Guy-Friendly Dances to Celebrate Valentine’s

Lingerie, chocolate, flowers and jewelry are lovely things to give your Valentine’s sweetheart, but it’s time to be sexy. Tango and Swing are two partner dances in honour of St. Valentine’s that’ll get you close and enjoy the woman in your arms. With either dance it’s understood you’ll get physical, but this Valentine’s get in character, enhance your partnership and have fun with rhythmic exercise that connects you to her heart and soul.

TANGO
The Dance: Called the three-minute love affair, Tango is a striking ballroom-style dance originating in Buenos Aires distinguished by pronounced rhythms, strong postures and abrupt pauses. Tango has many styles: American, as performed in the movie, Shall We Dance? with Jennifer Lopez, is easier to learn than Argentine, yet all are sophisticated and elegant.

The dancers’ home base position is a close embrace, often chest to chest while the sizzling pair swivel, pivot, dip, kick and ricochet around the room. Impetuously, the man twirls his partner, who performs arm sweeps then thrusts her head back as a leg clutches around his thigh or dramatically lunges at the song’s finale.

As with many Latin dances such as the Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Salsa and Mambo, the Tango radiates sex appeal as lovers’ eyes lock in a tango trance. This is good news for beginners as it keeps her from paying attention to your feet.

Who it’s for: The guy who prefers structure, doesn’t want to worry about improvising and likes to lead. This dance gives women little room for expression as the male confidently guides her moves with his arms and feet sensually like a virtuoso. Tango isn’t suited to the average guy who may feel self-conscious trying to perfect stylish moves, but if you’re a man who likes to let his body talk in a smoldering intense dialogue, then give this dance a whirl. You’ll be in good company. Oscar winner Robert Duvall is a Tango enthusiast with great affection for its subculture and sweetness. His movie Assassination Tango is a tribute to the dance.

New twist: Appealing to young dancers, electronica and modern music such as Massive Attack replaces traditional orchestral songs.

Have more fun: Formal attire is not required, still dress the part of a dashing companion. For Valentine’s, guys can go all black wearing long sleeves and pants with dress shoes. For ladies, a glamourous silhouette of a dress with a plunging neckline or thigh-high slit, strappy heels and upswept hair is fashionable. The signature red rose between the teeth is credited to Hollywood legend Rudy Valentino. He attempted to sensationalize the passion of Tango in his films, yet it was a steal from Flamenco dance. Put one in her mouth and the gesture is all you.

Feel the vibe: Alacran’s ‘Reflejo de Luna’ commands attention as the first beat sets a passionate mood instantly. The tempo and rhythm may be too quick-paced for a beginner, yet ladies love this song exclaiming, “Me gusta!”

NEW: Tango in Central Park (video): For more than a decade, tango in Central Park has been the emblem of one of the city’s most obsessed subcultures.

SWING
The Dance: Swing boasts African-American origins from Harlem nightclubs where moves were born to accompany the easy flowing yet vigorous rhythms of the Big Band era. Offering moves that are more versatile than the Tango, Swing is very average-guy friendly. Easily recognized, its fast-pace exuberant turns, spins, dips, aerial flips, behind-the-back lifts and quick-footed steps gave meaning to the expression “cut a rug”. Think Gap and Joe Fresh Commercials.

Who it’s for: The guy who has an expressive, casual manner, who doesn’t want to feel self-conscious mimicking moves and is comfortable when the lady takes the leads. You don’t have to work hard and be responsible for making all the right moves as your partner gets ample chance to express herself. If you’re a guy who likes improvisation, breaking a sweat, laughing and who’s playful and energetic, then jump jive and wail.

New twist: Hip hop and urban beats like Timbaland’s “The Way I Are” replaces boogie woogie.

Have more fun: For Swing dancers, style is all about keeping dry while looking cool. Guys sport vintage attire. Think ’50s or earlier, not ’70s bell bottoms. A coat and tie is in vogue as are long sleeves with a vest, aloha shirts or a t-shirt untucked with wide-leg trousers and wing-tip shoes. However, sneakers and hiking boots aren’t recommended. For ladies, a flouncy skirt is a better choice than a Tango gown as a skirt won’t restrict movement. Also popular are Capris and ballet flats with long hair styled in a ponytail.

Feel the vibe: Swing Kids soundtrack from the movie starring Christian Bale offers classic hits such as “Sing, Sing, Sing”. A lyric from the famous song ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Aint’ Got That Swing’ conveys the dance’s infectious attitude: Whether sweet or hot, give it all you got.

Have you tried Tango or Swing dance? What hot spot do you recommend for a dancing date? Add your picks in the comments below.

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