Frequently Asked Questions

You have got questions, we have answers! If your question isn’t below, please reach out.

Our weekly courses align with the school year, so they run from September until July.
As such the courses are split into half-terms, removing the pressure to commit to the whole year. For example, if you know that you will be traveling, you can simply skip that half-term and rejoin when you are back.
No, you don’t!
Our classes tend to be balanced, as we also have the support of some fantastic volunteers that help us even out the followers vs. leaders’ numbers.
Tango is a social dance, so it is customary to dance with multiple partners, fostering a sense of community within the tango scene. It will also help you improve your dance, as you get accustomed to attuning to each partner and their own style. However, if you join our group classes as a couple and do not feel comfortable changing dance partner, please let the teachers know – after all, we want everyone to be comfortable and enjoy themselves!

Not at all!

Tango allows for creativity and individual expression, and has a rich history of dancers switching roles or not following the traditional roles of ladies following and gents leading. It is up to you which role you want to learn.

For clothes, remember that dancing is light exercise. You won’t need special clothing for class, as long as it’s something that you’re comfortable in and allows you to move freely.

Regarding shoes, you don’t need to buy anything fancy. We recommend dance or indoor shoes that are comfortable and allow you to pivot and slide. Suede or leather soles are ideal for this. As you progress, you may want to invest in tango shoes, but they aren’t mandatory.
A note on high heels: again, they are not mandatory. As long as you are comfortable and can move freely, you do not need high-heels to dance tango.

Regarding milongas: attendees are expected to dress up for milongas. Leave the hoodie for practica and bring out your Sunday best.

A good pair of tango shoes will help improve your balance and posture, as well as looking very elegant! Here are some recommendations when looking at shoes:

  • General tips:
    • Snug, not tight: the shoes should not feel at all loose, but secure from your heel and ankle to your toes.
    • When trying shoes on, we recommend doing it in the afternoon or evening.
    • The best material is leather. It is durable and comfortable.
  • For ladies:
    • If you are choosing high-heels, 7-8cm are ideal, as anything higher may affect your balance.
    • Avoid shoes with decorative elements like bows where your heel may get stuck.
  • For men:
    • Rounded toes instead of pointy, as they will get in the way.
    • Tango shoes have lower heels than, for example, salsa shoes. If you can’t find tango shoes, ballroom is a good alternative.

Ready to take the plunge? Here are some suggestions:

  • Yuyo Brujo: based in London and made by hand in Spain, their 100% leather shoes can be bought online or their studio.
  • Tangolera: Italian-made leather shoes that can be purchased via their British distributor Strictly4dancers.
  • Balanceo: want customisation? Balanceo offers low heels, different colours, vegan leather…
  • Werner Kern: dance shoes, not exclusively for tango, made with luxurious goatskin.

Tango shoe sellers occasionally attend milongas and expos that may bring them closer to you if you do not feel like buying online or traveling to their shops.

Send us your questions