English Tango, or Balllroom Tango, did originally derive from the Argentine dance which arrived in Europe shortly before the First World War. The Argentine dance is unique and does not sit comfortably with the English style of Ballroom dancing. So by the 1920s the dance had been transformed.

You can still see the influence of the original dance in English Tango. In particular the stealthy, considered, walking action, which is so different from the action employed in the swing dances, has its roots in the Argentine dance.

The style of music is also very different from that of the swing dances. English Tango music is played with a dramatic staccato feel. The music for the other dances is played legato (smoothly) and without a sense of drama.

We sometimes teach Tango in a beginners class. The elementary figures are quite suitable and the absence of any rise and fall can be a boon. However, we prefer to wait until you have more experience. The particular technique of Tango, required if you want to give your dancing that `Tango flavour', is initially tricky. As such beginners can't really be expected to get it when they are just taking their first steps together. A beginner's Tango will tend to lack that special something so characteristic of the dance. We prefer to wait until you are sufficiently comfortable moving around together that you are able to bring some attention to bear on matters of style.