Beginning Argentine Tango for Goths FAQ
photos by Lucy Gray
1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARGENTINE TANGO AND OTHER FORMS OF TANGO?
Argentine Tango is the oldest and most seductive form of Tango known to man. Not the watered down ballroom stuff you see on TV. Most people are familiar with the tango that Gomez and Morticia Addams do--that's not Argentine Tango either. It's International style--influenced largely by the French and German. That funny thing of walking side by side with arms outstretched, a rose in someone's mouth, is also International style. Argentine Tango is very closely embraced, and danced forehead to forehead or cheek to cheek. There is absolutely NO space bubble in the real thing. The most usual flower involved is a white gardenia in a woman's hair.
Argentine Tango also has several distinct styles stemming from
different time periods: Milongeuro, Salon, Show, as well as others.
There are three different kinds of Argentine Tango to learn: The Waltz
(vals), Tango, and the Milonga. These different forms of the dance
refer to the music. A waltz is...well, waltzy! A Tango is medium-paced,
slow and sometimes languid tempos where an 8 count basic step can be
improvised. A Milonga is a very fast paced, anti-showy dance where the
normal kicks and tricks can't be accomplished at an upbeat tempo. Why?
Because they are dangerous in a Milonga! You could be kicked or stabbed in the toe by a sharp heel. Ouch!
2. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF TANGO?
Tango has a very rich and naughty history. It was born in the brothels
of Buenos Aires before the turn of the century. The dance was a
language back then, used by floods of German, French, Italian, and
Spanish immigrants who didn't speak a common language. The city was
about 70% male, and most of the females of the remaining percentile
were prostitutes.
A man had to learn how to dance, if he was to entertain a lady at a
brothel. The prostitutes gauged how much money a man had by his ability
to perform kicks and tricks in the dance--because he had long, deep
pockets, and a certain amount of money could be felt through the
clothing on a well-placed thigh. You paid for a dance, and if you could
afford more...well, you get the picture! Rich folks had to travel into
the tenements to learn the tango. Often men had to learn from other men
because it was scandalous to dance in an open street with another
woman--let alone in private. So women learned from women, and men from
men. They took it back to their posh salons, and taught their friends,
who taught their friends... and pretty soon Tango was all the rage for
the wealthy folks of France, Germany, and finally the United States.
3. WHY WOULD A GOTH WANT TO LEARN HOW TO TANGO?
Because it's badass! You will be the life and envy of every party. It
helps you meet people without really having to meet people. You'll
finally have a reason to keep your nose in the air. You'll also have a
skill to go with all those really cool retro 1930's and 1940's clothes
you've got. If you're a boi--you'll be the envy of every grrl. If
you're a grrl, you're friends will look at you in awe when you tell
them your hobby is dancing tango. Sure, they might not believe you--but
that's their problem. The boi's will be asking YOU to dance,
\anyway;-)
4. I CAN'T EVEN SWOOPY DANCE. HOW THE HELL DO YOU EXPECT ME TO TANGO?
Tango is one of those things that you don't have to know how to dance
to learn. Because it's complex, it's like learning how to walk all over
again--thus, everyone starts at the same level. Even with prior dance
experience--you must learn the correct types of movement and balance
that are critically tango. Ex: A salsa dancer moves their hips and is
used to that. A salsa dancer must unlearn that conditioning for
tango.
5. IS IT HARD? HOW MUCH TIME/EFFORT SHOULD I EXPECT TO PUT IN?
Yes, it's very hard. Especially the lead. To get really good, a
leader should expect to put in about a year's worth of lessons to get
to the point where he feels as though he can dance with *anyone*. A
follower has it much easier however, and could feel as though they can
dance with anyone in about 6 months. You can learn to dance a very
simple, basic and nice tango to where you are comfortable dancing it in
public in about 2 months--IF you practice. Have an open mind; this is
for fun, after all. It is very addictive, however, and those with
obsessive tendencies will be the first to learn it's religious cult
similarities.
6. HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST? WHERE IS IT?
Lessons run $10 per person each lesson for an hour of instruction, with
help in practice afterwards. The first few classes will teach you
balance and walking. The second two will teach you actual steps. No one
will leave without an understanding of what was taught and how to
execute it. The sessions will run one day a week for a full month
before a new session begins, and you must sign up ahead of time. No
partner is necessary, but signup ensures that the lead to follow ratio
is even.
Classes will be held on a case by
case basis, and in groups occassionally. You may email
me for a current status of classes.
I've been dancing Argentine Tango for a little over
5 years. In March of 2001, my former partner and I won the American Tango Association's
competition for Argentine Tango (that's us in the above picture) Grand Prize
from the Government, including the title "Best American Couple" and a trip to
Argentina sponsored by the Argentinean government. I've studied tango in the
states as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina from the best instructors (unknown
and famous alike), and I dance professionally in the bay area. I have worked
with some of the best performers in the business, too.
That means I can teach you how to do beginning tango in a Goth
friendly, casual, non-imposing environment, and you'll get to dance
with other Goths.
8. I JUST WANT TO WATCH FIRST...WHERE CAN I DO THAT?
Some people like to know what they can learn from an instructor before
they pay to be taught by them. I dance at Milongas (social dances)
regularly in the Bay Area, along with the occasional performance. You
can email me for
times/dates/places of where you can watch me dance or perform and
exhibition.
If you'd like to see more social
dancing--there is a Milonga (dance) that happens Sunday nights in the mission
at El Valenciano's on Valencia between 22nd and 23rd where you can watch social
dancing on your own. We tango enthusiasts call this place the "indie 500 of
tango" because all the best dancers go there. It's not a recommended place for
beginners, but it's a great place to watch and have a glass of sangria. They
also serve reasonably priced food though you don't have to eat there to watch.
