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Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and

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DOI: 10.22713/JT2019003

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Original Article Journal of Tango, Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019, pp.19~32 ISSN 2636-1663 01

Journal of Tango
Official Journal of Korea Tango Therapy Association (KTTA) 01
Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic
Characteristics

Youngsoon Koh1, Yoonchul Hur2*, Geunwoong Noh3**

1. Medical Tango, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province,
2. Tango School, Seoul,
3. Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center, Cheju Halla General Hospital, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Korea
* Co-corresponding author: Yoonchul Hur, Tango School (Sinsa), Yonhap Bld B1, Jamwon-dong 13-10, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06524, Korea; E-mail:
neohan3@hanmail.net
** Corresponding author: Geunwoong Noh, Department of Allergy, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center, Cheju Halla General Hospital, Doreongno
65, Jeju-si Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 63127, Korea, Tel: +82-64-740-5064; Fax: +82-64-743-3110; E-mail: admyth@naver.com

ABSTRACT KEYWORDS
Argentine tango (tango) is used clinically for therapeutic purposes. However, tango can be Tango Posture,
applied just as a dance or as a kind of exercise. The analysis of the unique characteristics of tango Tango Stance,
Tango, Tango Therapy,
stance and posture was analysed according to functional anatomy to obtain more effects by tango Basic Tango Element
therapy. The study was conducted at Tango School (Tango Studio in Seoul, Korea), which is well
equipped for tango lessons. Two tango masters and two tango experts (an expert in tango medicine
and a medical doctor) participated in the precise analysis and description of tango posture and
stance. General descriptions of tango posture were translated into a medical description. The results
were obtained through the consensus of all participants. The upper body alignment for the tango
posture and the standard methods of the tango stance were deduced. Thereafter, the tango posture ACCEPTANCE INFO
was finally determined. In this article, an analysis of the unique characteristics of tango posture and Received Feb 27, 2019
stance is conducted, and the scientific rationale for why tango is beneficial for health even when Accepted Mar 15, 2019
only the tango posture and stance are used is suggested 10.22713/JT2019003

1. Introduction understand the nature and essence of tango, and the

analysis of the unique characteristics of tango according
to the functional anatomical kinematics is absolutely
Argentine tango (tango) is used clinically for
necessary [4].
therapeutic purposes. However, tango is applied in
Recently, the tango terminology was defined for
dance as a kind of exercise [1]. Dance itself involves
the standardization of descriptions for tango therapy
complex whole-body movements through space
[5], and the basic elements of tango are also listed [6].
synchronized to music [2]. Tango is a couple dance
Posture and stance are the first basic tango elements.
and a dance together with a partner. However, before
In this article, an analysis of the unique characteristics
someone dances with a partner, assuming the correct
of tango posture and stance was conducted, and the
posture and stance are important conditions for many
scientific rationale for why tango is beneficial for
reasons.
health even considering only the tango posture and
Tango movements seem to have many unique
stance is suggested.
figures and be complicated [3]. To gain more effects
through tango therapy, it is very important to

