You’ve probably heard the expression: It takes two to tango!

While technically true, this statement can feel somewhat disempowering. It gives the false impression that we must have a dance partner in order to improve our tango. Or that our ability to grow as a tango dancer hinges on external forces—Not so! In fact, improving our own individual technique will have the most significant and lasting impact on the quality of our dancing. 

Tango is an art-form that demands awareness of self and sensitivity to another. If, for example, we find ourselves actively burning energy to maintain balance, our capacity to recognize the subtleties of what our partner is communicating becomes greatly diminished. Information such as the size, speed, and “color” of the steps cannot be clearly executed or received in those moments. In other words, the more mastery we have over our own movement, the more possibilities we create within the partnership. Pretty amazing, right?!