The answer is, it mostly depends on your environment, then on you. "Mind your surroundings", the character who trained the Batman (played by Liam Neeson) said in the movie Batman Begins.
Last Saturday we drove to Tulsa for a couple of milongas (Argentine Tango Party).
The first one was at Casa Tango, a house milonga with alternative/nuevo music. And the second one was at Allstar dance studio, a larger ballroom dance studio and with an assortment of Argentine Tango music.
The environments were different. And the ways we could dance were also different.
In a smaller or crowded dance space, there is a particular dance style and styling. The dance is more likely danced in close embrace, and the lead-follow is subtle. The lead is mostly through chest. That kind of Tango is not necessarily for shows in a big stage. It's more about enjoying closeness, music and the feel. Or the moment. Pattern-wise, you do not have to have too many. A flash of little Boleo actually can look quite big in that kind of dance. Simple and nice would be my first goal, especially with a new partner. I'd make sure she can do her stuff comfortably.
Come to think of it, I would imagine these lady's Tango shoes may be specifically designed to add some interest for such dance. A black shoe might look plain at first, but a flash of its red sole is a nice surprise, like these tropical butterflies flash a glitter of their wings.
In the ballroom studio, we had a bigger space. We could use high boleos, leg swings and even some lifts. This type of dance is closer to Ballroom dance. The chests are separate and the lead is more by axis control.
In one day, we enjoyed entirely different two types of Argentine Tango.
Note that not everyone dance in many different ways. Everyone has preference, one way or another. It's not a matter of good or bad. But I still suggest Argentine Tango dancers to be able to dance reasonably small. "Close, subtle and intimate" represent an essence of social Argentine Tango.
In these days we are experimenting what we call Tai-chi Tango. Sloooow it down and be nice. Try it. It feels great.
