At every wedding, the first dance is given to the bride and groom. They are not just the first to dance at a holiday celebration. They perform their very first dance as spouses. This moment touches the soul of everyone present, and the young people captivate with the timidity of their movements and the tenderness of their glances. Most often, newlyweds dance a waltz or simply move to the beat of a slow composition. But there is nothing more passionate and beautiful than a wedding tango performed by a madly in love bride and groom. They say that future life depends on the nature of the first wedding dance. So maybe let her be emotional and uncontrollable?
The heady smell of tango: a little history
Tango is mainly known for its European version, artificially modified to be performed at sports ballroom dance competitions. Fortunately, recently authentic tango, which originated in Argentina, is increasingly gaining popularity all over the world and is gradually crowding out the “ballroom” remake. The melody and sensuality of real Argentine tango are perfect for use in the wedding dance of newlyweds.
Before you start learning, don’t be lazy to read a little:
- About Argentine tango – https://tango-beregovo.blogspot.com/2016/02/blog-post_40.html
- About his story - https://tango-beregovo.blogspot.com/2016/02/blog-post_83.html
- About his music - https://tango-beregovo.blogspot.com/2016/02/blog-post_48.html
Many people were hooked on tango after watching the Hollywood film “Scent of a Woman.” There is a beautiful and touching episode in the film where the main character (a blind military man) dances tango with a pretty girl (“Por Una Cabeza”). To the same melody, the well-known “terminator of all times”, unexpectedly for his size, beautifully and elegantly leads his partner in the film “True Lies.”
In order to try to “catch” the feeling and charm of Argentine tango, we recommend watching the films “Tango” by Carlos Saura and “Tango Lessons” by Sally Potter.
The proposed variety number is based on a dance fragment from the film “Scent of a Woman.” Despite the apparent complexity, the number is relatively easy to master. It is enough just to understand and qualitatively work out a few key points. And more practice, of course!
By the way, the original source (tango from “Scent of a Woman”) was practiced by the actors for several months! So practice, practice and more practice! However, a professionally performed wedding dance is worth it.
How to dance tango
We can talk for a long time about how to perform tango. A clear example gives a better idea. It’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times. On the Internet there are clips with a regular participant in the international dance program, as well as wedding videos in an incendiary and passionate genre.
Video: Latin American ballroom dance program
Among the energetic and exciting dances from Latin America, tango is rightly recognized as unique. It's worth watching to understand.
Video: beautiful wedding tango dance
Often this direction becomes the choice for the first dance of the newlyweds at the wedding. Because this is a beautiful way to express the feelings of lovers. It can rightfully be called a favorite among wedding dance. The impressions remain unforgettable for both the hosts of the holiday and the guests.
About tango dance steps
This dance, unlike almost all others, does not follow a rigid rhythm. The proposed number contains both fast and slow fragments. Tango is danced more to the melody than to the drummer. This is especially noticeable during the performance of the first and second verses, where the dancers follow the melody of the violin. Therefore, in tango you need to listen attentively to feel the melody and “sing” it with your partner’s legs and body.
Carefully watch the slow-motion version of the video and listen to the accents. The directors tried to maximize the beauty of the melody with tango figures.
Here is the first take with a detailed analysis of the entire composition:
Here is the same composition, but only analyzed with a different partner:
Third take:
The same thing, but in slow motion:
Another analysis of the diagram:
As you can see, ladies of all ages were able to master Argentine tango. The main thing is practice! Pay attention to the main points of the issue. You may not know the basics of Argentine tango at all, but if you carefully follow our recommendations, your dance will look professional!
Wedding dance performance
Our teacher Tatyana Zausalina will help you realize this moment of celebration. The teacher has more than 20 years of dance experience in different styles: from classical choreography to pop and oriental dances.
Together with Tatyana, you will choose the direction of dance and music, decide on the complexity of the elements, since some elements and supports require good physical abilities and coordination. Even if you have never danced, there are simple and effective dances and elements that will make you look great!
It is important that your dance is no more than 3-4 minutes, otherwise (according to numerous observations) the audience’s attention is usually quickly lost. But options with a slightly longer duration (up to 4-5 minutes) may also be suitable.
Also, depending on the complexity of the dance. For each pair, the optimal number of classes is selected, from 5 to 20.
The teacher will videotape your progress during rehearsals so that you can repeat the movements yourself, thereby improving your dancing, and will preserve the memory of your first (or not the first) steps in this art.
One lesson with a teacher lasts 60 minutes.
Classes are held by prior arrangement depending on the occupancy of the hall (lesson availability: weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday: from 10:00 to 13:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 17: 30 to 21:00).
Five lessons is the minimum number required to memorize the dance. Depending on the complexity of the dance and level of training, more time may be required for training - from 6 to 20 lessons.
The cost of one wedding dance lesson, taking into account the rental of the hall (metro station Elektrozavodskaya): 2300 rubles. From 10 lessons a discount is provided: one lesson - 2100 rubles. including hall rental.
You can contact Tatyana by phone: +7 (916) 173-74-98
You can get to know us and our school at a free open lesson. Come!
Wedding tango of the bride and groom
When two lovers move to the rhythm of a fiery and piercingly tender southern dance, those around them can only wish them to remain as enthusiastic all their lives. That is why newlyweds are now increasingly choosing wedding tango as their first dance.
It can be a fast and rapid dance or a gentle and mesmerizing slow circle - the choice is yours!
The teachers of the “Tango Without Rules” school will accurately select the dance format to suit the character of your couple and the style of the wedding as a whole. It doesn’t matter at all whether you have choreographic skills or whether this will be your first experience as a dancer.
