Beginner Tango

This routine is designed to be used for competition by dancers who have been learning to dance for less than a year, and are just being introduced to the most basic figures. Although the routines may seem simple, perhaps even to the point of being uninteresting, remember that a perfectly pronounced sentence in a foreign language is more impressive than a poorly spoken speech. It is the quality of the little things that matter, and if dancers perform these figures correctly with good posture and a smile, they are more likely to do well than if they were to attempt more difficult figures and complex routines.

Dancers should focus mostly on posture, frame, and looking to the left.

N.B. The Commencing Alignments given are those of the Man. From this alignment and the figure itself, the Lady's alignment can be inferred.

 
Figure Commencing Alignment Rhythm Timing
LF Walk Facing DW S 12
RF Walk Facing LOD S 34
LF Walk Facing LOD S 56
RF Walk Facing DC S 78
Open Reverse Turn Facing DC QQSQQS 1.2.34.5.6.78
Progressive Link Facing DW QQ 1.2
Closed Promenade Facing DW SQQS 34.5.6.78
Repeat      

At a corner:

1  Curve the Walks more, until ending facing DC of new LOD
2 Add two or four more Walks until facing DC of new LOD
3 Man steps strongly forward on Progressive Link, ending facing DW of new LOD

Navigation with this routine should be extremely easy. The one rule is not to dance the Open Reverse Turn when at a corner. If approaching a corner, continue with the Walks until the corner has been rounded.