Etiquette is a prescribed way of social behaviour to paraphrase the Macquarie Dictionary, and tango, like many other social activities, has developed its own etiquette. It may be an old-fashioned word but those who understand why etiquette is important help to make a milonga a more pleasant experience for everyone - and it shows that they know more than how to do a basic salida.

1. Always dance in ‘line of dance'- that is counter-clockwise round the dance floor. Though it is not a race course the same rules apply - the faster lines of dance are on the outside and the slower ones towards the middle.  It is not ‘done' to cut across the lanes, through the centre or to dance backwards into the line of dance!

2. Never walk across the dance floor while people are dancing, always walk around it.

3. If you want to practise a new step do it away from the dance floor. Save instruction for another area - or better still a practica.

4. be alert to collisions. If you do collide, acknowledge it even if it wasn't your fault.

5. Keep moves that could harm others off the dance floor. If it is a busy floor then high boleos, ganchos and anything akin to a kick could potentially harm others. It is also a selfish use of the floor as others will stay away to avoid injury.  Arms and elbows can also be a hazard.

6. Don't stop the flow of the dance floor by doing a dance pattern that will cause others to run into you. If you really want to do these moves on a crowded floor you need to find a space in which to do them.

7. Leaders should always look behind them before they step back - or their partner should advise them if it is not safe.

8. If a couple stops in front of you, mark time or dance around them.

9. Followers are just that - followers who try to lead make life difficult for everyone.

10. It's okay to smile and enjoy the dance floor.

11. Be kind to beginners - you were there once. Give advice if it is asked for, otherwise a friendly smile is all that is needed.

12. Check your deodorant before you leave home. A beautiful tango can be ruined by unpleasant body odour - or bad breath.

13. You wouldn't go to a football match in a cocktail outfit, when you go to a milonga in clothes you would wear to a sporting event you don't look good. Remember tango is a beautiful dance with a romantic history.

Suggest you now read this article about Etiquette in Tango by dancer and teacher Ney Melo.

Copyright Tango Australia. 2007. This article may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

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