from the skin of the sheepherders - a far cry from romantic.

The tango became the rage in 1921 after the silent screen star Rudolph Valentino brought this dance to millions in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse."  More recently, it has been danced in movies such as "True Lies," "Shall We Dance" and "Scent of a Woman."

Today, the Tango is considered the "dancer's dance" and becomes a favorite of all who learn it.

Music:

Tango music is usually written in 2/4 or 4/4 timing. The first teaching rhythm in tango is slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.

Characteristics:

The hold in Tango is more compact than in other moving dances. The walk in Tango differs from walks in other dances in that it is a staccato action obtained by delaying the follow through of the free leg and foot.

Teaching Elements:

• Tango Basics--Work on level progression.
• Dance Positions--Closed position for better lead and follow.
• Amalgamations--Link patterns easily for smooth transitions.
• Control--Learn to control momentum.
• Variety (Interrelation)--Build vocabulary of patterns for style, movement & adaptation.
• Footwork--Develop foot coordination. Flares and Fans are exercises of balance in rotation.
• Compare/Contrast--Fox Trot, Waltz, Vienesse Waltz

Tango Bronze Syllabus

1. a)  Basic     b)  Circular Basic
2. Promenade  a)  Left    b) Right
3. Corte    a) single   b) double
4. Reverse Turn   a) closed   b) with outside swivel
5. Open Fan
6. Open Fan with underarm turn
7. Right Side Fans
8. Rock Steps
9. Running Steps
10. Check Promenade
11. Twist Turn   a) left   b) right
12. Contra Rocks
13. Promenade Pivot
14. Continuous Left Rock Turn
15. Over Sway

Tango songs and artists include:

• Hernando's Hideaway - from "The Pajama Game"
• Whatever Lola Wants - from "Damn Yankees"
• La Cumparsita - Julio Iglesias
• Por Una Cabeza - from "Scent of a Woman"

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902 West Indiana   Spokane, WA 99205  

509-328-4717

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