19
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics
2. Methods of Analysis
1) Studio setting
Tango School (Tango Studio in Seoul, Korea) was
used for the analysis of tango stance and posture. The
facility is well equipped for tango lessons, with wood
floors and controls for proper temperature and humidity.
2) Participants
The participants included two tango masters who
won a championship in an Asian tango competition
and two tango experts whose expertise was guaranteed
by the tango masters and by their careers in tango
instruction and performance. Because it is very
important to define the standard of tango posture and
stance, a tango master’s description and explanation is
an absolute requisite.
To bridge the knowledge gap between the
descriptions of tango and medicine, an expert in tango
medicine who had published several specialized articles
on the topic of tango medicine also participated in this
study. In addition, a medical doctor who also had a
career in tango instruction and performance participated
in the precise and exact analysis and description of
tango posture and stance.
3) Analysis of tango posture and stance
The tango masters and tango experts addressed and
explained concepts as they normally did during tango
lessons. The tango medicine expert and medical doctor
translated their explanations and descriptions medically
from the functional anatomical viewpoint after they
reached a consensus.
General descriptions of tango posture and stance in
the tango lesson were sequentially listed as normally
done by the tango masters and tango experts in their
lessons. These descriptions were translated into
medical descriptions by the tango medicine expert and
medical doctor. The medical descriptions were also
reconfirmed by the tango masters and the tango experts.
The results were obtained with the consensus of all
participants (tango masters, tango experts, tango
medicine expert and medical doctor who is also a tango
expert).
20 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
3. Results
Ⅰ. Definition of terms for the
description of tango posture
and stance
Tango is a dance. To describe the tango stance,
posture, figures and movements, the definition of
several unique terms is critical for an exact, detailed,
scientific and systemic description.
⦁Body axis is the line from the top of the head to
the coccyx through the vertebral column.
⦁Weight axis is the imaginary line drawn from the
vector of body weight in the direction of gravity.
⦁Weight limb (Wt limb) is a limb that mainly or
fully supports the body weight.
⦁Free limb (Free limb) is a limb that does not
support the body weight and is free to move
anytime and towards any direction.
⦁Deep step is a term for the step that presses the
ground with more pressure as with greater gravity.
Ⅱ. Alignment of the upper
body for the tango posture
Tango posture based on the right healthy upright
position. In tango lessons, tango posture is explained
with respect to the axial system, neck, head, back,
abdomen, chest and shoulder with sequential
respiration.
1) Axial system (vertebral column)
In the proper tango posture, the axial system is
mentioned first. The correct erection of the vertebral
column may be the first step for tango posture.
2) Back
In the next step to the axial system, back muscles
contract to provide firm support for the tango posture.
In the tango posture, the back becomes a core of the
total position. The back muscles contract tightly to
maintain the firmness of the trunk. In particular, the
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
posterior area of the waist is the core of the entire
tango posture.
3) Abdomen and lateral trunk
Muscles of the anterolateral trunk are contracted to
the posterior direction of the vertebrae. These muscles
contract towards the back and keep the body axis more
firm, especially in the tango posture.
4) Chest and shoulder and respiration
In tango posture, a comfortable status is recommended
rather than forced full expiration or forced full inspiration,
which are not recommended.
5) Neck
A forward head posture and protracted position of
the craniocervical region should be avoided in tango
posture. “Turtle neck” or hyperextension of the neck is
prohibited.
6) Head Positioning
Protraction and retraction of the cranium is
prohibited in the tango posture. The head should be
positioned on the neck lightly and comfortably without
too much rigidity. The eye line is made by gazing
forward and downward slightly.
Ⅲ. Tango Stance
The tango stance is also sequentially performed as
described below. Ultimately, achieving the correct
tango stance involves assuming the accurate, expert
tango stance. This goal is accomplished gradually from
the beginner stage to the expert stage in a stepwise
fashion.
1) One-limb weight support
In the tango stance, the first step is to stand on one
limb (Wt limb) while setting the other limbs free from
weight support (free limb). The free limb is attached
to the Wt limb lightly without space. With one limb
supporting the body weight, one should maintain
balance stably without wobbling. The angle of the gait
is retained at that of the normal gait, and the base of
the gait becomes zero. In the tango stance, one stands
according to the landmark and axes of the normal
healthy stance.
2) Tension of the free limb
In tango, the participant tightly pinches his or her
thighs and legs together. For advanced tango stance
level 1, adduction and a deep step performed with the
Wt limb are recommended.
3) Flexion of both limbs
For stability of the stance, the knee joint is flexed.
4) Pronation of the free limb
The more expert process involves pronation of the
free limb.
5) Flexion of both limbs with pronation
of the free limb
The next step is the flexion of both limbs with
pronation of the free limbs. For the advanced tango
stance at this level, adduction and a deep step
performed with the Wt limb are recommended.
6) Pinching of the thigh and legs with
flexion of the knee joint and pronation
of the free limb
Ⅳ. Tango Posture
Tango posture consists of alignment of the upper
body and the tango stance. The upper body should be
aligned correctly, and one should take the stance as
described above.
The participant makes the body axis of the
imaginary line from the top of the head to the soles
of the feet be the same as the healthy right-standing
posture. However, flexion of the knee joint occurs
frequently in the tango posture. Additionally, with the
flexion of the knee joint, the imaginary line should
21
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics
also be drawn from the same initial point to the ending
point.
The forward head posture or protraction of the
cranium and tilting of the pelvic joint are prohibited in
the frontal and lateral views.
The body axis slightly inclines forward, and there
is a small angle between the body axis and the weight
axis, which is very important in the tango posture
because it produces tension between the leader and
follower.
The alignment and contraction of the upper body
muscles in the tango posture should always be
maintained even in the flexion stance.
4. Discussion
Tango posture and stance are theoretically very
simple. However, they are very complex from the
anatomical viewpoint. Additionally, the tango posture
is consistent with the healthy posture, and the tango
stance has exercise effects from the functional
anatomical viewpoint.
Ⅰ. Alignment of the upper
body for tango posture
Tango posture is based on the correct healthy
upright position. During tango lessons, the tango
posture is explained as a sequence of the axial system,
neck, head, back, abdomen, chest and shoulder, along
with respiration.
1) Axial system (vertebral column)
For correct upper body alignment for the tango
posture, the axial system is mentioned first. Correct
erection of the vertebral column may be the first step
for the tango posture. Anatomically, the axial system
consists of the head, neck, rib cage and vertebral
column [7]. In the tango posture, the vertebral
column-including 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic
vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, and the sacrum and
coccyx-is vertically aligned like that in the healthy
posture, with proper lordosis and kyphosis.
This correct, healthy erection of the vertebral
column can be accomplished by sequentially using
22 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
muscles such as the deep erector spinae group, more
superficial erector spinae group and paraspinae erector
group, sequentially [8]. The deep erector spinae group
consists of the multifidus, levator costae brevis, levator
costae longus, intertransversarius, interspinalis, rotator
longus and rotator brevis. In the neck area, the
semispinalis, multifidus, rotator longs and rotator
brevis are involved. The more superficial erector
spinae group includes the semispinalis cervicis,
semispinalis capitis and semispinalis thoracis. The
paraspinae erector group includes the longissimus
capitis, longissimus thoracis, spinalis cervicis, spinalis
thoracis, iliocostalis cervicis, iliocostalis thoracis,
iliocostalis lumborum. The spinalis, longissimus and
iliocostalis become the important parts of the common
tendon of the back.
2) Back
After proper erection of the spine, the back
muscles contract to provide firm support for the tango
posture. In the tango posture, back muscles play a
central role. In particular, the back area of the waist is
the core of the whole tango posture. The common
tendon made by attachment of the erector spinae
consists of the median sacral crests, spinous processes
and supraspinous ligaments in the lower thoracic and
entire lumbar regions, iliac crest, sacrotuberous and
sacroiliac ligament, gluteus maximus and multifidus
[7].
Back muscles are grouped as the superficial layer,
intermediate layer and deep layer [8]. The deep layer
consists of the erector spinae group (spinalis, longissimus,
intercostalis), a transversospinal group (semispinalis
muscles and multifidi, rotators) and a short segmental
group (interspinalis muscles and intertransversarius
muscles). Intermediate layer muscles consist of the
serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior.
The superficial layer muscles are the trapezium,
latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, levator scapular and serratus
anterior.
These back muscles contract firmly to maintain the
firmness of the trunk. The back area of the waist is the
core of the whole tango posture [9].
3) Abdomen and lateral trunk
With the firm support by the back muscles, the
muscles of the anterior-lateral trunk are contracted to
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh

