New to tango, I have been told in classes and read that the tradtional ettiquette in Argentine tango is for a woman to be asked by the man. However, being in America, it seems that many Argentine tango dancers native to the US have not gotten this "memo," and from what I'm reading in various forums, many still expect/ appreciate/prefer to be asked by a woman, even in this dance style.

As a female, I wouldn't mind asking a guy to dance. I just don't want to do something "inappropriate" at a milonga and be looked on as someone who doesn't know any better.

Please share your perspectives. Appreciate both male and female feedback.

actually in real Argentine tango when asking for a dance there's hardly any words ever spoken. Its all done with looks and nods. first a male spots a female he with whom he would like to dance then he gives her a suggestive look and a nod. If she accepts she touches her body and nods back. at least that's what i was taught while in Argentina

Wes. Thats very interesting. What are your thoughts on this. I like the steps that can be used. The poise , fine. But the music in the main is woeful.I wonder if there might be a graduall change in the music . To me the beats seem to be all over the place. Give me a tune like the one used in the first " Burn the Floor " or the film " Assasination Tango ". You can add to that the Argentine Tango sequence from the film " Moulin Rouge " in which there is a distinct beat also.

Surely, AT isn't meant to be in strict tempo. Every step is led, in direct response to the music. Serious AT dancers would say that ballroom tango is a travesty, and that you might as well dance to the tick of a metronome, for all the difference the music makes. They may have a point.

CliveHarrison. My point is if there was a change in the music it might increase the popularity of the dance. On our Dancing with the Stars there were four guests who demonstrated the Argentine Tango to La Compasita, excuse spelling. It was great. As is one we can all look up from the "Moulin Rouge" Roxanne. I am told that these top dancers do bend the rules away from the strict convetional style to one the majority of the public will watch. All four dancers where past and present World Champions.

A change in the music ???????-- Like heres ANOTHER dance we want anglicise ?

Heaven only knows-- weve already screwed up enough indigenous latin rhythms .( not to mention how we,ve changed the concepts )

I dance and teach all 3 styles. It is the usual comment from people who know little or nothing about the culture, music, or dance, that start to make comparisons with their own small sphere .

The same charge is made by many about Salsa .
The roots of these dances , are far deeper than the watered down " social " versions ( and competitive ), and we, as dancers, very often show little respect for their origins .

My suggestion to you, would be to look at why the music is constructed the way that it is, the songs, tell a story ( just like many f/t or waltzes, which can be depressing ! )
Your like and dislikes in music, , is subjective--- the way that it should be , but to suggest a change to suit your musical taste, would bring it back to where it already is-- American style Tango !!