| Feature | Tango | Waltz |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Argentina | Europe |
| Style | Closed embrace, energetic, passionate | Open embrace, graceful, elegant |
| Music | 2/4 time signature, staccato rhythm | 3/4 time signature, lilting rhythm |
| Steps | Quick and sharp, with intricate footwork | Long and sweeping, with flowing transitions |
| Movement | Forward and backward, with occasional side movements | Counterclockwise rotation, with occasional changes of direction |
| Purpose | Sensual and passionate dance of romance and seduction | Formal and refined dance for social occasions |
| Difficulty | Relatively high, with challenging footwork and technique | Relatively low, with easy-to-learn steps and technique |
|Popularity | Widely popular in Argentina and worldwide, recognized as the national dance of Argentina | Classic ballroom dance popular in Europe and around the world |
_Note: These are the generalizations to describe Tango and Waltz in comparison in their traditional forms. Both dances could have different varieties like "Tango Nuevo" with its variations and modern forms of Ballroom Waltz that differ somewhat from these descriptions ._