Where do I start?

What anyone who wants to dance the tango should understand from the outset (and anyone who wants to teach as well).
Many times I have wondered what should be taught to dance the tango to beginners. It is likely that each teacher raises this issue time and time again, depending on the students they have at that time. It is also the mysteriously unknown how those who one day decide to approach this dance and learn it as it is as complex in appearance, but whose foundations are so simple and yet so full of meaning.
The answer to this question points in my view, not only to methodology issues, let alone the “contents” of complex mathematical steps or cool ways to walk or turn.
Indeed, what is essentially deep, tango dancing? It certainly is NOT a succession of steps, figures, structures, movements. There is something deeper underlying it all. And that “something” which is deeper is not exactly “technical”, but it is a factor in the primary and fundamental issues facing us all.
In simple words, without trying to give a chronological or hierarchical order, we could say that this is a natural, human, intuitive and sensory input with “other” human and “other” senses as well.
Then perhaps we could also say that we should first develop, build and discover the relationship of unity-duality with the other partner. We could do something as simple as moving together (often so difficult) or moving an object together (all this, without distinction of roles of lead and follow, which should be worked simultaneously for both people, in order to reach a full understanding of both aspects – which are not opposites but absolutely complementary, since they need each other).
But how? Allowing my body to engage the body of another person, to “talk straight” to “listen”. Communication flowing so simple and natural as is should flow in daily life when I do something with someone or when I talk to someone. Being in front of that person completely, with all my being “completely” and not just two bodies… but two people with soul, feelings, emotions… and the human, animal and divine ability to be-with-other.
Oh, I forgot: what about the embrace? Yes, of course: the arm in that position, the hand at a given height, angle… so complex… you could measure these things with a ruler, square and compass… Hmmm… What if I simply hug the other person and them, me? A real hug, human, warm, firm and sweet at the same time… Then I can take their hand or allow them to take mine, and … perhaps if you measure it now, find the “right” tango embrace! Friends, the tango embrace is just that: a hug! And not a mere “arm position” …
A good hug is something natural, human, comfortable and enjoyable for both people and can address other aspects of our dance, movement, play with the weight of the other person and with they with their own, doing something together which becomes the dance… As I said in some other articles, dance is naturally born with humans. Everything just mentioned is as well. And what we usually consider “technically necessary and or right is neither more nor less than the consequence of something that in its’ original form is quite natural. Dancing is a natural thing… So, avoid stereotypes …
Uh, we are still missing something. The dialogue is, by definition, between the “two”. But in the case of tango (and really, in the case of any dance that dances as a couple), the dialogue is to me for “three” … Of course, the “third” is the MÚSIC. And in this wonderful, amazing, captivating “trialogue” is where we see the birth of the tango dance and walking within it, improvisation and creativity.
Thereafter followed the steps, figures, styles and all the infinite variety that the tango, the milonga or vals have to offer.
So I think this is what should be taught and learned in the first lesson: The dialogue with the other person. Absolutely sure that everything is happening in the dance work and responsibility of both partners in the sense that, in fact, the dancing couple is built between the two (each in their role), developing what each is responsible for and working with your partner. Within this dialogue, as one of its aspects, is the embrace. The dialogue with the music. Within this dialogue, as one of its possibilities, is included to walk.
In short, the “trialogue”, the deep communication between these three key elements (both people and the music) with all the incredible significance, depth and complexity of details that it entails. Within this “trialogue” is included as walking and embracing music. And understanding ensures that all these aspects form a unit that nestles precisely, and as a fundamental fact, the essence of tango. This would, in my opinion, the first lesson. But … how long should it last? One hour and a half? Two hours? A month? Perhaps a lifetime.

Written by Olga Besio
(Apologies if my translation is a bit incorrect)
by Damian (http://tangoreviews.com/2012/05/06/where-do-i-start/)

Source: http://www.2xtango.com/olga-besio-leccion-de-tangoolga-besio-leccion-de-tangoolga-besio-lecon-de-tango/