At Fred Astaire Miami Beach, FL, we have many couples and solo birds deciding they want to take Tango lessons for beginners.
And we understand why!
Compared to the ballroom dances of royal courts, Tango was not a dance for the elite, but rather the favorite dance of European immigrants, former slaves, and the working class.
Its raw passion and compelling energy quickly transcended its local origins. Quickly, it spread like wildfire. This specific feature made it a beloved fixture in dance halls throughout Europe, North America, and ultimately, the entire world.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of Tango and why you should be taking dance lessons in Miami too!
Humble Beginnings
As mentioned, this dance style was born in the late 18th century in the cities of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay. But to understand its soul, you have to picture the scene. These ports were a massive melting pot, flooded with European immigrants seeking a better life, former slaves, and local gauchos (cowboys) from the pampas. They converged in crowded tenements, bringing with them a mix of cultural sounds.
From this cauldron of loneliness, hope, and cultural fusion, the Tango appeared. It first emerged in the academias (large dance halls) and pregundines (smaller, more intimate bars) of the working-class neighborhoods. This was not the polished dance we often see today. It was a raw, improvisational, and deeply intimate conversation between a leader and a follower. The close embrace, or abrazo, was revolutionary—a stark contrast to the formal, open hold of traditional ballroom dances.
Is Tango Hard To Learn?
At its core, it is a walking dance.
But what gives it its characteristic fire and flair? It’s all in the intricate footwork and playful dynamics.
Unlike many ballroom dances with set patterns repeated around the room, Argentine Tango is largely improvised. The leader uses subtle shifts in weight, chest movement, and embrace to suggest the next move. The follower then listens and responds.
Here are some of the fundamental elements you’ll master in our intor lesson at Fred Astaire Miami Beach:
The Embrace (Abrazo): This is the foundation of communication. Partners maintain a firm, flexible connection at the chest. This position allows the leader to guide with their core and the follower to feel and respond to the lead.
The Walk (Caminata): The Tango walk is distinct. Dancers move with their knees slightly relaxed. The working leg extends back, and the foot pushes off the floor to step, rather than lifting high.
The Cross (Cruzada): This is a fundamental figure where the follower’s feet are crossed. It typically occurs on a strong beat in the music. The leader signals the cross by leading the follower to transfer their weight completely onto one foot.
The Eight (Ocho): This is a decorative, pivoting step for the follower. From a standing position, the leader leads the follower to take a step back or forward. The leader initiates a pivot of the follower’s hips as they step. This causes the follower’s free leg to swing in an arc, tracing a figure-eight pattern on the floor.
The Rock Step (Sacada): This is a simple weight-change maneuver used to change direction or set up another step. Dancers rock forward and back or side to side. They transfer their weight completely from one foot to the other without taking a new step. It’s the dance’s way of “pausing” on the spot.
Tango Lessons For Adults
Think you’re too old to start dancing?
Let us tell you something…That’s just a myth because you’re never too old to start!
We have people coming to our studio who are 60+ and are crushing it on the dance floor. Besides, dance lessons for adults in Miami Beach offer countless benefits. As we grow old, our bodies become prone to deterioration. Besides, many of our students actually choose dance because it improves balance, coordination, memory, and focus to stay in good shape.
So if you’re wondering if dancing can fix your posture, the answer is “yes.”
You can visit us at 1055 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands, FL and decide for yourself if it’s worth taking dance lessons.
Learn Tango in Miami Beach With Fred Astaire Dance Studios
At our studio, Fred Astaire Miami Beach, you’ll learn the authentic Argentine Tango with our talented instructors. You’ll explore both the close, improvised embrace of traditional Tango and the expressive flair of American and International styles.
But the true value of this dance style goes far beyond the dance floor. Through your lessons, you’ll improve posture, balance, and body awareness, while also sharpening focus and memory. And if you’re taking couples lessons, you’ll discover how to build trust and communicate non-verbally with your partner.