Tango etiquette and terminology
Tango is a social dance, and thus the tango scene is governed by a social consensus of behaviour known as the codigos (codes). The codigos was formed in Buenos Aires during the golden age of tango (pre 1955). These codigos are not strictly adhered to in this country, but it is still useful to know about them.
TANGO:
The word tango refers to tango culture in general, and it also refers specifically to slow tango music in a 2 beat measure.
MILONGA:
The word milonga has many meanings. It refers to a place where people go to dance tango, or a tango dance party. It can also mean confusion or hectic activity. Also it refers to fast tango music in a 2 beat measure.
TANGO VALS:
TANGO VALS is tango music with a 3 beat measure.
TANDAS AND CORTINAS:
The word tanda means block and cortina means curtain. A tanda is a set of 3 or 4 pieces of music with the same orchestra. A cortina (curtain) is a short piece of non tango music, usually about half a minute long. The cortina heralds the beginning of a new tanda. It is customary to dance the whole tanda with the same partner, and to change partners during the cortina. A tanda are usually organized in a sequence of 2 tango tandas followed by 1 milonga tanda followed by 2 tango tandas followed by 1 vals tanda.
THE RONDA (the line of dance):
To ensure order on the dance floor it is customary to dance anti-clockwise around the dance floor, and, unless there appears an opens space that allows us to do so without disturbing our fellow dancers, we should avoid overtaking the couples in front of us. If the dance floor is large there may develop 2 or even 3 lanes of couples dancing in the direction of the ronda, almost like the lanes on a highway. These lanes are known as filas. It is important to know that good navigation allows us to dance close to other couples without disturbing them, and this is one of the things that most determines a leaders reputation in the milongas.
SPANISH TERMS:
Spanish terms are often used by teachers and organizers in the UK. This is a universal practice that ensures that tango people from all over the world can communicate with each other.
CABECEO:
The cabeceo is the customary invitation to dance used in Argentina. The man and the woman seek eye contact with each other. When eye contact has been established the man nods his head in the direction of the dance floor. The lady will then nod in the direction of the man and stand up. Then the man will walk up to the lady and escort her unto the dance floor. After the dance the man will escort the lady back to her table. It is important to realize that the invitation can be initiated both by the man and the woman, and that the acceptance of the invitation occurs by maintaining the initial eye contact. If someone tries to invite you to dance this way, and you are not inclined to accept the invitation, then simply look away. The nodding ceremony is merely a confirmation of the agreement to dance. Thus the cabeceo is completely gender neutral. The cabeceo is rarely used in the UK.
TANGO NUEVO vs NUEVO TANGO vs NEOTANGO:
TANGO NUEVO refers specifically to the style of music developed by Astor Piazzolla after the golden age of tango. This kind of music is intended for a listening audience and is only occasionally played in milongas. NUEVO TANGO refers to a style of dancing that appeared after 2000. This is a more free style that incorporates elements form contemporary dance and features acrobatic elements. It is often danced with an open embrace. This kind of dancing requires a lot of floor space, and to execute nuevo tango moves in a crowded milonga can be quite disturbing to other dancers. Outside of Argentina NEOTANGO is the term attributed to the kind of music made by The Gotan Project, Bajofondo etc. This music is a fusion of tango elements and modern popular music. In Argentina this kind of music is generally referred to as tango electronico.
SOBRENOMBRES (nicknames):
Tango has always been the culture of ordinary people, and the establishment has at certain times actively persecuted people who have been associated with tango. Therefore the tango scene in Buenos Aires is a world separated from society. When people go to a milonga they leave their normal identity behind and people only know each other by first names or nick names. People in the milongas in Buenos Aires would normally not ask for someone´s surname or profession without having a specific reason to do so. This codigo is of course not relevant to the British tango scene, but it is useful to know if travelling to Buenos Aires.
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Dress Code
There is no formal dress code for any of our events, however some useful guidelines may be offered:
AT LESSONS:
A lessons is a place to learn, and thus dress code is largely irrelevant, with the notable exception of shoes. For tango, shoes with suede, leather or hard plastic soles are preferable. This is because we need to slide a bit and make turns when we dance. Therefore trainers and other shoes with soft rubber soles are not suitable. Ladies often use high heels, from 2" to 3", but this is by no means compulsory.
AT PRÁCTICAS:
A práctica is an informal practice session, and the same considerations apply as for the lessons.
AT MILONGAS:
A milonga is a place to go out dancing, and for this people like to dress up and look good. Dressing up and looking good means different things to different people, and we are not the ones to enforce rules. For some it means a suit and tie, for others a nice, flashy shirt and blue jeans. The ladies often give wings to their fashion side. And of course a milonga is a place to show off your tango shoes.
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Luna y Molino Tango Lesson Levels
LEVEL 1
Content:
Basic Step
Forwards and Backwards Ochos
Calecita
Back sacada
A six-week course with a rolling curriculum. People can join at anytime and will normally progress to Level 2 after having been introduced to the whole content of this level.
LEVEL 2
Content:
Variations of the Basic Step
Figures such as:
Barrida
Ganchos
Sacadas
Giros
Leading and Following
Musicality with basic rhythmical elements
Usually the level 2 curriculum will be covered during one year.
Progression to Level 3 is by Luna y Molino's assessment.
Anyone that has been dancing Argentine tango for more than a year are invited to join Level 2.
LEVEL 3
Musicality and advanced rhythmical elements
Advanced Figures such as:
Enrosques
Volcadas
Boleos
Colgadas
Combinations of figures
Posture and Walking Technique
Embellishments
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E-mail:steps@lymtango.com Tel:07592567560 Website:www.lymtango.com |
