The Overview of the unwritten agreements Social Tango

Argentine tango culture refers to the set of unwritten rules and norms governing social interactions and behavior on the tango dance floor as “los códigos.” These codes, observed by dancers, create a respectful and harmonious environment, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dancing experience. While the specific tango community or location may have variations, there are several common codes that dancers generally observe:

El Cabeceo

The Rule:

Cabeceo is a non-verbal way of inviting a partner to dance. It involves making eye contact from a distance and nodding or gesturing to indicate interest. This code allows for a respectful and consensual approach, giving both dancers the opportunity to accept or decline the invitation without any awkwardness.

My Take:

Cabaceo has so many functions. It teaches patience. sometimes we don’t get to dance with the person we have been waiting for, it makes the moment that one does get to dance with thier selected person all more exciting! Many have argued that the cabaceo is anti-feminist. I disagree. On a personal note, while I do not get to dance all the tandas I want, it creates a personal boundary to where I am not required to dance with everyone. For me, it is about quality of tanda, not quantity, and sharing that moment with someone I really would like to share it with ( regardless of the outcome).

The backlash about the cabaceo:

The cabaceo frequently arises in discussions about social tango, and many outright reject it. Cultural factors play a role, as studies indicate that in so-called “contact” cultures, like South America and Southern Europe, people tend to gaze at one another more. The use of a gaze as a means of invitation or interest, which extends beyond tango, aligns with accepted social behavior. The perception of it being unique, unusual, or problematic for North Americans, for instance, is simply a result of cultural differences. Dancers often resist adapting to this rule, as they are typically encouraged to assert themselves and overlook nuances. For further information, refer to Argyle and Cook’s “Gaze and Mutual Gaze” (Oxford University Press, 1976).

Line of Dance

Dancers in Argentine tango typically move counterclockwise in a line around the perimeter of the dance floor. It is crucial to respect the flow of the line and avoid disrupting the movement by cutting across or dancing against it.

Floorcraft

The Rule:

Floorcraft refers to the ability to navigate the dance floor smoothly and safely. It involves being aware of other couples, maintaining a proper distance, and avoiding collisions or blocking the flow of the dance. Skilled dancers are considerate and make adjustments to their movements to accommodate the space available.

My Take:

The ronda refers to the collective group of couples dancing on the floor. It is important to respect the space of other dancers, not crowding or encroaching on their area, and maintaining a safe distance between couples.

Music Interpretation aka Musicality

The rule:

Argentine tango is deeply connected to the music, and dancers strive to interpret and express the music through their movements. It is important to be attentive to the rhythm, melody, and structure of the music and dance in harmony with it.

My take:

Creating the conditions from learning what tango is , to how to using it as an expressive tool takes time and ear training. It is a journey to be able to create the conditions to tango with out the training wheels of sequences, or choreography in order to express what you are hearing. Once you get there, it is a great place to be, . . . in the moment.

Respect for the Embrace

The Rule: The embrace is a fundamental element of Argentine tango, and dancers should maintain a comfortable and respectful connection with their partners. It is important to adapt to the embrace style and energy level of your partner and avoid forceful or uncomfortable movements…

My Take:

Think about it like this; We all come to the moment of dancing with the agreement that we will do our best to play the game “dance tango”. Not all embraces fit perfectly. Remember to respect your posture first and to maintain that for yourself in order to make a comfortable moment for you and your partner.

The Thank you

The Rule:

If any one feels uncomfortable at any time during a tanda, it is customary to say “thank you” and accompany your partner to where you found them, then bid them adieu. It is not a mind reading game

My Take: This is so incredibly crucial to apply in so many ways for all dancers regardless of role preference. While it is customary to dance a whole tanda ( three or 4 songs). After the 2nd song, if either dancer truly feels uncomfortable in any way, or simply is not in the moment, I wish for both parties strength and compassion to say “thank you”. Sometimes it is about the inability to connect or sometime it has nothing to do with the dancing and your partner for that tanda simply has their own things going on.

Dancing with everyone

The Rule:

Invitation hierarchy: In milongas (tango social dances), it is customary to prioritize accepting invitations from people you have not danced with before or with whom you have danced less frequently. This helps create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

My take:

I personally think that each individual deserves good tandas ( including professionals) and that we are not required to dance with everyone. It is a beautiful gesture to dance with new people and great interpersonal practice to dance with someone one has never danced with before, however, I would not put that before personal comfort and well being.

En Fin

These codes are not fixed rules but rather guidelines that contribute to the overall etiquette and ambiance of the tango community. They are passed down through generations and learned through observation and experience, allowing dancers to communicate and interact smoothly on the dance floor.