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 !!

Serendipity, I thought your point was that the music was woeful. If your point was that the dance could be more popular if it changed, then you forgot to make it.

What you now propose sounds dire. Sequences of steps that could be reproduced on Dancing with the Stars would be the absolute antithesis of AT. Just look at American Style (and to a lesser extent, International) Tango and weep.

BTW the second programme in the most recent series of DWS is being shown on UK TV today. I saw the first show two weeks ago (I think that this is the first time we have been able to see DWS on a regular channel). I couldn't believe the difference in standard between the professional dancers, compared with their Strictly Come Dancing UK equivalents. There were two couples where I just couldn't tell who was the first-week-nerves B-list celeb, and supposed pro. Would anyone with experience of the American dance scene care to comment on whether this standard of dancing is typical in US?

I have bought Classical music . One of my favourites is Rachmaninov's Concerto NO. 2. My choice of music is wide and varied. But I can't ever see myself rushing out to buy a disk of Argentine Tango's. How many have you guys got. There is nothing wrong with the steps that can be performed. I find most of them very clever and requires a lot of skill. But much of the music does not inspire me at all.

Clive-- having taught in the states for many yrs,let me assure you, that the top flite pro,s seldom get involved in the " theatrics " , that is so pervasive in ALL t.v.programs, no matter the country of origin ( can you ever imagine marcus doing this !! )

programs that portray " their " version of what the public will be allowed to see , is unforunately dictated by public taste .

having said that-- i cannot ever imagine, for e.g.-- why an authentic T / Arg or Q .Step for openers, would not find a captivated audience .

Much has to do with music availability . I doubt there is one band, who has the correct musical scores ( and or instruments ) to cater to all the different genres being performed .
When producers with little or no dance background are involved -- well-- youve seen the results!!

At last a disk of Argentine Tango's I can listen to and enjoy. The disk is Gotan Project Lunatico. Track 3 is a beauty once it gets going. For my money all the tracks are super. With music like this it sells itself. Maybe its the distinct beat that appeals to me over the traditional stuff.