1. Focusing on Steps Instead of Connection
The Mistake: New dancers often believe that tango is about memorising sequences.
The Fix: At Tango Delight, we emphasise the embrace and musical connection. Instead of learning steps for the sake of steps, focus on how you move together. Work on your posture, balance, and listening to your partner’s body. The steps will come naturally once the connection is solid.
2. Poor Posture and Frame
The Mistake: Slouching, leaning too much on your partner, or an overly rigid frame.
The Fix: Think of posture as a communication tool. Keep your spine tall and grounded, shoulders relaxed, and arms alive but gentle. Good posture makes the embrace feel safe, comfortable, and responsive.
3. Not Listening to the Music
The Mistake: Rushing through movements without paying attention to rhythm or phrasing.
The Fix: Argentine tango is a musical dance. At Tango Delight, we teach you how to hear the nuances of different orchestras. Take time to really listen to tango music daily. Try dancing to Di Sarli for smooth elegance, or D’Arienzo for rhythmic clarity.
Enrolments for this beautiful dance are now open for classes and lessons. Current Term details are on the “Lessons and Venue” tab.
4. Leading with Force or Guessing the Lead
The Mistake: Leaders sometimes try to “push” followers into moves. Followers often anticipate or guess what comes next.
The Fix: Good leading is about invitation, not insistence. Followers should wait for a clear signal. We teach subtle lead-and-follow techniques to build a dialogue, not a debate. Less force, more presence.The Mistake: Leaders sometimes try to “push” followers into moves. Followers often anticipate or guess what comes next.
5. Fear of Making Mistakes
The Mistake: Beginners often freeze, start again or apologise when something doesn’t go right.
The Fix: Mistakes are essential to learning. In our Inner West Tango studio, we create a non-judgmental space where experimentation is encouraged. Embrace mistakes as part of your journey—they’re stepping stones to mastery.
6. Neglecting the Walk
The Mistake: Trying complex moves before mastering the tango walk.
The Fix: Tango is a walking dance. A controlled, musical, and elegant walk sets the foundation for everything. We spend time refining this essential skill with different orchestras and walking exercises that build confidence and fluidity.
7. Inconsistent Practice
The Mistake: Coming to class but not practicing between sessions.
The Fix: Like any skill, tango improves with repetition. You don’t need a partner to practice posture, balance, walking, and musicality. At Tango Delight, we provide homework and guided practice tools to help you grow faster—even solo. These are not complicated, easy to do and do not require a lot of time.
In fact you can think and adjust your posture as you shop, walk around during the day, being aware of things like slouching as just as important, when you catch yourself doing something like that you instantly become self aware.
8. Not Learning to Navigate the Dance Floor
The Mistake: Blocking traffic, dancing against the line of dance, or using large moves in crowded spaces.
The Fix: Tango has its own social dance etiquette. Learn how to respect the ronda (line of dance), adjust to crowded floors, and communicate through eye contact and body language. Our Sydney classes include floorcraft lessons from day one.
9. Comparing Yourself to Others
The Mistake: Feeling discouraged by more advanced dancers.
The Fix: Tango is a personal journey. Every dancer you admire once struggled too. Progress comes in waves. We focus on individual growth and celebrate every improvement, no matter how small.
10. Not Knowing the Orchestras
The Mistake: Treating all tango music the same.
The Fix: Each orchestra has a unique style that requires a different response. We teach you how to listen and adjust your dancing to orchestras like Biagi, Troilo, and Pugliese. This enhances both your musicality and connection.
Final Thoughts
Learning Argentine tango is a beautiful and rewarding process. At Tango Delight, we understand that everyone starts somewhere. By identifying these common mistakes early and addressing them with musicality, mindfulness, and technique, you set yourself up for long-term enjoyment and success.
We invite you to join us in Sydney’s Inner West at Stanmore / Camperdown and also for the more advanced at Leichhardt and discover a supportive, creative space to grow your tango skills. With each step, each song, and each embrace, you’ll move closer to mastering this timeless dance.