Ballroom dancing: American Style Tango

The American Style Tango

The famed dancer, Arthur Murray, adapted a basic version of the Tango that could be enjoyed by the general public. He was subsequently criticized by Tango aficionados for its lack of legitimacy, but it was actually the Tango that was responsible for getting Americans interested in ballroom dance.

The biggest influence on ballroom dance was from the American dancers who performed on the stage and screen. These famous dancers projected a flamboyant and dramatic style which carried over into the dancing of the general public.

Even to this day, the American Style Tango continues to be popular among those who have an interest in dance. Presently the American Style Tango is influenced by the English style Tango, the more dramatic Paso Doble style Tango as well as the original Argentine style Tango.

Learn the Movements

In dancing the Tango, the feet are picked up and placed onto the floor instead of gliding along the floor in continuous contact with the floor. The movements are faster and the foot action is very expressive. In fact the movements have been described as that of a sneaking or stalking sensation, not unlike that of a cat.

To walk (or dance) forward while performing the Tango, the heel is placed first, then flat; backwards movements are toe first, then the heel lowers as the body moves over it. As the body moves away, the toe of the forward foot should release from the floor. Side steps and chasses utilize a ball-flat or whole foot movement.

The body level should be constant throughout the dance, as there are no rise and fall movements with Tango as there are with many other ballroom dances.
 

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