Self-Practice Strategies for Advancing Tango Skills
Tango is an Argentinian dance that is loved by people of all ages around the world. From teenagers to adults and young adults, everybody seems quite interested and passionate about learning Tango. Dubai also shares an equal passion for this globally loved dance form, and as a result, you will find many of the best dance studios in Dubai.
This passionate and captivating dance form, which originated in the heart of Argentina, has been enchanting dancers and audiences for decades. Its intricate footwork, the expressive connection between partners, and the rich history behind each step make it a dance that attracts both beginners and experienced dancers, like Iron to Magnet. While taking tango classes with a skilled instructor at classes like Dance Studios Dubai is essential for mastering this art, self-practice is equally important. In this blog, Dance Studios Dubai will take you through various self-practice strategies that can help you advance your tango skills. So don’t miss out, and read the entire blog carefully.
Related read: “7 Tips That Can Help in Your Dance Classes”.
Create a Dedicated Practice Space
You will wonder why you need to have a dedicated space to advance your tango dancing skills. The answer to it is that ballroom and Latin dancing are all about discipline and routine. The steps of the dance are rhythmic, and if you miss one step, you are highly likely to ruin the rest of the performance. So to achieve advanced Tango dancing skills in Dubai, you must choose a dedicated area or a spot for yourself.
Generally, enrolling in professional dance classes in Dubai takes care of this for you. Because you will be going to the same spot and learning there every day. However, if you are unable to join professional classes, then you must choose a place in your house or a nearby place where you can practice at your preferred intervals without any obstacles or distractions.
A secluded place will allow you to focus entirely on your tango skills. Also, if possible, ensure your practice space has a smooth and non-sticky floor, which can be similar to the conditions of a tango dance floor. Consider using portable dance floors, practice mats, or even a large hardwood floor area in your home. Make sure to clear the space of any furniture or objects that could restrict your movement.
Also, read The Different Variations of Tango You Can Learn.
Warm-Up and Stretching
When you join any of the leading ballroom dance lessons in Dubai, the first thing you are taught there is warm-up and stretching. Like any physical activity, tango requires your body to be flexible and ready to move. Before you begin practicing any heavy steps or getting into any intricate steps and footwork, make sure you warm up your muscles and perform stretching exercises to prevent injuries.
Here’s a simple warm-up routine to get you started:
- Start with a five-minute light aerobic activity, such as jogging in place or dancing to slower-tempo tango music.
- Perform dynamic stretches, like leg swings and arm circles, to increase your range of motion.
- Include static stretches for major muscle groups like the calf muscles, hamstrings, lower back, and others. Ensure you are holding each stretch for 20–30 seconds.
- Warming up and stretching not only prepares your body for a good practice session but also sets a focused mindset for your practice session and prevents injuries.
For further details, you can read our blog titled “Why Is It So Important to Stretch After Dancing?”
Work on Your Posture
Maintaining proper posture is a highly underrated skill that people almost ignore. Professional ballroom dance classes in Dubai help you get into the right postures, which not only improve your tango skills but also improve the quality of your life and your fitness. Proper posture is the foundation of tango. Being in the right posture is your guarantee that your performance will have the balance and alignment necessary to execute difficult steps gracefully and efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to improving your tango posture:
- Stand tall with your feet together, with your weight distributed evenly between both feet.
- Imagine a string pulling you upward from the crown of your head, elongating your spine.
- Keep your chest open and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid hunching or slouching.
- Engage your core muscles to provide stability.
- Maintain a slight forward tilt at your pelvis, allowing for a natural curve in your lower back.
Practicing good posture regularly will help you develop muscle memory, ensuring that you maintain the correct position while dancing.
Also, read “5 Things You Must Know Before Going to Your First Dance Lesson”.
Basic Footwork and Balance Exercises
Tango footwork is intricate and precise; it requires a high level of control and balance. You can also advance your Tango footwork by enrolling in professional dance lessons in Dubai. We are sharing some tips to help you improve your footwork and balance. Follow the below-mentioned exercises and also include them in your practice routine:
- Balance on one foot
The basic exercise to help you balance is standing on one foot and practicing maintaining your balance for extended periods. This simple and basic exercise can help you improve your balance over time, but constancy is necessary. If you are good at this, try closing your eyes to make it more challenging. This is one exercise most instructors at some of the best dance classes in Dubai highly recommend.
- Side steps
Sidestep is another easy-seeming exercise that becomes difficult once you start practicing it. Don’t worry, the more you practice this, the better your tango skills will be. Practice walking sideways while maintaining the correct tango posture and balance.
- Shift Your Weight From One Leg To Another
Work on transferring your weight smoothly from one foot to the other. This is essential for executing tango steps with elegance and precision. Initially, you can take support from handrails or walls if you feel you are unable to maintain balance.
- Practice walking slowly
Walking to tango music in slow motion can help you refine your footwork and control. By walking, we don’t mean that you walk normally. Try walking while engaging your core and getting into the tango posture for it to become effective for advancing your tango skills.
Concluding Lines
These are some easy-to-perform self-practicing strategies that will help you advance your tango skills effectively in no time. For better results, you can start taking professional Tango dance classes at Dance Studios Dubai.