Some advice for those who have decided that tango is the best expression of their passionate feelings:
- Tango is not always about swiftness, sharpness and speed. Slow variations on this theme are no less popular and effective. But dancing them in formal dresses and high heels is much more convenient;
- Many famous movies have great tango scenes. We can easily style them to suit your couple, taking into account their personalities and level of training;
- If a teacher advises you to attend five training sessions, do not think that two will be enough. It’s such a shame to get excited and ruin a graceful composition.
What should you wear to dance tango at a wedding?
Brides who want to decorate their holiday by preparing a wedding tango do not have to worry about the outfit at all. The choreographers of the “Tango Without Rules” school will be happy to share some secrets:
- You can dance the wedding Argentine tango in almost any dress. Ideally, it will not hinder your movements and open your legs;
- Often, brides for a wedding dance specially prepare a similar dress, similar to the wedding one, of the same color and with the same decor, but its cut is different and is essentially a tango dress (which can later be worn at tango dance evenings);
- if you prefer passion, opt for dresses without crinoline;
- if the dress of your dreams does not fit in with your idea of tango, change your clothes before the dance, and then again enjoy the foam of lace;
If at the wedding you would not like to change your dress specifically for the newlyweds’ dance, show a photo of your wedding dress in advance and we will choose such dance movements so that you look impressive and organic, and the dress only decorates you without restricting your movements.
We will be grateful for your shares on social networks:
Source: https://www.tango-bez-pravil.ru/postanovka-svadebnogo-tango.html
About positions in the presented composition
In tango, long and close positions are used.
If you managed to dance the entire number in a close position, that would be wonderful! But this is difficult, so the directors left only a few mandatory moments in the dance that require a close position. In all other figures, a distant position is appropriate.
However, it should constantly maintain virtual contact in the buildings. This means that the chests of the partner and the partner should always be directed towards each other.
What should you pay attention to when learning a composition?
First verse
- Already when the partners approach each other, it is necessary to establish contact in their bodies.
- When newlyweds become a couple, they need to hug each other slowly and beautifully.
- Since the music of the verse is relatively slow, it is advisable to use a close position.
- Both the partner and the lady begin the first pass facing with the left foot.
- The second one is on the right.
- The partner helps the lady perform steps with a turn for a beautiful opening of the couple.
- To quickly close, the partner gently pulls the lady towards him (in no case with a jerk!).
Chorus
- Starts with an open position. In it, partners should be half-open to the audience with their body and feet.
- When a partner rotates a lady, it is advisable to do this not with his hands, but with his whole body.
- The first time, the partner stops the partner’s backward steps with a rotation (the figure is called “ocho back”) with his foot (the figure is called “sandwich”).
- The synchronized walking of partners around each other can be replaced by the lady walking around her partner.
- After going around, the partner stops the partner “very backward” not with his foot, but with his thigh.
- The most beautiful combination of the chorus (the so-called “dialogue in the legs”) requires serious practice. Only then will she become truly beautiful!
Second verse
- The partner helps the lady with both hands to get her to the starting position.
- When moving in an open position, do not forget about the orientation of the pair’s bodies. The couple should only be half-open to the audience, while maintaining reliable contact with each other.
- When partners move in a circle, it is necessary to maintain virtual contact in the bodies.
- When performing a tango lunge (pose), the partner’s legs and hips should move faster than the body. This achieves greater amplitude and entertainment value in the performance. To make this easier to achieve, the partner moves his left leg towards the partner. And the lady should “stick” to it with her right foot. Then the partner, taking a step back, will carry the lady with him into a beautiful and characteristic pose. But there is no need to make the lunge excessively long and deep.
- The fact is that immediately after the lunge the couple needs to perform an opening. The partner needs to help the lady get out of the pose and turn around.
Second chorus
- In terms of execution, it is no different from the first one. The only difference is that during the “dialogue” in the feet the music slows down. Accordingly, you will need to slow down the execution of movements.
- The number ends with a tango lunge. It can be made low and deep. Stay in the pose the entire time the applause continues. You should only remove the pose when the clapping becomes less frequent.
- Be sure to practice the couple's bow after finishing the number. This will make you look more professional.
Notes on clothing and shoes
For the bride
Tango and long skirt are incompatible.
Prepare a separate outfit for the performance in advance (no mini!). A typical tango skirt should be cut at the hips. It requires cuts that allow lunging and opening. Make the long skirt of your wedding dress removable. Make sure you have replacement dance shoes in advance. Choose not a “model” shoe option (no long toes!), but buy high-quality dance shoes. They are comfortable, elegant and look no worse than dress shoes.
For the groom
The jacket for a tango performer is cut so that when the arms are raised, the shoulders of the clothing do not ride up. If your clothes are not sewn correctly, perform without a jacket (in a shirt, vest).
No long-toed shoes! Choose comfortable classic shoes, preferably specially made for dancing.
You must rehearse in the shoes you will be dancing in. This is necessary so that your feet have time to get used to the dance shoes.
Refrain from common tango cliches (a rose in your teeth, a hat on your partner) when performing a wedding dance. In order not to look funny when using objects, you need a long preliminary training.
How to choose a wedding dance?
To correctly answer the question of how to choose a wedding dance, first of all you should look at how much time is left before the celebration.
If your wedding is planned in a few months, then congratulations, you have enough time to be able to choose and choreograph almost any wedding dance. If there is less than a month left until the cherished day, do not be upset, because this time is also quite enough.
Well, if time is running out, but the bride and groom have a great desire to perform the first dance on the eve of the celebration, then, as they say, nothing is impossible.
Which wedding dance to choose? This question plagues most people who want to get married. Amid the endless pre-wedding rush, the hassle of choosing the right dance can really waste a lot of your much-needed time. So let's figure out what types of wedding dance exist and decide which one will suit you more than the others.