the posterior direction of the vertebrae. These muscles region. The highly active and stressed muscles are depicted in
brighter red.
contract towards the back and more firmly maintain
the body axis, especially in the tango posture. Muscles
of the anterior-lateral trunk consist of the rectus 6) Head positioning
abdominis, oblique externus abdominis, oblique
In the tango posture, it is recommended to position
internus abdominus and transversus abdominis [7].
the head lightly on the cervical spine on a well-aligned
These muscles contract towards the back and maintain
vertebral column and to position the head on the neck
the body axis more firmly, especially in the tango
comfortably without excessive firmness. The eye line
posture. Additional muscles that play a role in the
is made by gazing forward and downward slightly.
tango posture are the iliopsoas and quadratus
Therefore, the participant sees downward.
lumborum. These also support the firm tango posture.
The head position is supported by the suboccipital
muscles, including the oblique capitis superior, oblique
4) Chest and shoulder and respiration capitis inferior, rectus capitis lateralis, rectus capitis
anterior, rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis posterior
The comfortable condition is recommended in
minor, and rectus capitis posterior major [7].
tango. Therefore, in the tango posture, a comfortable
Protraction and retraction of the cranium, which is
status of breathing is recommended rather than forced
not healthy for the cervical area, is prohibited in the
full expiration or forced full inspiration.
tango posture (Fig. 2) [8]. During protraction of the
cranium, the lower-to-middle cervical spine flexes as
5) Neck the upper craniocervical region extends. The distance
between the C1 and C2 spinous processes is narrowed.
A natural but healthy posture of the neck is In contrast, during retraction of the cranium, the
recommended for the tango posture. A forward head lower-to-middle cervical spine extends as the upper
posture and a retracted position of the craniocervical craniocervical region flexes. The distance between the
region should be avoided. Turtle neck or hyperextension C1 and C2 spinous processes is widened.
of the neck, which is also harmful to health, is
prohibited. This area is controlled by the muscles of
the anterior-lateral craniocervical region.
Muscles of the anterior-lateral craniocervical region
are the sternocleidomastoid muscles, scalene muscles
(scalenus anterior, scalenus medius, scalenus posterior),
longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior and
rectus capitis lateralis [7].
A chronic forward head posture and a retracted
position of the craniocervical region should be avoided
for correct healthy posture of the neck in the tango
posture, as in the normal healthy posture (Fig. 1) Figure 2. Protraction and retraction of the cranium. A. During
the protraction of the cranium, the lower-to-middle cervical spine
flexes as the upper craniocervical region extends. B, During
retraction of the cranium, in contrast, the lower-to-middle
cervical spine extends as the upper craniocervical region flexes.
Note the change in distance between the C1 and C2 spinous
processes during the two movements.

The vectors of muscle contraction are consequently

the backward and upward directions, and the back of
the waist is the core of the tango posture, which is
Figure 1. Neck Position. A, Four muscles act as guy wires to centred on the common tendon.
maintain ideal posture within the craniocervical regions. B, The
protracted position of the craniocervical region places greater
stress on the levator scapula and semispinalis capitis muscles.
The rectus capitis posterior major-one of the suboccipital
muscles-is shown actively extending the upper craniocervical

