Argentine Tango

A fast, travelling Gold-level tango on strong edges, with cross rolls, a counter, a twizzle-like rotation for the follow partner and many hold changes.

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The dance

Tango in 4/4, 96 beats a minute. The hold is open, then closed from step 11, Kilian from step 17, closed from step 24, outside from step 27. The partners skate different steps. 32 steps and 56 beats to one pattern.

The steps are in the rulebook's own notation: foot, direction and edge, with Pr for a progressive, Ch for a chassé, SwR for a swing roll, XB and XF for a cross step behind or in front, 3 for a three turn, CSt and SSt for C and S steps, Op for open and Cl for closed. From the step chart in US Figure Skating's 2026-27 rulebook.

The Argentine Tango is a fast, travelling dance on strong edges, and US Figure Skating asks for real élan with no visible pushing. It opens in open hold with progressive and chassé sequences, then a cross behind with a change of edge on step 9 and a counter for the lead partner on step 10 bring the couple into closed hold.

The rulebook singles out the follow partner’s twizzle-like rotation on step 23, skated hip to hip while the lead partner turns a swing open S step, and the closing run of five cross rolls in outside hold, the last held for three beats.

British Ice Skating lists it at National 8, where it is one of five dances to choose from. US Figure Skating tests it at Gold.

Appears in