The 6, 7 and 8 step "basics"

Tango Notation

A: So there are no steps?

B: Well there are certain common movements but explicitly learning them especially at the beginning I think spoils the dance. It's stressful especially for the guy and it makes him think. That's not helpful for dancing. It's actually dangerous because in people who do classes, it’s usually irreversible.

A: What about this 8-step basic?

B: That thing is a travesty of social dancing.

A: And the 6 step?

B: No idea but it will be the same thing.

A: So why do they teach it? Why does it have a name at all?

B: For social dancing? Dunno. It serves no useful purpose. It becomes a product, doesn't it, something you can sell. It makes you think, rather than feel. And it makes you dependent on the teacher for whatever step they want to sell you next.

I worried about them later when I thought I saw them being taught in the centre of the ronda.

B: What was that about?

A: Oh just about walking.

B: Ok

A: And about the chest.

B: RIght.

A: And about the 7 steps.

B: The what?

A: The 7 steps.

B: Uh-uh.

A: Forget the 7 steps?

B: Yeah.

A: And the 8 steps?

B: Yeah.

A: And the 6 steps?

B: Yes.

A: Just walk then, to the music?

B: Yeah.

A: And pause, with the music?

B: I’d say so. And play, explore, like we just did.