Each dancer in a tango partnership has their own distinct role and responsibilities. We give them the names leader and follower, but how should we think about these two roles? The metaphors we use to describe our roles play an important role in how we think about our dance and our interaction with our partner. What do we need to provide our partner, and what can we expect from them? Hopefully the next few paragraphs can provide some new insights to these questions.
I find the following metaphor a helpful guide for thinking about the roles in Tango. Imagine we are in a car together driving to a new destination. The follower takes the role of driver, and the leader takes the role of the navigator. Both roles are important for a safe and enjoyable trip. As a navigator, we remember the route, provide timely directions of where to turn, give information on the speed limit, and calmly recalculate the route when we miss an exit. As a driver, we take care of all the details to smoothly transport us to where we are going; putting on turn signals, checking mirrors, and providing steering, braking, and acceleration.
Something the driver-navigator metaphor particularly helps with is the timing of the dance. When we take an exit, the navigator gives the directions ahead of time. The driver then prepares to change lanes. Finally, the driver changes lanes and the navigator goes along for the ride. The same sequencing occurs in tango: (1) the leader gives the directions for a movement, (2) the follower prepares their body for the movement, (3) the follower executes the movement, and (4) the leader follows along behind the follow.
The metaphor of driver and navigator also solves some seeming tango paradoxes. Navigators need to give clear directions, but we don’t grab the wheel. This is the metaphorical difference between a clear lead and a forceful lead. We show the route in advance but then go along for the ride, the meaning behind the saying “you first lead, and then you follow your lead” As a driver, we let someone else navigate—giving up control—but it is so that we can better focus on the road—allowing for greater control. We follow the directions the navigator gives and generally avoid taking exits that aren’t on the route, but we don’t just shut our eyes and wait until we arrive at our destination. We actively take control of driving. This is the metaphorical difference between not following, passive following, and active following.
A final concept the metaphor exposes: if we are taking a trip together, then where are we going? Are we going to a fancy dinner? A cool café? A night with friends? The navigator gives the directions, and the driver controls the wheel, but we both choose the destination ahead of time. In tango, there is a conversation about the step that occurs before the step. As a leader, I choose the steps and the timing. But why did I choose those steps and why did I pick that timing? Surely I consider how my follower prepared their body, the energy and feelings they are expressing, and what they are hearing in the music. And as a follower, I choose how to execute the movements. But surely I consider the broader idea and effect we are going for. I fill in the details of the story that we are both telling.
We both have a say into the energy, texture, musical composition, and end effect of our movement. We have a conversation about where we are going to go. Maybe this conversation occurs at the beginning of the phrase or at the end of the previous phrase. Maybe it occurs in the pauses between individual movements. But the conversation is always there to have, whether we speak up and listen or not. The conversation before the step opens a new world of interaction and collaboration. After all, where are we going is a more important question than how do we get there. Sure, it is nice if occasionally our driver shows us a more scenic route, or our navigator helps take the wheel—the metaphorical equivalents of how embellishments and two-way communication in tango tends to be taught—but this is different from having a conversation about where we want to go. I still have much to learn about how we have this conversation in the dance. Maybe I can share additional insights once I gain more clarity, or maybe you have insights that you can teach me. Regardless of how this conversation occurs, we can still have it together in our dance, and enjoy going on some exciting trips together.