How to Choose the Best Partner for Argentine Tango Dance

Argentine tango is associated by many with the film "Scent of a Woman", in which Al Pacino, playing a blind man, dances with a beautiful girl to the tango music "Por una Cabeza". From the outside, the dance looks like a seductive game where partners move gracefully and seem to pursue each other. Argentine Tango is like a little life lived by two people in dance.

The origin of tango is shrouded in mystery. Some say the gods performed this dance on the 5th day of creation. Others claim it was invented by isolated gauchos returning home from La Pampas.

One thing is known: the dance originated in Argentina or Uruguay. Today tango is divided into two types: ballroom tango and Argentine tango. These two tangos are completely different. Ballroom tango is danced in competitions and is a sport dance, while Argentine tango is considered social tango and is danced at milongas (tango parties). The technique of the dance involves improvisation, the principles of leading and following.

In ballroom tango, movements are strictly standardized. Argentine tango is mainly an improvised dance; this sets it apart from many dances where clarity, correctness, and strict technique in every movement are required. Argentine tango has none of that. And even if you make a mistake in the dance, you simply improvise and keep dancing without stopping. Argentine tango is a partner dance, a wordless communication, emotional communication, soul communication.

Therefore, it is so important to choose a partner in tango. In tango, there is mainly a shortage of male partners. The man plays the main role in the dance; he leads his partner. The man is also the director and choreographer.

Even with practiced combinations in the dance, the partner can improvise, and the partner must feel the partner and adapt to him. Otherwise, the dance won't work. Much depends on the partner, even your desire to learn tango. Because if the partner is clumsy or rude, then accordingly, you will either have to change partners or forget about tango.

There are still some general requirements for a partner or partner. First, tango involves close physical contact, so a neat, fresh, and clean appearance is essential. Unacceptable are strong perfume, lack of basic body hygiene, smoking before class, or bad breath, as well as the smell of garlic. There is no need to test your partner's endurance with these factors.

Second, mutual respect must be present. Do not pay attention to your partner's mistakes unless he asks. It is better to hone your own skills and not make comments to each other. For comments or instructions, there is a choreographer who will point out mistakes and help correct them.

As for age, if you are looking for a male partner, the most optimal age range is 27-45 years. If the partner is younger, there is a high probability that he will get bored after 2-3 months and you will have to start new searches. This is almost 90% of cases. The only exceptions are young people who have been dancing somewhere since childhood, know that rehearsals are hard work, and take it responsibly.

For more harmonious compatibility in dance, it is desirable that the height difference is not too big. The man's height should not exceed 15 cm more than his partner's height in heels. And the woman should not be more than 5 centimeters taller than her partner (including heels).

It is important that the partner has qualities such as commitment to training and character. If the partner takes rehearsals seriously, does not miss them without a valid reason and without notice, if he is focused on results, is not intimidated by mistakes in the dance, is relaxed about any problems, and is respectful to the partner, then this couple will be successful.

In tango, it is very important to understand the principle of leading and being led. It is important not to be afraid to trust your partner, to open up and remove psychological shackles. It is important to feel the music, to be flexible and coordinated. But even if you don't have these qualities, you can and should develop them during training, as they are very important for a good performance.

So, where to find a partner for Argentine tango? If your significant other for some reason does not want or cannot join you, and you dream of cutting through the dance studio in the rhythm of Argentine Tango, you can start looking for a partner among your circle of acquaintances, friends, or colleagues.

You can also monitor social networks and online bulletin boards. Or post a classified ad. But even if you cannot find a partner, and the desire to dance here and now drives you, do not despair! Go ahead and attend classes; in reality, many people dance alone until they bring a partner, or they meet at classes and form a pair.

You can also go to a trial first class and observe the surroundings; many singles come to trial lessons.

Tango is a very beautiful dance, full of passion and fire. And the partner in it is not a dictator but an interesting conversationalist who proposes a topic for conversation, and the partner simply agrees to the conversation.