23
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics

Ⅱ. Tango Stance
The purpose of the couple dance is for the
participants to move together according to the music
[2]. One participant becomes the leader, and the other
becomes the follower, that is, the two dancers are
synchronized by giving and taking signs and moving
together along with the music on basis of the leader’s
intension [10]. The leader makes and conveys a sign
of movement to the follower. One lower limb of both
the leader and follower is always ready to move
because the leader moves on the basis of his or her
intension, and the follower moves by reacting to the
given sign of movement from the leader. Figure 3. Natural eversion of the foot with the ankle joint in the
Normally a human stands and supports his or her normal stance. Normally, a natural eversion of the foot at the
ankle joint is present (a=3°) in the normal stance due to the
body weight with the two lower limbs for most of the anatomical structure. (Modified from Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the
time [7]. In tango as well as other couple dances, the musculoskeletal system, 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby Elseviers, 2010.
[7])
first and the most different point from the normal
stance is that one limb mainly supports the body
The neutral position is the natural comfortable
weight (weight limb, Wt limb) and the other limb is
position that arises from the anatomical structure. In
ready to move in any direction freely (free limb). The
the frontal view, coxa is present as 125°, and the
first characteristic of the tango stance is to support the
centre-edge angle of the acetabulum is 35° [7]. In the
body weight with one limb.
frontal view, the acetabular anteversion angle is 20°,
and the normal angle of torsion (anteversion) between
Landmarks, axes and indicators for the the neck and shaft of the femur is 15°. Because of
normal stance these characteristics of the anatomical structure, the
femur is inclined to the medial side, and the base of
The anterior-posterior vertical axis of the normal the gait and angle of the gait are present in the normal
stance is a vertical mechanical axis [7]. The gait and stance.
mechanical axis is the line from the anterior superior The gait angle is the angle between the long axis
iliac spine through the neck of the femur head and the at the foot and the line of progression [7]. In the
centre of the patella to the anterior-posterior axis of neutral position, the gait angle is 10° naturally in
the foot [8]. normal stepping due to anatomical structure of the
The anterior-posterior horizontal axis of the foot in pelvis and lower limbs (Fig. 4). The gait base is the
normal stepping is from the 2nd toe to the centre of the distance between the medial aspects of the heels and
calcaneus bone (which is compatible with the position 2.5-5cm in the normal gait. Due to the distance of
of 3rd toe) [7]. Normally, natural eversion of the foot both pelvic joints, the femur is inclined into the medial
in the ankle joint is present (=3°) in the normal side.
stance due to the anatomical structure (Fig. 3).

