Tai Chi and Tango

I was introduced to learn tai chi, a slow-motion Chinese martial art, and was immediately hooked by its attributes pertinent to tango - flexibility, balance, precision, control, rhythm and beauty. Here is an example of tai chi.

Tai chi is practiced in a half squatting posture that requires the strength and flexibility of the legs to enable one to move like a cat. The body weight is placed on one leg and slowly transferred to the other leg back and forth while the torso remains upright in the movements. All body parts, including arms, hands, torso, waist, hips, thighs, knees, ankles and feet, are used in the making of the movements, demanding good coordination, balance and control. Every movement is well defined to meet the aesthetics and must be done precisely according to the standard. The request on the strength and flexibility of the legs is extremely high due to the slow motion in half squatting posturing, which can effectively develop the strength, flexibility and control of the legs.

All of these are relevant to tango because, like tai chi, tango, too, is mainly a leg exercise, although all parts of the body including arms, hands, torso, waist, hips, thighs, knees, ankles and feet are used and must be well coordinated to form the steps. Tango dancers often do not realize that their lack of lightness, balance, control, coordination, precision and elegance is a result of the lack of strength and flexibility of their legs. Those who want to overcome these shortages can benefit tremendously from practicing tai chi.

Although tai chi does not need to be practiced to music, it has rhythm of its own, as you can see from the opening video. Tai chi is deliberately practiced in slow motion to increase its exercise effect, which can help tango dancers develop the ability to dance in slow motion. However, tai chi can also be practiced in fast motion to help develop nimbleness and speed, as showing below.

All these attributes make tai chi an excellent exercise for tango dancers to build up their leg strength, improve the coordination and beauty of their movements, and develop their dance ability expecially in slow motion.

The following videos teach you some basic tai chi moves if you are interested.