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!

Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day One

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Two

Set Intentions & Reflect

Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Three

Look Forward & Wrap Up

We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

How It Works

  • Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.

  • Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

Book Your Stay

Register