Tango is a dance that reflects powerful emotions. From the desperate immigrants that first danced it in the slums of Buenos Aires to today's stylish modern Tango dancers who depict undeniable sexual tension between dance partners, Tango tells a story of passion. The dance frame for Tango is very stylized, with arms help high and somewhat rigid. The "closed position" between the gentleman and the lady involves body contact only at the hips and upper thighs and not in the upper torso.
American Ballroom Tango emphasizes strong "walking" steps, where the foot stays close to the floor, and it is important to use the correct "heel" or "toe" lead. This is a dance that moves across the dance floor. Tango steps follow a definite "slow, slow, quick, quick slow" rhythm, where the "slow" steps are almost a "step, hold" as the dancers seem to rush to step and then hold before rushing to the next step. This movement gives Tango its "staccato" quality, a quality that can also be heard in the music Tango is danced to and is often punctuated by the characteristic "head snaps" particular to ballroom Tango. The video demonstrates the Tango dance frame, basic step for both partners, correct "heel" and "toe" leads and shows the basic step, as well as some more intermediate patterns, done to music.
