Hello all, first time poster here

I have a question concerning the tango 8 count basic step on this site. In the overview it says that the timing for this dance is S, S, Q, Q, S. However, at the place I take lessons I was taught S, S, S, Q, Q. I asked my instructor and she wasn't sure. I got one of the newest teachers so she asks lots of questions with the other instructors

Both of these have the same timing but is one an International while the other is American, or is it just a variation that I learn at my studio?

Any insight on the matter would be most appreciated.

I know what you're trying to say, but I think you should be careful how you express things to a beginner! Actually, in American tango, having three slows in a row is VERY common - for instance, whenever you string two 8-count basics together (S S Q Q S S S Q Q S). In terms of how American "patterns" start, I think you're quite correct: starting with 3 slows in unusual, and I know of no basic pattern that starts so. However, In Argentine tango, I think virtually anything is acceptable, and improvisation is part of the very essence of the dance. About International style, I know next to nothing, so I'll shut up....

You are of course very right about that.

All I can really say is that the last slow, being only a foot drag without weight, feels very different than moving steps with weight transfer.

Moving slows fit together very well in pairs (the first one a tad late, the second a tad early) and I really can't think of many situations where you would then add a third moving slow.

To get back to the original question though, this does really make me worry about the competence of the person's teacher. It's one thing to mis-speak, but someone who could dance/demonstrate an American tango basic S S S Q Q and not instantly recognize that it feels out of character clearly does not have the kind of experience with the dance needed to teach it.
A teacher might have to look up figures now and then to be sure of the details, but they shouldn't have to ask others for basic principles of the dance.

Given what lessons cost, students have the right to demand teachers who know what they are doing. And really good teachers don't cost that much more than marginal ones - sometimes actually less.

Sorry, my mistake. Sometimes with familiar things you actually have to walk through it before you can remember correctly:

[QUOTE]There are tango patterns with S S S Q Q
timing
.
For example, in international tango, two walks and a link would be SS, SQQ
[/quote

Three consecutive slows are actually pretty rare - the only circumstances I can think of are in advanced material having a lot of things going on in addition to simple foot movements, otherwise 3 consecutive slows would probably not have tango character.

Basic American timing is S S Q Q S
International two walks and link is S S QQ

And you are paying for this?

There are tango patterns with S S S Q Q
timing, but I can't think of any that can be repeated which would be appopriate as the first thing to teach to a beginner.

For example, in international tango, two walks and a link would be SS, SQQ which is a very good starting sequence, but as it starts closed and ends in promenade it has to be followed by something completely different rather than repeated.

The common single measure repeatable American tango basic is S S Q Q S (T, A, ngO if you're feeling silly)