1) Getting a dance: The Cabeceo

Cabeza translates to head and a cabeceo is a nod of the head. This codigo, or custom, signals the invitation to dance. You do not need to approach someone to ask them to dance. You can merely catch their eye, nod your head, and if there is a nod in response, then you have an agreement to dance. The follower will stay seated to wait for the leader to come to the table to be sure that there is no confusion in a crowded milonga.

There is a lot written about this custom, and in the US many argue for it and against it. The cabeceo means never having to directly say no. If you choose not to accept a cabeceo, you merely look away, and no one needs to know.

Some milongas are small, and it is convenient and expected to use the cabeceo. Other milongas are in very large dance halls, and it is very difficult to cabeceo long distances. In this case, the dancer looking for a dance (either the lead or follow) may approach who they would like to dance with and try to make eye contact from a closer distance. The goal is always to be subtle and polite. A good rule of thumb is to also see what the locals are doing. 

2) Entering the Dance Floor

When you enter the dance floor where dancers are already dancing, it is important for the leader to make eye contact with the leader of the couple you would like to enter in front of; if the dancing leader nods permission to do so, step into that spot in front of that couple. Do not just jump onto the dance floor with moving dancers. Followers allow their partner to lead them safely onto the dance floor without jumping out there first!

3) Line of Dance

Couples move following the line of dance, which is counter-clockwise around the floor, like on a racetrack. If the floor is crowded, you will typically find an outside lane, a second lane, and so on towards the center of the floor. The objective is to pick a lane and stay there for the tanda (set) avoiding cutting across lanes, or weaving between lanes, dancing backwards in the lane, or cutting through the center of the floor. If you do change lanes, usually that spot that you vacated will be filled by the couple behind you and you can’t go back.

So remember: stay in your lane and follow the line of dance. 

3a) Don’t step back or move counter line of dance

For leaders, stepping backwards can be hazardous. And stepping backwards without seeing could be detrimental to your dance and / or the other couples’ dancing. If you must step backwards into the line of dance, make it a small step, and use your dance to see behind you.

Followers can assist to alert their leader of a possible collision by pressing their left hand to the leader’s back, by a gentle hand squeeze, bringing your partner closer or even verbally or all of these.  However, the follower is not in charge of the dance floor and this is not their job. Remember, you’re here to dance.

3b) No Passing

If a couple in front of you stops, pause, relish the pause or take the moment to dance in place until they move. Passing another couple if there is room to do so is not a general rule but an exception.

4) Avoid Teaching or Chatting during Dancing

Dancers are very enthusiastic about their Argentine Tango, so much so that there is often a desire to teach. Avoid teaching during the milonga as it usually disrupts the flow of the dance floor. A milonga is a place to show off your dance and to respect the level of dancing of your partner, no matter what the level is.

Also, save the chatting for in between the songs of the tanda, during the cortinas, not during the songs when you are focused on dancing.

5) Safety first

Argentine Tango is a team activity and the safety of your partner, yourself and the other dancers is top priority. Leaders are in charge of being alert to the presence of the other dancers on all sides and of helping to avoid collisions.

Followers too can be aware of their surroundings by not executing any high boleos or hard-hitting ganchos on a crowded dance floor.

6) The Center of the Milonga Floor

The center of the milonga dance floor is an interesting place. Typically, a place to avoid. However, usually you will find more room in the center of the milonga dance floor. You might also find a few other dancers using the extra room to execute complicated moves or patterns that would otherwise interrupt the flow of the social dance floor. And beginners who learn to dance by patterns are usually suctioned into the vortex of the center of the milonga as well.  So, if you need more room, you might find some there, otherwise, just stay in the line of dance and do not remain in one place for too long.

7) Leader signals embrace

The follower allows the leader to propose the embrace as the signal that the dance is to begin. He can see what’s going on with traffic.

8) Followers: no back leading

The leader is in charge of being aware of traffic to avoid collisions. If a follower is back leading, it is often more difficult to lead and therefore more difficult to avoid collisions.

9) Not dancing?

Remember, Argentine Tango is a team activity! If you are not dancing, show respect to those who are by not walking through the dance floor and staying clear of the dance space. If you are not dancing, don’t stand in the dance lanes, move your socializing off the floor.

10) Good hygiene and dress

You want to be aware of the fact that you will be in very close proximity to many people. It is an intimate, elegant dance, and you want to partake in creating a pleasant experience. I suggest the importance of showering, using deodorant, brushing your teeth, having mints on hand, and bringing an extra shirt to change into if you perspire a lot. Consider using a handkerchief or a towel if you perspire. Don’t overuse aftershave or perfume or hairspray.

Milongas are traditionally a night out. Although formal dress is not always required consider dressing to impress. If you feel good, you probably look good too and if you look good you will begin to feel good! Check to see if there are any milonga dress requirements before attending: sometimes there are strict codes of dress shirts and no jeans enforced. (From my travels I realize there are cultural differences to consider with the concept of dressing up. For example, at some milongas in the US and in South America you will find the men dressed sharply in suit and tie. Some attire is also determined by whether the venues have air conditioning or not. Again, check with the milonga organizers and dress to impress!)

11) Tandas and Cortinas

The music at the milonga is set up typically with tandas and cortinas. Tandas are sets of 3 or 4 songs by the same orquestra. It is expected that you dance a full tanda or to the end of the tanda with one person. The tanda will end with the cortina.

The cortinas are the non-tango songs that are played between tandas. This is the time for leaders to escort their partners to their seat and clear the dance floor. Do not dance during the cortinas.

12) Thank you

Avoid saying “Thank you” after a dance. “Thank you” traditionally and typically means that you are not happy with your dance and that you want to stop. Highly effective in some circumstances but might be misinterpreted if you say it to mean that you’re having a great tanda. Save your thank you’s!

Instead, consider a compliment, “nice dancing”, or “what a beautiful tanda”, or “that was so lovely”.

(By Daniela Borgialli , http://accesstango.com)