Just go straight to the back, beyond the bar. There's a $7 cover for those who
will be dancing. Milonga begins at 9pm, but no one gets there until 10pm, usually.
Golden Gate Milonga on Saturday evenings at the Golden Gate Yaght Club on the
Marina Green, is a great place to go for your first Milonga, too. It's best
to email me first if you want to know if I'll be there on a given night.
9. WHERE CAN I GO TO DANCE TANGO IN THE CITY? (IE: WILL THIS BE USEFUL?)
There is a place to dance Argentine Tango every night in San Francisco.
You can further dazzle and wow your friends at Goth clubs with this new
skill. A list of places (outside of Goth clubs) to go will be provided
to students upon completion of the four week course.
10. WILL THERE BE MORE THAN JUST BEGINNING CLASSES OFFERED?
Yes, but for students who have completed a beginning level session of courses
(about 4 weeks of lessons). It takes a good while to master the basics--even a
six month Tangeuro may have trouble with basic movements and balance, and I prefer
not to spawn any half-assed dancers out on the dance floor. I will be happy to
recommend non-Goth instructors who would be more than happy to receive you into
their classes, especially after you've learned the basics. Embellishments workshops
will be offered at the completion of each four-week session so you can spice up
that basic stuff a bit.
11. WHAT DO I WEAR AND WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
When learning how to tango you need to be able to effectively execute
certain movements which clothing and certain types of shoes may
restrict. I highly recommend wearing comfortable, breathable clothing.
Men: pants or slacks are best--PVC is not recommended (it sticks
together and makes you sweaty). If you choose to wear a skirt, make
sure it's flowy, not tight. Mini's are ok. Kilts are great. For Milongas, when men get dressed up they usually wear some 1940's zoot suit (ish) thing. Others will even wear jeans...depends on the venue. This is just practice, though. Velvet leggings work very well for this.
Absolutely no rubber soled shoes. No platform shoes or boots. Preferably a sole with a slidey factor--like leather, suede, or something that doesn't catch. No treads. No blocky, wide-toed shoes. Fluvog Buckle Boots work amazingly well, if you've got them.
Women: pants, leggings, all that are great. No PVC (see above), and
absolutely no corsets--you will kill yourself trying to breathe. Tank
tops are recommended, as it gets pretty hot. Skirts are ok if they have
side-slits, or are knee-length or above. The more stretchy, the better.
Flowy is also good, but if it's too long it'll get in the way when you
step. Absolutely NO PLATFORM SHOES, no rubber soles or soles with
tread. Soles that are slippery or slidey are best--without chunky
heels. For an example of the types of styles or recommended looks: Tara Design
Typical character shoes or even jazz shoes are great if you have them.
Don't wear five or six inch heels. You can't dance in them.
*note to ladies & gentlemen: typically at a Milonga, women will wear
vintage 1930s or 1940s clothing, sexy dresses that stretch and breathe, fishnet stockings, and up to four inch heels. The sexier the better. Men will wear most anything but jeans (except on Tuesday nights
at El Valenciano's--because it's HOT in there). Zoot suits, pinstriped suits, black suits with a rumpled white shirt beneath is a classic rouge Tanguero look. Fedora hats. Even spats!
12. TANGO ETIQUETTE
a. Bring breath mints and wear deoderant. (no space bubble!) *A tip for
jealous S.O. types: it's not uncommon that you'll come home smelling
like 10 different people's cologne/perfumes, after dancing with 10
different strangers.
13. SIGN UP!
First, you MUST subscribe to the list or email me privately to ensure
there will be a space for you in the class. It also allows you access
to the information list so you'll be told about venue/time changes,
news, or cool tango stuff:
Second, call toll free or email to
reserve your spot in the class: (866) 303-1150
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7. WHY SHOULD I LEARN FROM RAINY? (CREDENTIALS)
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b. If a follower isn't getting something right, it's ALWAYS the
leader's fault. The leader must LEAD in order for a follower to
follow.
c. frustration is a controllable emotion. It's difficult, but you'll get
it if you relax. Relaxation is the key to dancing tango.
e. The leader always asks the follower to dance in a Milonga. The
follower never asks a leader (unless she's hell-bent on attacking him
later). This puts pressure on the leaders, but a follower must make eye
contact with a leader to encourage them to ask... In Argentina, it's
much more to the letter in this rule. Here, most leaders will ask
regardless of the eye contact. The follower always has the right to
refuse. If a leader is refused--don't take it personally. Most seasoned
dancers don't like dancing with beginners.
f. If you are a beginner--make sure you WARN the partner who asks you,
or you ask to dance.
g. Leaders, it's customary for a leader to dance 3 dances with a *good*
dancer. Meaning, if you dance one dance with her and she's able to
follow your every lead, it's good etiquette to remain on the dance
floor for one or two more dances. No more than 3. It's bad form, and
she'll need to rest.
h. Always lead the follower back to her chair after you are done
dancing with her. It's old-school courtesy.
i. followers--don't snub other followers. You can learn from them as
much as you can learn from other leaders.
j. be polite, and have a good time. If someone is being oogey--just
don't dance with them.
k. It's really rude to grope someone on the dance floor (unless it's
invited! heh).
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*If you phone to reserve your spot, leave your name, a phone number, and the number of participants.
**Cash only, at the beginning of the class. There is a discount if you'd like
to pay for the full session of group classes in advance. Regularly $40 for 4
1-hour classes, it's only $35. when you pay all at once.
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