24 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019

 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
Figure 4. Normal angle of gait and base of gait. The gait angle
is the angle between the long axis at the foot and the line of
progression. In the neutral position, the angle of gait is 10°
naturally during normal stepping due to the anatomical structure
of the pelvis and lower limbs. The base of gait is the distance
between the medial aspects of the heels and 5-10 cm in the
normal gait.
Tango stance
The tango stance is sequentially performed.
Ultimately, to assume the correct tango stance is to
achieve the accurate and expert tango stance. This goal
is accomplished gradually from beginner to expert
status in a stepwise fashion.
1) One limb weight support
In the tango stance, the first step is to stand with
one limb (Wt limb) with setting the other limbs free
from weight support (free limb). The free limb is only
attached to the Wt limb lightly without space. With
one-limb support of the body weight, one should keep
balance stably without wobbling. According to gravity
and muscle control, the vertical vector is produced,
especially in the Wt limb (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. For the tango stance, one should stand with one limb
(Wt limb). The vertical vector is produced in the Wt limb. The
free limb is comfortably placed beside the Wt limb. (Modified
from Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system,
2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby Elseviers, 2010. [7])
Extension of the leg is produced mainly by the
quadriceps muscle [8]. The four heads of the muscle
insert upon the patella and are continued from this to
the tibial tuberosity by the patellar ligament, which is,
in actuality, the tendon insertion of the quadriceps
muscle and plays a role of the active extension at the
knee against gravity. The gastrocnemius is primarily a
plantar flexor at the ankle and it helps to extend the
leg when the leg is supporting weight. However, when
the leg is free, it help to flex the leg.
⦁Angle of gait and base of gait
The gait angle is maintained as in the normal gait.
However, the base of the gait is zero in the tango
stance.
⦁Stepping
First, one stands with one limb (Wt limb). During
this stance, one’s foot is placed on the ground
using the ball of the foot and heel according to the
anterior-posterior long axis of the foot [7].
Accordingly, the ball of the foot and heel are the
main weight-supporting points. However, even in
the dual stance in the normal stance, the stance
with the ball of the foot and heel is also
recommended for the healthy stance. Functionally
and anatomically, the weight pressure is distributed
to the heel and ball.
⦁Strengthening of the muscles of a lower limb
A Wt limb should support the body weight, which
is normally supported by two limbs, and thus,
25
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics
more muscular strength is absolutely necessary.
Therefore, just by assuming the tango stance, the
participant gains the effects of exercise and
strengthening of the lower limbs.
⦁Strengthening of the medial side muscles of a
lower limb
The single-limb stance in the tango stance requires
more strength of the medial side muscles of the
lower limbs than the dual stance in the normal
stance because one should keep balance with one
limb. The tango stance itself results in the
strengthening of the medial side muscles.
⦁Adduction of the free limb
To attach the free limb to the Wt limb without an
intervening space, the gait base is zero using
adductors of the thigh in the free limb. If not
performing a tight pinch, just positioning both of
the lower limbs without an intervening space
requires concentric contraction of adductors and
eccentric contraction of abductors as well as
isotonic contraction and isometric contraction of
the whole lower limb[8].
⦁At the advanced level, one performs adduction of
the Wt limb and deep stepping. These factors make
the body weight more stable. Additionally, these
factors lead to the contraction of the medial side
muscles of the lower limb.
⦁Medical and therapeutic viewpoint
(1) Strengthening of lower limb muscles. A Wt
limb should support the body weight, which is
normally supported by two limbs, and thus,
more muscular strength is absolutely necessary.
Therefore, just by assuming the tango stance,
the participant gains the effects of exercise and
strengthening of the lower limbs.
(2) Strengthening of the medial side muscles of a
lower limb.
(3) Balancing. The stance with one limb needs a
greater balancing sense (along with maintenance
of consistent tone) as well as greater muscle
strength because the limb is supporting two
times the weight of that with dual limb
support. In clinical fields, the one limb stance
is used as a vestibular function test.
26 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
2) Creating tension of free limbs
As a second level, one tightly pinches the thigh
and leg of the free limb together. The horizontal vector
may be produced (Fig. 6).
Figure 6. The participant pinches the thigh and leg of the free
limb tightly together. The horizontal vector was developed in the
free limb, in addition to the vertical vector of the Wt limb. A, B,
Directions of vectors. C, D, E, Adductor muscles
The adductor muscles from an anteromedial group
are primarily adductors, flexors, and rotators at the hip
joint [8]. The pectineus is sometimes included with
this group. The more superficial adductor muscles are
the adductor longus and the gracilis; the deeper ones
are the adductor brevis, the adductor magnus and the
obturator externus. The nerve of the adductor group is
the obturator nerve. The adductor of the thigh include
the pectineus, the adductors longus and brevis and the
obturator portion of the magnus. Other adductors of
the thigh include the gluteus maximus, quadratus
femoris, obturator externus, the hamstring, including
the sciatic part of the adductor magnus, and the
gracilis.
⦁At the advanced level, one performs adduction of
the Wt limb and deep stepping. These factors make
the body weight more stable. Additionally, these
factors lead to the contraction of the medial side
muscles of the lower limb.
⦁Medical and therapeutic viewpoint
(1) Strengthening of the medial muscles of the
lower limbs of the thigh and legs.
(2) Concentric, eccentric, isotonic and isometric
contraction of both lower limbs.
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
3) Flexion of both lower limbs
The next step is flexion of both lower limbs (Fig.
7). Flexion of the lower limbs is similar to squatting
in exercise [7]. However, in the flexion of both lower
limbs, one limb only bears the weight in the tango
stance.
Figure 7. Flexion of both lower limbs in the tango stance. In the
tango stance, one supports his or her body weight with one limb
(Wt limb), which is different from how one supports his or her
body weight with both limbs in the normal stance. Flexion itself
adds more weight to bear even during weight bearing with two
limbs. During the flexion of both limbs in the tango stance, the
Wt limb bears much more weight than the weight borne in the
normal stance as well as the weight borne by two limbs during
squatting. (Modified from Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the
musculoskeletal system, 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby Elseviers, 2010.
[7])
With one-limb support in the tango posture, the Wt
limb bears two-times the body weight than the weight
supported by both limbs. Flexion also adds to the
weight borne by the supporting limb. The flexion of
both limbs in the tango posture adds much more
weight for the Wt limb to bear. This position requires
a greater strength of the weight-bearing limb than the
strength in the normal stance as well as than the
strength required for squatting with weight bearing by
two limbs.
Flexion of the leg is brought about largely by the
semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris,
gracilis, and satorius [8]. The long head of the biceps
is said to function as a flexor only until the knee is
semi-flexed, becoming relaxed as flexion is carried
further. In addition to these muscles of the thigh, there
are also muscles of the calf of the leg that extend
across the knee joint and have a flexor action here.
These are the gastrocnemius, plantaris, and especially
the popliteus. The popliteus is a weak flexor. Although
it contracts at the beginning of flexion, its real
contribution is probably that of rotation of the leg at
the knee in preparation for flexion. The popliteus also
helps to stabilize the knee (when standing with the
knee bent) by resisting forward movement of the
femur on the tibia. In the weight-bearing limb, with
the foot fixed, flexion at the knee can occur only when
three is also flexion at the hip and dorsiflexion at the
ankle. The gluteus maximus, in extending the
weight-bearing limb, helps also to extend the leg or
keep it extended. And the gastrocnemius and soleus,
