NORDIC TANGO

1. Organizer's music in preliminaries and semi-final, Organizer's music OR music of the dancers' choice in the final.

2. Length of Exhibition: In all rounds except the final, the length of performance should be 1-½ minutes long, to conform to the end of the musical phrase. In the final round, the couple may use music of their choice or the Organizer's music, which must be 2 ½ minutes of music to the end of the musical phrase, but must not exceed 2-¾ minutes

3. Tempo: 28-31 bars per minute (112 - 124 beats per minute)

4. Characteristics and Movement: Nordic Tango is a social dance in which steps, movements and style are based on what is possible to dance at a social event where the lady is simply following the man's lead. The dance should express love and passion evident through the closeness of the dancers, the man's control and the woman's seductiveness. There is a great deal of melancholy in this type of Tango music, and this should be reflected in the dancers' portrayal of the mood of the dance. The dancers should achieve an interesting interplay between them, something that is dictated by the music, and they should be dancing to something in the music. Movements should not be run together - a slow is a slow and a quick is a quick, and one should see the melody expressed through the dancers' movements. Running through in Promenade and Counter Promenade Position, or continuous spinning for longer than 10 seconds at a time, is not allowed.

5. Hold: Man holding lady's right hand in his left hand should be kept at all times. Releasing all hold, or releasing hold with man's left hand is not allowed. The bodies can be separated as long as the normal hold is maintained. Poise should be upright and natural with the lady slightly to man's right side, but this position should more closely resemble the hold used in Argentine Tango than the International Tango hold.

6. Typical Movements: Walks, turns, twists and curls, leg-wraps, drags and outside swivels, promenades and counter promenades, rocks and spins. Drops are allowed as long as the hold stays intact. Oversways, checks and lunges are typical for this type of Tango.

7. Lifts: Not allowed as defined under GENERAL PROVISIONS III.

8. Costume changes: Not permitted during the performance. Costumes should be in accordance with and reflect the accepted and typical styles used in Tango.

9. Preliminary and Semi-final Rounds: Up to six (6) couples in each heat.

10. First Rounds: All couples dance an opening minute together as a presentation dance, which must sometimes be taken in more than one heat according to the size of the floor. All couples will dance a final minute together at the conclusion of the first round.

11. Final Round: All couples first dance together to the Organizer's music for one minute, then each couple performs solo and may, if they desire, use their own music. After all solo performances have been completed, all couples will dance a final minute together to the Organizer's music