Northern Tango Learning Resource
Discover the language, culture and terminology of Argentine tango. Search common tango words, social customs, dance movements and musical terms.
A decorative movement where the foot traces a fan-like shape on the floor.
Dance MoveThe embrace or hold shared between tango dancers. It may be close, open, or flexible depending on the style and comfort of the dancers.
EtiquetteA person who loves, follows or is deeply interested in tango.
CultureA small decorative movement or embellishment added by a dancer without interrupting the flow of the dance.
Dance MoveA dragging sound or musical effect often heard in tango music, especially from the double bass.
MusicA sweeping action where one dancer appears to move the other dancer’s foot across the floor.
Dance MoveThe iconic concertina-like instrument strongly associated with Argentine tango music.
MusicA whip-like movement of the free leg, usually created through rotation and a change of direction.
Dance MoveA traditional non-verbal invitation to dance using eye contact and a small nod.
EtiquetteThe eye contact used before a cabeceo. It is an important part of respectful tango invitation etiquette.
EtiquetteA carousel-like movement where one dancer turns around the other dancer’s axis.
Dance MoveThe tango walk. It is one of the most important foundations of Argentine tango.
Dance MoveA chain-like sequence of linked movements, often involving turns or repeated steps.
Dance MoveAn off-axis movement where dancers share balance while leaning away from each other.
Dance MoveA short piece of non-tango music played between tandas to signal a change of partners.
MusicThe cross. A common tango position where one foot crosses in front of the other.
Dance MoveThe beat, rhythm or timing of the music. Dancing with compás means dancing in time with the music.
MusicA cultural term often connected with local Argentine identity and traditions.
CultureA spiral-like turning movement, usually performed by the leader during turns.
Dance MoveA hook movement where one dancer’s leg bends sharply around the other dancer’s leg.
Dance MoveA turn or rotation. Often connected with circular walking patterns around a partner.
Dance MoveA circular drawing motion made by the foot on the floor, often used as a decoration.
Dance MoveA form of Buenos Aires slang often found in traditional tango lyrics.
CultureCan mean both a tango social dance event and a faster musical style related to tango.
MusicA circular stepping pattern around the partner, often used in turns.
Dance MoveThe line of dance around the room at a milonga, usually moving anticlockwise.
NavigationThe dance floor.
NavigationThe traditional social codes and etiquette of tango, especially at milongas.
EtiquetteA figure-eight movement made by pivoting and stepping forward or backward.
Dance MoveA “cut” ocho. A common rhythmic sequence often used in social tango.
Dance MoveA stop, usually where one dancer stops the other dancer’s foot or movement.
Dance MoveA step-over movement, often following a parada.
Dance MoveA displacement movement where one dancer steps into the space being vacated by the other.
Dance MoveA set of songs danced with the same partner, usually three or four songs.
MusicThe tango waltz rhythm, danced in 3/4 time.
MusicAn off-axis movement where one dancer leans forward into the shared axis.
Dance MoveA person from Buenos Aires. The term is often used in tango culture and history.
CultureA movement involving a temporary release of the embrace or hand connection before reconnecting.
Dance MoveThe plural of soltada. Often used for sequences involving release-and-reconnect movements.
Dance MoveA social tango style associated with elegant movement, musicality, navigation and comfortable floorcraft in the ronda.
CultureA close-embrace style involving a shared forward intention between dancers while maintaining individual balance.
Dance MoveA feint or fake movement, often used as a playful or decorative element in tango.
Dance MoveA change of weight or stepping action occurring against the usual walking rhythm.
Dance MoveA pivoting movement where one dancer traces a circular motion on the floor while rotating around an axis.
Dance MoveA rebound or elastic change of direction created through compression and release.
Dance MoveA quick-weight-change rhythmic pattern commonly danced in milonga.
MusicA starting sequence or departure movement used to begin dancing.
Dance MoveA half-moon shaped movement or circular action in tango.
Dance MoveA dedicated social tango dancer, often associated with traditional milonga culture.
CultureA tango dancer or tango enthusiast. Tanguero is masculine; tanguera is feminine.
CultureThe skill of moving safely and respectfully around the dance floor while maintaining the ronda.
EtiquetteA table or seating area at a milonga.
CultureThe lyrics of a tango song.
MusicA traditional tango orchestra formation, usually including bandoneóns, violins, piano and double bass.
MusicA strong, marked rhythmic accent in the music.
MusicExpressive timing where the music stretches or relaxes slightly for emotional effect.
MusicRelated to the Río de la Plata region, especially Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where tango culture developed.
CultureA historic figure in Buenos Aires popular culture, often associated with early tango attitude and style.
CultureJuan D’Arienzo, known as “The King of Rhythm”, was one of tango’s most influential orchestra leaders.
MusicOsvaldo Pugliese was a legendary orchestra leader known for dramatic, powerful and expressive tango music.
MusicCarlos Di Sarli was a major tango orchestra leader known for elegant, lyrical and smooth music.
MusicAníbal Troilo was a legendary bandoneón player and orchestra leader in Argentine tango.
MusicFrancisco Canaro was one of the most prolific and important orchestra leaders in tango history.
MusicA modern approach to tango exploring elasticity, new structures, off-axis movements and expanded movement possibilities.
CultureThe physical and emotional communication shared between dancers through the embrace, movement and musicality.
Dance MoveThe centre of balance of a dancer. Tango may involve individual axis or shared axis movements.
Dance MoveA movement structure where both dancers rely partially on each other for balance.
Dance MoveThe separation of upper and lower body rotation, allowing pivots, ochos and fluid movement.
Dance MoveThe subtle communication of movement direction, energy or timing between dancers.
Dance MoveThe dynamic stretch and compression feeling created within movement and connection.
Dance MoveThe natural rhythmic flow and cadence of movement within tango music and walking.
MusicThe working-class outskirts of Buenos Aires historically associated with the origins of tango.
CultureA historic tango style associated with the outer districts and edges of Buenos Aires.
CultureAn early rhythmic and playful tango style known for grounded movement and strong musical character.
CultureThe plural form of tanda, referring to multiple sets of tango songs danced socially.
MusicA dancer who is paid or invited to dance socially with others during events or milongas.
EtiquetteThis Tango Dictionary is a growing Northern Tango learning resource. If there is a term you would like added or corrected, please contact us.
Suggest a Term