a. Dance counter-clockwise around the dance floor. The faster 'lanes' are on the outside of the counter- clockwise line of dance. The slower lanes' are toward the center. Do not dance backward to the line-of-dance on a crowded dance floor.

b. Don't walk through the dancers on the dance floor to get to the other side of the room. Don't stand in or block the dance space.

c. If you are working on a new step, move to an unoccupied area of the floor or the room to be out of the way of the dancers.

d. Always be alert to the presence of other dancers in front, to the sides, and behind and avoid collisions. "Always" be polite and cordial. It takes some skill and and can be a fun challenge to dance on a crowded Tango dance floor and avoid collisions.

e. If do travel backwards to line-of-dance, look to the rear first. For the followers, let the leader know of a possible collision either vocally, by your hand, or by pulling your partner closer.

f. More experienced dancers should be patient, couteous and sensitive to beginners. You may give advice if it is asked for if you first ask permission.

g. Argentine Tango is danced close. You should be nicely attired, clean and have a clean pleasant or neutral smell. Don't over do it with perfumes, colognes or scented deodorants.

The traditional way of asking someone to dance, for a man or a woman, is to gently engage them with your eyes. When they return your gaze and do not look away that's the acceptance of the invitation. You or they may also further confirm with a "yes" nod of the head, a smile, a directed look at the dance floor, etc. The woman waits for the man walks with him, or to him at the edge of the dance floor.

SNOOTY ATTITUDES

One word of caution men... If your dancing is really awful and you have almost no rhythm and timing don't hold it against women who don't want to dance with you until you improve. You need to know the difference. The "true ladies of Tango" will be happy to dance with you even as a beginner and they are very supportive and encouraging. They will even walk up to you ask "you" to dance. They will still want to dance with you even if you tell them you are just learning and they will help you around the floor with patience.