The Ronda - The Line of Dance
Dancers dance in a ronda, or line of dance.  This line is a slowly flowing counterclockwise circle around the outer edge of the dance floor.  Generally, you want to stay between the couples you started between for the duration of the song. Try not to pass the couple in front of you or stay in one spot for so long that the line starts backing up behind you. Try to avoid taking more than one backwards step at a time so you don’t  

Tandas - Sets of Three our Four Songs
Tango dancers generally dance three to four songs in a row with each other. These sets of three, or sometimes four, songs are called tandas. In between tandas, the dj will play a “cortina,” which will be a non-tango song, like rock & roll or jazz.  During the cortina, people leave the dance floor until the next tanda begins.  All the songs in a tanda will be similar in sound and mood, so when a new tanda begins, you can listen and see what to expect. Some tandas are mellow, others are more rhythmic, others are more dramatic.  For this reason, it’s good etiquette to wait until the cortina ends before cabaceoing a new partner. 

If all of this sounds complicated, we promise it’s not!  You can spend as much time as you like watching people dance, and you’ll soon catch on how everything goes. 

Cortinas
Cortinas are non-tango songs that are played between tandas. They signal the end of the previous tanda and allow people to change partners, take a break, etc. Usually cortinas only last about 45 seconds, but at this práctica I often play the whole song, and you are encouraged to dance to it – you can dance tango, swing, salsa, or just rock out! At this práctica, cortinas are whatever you need them to be. However, it is not good etiquette to ask someone to dance the next tanda while the cortina is still playing. If you want the next tanda with someone, wait until tango music starts again before cabaceoing them.

The Cabaceo - Inviting Someone To Dance 
Tango dancers do not generally walk up to each other and verbally ask each other to dance.  When the first song of a tanda begins, a dancer will stand a small (or sometimes large!) distance away from another dancer and attempt to make eye contact. Once eye contact is made (we call this moment, the “Mirada,” or “the look”), the dancers will nod their heads, as if to say, “yes.”.  If both dancers nod their head, the invitation to dance has been accepted, and the dancer who initiated the contact, traditionally the lead but this is not required, will walk over to the other dancer and escort them onto the dance floor.  If either partner looks away or one partner shakes their head, the invitation to dance has been declined.  The cabaceo generally happens at the beginning of the first song of a tanda.  So, if you want to dance, scan the room with your eyes and do not wait for someone to walk up to you!

Respect & Safety
Tango is a close embrace dance; a degree of physical closeness between partners is inevitable. We at Tango Wednesday want to make sure every dancer feels safe and happy.  The general rule is that experienced dancers should not try to lead complex moves, especially leg wraps, on new dancers who have not yet learned them.  Nor should experienced dancers try to teach new dancers complex moves they are not ready for. Instead, all dancers should focus on their partners’ comfort and ease. If someone declines your cabaceo, the etiquette is not to ask for an explanation or take it too personally.  At Tango Wednesday, our dancers are generally very well behaved, but please feel free to decline a dance or end a tanda early if you are not feeling comfortable.  Matt & Sarah keep a close eye on the dance floor and will make sure dancers are being respectful, but you may come to either of us at any time if you have any questions or concerns. In addition, there is a big difference between being creepy and simply being a beginner dancer. If a beginner dancer bumps into you by accident, they are most likely not being creepy; they are just new to tango!   We encourage dancers of all skill levels to be generous with their tandas and dance with as many people as possible.  Patience and support are essential as new dancers learn this beautiful but often challenging dance! 

Genders and Roles
At all Tango CLT events, we welcome the whole spectrum of gender, sexual orientation, and gender expression.  Anyone may lead, anyone may follow, you may switch at will, and any two consenting adults may cabaceo and dance with each other.   

Offering Feedback
Please only offer feedback to your partner if they invite you to do so, or if they do a step in a way that is really not comfortable. You may politely ask if they are open to feedback. Be positive and constructive.  In any case, please do not play the role of a teacher on the dance floor. Sarah and Matt are always happy to help you if you have questions.  Also, the custom is to chat a little at the beginning of a song, but once you start dancing, you should end the chat.

Etiquette
You are encouraged to be generous and dance with many people of all ages and abilities! This creates community, reduces cliqueishness, and is also the best way to improve your dancing. It’s good practice to scan the room and see if anyone looks lonely or seems left out and invite them to dance. Tango is an ecosystem, and we want all parts of it to be happy & healthy!

At the same time, you may decline a dance with anyone for any reason without having to explain yourself. If someone declines your cabaceo, you should accept this and not ask the person why they have declined you. It might just be because they are tired and need to rest their feet. Let it go, and maybe try again later. If the person declines you more than once, ask no questions and let it go for the evening.

If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, please do not hesitate to let Matt or Sarah know, and we will do our best to address the source of your discomfort.  We want this práctica to be a safe, welcoming, and respectful event for all!