Fun Facts about Argentine Tango

Last month we did an article with fun facts about Salsa, and its popularity across the US. There is another dance, however, that’s growing exponentially not only in the states, but around the world! Argentine Tango is an elegant, passionate and sexy dance that takes skill, strength, and a great connection with your partner. It’s creative and there are so many different ways and types of music it can be used with. This dance also happens to be the specialty here at Dance FX Studios. What we are starting to find out is how little people know about this amazing dance. So today, we are going to look at three fun facts about Argentine Tango.


1.    Argentine Tango and American Tango are different! Most people are familiar with the version of tango that takes big, crawling steps, and that’s usually done with a cape on and a flower in the someones mouth. This is a ballroom style of tango known as American Tango. Stemming from Argentine Tango, American Tango is bigger, and is more often found in competitions than on social dance floors. It looks great, and can be flashy and fun, but don’t get the two confused. Argentine Tango is more flow-y, involves more leg work, and takes closer and smaller steps than American Tango.

2.    If you’re a creative type, then you’ll love Argentine Tango. The majority of the steps are not set steps like you might find in a Salsa or Bachata. Instead, they are largely improvised, so you have to know the moves and how to string them together. Basic figures are used in conjuncture with each other to create incredible movements. The dancer does need to know the lead and implementation of these basic elements, so he can easily navigate the dance floor and dance in time with the music.

3.    Once you’ve mastered the dance and can dance with anyone, what do you do? Milonga! A milonga can mean one of two things. It is a type of tango that uses different beats and is often done without pauses. But in this case, we mean going to a milonga; a type of club or venue that specifically hosts Argentine Tango dances. There are many places in Arizona, especially in Phoenix, that host Milongas for anyone interested in Argentine Tango, from beginners to experts. If you need to practice, a milonga is the place.


Though it’s not an uncommon dance, Argentine Tango is still gaining in popularity. WE feel this dance is probably one of the best for couples to share together. It’s an intimate and close dance that allows for creativity, closeness, and a lot of communication. If you need a place to learn it, why not Dance FX Studios? We can give you the steps to becoming a great social and Argentine Tango dancer.