muscles of the leg that plantar flex the foot, have a
similar action as they resist dorsiflexion or promote
plantar flexion of the foot. Tensor may be contracting
during, extension to help stabilize the joint.
The alignment of the upper body for the tango
posture should be maintained. The body axis and the
weight axis should be kept similar to those in the
posture without flexion. The vertical vector of the Wt
limb and the horizontal vector of the free limb should
also be maintained Flexion of the hip joint and
dorsiflexion of the ankle joint should occur concurrently
to keep these points as well as the alignment of the
upper body for the tango posture.
⦁At the advanced level, one performs adduction of
the Wt limb and deep stepping. These factors make
the body weight more stable. Additionally, these
factors lead to the contraction of the medial side
muscles of the lower limb.
⦁Medical and therapeutic viewpoint
In addition to the medical and therapeutic effects
described above, the following are achieved:
(1) Considerable effects of squatting with the tango
stance while keeping the tango posture,
(2) Training of balancing by this stance and
(3) Strengthening of the involved muscles for squatting.
4) Pronation of the free limb
The further advance in the tango stance is the
pronation of the free limb (Fig. 8). The manner of the
relevant muscular contraction and the structure of the
vector are changed with the pronation of the foot of
the free limb. Through this process, the diameter of the
imaginary supporting surface becomes wider and
larger, which gives stability of balance and supports
the body weight.
27
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics
Figure 8. Pronation of the foot of the free lower limb in the
tango stance. The foot of the free limb is pronated. The manner
of the relevant muscular contraction and the structure of the
vector are changed with pronation of the foot of the free limb.
Through this process, the diameter of the imaginary supporting
surface becomes wider and larger, which provides stability of
balance and support of body weight. (Modified from Neumann DA.
Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system, 2nd ed. St Louis:
Mosby Elseviers, 2010. [7])
5) Flexion of both the Wt limb and pronated
free limb
The next step is flexion of the Wt limb and
pronated free limb (Fig. 9). The vector of the pronated
free limb is changed by flexion, which is different
from the stance without pronation of the foot. Accordingly,
the manner of the relevant muscular contraction and
the structure of the vector are changed more with
flexion in addition to the pronation of the foot of the
free limb.
Figure 9. Flexion of the Wt limb and pronated free limb. The
vector of the pronated free limb is changed by flexion. The
manner of the relevant muscular contraction and the structure of
the vector are changed more with flexion in addition to the
pronation of the foot of the free limb. A, Directions of vectors, B,
C, D. Schematic diagrams of the vectors and imaginary diameters
of columns
28 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
6) Pinching of the thigh and legs with
flexion of the knee joint and pronation
of the free limb
The participant tightly pinches his or her thighs
and legs together. Strong adduction of both thighs is
also necessary (Fig. 10). The manner of the relevant
muscular contraction and the structure of vector are
changed completely with the pronation of the foot of
the free limb, flexion of the knee, and the pinching of
both limbs from those in the normal stance. The vector
may be Y to X shaped, pivoting the knee joint as the
centre of the vector.
Figure 10. Pinching of both lower limbs with flexion and
pronated free limbs. The manner of the relevant muscular
contraction and the structure of the vector are changed
completely with pronation of the foot of the free limb, flexion of
the knee, and the pinching of both limbs from those in the
normal stance. Not only does the diameter of the imaginary
supporting surface become wider and larger, which provides
stability of balance and supports the body weight by pronation,
but the stability of support also becomes firmer by the pinching
of both limbs. A, Directions of vectors. B, C, D, E, Schematic
diagrams of the vectors and imaginary diameters of columns
These two limbs create a column more firmly,
although one limb supports the body weight. Not only
does the diameter of the imaginary supporting surface
become wider and larger, which gives stability of
balance and supports the body weight by pronation,
but the stability of support also becomes firmer by the
pinching of both limbs together (Fig. 10). Moreover,
the tight pinching of the thigh and legs makes a
substantially more stable solid spindle. In this aspect
of the tango stance, the stability of the stance is
greatly increased, and all artistic tango figures become
possible.
⦁Medical and therapeutic viewpoint
In addition to the medical and therapeutic effects
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
described above, the following are achieved:
(1) Considerable effects of squatting by this tango
stance while maintaining the tango posture.
(2) Training of balancing by this stance.
(3) Strengthening of the involved muscles.
(3) Strengthening of the medial muscles of the lower
limbs of the thigh and legs more effectively
than in the previous step.
(4) More powerful concentric, eccentric, isotonic
and isometric contractions of both lower limbs
than those in the previous step.
This process of the tango stance is accomplished
sequentially by training. The sequence is also the same
as that for expert dancing at higher levels.
Ⅲ. Tango posture
The posture and stance for tango are very
important for the exact signal transduction and
communication between the couple [6]. Generally, a
man plays the role of the leader and a woman follows.
The leading man is called ‘tanguero’ and the following
woman is called ‘tanguera’ [5].
In tango, both inter-signal transduction, which is
the signal exchange between the leader and follower,
and intra-signal transduction, which is the transmission
of the signal from one part of body to the other parts
of the body, exist.
Functionally and anatomically, the upper body
produces the signal of movement by the leader or
receives the delivered signal from the leader to the
follower. The waist is the mediator of the signal
transmission from the upper body to the pelvis and
lower limb. The pelvis receives the transmitted signal
first and directly from the waist. The pelvis reacts to
the signal as the movement of the basic and major
direction and the degree of movement, and
subsequently, the signal is expressed by the lower
limbs as the more detailed and decorated movement,
as shown in Fig. F11A.
The pathways of signal transduction travel from the
upper body through the waist to the pelvis and lower
limb (intra-signal transduction). The signal is produced
by or delivered through the upper body, and the
produced or delivered signal is transmitted through the
waist. The transmitted signal through the waist is
expressed as the 1st major basic movement by the
pelvis first and the 2nd detail and decorated movement
by the lower limb (Fig. F11A).
A. Roles of the body parts in tango and Intra-signal transduction
pathway
B. Inter-signal transduction by holding
Figure 11. The functional anatomical roles of the parts of the
body in tango. A, Functionally and anatomically, the upper body
produces the signal of movement by the leader or receives the
delivered signal from the leader to follower. The waist is the
mediator of the signal transmission from the upper body to the
pelvis and lower limb. The pelvis receives the transmitted signal
first and directly from the waist. The pelvis reacts to the signal
as the movement of the basic and major direction and the
degree of movement, and subsequently, the signal is expressed
by the lower limbs as the more detailed and decorated movement,
the so-called figure. The signals are transmitted from the upper
body through the waist to the pelvis and lower limb (intra-signal
transduction). B, In tango, the signal produced by the leader is
transduced by the upper body mediated by holding between the
leader and follower through the contact points of the hand and
upper arms (inter-signal transduction).
In tango, the signal produced by the leader is
transduced by the upper body mediated by holding
between the leader and follower through the contact
points of the hand and upper arms (inter-signal
transduction). In the body, the signal is produced by
the leader in the upper body and delivered to the
follower through the upper body (Fig. F11B).
The tango is created as a dance through the signal
production according to the music, the signal delivery
and receipt and the reaction to the signal as the artistic
expression. For these, the 1st and most important
aspect is the posture.
The upper body, which produces or delivers the
signal, is aligned correctly. The stance is created with
29
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics
