Personal Hygiene - An Art and a Ritual of Tango Etiquette

Fumando Espero, OTV, 1927, Rosita Quiroga

All attendees of events and classes hosted by Tangobug.com must observe these policy guidelines.
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Just like in life, personal hygiene is important in tango. It can have a pleasant or unpleasant effect on the partners we embrace. To many tango dancers, personal hygiene is elevated to an art and a ritual.

As we enjoy dancing tango, we want to create a pleasant experience for our dance partner. A person may find it difficult to dance if their partner emanates objectionable odours, or lacks in other aspects of personal hygiene. Sensitivities and allergies should also be considered as they may have adverse effects on a person’s well-being. 
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Dancers establish certain behavioural routines which take place before, during and after dance activities.

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Very Important:

• Skip dance events and classes if you’re contagious with a cold or flu.
• Wash your hands frequently, and always after using the washroom, blowing your nose or containing a cough.

Before dancing:

• Thoroughly shower and wash up.
• Brush teeth.
• Use deodorant.
• Avoid perfumes and fragrances.
• Avoid strong smelling foods like garlic and cabbage.
• Wear clean, freshly washed clothing.
• Bring a second fresh shirt if you tend to sweat a lot.

A Note for Smokers

• You may not notice that smoke lingers, but non-smokers do notice.
• Wear clothing that is not tainted with smoke odour. This might impossible if you have a habit of smoking in enclosed spaces, like your car or home.
• Maintain a fresh breath by brushing teeth, mouth rinses and mints before and during dance events.

During dancing activities:

• Maintain a fresh breath (mints, mouth rinse, brushing teeth, etc.).
• Change into a fresh shirt during the activity if you’re sweating a lot.
• Have a hanky ready if you can for wiping sweat or to contain a sneeze or cough.
• Take a break and socialize while cooling off.
• Men should wear shirts that cover the armpits. Also, traditionally, men dance in long pants, not shorts.
• Women wearing spaghetti straps, avoid deodorants that leave a mark of your partner’s clothing, and keep the armpits as dry as possible.