Beginners Guide
~WELCOME~
Here below are some Community FAQ, click on each question to view the response!
Argentine Tango is a social partner dance that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Unlike many choreographed dances, tango is largely improvisational, meaning that dancers respond to the music and to each other in the moment.
Tango is built around connection, musicality, movement, and communication between partners. There is no single "right" way to dance tango, and learning is a process that happens through practice and social dancing.
PE Credit is available for any Bryn Mawr student (Fall 2026) who signs up before the deadline of Monday, September 7th 2026. Students may receive 0.5 pe credit for "sport clubs", in addition to taking a PE class (optional). Unfortunately, PE credit is for only Bryn Mawr Students only, not including for Haverford or Swarthmore students. We will need your student ID, and will send out email reminders, make sure with the e-board that you are officially signed up for PE credit. Feel free to contact us at brynmawrtango@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Beginner classes introduce the fundamentals of Argentine Tango in a relaxed and supportive environment. You will learn basic concepts such as walking, posture, connection, musicality, and simple tango movements.
Classes usually include demonstrations, guided practice, and time to dance with different partners. You do not need to memorize a choreography or come in knowing anything beforehand.
Argentine Tango traditionally uses two complementary roles: leading and following. The leader suggests movements and the follower responds to those movements through physical connection and communication.
Both roles require listening, musicality, and awareness. You are welcome to learn either role, regardless of your gender or previous dance experience.
That's completely okay! Our beginner classes are designed for people who are starting from scratch. You do not need previous dance experience, and you will learn the basics step by step.
The best way to learn tango is simply to come, try it out, and give yourself time to get comfortable with the movements.
Not really! Argentine Tango is an improvisational dance, so the goal is not to memorize a long sequence of steps. Instead, you will gradually learn individual movements and how to combine them while responding to your partner and the music.
Tango is based on communication and connection. Your partner will use subtle movements to communicate what they would like to do, and you will learn to respond through your own movement.
It may feel unfamiliar at first, but that is completely normal. Partner rotation during classes gives you the opportunity to practice with different people and become more comfortable dancing with others.
A milonga is a social event where people gather to dance Argentine Tango. Milongas are a great way to practice outside of class, listen to tango music, and become part of the broader tango community.
As you become more comfortable with tango, we encourage you to check out milongas and other social dance events around Philadelphia.
Come with comfortable clothes, shoes that allow you to move, and an open mind! You do not need a partner, special shoes, or previous dance experience.
Most importantly, don't worry about getting everything right immediately. Tango takes time to learn, and our classes are a space to experiment, make mistakes, and have fun.
Tango Etiquette
Tango is a social dance, and part of learning tango is learning how to navigate the dance floor respectfully. These customs help make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Be respectful of your partner
Tango is based on connection and communication. Pay attention to your partner, communicate clearly, and respect their comfort and boundaries.
Rotate partners during class
Partner rotation is a normal part of tango classes. Dancing with different people helps you become more comfortable adapting to different partners and styles.
Be aware of the dance floor
When dancing socially, pay attention to the dancers around you and maintain a comfortable amount of space. Remember the Ronda (counter-clockwise), review Tango Lingo in the next tab.
How do I ask someone to dance?
When dancing socially at a milonga, it is more common to ask each other to dance non-verbally, with the use of the 'mirada' or "the look" and the cabaceo "the nod." Many will refer to this just as the cabaceo, and it is a little impolite to ask someone to dance by walking up to them aggressively or being too close. The great thing about the cabaceo is that it is an invitation, you are allowed to reject a cabaceo if you prefer to not dance with that person or at that time. The cabaceo look is more like a "shall we dance" rather than a "look at me and dance with me!"
It is common within classes and non-formal event practice spaces to ask verbally. Especially during class warm-ups, but consent is key. It is generally okay to ask someone to dance verball if you know that person or if you know it's a beginner who may not understand the mirada and cabaceo yet.
Take care of the community
Tango is a social activity. Being welcoming, patient, and encouraging helps create an environment where beginners and experienced dancers can learn together.
Read our Code of Conduct hereTango Lingo
You'll probably hear some unfamiliar words when you start exploring the tango community. Here are a few of the most common terms.
Milonga
A social event where people gather to dance Argentine Tango. Everyone has their own style of Tango, so be aware of that. Milongas will tend to have varying different levels as well, beginners to advanced dancers. Remember, tango is all about walking, connection, and being musicial. Don't feel discouraged if you are attending a milonga for the first time. It is always nice to bring a friend or see someone you know, and always safer to travel in pairs!
Tanda
A group of tango songs played together as a set for social dancing (usually 3-4 songs, we may play 2 song tandas for mixers & beginner events). A cortina (non-tango song) will allow you to switch partners, ending the "tanda."
Cortina
A short piece of music played between tandas that signals a change between groups of dancers. This is usually 20 seconds of music that people can dance non-tango to (salsa, macarena, west coast swing, party dance, etc)
Cabeceo
A traditional way of inviting someone to dance through eye contact and a subtle gesture. It is safe and okay to reject someone's ask to dance by avoiding eye contact, or politely declining by saying a verbal no as well.
Leader
The role that communicates suggestions for movement to their partner. Leaders are facing in line-of-dance within the Ronda (counter-clockwise).
Follower
The role that responds to the movement and musical suggestions communicated by their partner.
Embrace
The physical connection between partners while dancing tango. There are different types of embraces, Binary (distinct embrace of which is leader or follow) or Non-binary embraces (dance frame that is identically parralel and may not be obvious who is leading and following, allowing for co-creation and role-switching)
Ronda
The flow of dancers moving around the dance floor in the same general direction. This is key to remain counter-clockwise motion around the dance floor. It is easier to have one Ronda for a small event, with bigger events with hundreds adding multiple a second circle in the middle.
What to Wear for a Milonga
You don't need a special outfit to attend a milonga. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and be able to move easily.
Choose comfortable clothing
Wear clothing that allows you to move comfortably. Tango involves walking, turning, and close partner connection, so clothes that restrict movement can become uncomfortable.
Dress for the event
Different milongas have different atmospheres. Some are casual, while others are more formal. If you're unsure, it's okay to ask the organizer what people typically wear.
Think about your partner
Avoid clothing or accessories that could make dancing uncomfortable for your partner. Comfort and practicality are more important than having the "perfect" tango outfit. Also, do not put on excessive perfume or body spray, some may be more sensitive than others.
Bring what you need
Consider bringing water and anything else you might need to stay comfortable throughout the evening. Remember, most milongas provide snacks and drinks. Many have fruit, cheese & crackers, fruit, chocolate, cake and other desserts, and tend to have mints as well.
Shoes
You do not need tango shoes to attend your first class. Start with something comfortable that allows you to move and pivot on the floor.
For your first class
Comfortable shoes that stay securely on your feet and allow you to move easily are a good place to start. You don't need to purchase anything special. If you have Jazz or ballet flats, those could work. Shoes with suede bottoms are ideal, since they allow you to pivot.
Look for a shoe that can pivot
Tango involves a lot of turning and pivoting. Shoes that allow your feet to move naturally on the floor can make learning more comfortable. Even bringing a pair of thick socks might help (would avoid white).
Tango shoes
As you become more involved in tango, you may decide to try tango shoes. These are specifically designed for the movements and floorwork involved in tango. Stilleto heels are the most common, but not all, you will see for women followers, many female leads will wear flats or even tango boots. For men, many of them are leather with suede bottoms.
Don't worry about having the "right" shoes
Your first class is about learning and having fun. Come in whatever comfortable shoes you have and see what works for you.