the pelvis and lower limbs, which are expressed by
reacting to the transmitted signal. Synthetically, the
tango posture is linked by the waist, which transmits
the signal from the upper body. Consequently, the
tango posture and stance involve the alignment of the
upper body for the tango posture, the tango stance, and
the resultant correct posture, including the pelvis.
The posture and stance of tango are not special and
are based on the correct and healthy normal anatomical
posture and stance. Normal upright posture relies on
accurately determining the orientation of the support
surface with respect to gravity [12-14].
Tango posture maintains the alignment of the upper
body, as described above. The connecting part is the
pelvic joint. To maintain the alignment of the upper
body, the pelvic joint becomes flexed, and lumbar
lordosis should be maintained during the movement or
the change of height in the tango stance. The real
postural status and the status that one feels are
different. For example, one feels that his or her upper
body is upright with the correct posture, and his body
frequently leans posteriorly with anterior tilting of the
pelvic joint. In contrast, the beginner feels that his or
her buttocks jut out even in the right posture and
stance. Therefore, one should see his or her posture
and shape through a whole body mirror or will need
coaching from a tango therapist. However, there is
some inclination in the tango posture stance compared
with the upright posture in the normal posture and
stance due to tension between the two.
Tango posture begins with alignment of the upper
body and tango stance, which creates a body axis
involving the imaginary line from the top of the head
to the sole of the foot. The tango posture is the same
as the healthy right standing posture. Sometimes, one
flexes the knee joint in the tango posture. During the
flexion of the knee joint, the imaginary line is also
drawn from the same initial point to the ending point.
The body axis inclines forward slightly, and there
is a small angle between the body axis and the weight
axis. Anatomically, the body axis from the lateral view
is the line drawn from the top of head, passing
through the mastoid process, second sacral vertebrae,
hip joint, and knee joint and to the ankle (talocrural
joint) (Fig. 12). In the tango posture and stance, the
body axis creates a small angle from the weight axis
(line of gravity) as in the normal stance and posture
[7]. In the tango posture, this axis is described in more
detail. Basically, the weight axis is placed on the
metatarsophalangeal joint just anterior to the ankle
30 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
joint, although the body axis passes through the centre
of the ankle joint to the cross between the short axis,
which is made from the lateral and the medial
malleolus, and the long axis, which is made from the
centre of the calcaneus bone to the 2nd toe of the foot.
Figure F12. The body axis and weight axis in the tango stance
are the same as those in the normal stance. Anatomically, the
body axis in the lateral view is the line drawn from the top of
the head and through the mastoid process, second sacral
vertebrae, hip joint, and knee joint to the ankle (talocrural joint)
The body axis inclines forward slightly, and there is a small
angle between the body axis and the weight axis in the tango
posture. (Modified from Neumann DA. Kinesiology of the
musculoskeletal system, 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby Elseviers, 2010.
[7])
In the tango posture and stance, the forward
inclination of the body axis is necessary to produce
tension between the leader and follower during holding
to dance.
The alignment and the contraction of muscles of
the upper body for the tango posture should always be
maintained as described above. When one flexes the
knee joint, to maintain the alignment of the upper
body for the tango posture and to keep the weight axis
for the tango stance, one automatically flexes the hip
joint and dorsiflexes the ankle joint together. The
pelvic joint or knee joint does not flex alone with
bending of the body axis during the tango posture and
stance.
The forwarded head posture or protraction of the
cranium makes the diameter of rotation during round
movement or turning around the weight axis, such as
giro or ocho, which is the figure of round movement
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
in tango [5, 6, 10]. In this condition, the round
movement sways along the irregular circle.
Additionally, protraction of the cranium makes the
holding posture uncomfortable and unnatural, which
results in ineffective signal transduction between the
leader and follower as well as poor dancing shapes.
The pelvic joint should not tilt anteriorly or
posteriorly (Fig. 13), similar to the case with the
normal healthy posture. The line between the anterior
superior iliac spine and the symphysis pubis should be
vertical and parallel to the body axis.
Figure F13. The right pelvic posture in the tango posture.
Anterior or posterior tilting is prohibited. Common postural
deviations are illustrated. (Modified from Neumann DA. Kinesiology
of the musculoskeletal system, 2nd ed. St Louis: Mosby Elseviers,
2010. [7])
Therapeutic application of tango posture
and stance
From the viewpoints of every aspect of tango
posture and stance, concentric, eccentric, isometric and
isotonic contractions occur continuously to maintain
the tango posture and stance. Therefore, tango posture
and stance by themselves are important physiotherapeutic
modalities for illness prevention and health promotion
as well as for the rehabilitation of neurologic diseases.
Even the maintenance of normal upright posture,
which involves the combination of phasic and tonic
neuromuscular processes, is essential in some pathologies,
such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), which is known by
one of its cardinal symptoms-tonic dysfunction [18].
Tango posture and stance are important methods for
the rehabilitation of neurologic disease.
In tango posture and stance, postural control is a
sustained contraction produced by a descending tonic
drive from tonigenic sub-cortical structures, as in the
normal posture and stance [15]. Numerous brainstem
regions are thought to be involved in these tonic
neuromuscular processes, including mesopontine
regions that have connectivity to the spinal cord, the
basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cortical sensorimotor
areas such as M1 and the supplementary motor area
[16, 17]. Basal ganglia-brainstem-spinal pathways are
also involved in the regulation of postural tone and
locomotion [16, 18, 19]. Specifically, pathways from
the substantia nigra pars reticulata to the pedunculopontine
tegmental nucleus participate in regulating postural
tone.
By correct carriage (body pose), the correct tango
begins. In cases of incorrect posture and stance, the
tango movement cannot be artistic and healthy.
Therefore, simply assuming the correct posture and
stance of tango may yield therapeutic effects for the
correction of turtle neck or incorrect posture and
stance. First, the correct posture and stance should be
understood functional and anatomically and explained
by kinematic descriptions [4].
As described above, the alignment of the upper
body in tango posture is the right posture recommended
for health. Many postural deformities themselves are
difficult to solve, and incorrect posture also develops
from many diseases. With ageing, the posture becomes
more deformed. In tango, simply keeping the alignment
of the upper body in the tango posture is a kind of
therapeutic correction or rehabilitation. Additionally,
tango therapy may be beneficial for the prevention of
postural deformity caused by ageing.
The tango stance itself yields exercise effects. In
particular, it is a very safe exercise or physiotherapeutic
modality for patients who cannot move freely. In
addition, in healthy subjects, it is very good way to
obtain comparable effects to those of other exercises,
in terms of the economic and time-consuming aspects,
to maintain and promote health simply by standing
with the tango posture and stance. Consequently, not
only the movement or exercise, such as tango, as a
type of dance, but also the uniqueness of tango gives
us substantial results in that the tango posture and
stance themselves have effects on the correction of
posture. The tango posture and stance alone afford a
safe but considerable means for illness prevention and
health promotion as well as the rehabilitation of
patients with various disease conditions or disabilities.
The tango stance and posture constitute the first basic
tango element, and this is just one way of using the
uniqueness of the Argentine tango [6]. It is expected
that more useful and effective preventive therapeutic
figures will be identified in the further analysis and
study of other basic tango elements.
31
 Tango Posture and Stance: Functional Anatomical Analysis and Therapeutic Characteristics

