Unlocking the Rhythm of Argentine Tango

If you can walk, you can dance Tango!

Welcome to a rhythmic odyssey through the soul-stirring world of Argentine Tango. In this voyage, we’ll embark on an exploration of the intricate interplay between music, movement, and rhythm that defines the essence of tango. At the end, you’ll understand (and feel), how to unlocking the rhythm of Argentine Tango.

1. Music way vs dance way

In the realm of tango, rhythm is not merely a sequence of beats but a language spoken by both musicians and dancers. However, the perspective and measurement of rhythm differ significantly between the two disciplines.

For musicians, rhythm is the heartbeat of the music, measured in meticulously counted beats and notes. It begins from the moment sound reaches our ears and extends until it changes or until it fades into silence, guiding the melody and shaping the composition.

Conversely, dancers measure the movement and, at least in Tango, the movement we want to measure is actually in between two other movements.

The tango walk exemplifies the unique way dancers measure movement. Before taking a single step, there’s a subtle exchange of energy between the leader and follower, a silent dialogue that unfolds in the space between beats.

Let me explain…

In order to achieve a forward step, the leader has to lead the follower to go back. And here we already have the movement of the lead. Then, the follower and the leader start taking the step (here we have the projection movement: when our free leg is in motion towards the step). And then we take the step.

As you can see, in order to take a single step we already had 2 important movements that made it possible. And we’re not finished yet, because we need to complete that step.

So, after we take the step, the new free leg has to travel until it reaches the new base leg. And so there you have it: in order to measure 1 change of weight, we need to consider at least 3 other movements: lead, projection and collection.

Conclusion: measuring music is very different from measuring movement.

2. How do Dancers measure the Rhythm of Argentine Tango ?

Unlocking the Rhythm of Argentine Tango does not have to be complicated, and in fact it is not. Just keep reading…

For us dancers the unit is each time our bodies feel like changing our body weight from one leg to the other on the strong beat.

Since that is the most important movement, we will call it 1. So, every time we take a step on the strong beat we call it walking on 1.

Since walking on the beat is the more basic movement, we’ll use it as an example.

Now, what’s the fastest we can do that?

This can vary from dancer to dancer, but as convention we’ve decided we will divide the space between a 1 and the next 1 in 4 equal parts.

And we’ll simply call them 2, 3 and 4.

So now, the line of rhythm would be:

1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1

(note aside: musicians would call that as: “1 and 2 and 3 and 4”)

By the way, if everybody identifies the 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 as the rhythm for Waltz, then we should identify the 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 count for Tango!!!

As dancers immerse themselves in the rhythm of tango, they cultivate a deep understanding of its nuances and subtleties. With each step, they strive to embody the essence of the music, translating its emotional depth and intensity into movement that speaks to the soul.

3. Combining both: Tango Rhythm and Tango Walk

If the basic way of walking is when we take each step in 1, then the question is: what is our free leg doing meanwhile?

And here is where it could get tricky. But it doesn’t have to! As we’re walking, our free leg travels from its previous spot to the next one. And that traveling is done throughout the 2, 3 and 4 moments that are between the first 1 and the second 1 (meaning, between each strong beat)

That traveling is spread in this way, on…

… 2, the free leg is going to collect with the base leg

… 3, the free leg is already aside with the base leg

… 4, the free leg is going to take the next step

so then, in 1 the free leg finally takes the next step.

When we intertwine the tango rhythm with the tango walk, a harmonious synergy emerges. As dancers move through each step, their free leg traverses between positions in synchrony with the rhythmic pattern, creating a seamless fusion of movement and music.

On counts “2” and “4,” the free leg prepares to transition, while on count “3,” it finds its position beside the base leg, poised and ready for the next step. Finally, on count “1,” the free leg elegantly extends forward, marking the culmination of the rhythmic cycle and the commencement of a new movement sequence.

4. And so what about Waltz?

While mastering the nuances of tango rhythm is paramount, it’s equally essential to adapt to different musical styles, such as the waltz. Although the waltz follows a distinct rhythmic pattern, the underlying principles of timing and synchronization remain consistent.

By honing their skills in the tango walk, dancers can seamlessly transition between rhythms with ease and fluidity, embodying the essence of Argentine Tango while embracing the diversity of musical expression.

5. Why do many Tango teachers still use the musical metric system?

Tradition is important in the tango community, and many instructors adhere to the musical metric system out of reverence for tradition. Additionally, there’s a prevailing notion that speaking the language of musicians elevates one’s understanding and appreciation of tango, fostering a deeper connection with the music and its cultural heritage.

In conclusion, unlocking the rhythm of Argentine Tango is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of music, movement, and tradition. By delving into its intricacies and embracing its complexities, dancers can unlock a world of expression, passion, and profound connection on the dance floor.

Despite the deep respect that audiences around the world have towards Tango, including that veil of mystery, never forget that Tango is a social dance. It came from normal people to have fun, just like any other social dance. Don’t be scared of Tango, you can also dance it. It’s nor really so complicated. The complicated aspect of Tango is that we dance it as we embrace each other. Which is the core of this dance: the embrace.

And like all good things in life, that has a cost… because dancing and making figures as we’re really embraced it’s challenging. However, there’s a technique you can lear to also enjoy dancing Tango today!

As we all say in Argentina: if you can walk, you can Tango!