Tango Rhythm: 1-3-

The classic tango rhythm. Strong, definitive, and foundational to tango musical interpretation. This rhythm emphasizes beats 1 and 3.

Rhythm 1-3- visualization

Dancing with this Rhythm

This rhythm creates a specific musical feeling that can be expressed in your dance through:

  • The most common beat early to mid tango dancers use (often more than 60% of steps). We want to use other rhythm patterns more often. This is the first set of pulses we hear and are taught.

  • Weight changes that align with the accented beats

  • Movement quality that reflects the rhythm‘s character

  • Pauses and movement during appropriate beats

Musical Examples

Di Sarli - El Jaguel

Orchestra: Di Sarli (1940)

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Note: Listen for 3 times of 1-3-, then a 1---, then back to 3 times of 1-3-