Personal Hygiene – Do you need to clean up your act?

Given the physical closeness in Tango, good hygiene is essential and, for the vast majority of dancers, it is not an issue. However, probably all of us have had the occasional dance where we have become aware of our partner’s presence in a less than Tango way. At very least you can tell what they had for dinner!

This is a sensitive and potentially embarrassing area to cover, but if there was a problem, we think most of us would prefer to be the first to know, rather than the last. So we offer these words, just in case there could be something here of value for you. Or maybe you could print off the pdf and give it to a friend in need . . .

One cause of body odour that is sometimes overlooked is stress. Especially if you are new to Tango, it is important to anticipate some increased levels of anxiety when you dance. You may also be surprised how much hard work and concentration Tango requires. When dancing in close proximity, this all adds up and can leave you with a issue that does not occur in other aspects of your life. We have known even experienced dancers who failed to realise the impact of this combination of factors.

So, here are our Top Ten Hints:

Shower before dancing whenever possible.

If you’re coming straight from work, bring a fresh shirt or top.

Use a deodorant and, if you need to, an effective anti-perspirant.

Use aftershave and perfume sparingly: they can be quite overpowering and some people are allergic to them.

Use breath fresheners frequently. (Many venues provide mints on the welcome table.) Even people who brush and floss their teeth regularly may still suffer from bad breath. Sometimes the source is bacteria in the minute crevices of the tongue, sometimes it is tooth decay, gum disease, or it can be dietary. If self help doesn’t sort it out, seek professional advice.

Think carefully about eating strong foods before dancing, like garlic, onions and curry, as they linger on the breath, skin and clothes for a long time. Also, when you have been cooking – especially frying – the odour remains on your clothes.

Smokers: in our experience the vast majority of your partners will not share your habit. Sucking a mint after smoking a cigarette is simply not enough because tobacco smoke penetrates your clothes, your hair and your skin and the smell does not go away with a mint, even though you, as a smoker, are not aware of it. Please do whatever you need to so that your partners will not have to endure tobacco smells when dancing with you.

If you perspire, use a towel often. Men often bring an extra shirt and change into it half way through the evening.

If you wear glasses, consider contact lenses or removing your glasses while dancing unless you really can't see where you're going. Getting poked in the face by your partner’s frames as they turn their head is not pleasant.

Finally, Tango is an elegant dance and at many venues the dress code is a touch more formal than for other dance forms like Salsa and Jive. Usually the Ladies make such an effort to look good that this point is more for the men. If a jacket is too hot for you, think about a smart shirt or a good quality polo shirt or smart black T shirt. Some opt for waistcoats for a smart, retro look. Singlet type vests (and the accompanying sweaty armpits) are really not appropriate for Tango. Neither, in our view, are shorts – even when it’s hot. In Argentina, despite the hot climate and non existent air conditioning at many venues, the men often wear suits for Milongas, and in our view, the result is worth the effort.

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