5. Conclusion 13. Wright WG, Horak FB. Interaction of posture and

Tango posture and stance have the effects of
strengthening the muscles of the lower limb, especially
the medial side muscles, correcting posture or creating
a healthy posture, which secondarily leads to disease
prevention and rehabilitation. In particular, the medial
side muscles of the lower limbs and other whole
muscles may be strengthened. Just maintaining the
tango posture and stance may facilitate the rehabilitation
of neuromuscular disease or disability in patients as
well as health promotion in normal healthy subjects.
The right posture and stance are also very important
for all tangueros to practice basic tango and even for
professional tango dancers to make their dancing more
artistic with stability. Research on the medical effects
of tango posture and stance and the development of
more detail and systemic protocols may be necessary.
conscious perception of gravitational vertical and surface
horizontal. Exp Brain Res. 2007;182:321-32.
14. Wright WG. Tonic postural lean after-effects influenced by
support surface stability and dynamics. Hum Mov Sci.
2011;30:238-48.
15. Gurfinkel VS, Levik Iu S, Lebedev MA. Immediate and
remote postactivation effects in the human motor system.
Neirofiziologiia. 1989;21:343–51.
16. Takakusaki K, Tomita N, Yano M. Substrates for normal
gait and pathophysiology of gait disturbances with respect
to the basal ganglia dysfunction. J Neurol. 2008;255
(Suppl. 4):19-29.
17. Aravamuthan BR, Stein JF, Aziz TZ. The anatomy and
localization of the pedunculopontine nucleus determined
using probabilistic diffusion tractography. Br J Neurosurg.
2008;22(Suppl 1):S25-32.
18. Sherrington CS. Postural activity of muscle and nerve.
Brain 1915;38:191-234.
19. Mori S, Kawahara K, Sakamoto T, et al. Setting and
resetting of level of postural muscle tone in decerebrate cat
by stimulation of brain stem. J Neurophysiol. 1982;48:737-48.

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