New to tango? Here’s what to expect at your first class
What to Expect
Thinking of coming to your first Tango Wednesday and have some questions before you arrive? We’ll do our best to answer them here.
Q: “What is the vibe? How do people dress?”
A: The vibe is casual, maybe “snappy casual!” Some people dress up a little bit, but it’s definitely not required. It’s good to wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. Since tango is a partner dance sometimes done in close embrace, make sure you have showered and smell good.
Q: What kind of shoes work best for tango?
A: It’s the sole of the shoe that matters. Smooth-soled shoes that allow you to pivot on a flat foot are best for tango. Suede or leather soles do the job perfectly. Rubber soles are not ideal. Sneakers are usually not ideal unless the soles are so worn down that they have become smooth. Many experienced tango dancers in the follow role wear high heels, but it’s definitely not required.
Q: Do I need a partner? Does my partner need to be of the opposite sex?
A: No, and no! You are welcome and encouraged to come by yourself, and/or you can bring any partner or group of friends you like. At Tango CLT, we teach the lead & follow roles to everyone who wants to learn them!
Q: The evening begins with two classes. What will I learn from them? Can I take the second class if it’s my first night?
A: The first class of the evening, beginning at 7 PM, assumes no prior knowledge of tango. If this is your first time, it’s the place to start! The second class varies by week in terms of difficulty. It depends a little bit on who shows up. Most weeks, first timers will have no trouble jumping into the second class. Occasionally, the material will be a little more advanced, but we always include something that beginners can work on! In sum, even if it’s your first night out, you are welcome and encouraged to take both classes!
Q: I have watched Dancing With The Stars, and tango on that show looks really athletic. Is that the kind of tango you teach?
A: No, it is not. There are many different kinds of tango, but two major categories are social tango and stage tango (“tango escenario”). What you see on television is stage tango. What we teach at Tango Wednesday is social tango. Here are the differences:
Stage Tango: Athletic, Large gestures and expansive moves, Choreographed, Dancers dance for the judges and/or the audience, Often competition-focused, A regular dance partner is required, Often hyper-sexualized and intense, Not taught at Tango Wednesday
Social Tango: Low impact; Moves are generally smaller and more subtle, suitable for a crowded dance floor; Improvised in the moment the way a jazz musician improvises a melody over chord changes; Dancers focus on their partners rather than an audience or judges; Not competitive; No regular partner required. Dancers switch partners frequently throughout the course of the evening; Not hyper-sexualized - many colors and emotions are possible including playfulness, calmness, and even almost meditative states; What we teach at Tango Wednesday!
How It WorksTango Wednesday Schedule
Hors d’oeuvres are included in your admission. Wine, beer, & soda on site!
Intro Lesson7:00 PM
All-Levels Lesson7:45 PM
Social Dancing8:30-11 PM
