Tango Etiquette
Tango is more than just a dance—it’s a shared experience that thrives on respect, connection, and etiquette. Here’s how to make your time on the dance floor enjoyable for yourself and those around you!
✨ Before the Dance...
1️⃣ Personal Hygiene & Self-Care
✔️ Fresh breath, clean attire, and proper hygiene are essential.
✔️ Avoid excessive perfume or cologne—some dancers may be sensitive to strong scents.
2️⃣ Show Interest in Dancing – Use the Cabeceo.
✔️ Engage in eye contact and use a subtle nod to invite or accept a dance.
✔️ Standing in a group may prevent others from inviting you to dance.
3️⃣ It’s OK to Say No to a Dance Request.
✔️ Declining a dance is never rude—you don’t need to explain.
✔️ If you decline, avoid accepting another offer during the same song—it’s considered impolite.
4️⃣ It’s OK to Be Rejected.
✔️ Respect when someone says no—everyone has preferences.
✔️ If the same person declines multiple times, take the hint.
5️⃣ Dress for the Occasion.
✔️ Milonga: Dress elegantly—black is always a great choice.
✔️ Practica: Wear comfortable and flexible clothing.
✔️ Shoes: Ensure your footwear provides good balance and allows for smooth pivots.
6️⃣ Leaders Escort Followers to the Dance Floor.
✔️ Regardless of who initiates, the leader should guide the follower onto the dance floor.
7️⃣ Enter the Dance Floor with Caution.
✔️ Always yield to dancers already in motion.
✔️ Never cut across the dance floor—walk around the edges.
During the Dance...
1️⃣ Respect the Line of Dance.
✔️ The flow of the dance moves counterclockwise—always follow it.
✔️ Avoid stopping abruptly or reversing direction unless necessary.
2️⃣ Keep a Safe Distance.
✔️ Maintain spatial awareness—don’t invade other dancers’ space.
✔️ Adapt your movements based on the crowd—avoid large, sweeping steps in crowded milongas.
3️⃣ Avoid Talking While Dancing.
✔️ Tango is about connection—conversations should wait until between songs.
4️⃣ NO Teaching on the Dance Floor.
✔️ Corrections belong in class or practica—not during a milonga.
✔️ If you must discuss a step, move to a side area away from other dancers.
5️⃣ Be Gentle & Respectful to Your Partner.
✔️ Maintain a comfortable embrace—don’t squeeze or push.
✔️ Leaders should never force movements; followers should feel free to express themselves.
✔️ Dancers should feel safe to express concerns if a partner makes them uncomfortable.
6️⃣ Apologize if You Bump into Someone.
✔️ Accidents happen—acknowledge them with a polite nod or verbal apology.
7️⃣ Avoid Leaving the Dance Floor Prematurely.
✔️ Unless it's an emergency, complete the tanda before leaving.
8️⃣ Always Thank Your Partner at the End of the Tanda.
✔️ The proper response to “thank you” is simply “thank you”—not “you’re welcome.”
We are always trying to improve the dancers' experience.
Remember, you can always talk with any of the committee members about issues that arise at our events.
We support dancers and value your feedback.