Tango de Salon Dancing Style

Tango de Salon (sometimes called simply Salon) is an inclusive term for the dancing found at what used to be called 'Salons' (ballrooms) - in other words, milonga halls. It is characterized more by its wide variation than by a specific position; it is the style owned, practiced and shaped by the collective masses on the floor.

Tango de Salon (photo attributed to Peter Forett)

Tango de Salon has the following attributes:

Highly improvised, with the only limitation being the experience and repertoire of the lead and follower.
The line of dance is strictly respected, particularly at the outer-most lane called the ronda.
Full Variation in embellishments, from the subtle to the extravagant: constrained by the density of the crowd.
The embrace may be open or close, though often closed, particularly in a crowded dance floor. When it is open, a different repertoire is available, which is especially true for the follower, but the connection between dancers becomes limited. The embrace will also be relaxed at times during the dance to allow maneuverability to the follower.
Chest connection can be varied, but often in a V-shape.
Full variation in arm placement: the follower may place her hand behind the man's neck, on his shoulder or even down his arm. The lead may place his hand anywhere on the follower's back, from the waist through high up the follower's back.
Full variation in the position of the enclosed hands: from low down right through to up high.
Faces may align in any direction, but often right cheeks will touch.
Full variations in posture: from apilado to upright. Usually however, both lead and follower will be upright with a slight lean forward.
Axes may be separated or shared; often they are separate.
Danced to a 4/4 beat.

Tango de Salon - Buenos Aires Pablo Banchero, Milonga del Parakultural

Tango de Salon - Buenos Aires La Cachila, Gricel

Tango de Salon - Buenos Aires Milonga Porteno y Bailarin

Tango de Salon - Buenos Aires Confiteria Ideal (the film Evita was filmed here)

Tango de Salon - Buenos Aires Milonga Niño

Tango de Salon - Buenos Aires La Viruta Tango

Quote of the Day

Tango can be danced in a thousand different ways, but lets step on the ground first, because that is where the energy comes from. Therefore this is where we ought to dance to the music. Without the music there is no dance, no tango, no teacher, no student. A true teacher can only transmit the teaching the music has left him. -Pedro Rusconi

Today in Tango

Tango de Salon Dancing Style

1937, February 22 – ROBERTO RAY RECORDS “SOLLOZOS”

1954, February 21 – BIRTH OF RAIMUNDO ROSALES

1983, February 20 – “CHANY” DEAD AT 28

1881, February 19 – BIRTH OF GABINO C. PENALOZA

1923, February 18 – VALENTINO DANCES AT TRIANON BALLROOM

1886, February 17 – BIRTH OF GENARO ESPOSITO

1861, February 16 – BIRTH OF ANGEL VILLOLDO

1940, February 15 – ROBERTO RUFFINO RECORDS “ALMA MIA”

1885, February 14 – BIRTH OF “EL CACHFAZ”

1891, February 13 – BIRTH OF IGNACIO CORSINI