From August 18 to August 31, the world capital of tango, Buenos Aires, is hosting the biggest tango festival in the world as well as the Tango World Cup. These two events, spread over two weeks, attract thousands of tango dancers and aficionados to Argentina every year. In light of the event’s popularity, we thought it’d be helpful for you to know some dance-related expressions:
1. dance routine (noun): series of steps that are planned out to make the overall choreography
Ex: The couple was rehearsing their dance routine before their official performance.
2. to have two left feet (idiom): to move in a very awkward way when dancing
Ex: I’d love to learn how to tango, but I’m a terrible dancer, I have two left feet.
3. seasoned (adj.): experienced
Ex: Because of the festival’s prestige, only seasoned dancers perform there.
4. extravaganza (noun): an elaborate and spectacular entertainment or production
Ex: With its tango shows, recitals, classes, book signings and film screenings, Tango Buenos Aires Festival is definitely the world’s biggest tango extravaganza.
5. recital (noun): entertainment given usually by a single performer or by a performer and one or more accompanists
Ex: The tango world champions will give a recital in the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
6. wildcard (noun): an opportunity to enter a competition without having to take part in qualifying rounds
Ex: One of the couples that will dance in the finals first entered the championship as a wildcard.
7. venue (noun): the place where an event happens
Ex: Classes and performances will take place daily at venues across the city.
8. jaw-dropping (adj.): (inf.) amazing
Ex: I’ve seen some of the most jaw-dropping tango performances ever while I was in Argentina.
9. it takes two to tango (idiom): both parties involved in a situation or argument are responsible for it
Ex: As much as I’d like to see this merger go through, it takes two to tango so we need to wait for the other party’s response.
10. workshop (noun): a class or series of classes in which a small group of people learn the methods and skills used in doing something
Ex: Beginners, intermediate and advanced workshops are organized during the festival so people of all levels can improve their dancing skills.
11. Bonus: milonga (Spanish noun): social event or location for tango dancing
Ex: The first social of the festival, or milonga, will take place tonight at 10:30 PM; all levels are welcomed.
It takes two to tango, so try using one of these expressions the next time you’re having a conversation in English!
