Humans are social beings living in societies and communities. We are connected to many people directly or indirectly, like at homes, neighbourhood, social circles, workplaces, community centres, etc. It is normal for us to respect each other and follow social etiquette to build and maintain relationships.
These etiquettes work as a social proof to convey to the other person that you care. Some of the common ones are –
- Opening then door for the ladies
- Letting people walk out of the door before you walk in
- Letting pregnant women before you in line
- Giving your seat to an elderly person
- Giving lift to others on your vehicle
- etc
Social cues:
We speak verbally with people to covey what we want them to know. When it comes to non-verbal communication, it is your actions and body language that does the talking.Sometimeswe are unable to understand these social cues during communication with other people.
The other person could get annoyed or simply lose interest because you are missing the social cues that the person expects you to understand. If you are finding a hard time getting along with people, it may because you are failing to pick on social cues. Your actions and social etiquette will help in making others feel good or grateful. You will also feel good about yourself.
Facial expression:
Our face is expressive and conveys emotions that our words fail to convey like irritation, anger, happiness, sadness, boredom, etc.
Body language:
Body language involves movements and gestures that show whether you are interested or disinterested in a conversation. For example, head tilted towards one side is a sign that the other person is genuinely listening while you talk. It is a sign that they are okay with you occupying their personal space at that time.
Eye contact:
The way a person looks at someone gives a hint about what is going on in their mind – be it admiration, attraction, or hostility. Eye contact is normally considered as sign of honesty or genuineness, but staring is considered as hostile.
Touch:
A weak handshake, a comforting hug, a controlling grip of the arm, or a pat on the back, are different ways people express what they feel. How you touch others and what they feel about it, is a good example for non-verbal communication.
Voice:
The tone of one’s voice symbolizes the importance of the stuff they are telling. The pitch of a voice helps you know if someone is being unkind or rude.
Social codiogos (codes) in Tango
Etiquette isn’t just about handling social situations. Every stream has its own set of codes. Even soulful international dances like the Argentine Tango have their own set of milonga codes, which dancers have to adhere to. Some of them are –
- Avoid correcting your partner, when you are on the dance floor
- Refrain from talking while dancing
- Don’t stop dancing during the middle of a song
- Apologize if you accidentally collide with another couple.
- Say ‘Thank you’ at the end of Tanda, not after each song. As ‘thank you’ after just one song translates into – I do not enjoy it. Please take me back to my table.
Besides instilling etiquette, these behavioural codes also help in improving the dancing techniques. Some of the positives that you can gain by following the codiogos in Tango are improvement of posture, body awareness, developing good relationship with partners, and being mindful. It also helps in promoting relaxation, so that you are able to dance with a free mind. Tango isn’t just any dance – It is a way of life as we learned from Anita at Ultimate Tango School of Dance, the best tango school in the US. Hernan and Anita, with them team of instructors, offer on-line and in-person classes even for those who are just starting out. Tango classes will help you incorporate positive social etiquettes in your life.