Embracing Elegance

Tango can be danced in two main styles: elegant or fancy. Elegance is simple, natural, refined, and sedate. It gives the dance a sense of calm, grace, and harmony. Fanciness, by contrast, uses complex steps, showy figures, and flashy decorations to create a lively and creative feel. Both styles contribute to the richness and depth of tango, each offering its own unique appeal. The examples below illustrate both approaches.

In today’s culture, though, where flashiness often gets the spotlight, fanciness can be overdone. Imitators sometimes turn it into something shallow—more about looking than feeling. In this context, embracing elegance becomes more essential, especially in social tango.

At its heart, social tango is a conversation between two souls, guided by internal experiences rather than outward display. This inner focus naturally brings out elegance. Its simplicity helps dancers move in sync and feel more connected. That’s why tango milonguero, the most popular style of social tango, prioritizes elegance over showiness. While the temptation to dazzle with flashy moves and intricate footwork is understandable, true mastery of tango lies in capturing its essence. (See The Advantages of Simplicity over Flashy Movements.)

Even in fancier styles, elegance can still come through—if it’s done with good taste. Great dancers know that balancing grace and splendidness enhances the artistry of dance. In this balance, elegance plays a stabilizing role. For those seeking to go beyond mere performance, elegance offers a path to deeper expression and timeless beauty. A truly elegant tango captivates not through the complexity of steps, but through the grace and depth that radiates from the dancer’s genuine inner self. Fancy moves should only serve as embellishments, not dominate the show.

But perhaps the best reason to embrace elegance lies in its transformative power. Developing an elegant style isn’t just about looking better—it’s a personal journey. It helps us let go of the need to impress and focus instead on real connection—with our partner, the music, and ourselves. Elegance teaches the art of restraint: achieving more with less. By stripping away excessive embellishments and moving simply and naturally, we uncover authenticity and depth. We realize that true beauty is not in the spectacle but in the inward journey of music, connection, and soulful interaction. (See True Beauty Comes from Within).

For any dancer wanting to go beyond the surface, consider Audrey Hepburn’s words: “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” Embrace it, embody it, and let it guide your journey toward mastering the dance. (See The Elegance of the Milonguero Style.)