Shouldn't we be mentioning in more detail which part of the foot touches the floor first?

First step of the Progressive link, man's left foot forward under the lady, outside edge of left touches the floor first. Corresponding back right for the lady, her inside edge touches the floor first - even though we technically say it is Ball followed by heel.
After the progressive link, the man's step forward on his left foot is then on the inside edge on to the toe (certainly not a heel lead)

Where oh where, are you getting this footwork from ??..

Poor Len ,is rolling over in his grave !!

TangoFandango. There are a couple of things from the Lecture Demonstration that I should have mentioned. One was in the Tango Posture with the LF on its way into a Walk. He stopped and said we should be able to lift that foot from the floor without having to adjust our weight. I would say that eliminates any suggestion of swing. Also as you put, using the outside and inside of the feet. Also on that first Walk for the lady on that first step the foot is shaped with the heel turned outwards and is on the ball.
The exercise of Walking in a circle espesially with only four walks proved that we had to use the inside and outside of the feet otherwise we would never make it. Did I mention he did a quarter of a turn on a Link.
Work out how different this can be. Starting Diag to wall we want two Walks and a Progressive Link. A Closed Promenade and to be on the correct alignment for a Reverse Turn after the Closed Promenade. Remember there has to be a quarter of a Turn on the Progressive Link.
Before doing this practise going in a complete circle with only four Walks. Get the picture. Nearly forgot. I agree with what you wrote.
Terence. If Len was alive today that is exactly how he would be dancing.

Im well aware of what Len would do.. spent many hrs watching, learning, and attending his lectures ( in Balham ) ( and even danced once with nellie )

I still use his teaching concepts in all my standard work ..

I rarely like to give explicit techn. descriptions, as you may have noticed, as there is much room for mis interpretation in foundational or other levels, to go wrong.
The simplicity of Tango construction, is ignored by many of todays teachers (?) and when I do lectures, it amazes me how little info. those present , have been given..

as I stated, I have noted on several occasions ( and Judged ) some pros using a " swing " action, notably from Prom. position . The " stillness " has definitely been diminished..

The newer technique book is already old fashion when it comes to the Tango. Harry Smith- Hampshire is on record as saying that none of the of the other dances have changed as much as the Tango has.
TangoFandango. The first step of a Closed Promenade is not like a heel in the other dances. The foot should be pointing across on a diagonal
If we go to the Progressive Link and use the floor boards as as a guide. The first step is in CBMP that is on floor board one. The second step is side and slightly back. That is on floor board two. All that is needed from the lady is to keep her shoulders still and turn her nose and right toe to the new direction. The heel which is turned out on that first step should touch the floor and off imediately. The lady has contact with her right knee on the inside of the mans left and her left knee in contact with the outside of the mans right. This gives the lady a lead and allows her to be behind and not in front of her partner
The most important thing is the Progressive Link. The very nature of the steps keep me in a closed postion untill we step into the Closed Promenade. On that step will we not have to use the inside edge of our foot, even though it is primaraly a heel. But nothing like a heel lead in the Foxtrot or Waltz. Another thing where there is some confusion is. There is no rise and fall through the feet. And the man tries to get his hips lower than his partner which allows him to get his steps under the table and not in front of. Definitely a dance for couples who know each other quite well.

TWM. Thanks for your agreement, I shall try your exercise next time I am with my partner. I should add that I was wrong on the gents first step after the promenade, I think the left foot forward must be a heel lead, even though it is the edge of the foot that is closest to the floor.

may I suggest you get a copy of the Revised Techn. and study the basic footwork and foot positions in Tango.

It will clarify all your questions .

... but has been out of print for many years. Buy a current Technique Handbook from any of the main teaching societies instead, unless you happen to see a second-hand copy around for a very modest price, in which case it will have been money well spent.

Before doing a Closed Promenade. Go to a description of the Progressive Link. Forward on left foot in CBMP thats floor board one. To the side and slightly back on floor board two.From that position proceed into the first step of a Promenade. I would find it very difficult to do a heel lead as in the Foxtrot or Waltz. It has to be across the floor, this is for the man. Therefor I am more towards a inside edge.

Inside edge of ball of the free foot is in contact with the floor in the "prep" position immediately prior to taking the first step in promenade. As the body begins to move, many advanced dancers will lift the heel for a brief moment, resulting in an inside edge of toe. In the split moment before the foot places on the first step, it flexes and becomes a heel.

I wouldn't call it literally an inside edge of heel, as that might imply that when the whole foot takes weight, the outside edge is literally lifted. You ultimately arrive on the whole foot, although you may be slightly *toward* the inside edge.

Regards,
Jonathan