Question 1

Why start tango?

Accepted Answer

Tango offers a nice little trifecta:
Like other active hobbies, tango can help you stay more active & healthy. Obviously, if you move more it's a good thing, and at a later point it can give you nice challenge opportunities to be more athletic
Like other social activities, you can meet others and hang out together. It could be that one day you're interacting with folks from the local city, another with some from other cities, sometimes even other (distant) countries!
Like other creative outlets, tango can be a way to express and process your feelings in a healthy and safe way. A famous easy example is the tango embrace, a close hug that lasts more than a few seconds. It's been proven that hugs lasting more than a few seconds help release oxytocin (also called the hug hormone) promoting a better mental health.

Of course, there could be more benefits through tango, the above are the most common. It is a bit more individualized and what you're looking for. Usually though, you should be able to find what you're looking for!

Question 2

Is tango difficult to learn?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. What makes tango unique is that it's focus is on improvisation and connection, and not so much on dancing steps (vocabulary), contrary to other dances. To put it simply what you have to learn is not "what to dance" but "how to dance". You need to gain some body awareness and musicality which could be less complicated and demanding in other cases.
This is what makes learning tango different. But, with proper guidance you can actually get more out of the dance if compared with other (Latin) dances. Plus, there's a wider range of emotions to play with and express yourself in, making things interestingly unique.

Question 3

What if I'm not a good dancer? I have two left feet!

Accepted Answer

There is a quote that can perfectly fit as an answer to this thought
"A black belt is a white belt that never gave up,"
Of course, the first steps someone takes in the dance will be far from perfect. Heavens, for me (the author writing this) tango was my first dance ever as well and I recall all the funny mistakes I did in the past.
Similar to other things in life, with enough practice and having fun along with trying, you'll become a good dancer 😊

Question 4

But isn't tango sexual?

Accepted Answer

This is a big misunderstanding around tango. If you've ever danced any other dances like bachata, it's the same story. Plus, it doesn't help, given the history of tango in the past (it wasn't called the forbidden dance without a reason)
The correct way to describe tango nowadays is more of a dance with a lot of feelings and some sensuality (if) in it. These feelings could be, to name a few, sadness, immense joy, grief, nostalgia, resilience, longing, freedom, resistance, love, bittersweetness, playfulness, silliness, mockery, fear, remorse, thrill, and many many more.
Through those feelings, there is also the connection element with your dance partner, and hence in (some) cases the sensuality comes in. Usually this is shown to the extreme in performances for obvious performance reasons, but in the social aspect it's more calm and balanced. Obviously, there's respect to the boundaries of each other and nothing is taken to the extreme.

Question 5

I heard tango music is different and old-styled

Accepted Answer

Well, at first it feels like that. Most of the music commonly danced at events is from the 1930s-1960s golden age of tango, so the quality of the songs, plus instruments used (the famous bandoneon) makes it feel old-styled. Here's an example of that

Later though, you'll start discovering that there are differences in the music and an array of how the same instrument can be used in different songs or even the same song. And you'll start noticing that there's something going on behind the music

Ultimately, what happens to most, with understanding of tango music, what is the purpose of the instruments, and what feelings are conveyed, you will end up appreciating tango music and the depth it has. If this reply feels familiar, it's the same way someone gets to appreciate classical music

Question 6

Are the leader/follower roles gender specific?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not & especially nowadays! Through history, tango was exclusively danced between men, then it was a mixed gender dance with the stereotypical guy = leader & woman = follower, but nowadays it's everything fair game. In some places in the world, including Argentina, there are also active queer events and communities.

Question 7

Do I have to wear specific clothing?

Accepted Answer

Always make sure that the clothing you have is comfortable to move in! For shoes in the beginning, make sure that they're comfy, not too large (think certain sneaker brands and types), and you can easily pivot with them. Then at one point you'll switch to tango-specific shoes that are made to enable you dance more easily.
In terms of outfits, for courses, and practice gatherings you can go with simpler more casual outfit. Optionally, you can go a bit more smart casual like a button shirt for guys. Once you start gathering social event, your outfit should reflect the vibe of that event. Usually, you can go to a local social event with a smart casual outfit, while for a more vibrant monthly event or festival you should be dressed-to-impress. An easy rule of thumb is to think that you'll be most likely be meeting someone for the first time, sometimes in a similar situation like a first date.

FAQ

Some common questions and thoughts