ARGENTINE TANGO
CLASS ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES

  • Tango is one of the most beautiful and complex dances in the world and to do it well requires desire, focus, discipline and most importantly a good attitude.
  • Be ready to work on your own if there is a shortage of either leaders or followers. Although we are learning a partner dance, it takes a lot of individual work to be a good partner. Be patient, maintain a good attitude and work on class material while waiting for the next available partner during partnered exercises.
  • A class room is a serious learning environment but don’t take things too seriously, we are also there to enjoy the process and have a good time.
  • PUNCTUALITY: Please make an effort to show up to class on time. It is excusable once in a while to be a few minutes late but consistent tardiness is disruptive.
  • CONSISTENCY:  No one learns to dance well by coming to class sporadically. We will do our best to teach you if you do your part, but we are teachers not magicians.
  • BEHAVIOUR: Have an open mind and a good attitude.  Please maintain a neutral and open to learning body language. Avoid crossing your arms while standing around; it implies a closed mind, closed body and boredom. Do Not challenge your teachers with negative attitudes or disrespectfully toned questions. Unless you are able to dance at your teacher’s level of expertise, it is considered rude to question what they prescribe for your learning.
  • GOOD ATTITUDE:  If the teacher corrects you, accept the corrections and say “Thank You”, do not give excuses or reasons why. Humility and silence allow you to process information.
  • HYGIENE: Personal hygiene is a MUST, as Tango is a dance that can be quite intimate often requiring close proximity.
    • Wear clean clothes.
    • Shower and use deodorant.
    • Brush teeth and/or use mouth wash; bring mints or gum (chew discretely).
    • Abstain from foods that produce heavy odors, like those heavy in garlic.
    • Do a scent check before class.
  • Do not wear sneakers or other shoes with rubber or spongy soles. They can stick to the floor during turns and spins and cause ankle and knee injuries.
  • Avoid sleeveless shirts and thin or strapless dresses, especially for active dancing: It is not pleasant to have to touch the damp skin of a partner.       PLEASE READ NOTE BELOW.
  • Do not manhandle, drag, squeeze, or heavily breathe on your partner.
  • Do not teach or blame one another in class. Work things out together and respectfully.
  • Be sensitive, patient and helpful w/ “Beginners” or anyone else.
  • If you have a question or cannot work out a step w/ your partner, ask the teachers, that is what they are there for.
  • Please refrain from using your cell phone during class and keep it on silent mode. If you are on call or are expecting and urgent call, please inform your teacher before class begins.
  • Filming a demo with your camera/phone is only permissible at the END of class and at the discretion of the teacher.
  • Please refrain from sitting down during class unless you have a medical condition or are experiencing pain or discomfort (not because feet are tired).
 
**NOTE**
MEN:
It is definitely a NO NO for men to wear muscle tees or tanks and we are pretty sure most women would like to keep it that way. Just as some men perspire more than others and should plan accordingly, for example: bring a fresh shirt to change into if the original shirt becomes too damp with perspiration, carry a handkerchief in your pocket to dry off sweat from the face between songs or tandas or wear a head band like a tennis player to keep perspiration at bay ;) and of course, try to be aware of sent, use deodorant as needed. Also you may want to consider using a nice cologne!
LADIES:
For Ladies it can be a bit trickier since strapless or sleeveless is considered stylish and appropriate evening wear in most social settings. However, we are normally not in such close proximity for such an extended period of time in most social settings so we have to be mindful, considerate and realistic about what that means. If you are the "natural" and super healthy type and not too keen on deodorant or anti-persperant, there is nothing wrong with that but do a sent check of the arm pit area and know that not everyone will want to share "the natural sent" with you in a close embrace. You may want to consider a cotton sleeve, wrap top, or short sleeve to absorb the scent and perspiration instead of your partners clothing. Otherwise, carry a pretty fan or handkerchief to cool off between tandas as well as a mini kit of your favorite toiletries to freshen up.