Leviticus - The Three Commandments of Argentine Tango

1. Thou Shalt Listen To The Music

For some men, failure to lead the woman to dance to the music is because they do not know how to listen to music. For others, it is because they are so focused on leading the steps that they cannot hear the music.... In leading, the man must first pay attention to the music. He must not only think of the steps that he is leading and forget about the music.₁

2. Thou Shalt Lead Simple Steps

Some men like to lead difficult steps that are beyond their abilities. Such steps require so much of their attention that they become heedless of the other aspects of the dance.... Unlike stage tango that emphasizes performance, social tango emphasizes the feelings and communications between the partners. Therefore, simple steps are more suitable for it.₁

3. Thou Shalt Not Lead With Thy Hands

Many men lead with their hands for a number of reasons. First, one's long-standing habit is hard to break. Second, it is easier to do steps with the help of hands. Third, beginners often see tango as steps rather than music interpretation, feeling and relationship, although the opposite is closer to the truth. Fourth, in order to teach steps, many teachers encourage their students to use open embrace, which reinforces the habit of using hands. However, using hands to lead conflicts with the essence of tango, that is, intimacy, sensuality, comfort, oneness and synchronization.... Beginners must overcome the habit of using hands, and develop the ability to lead with the torso.₁

(1) These "injunctions" and text are based on the blog post: Men's Common Mistakes in Tango by Paul Yang.  For a fuller reading, please see his post.

HOMEWORK QUESTION:

What does counter-body movement (related to leading with chest) look like?

To find the answer, create a log-in at my website, then go to the "Principles" page.