I'm new to the community, and my boyfriend and I want to learn how to tango. When I read the instructions, I see that abbreviation (CBMP.) What does it mean?

Go here for an indepth explanation

http://www.dancesport.uk.com/tid-bits/issue020.htm

Nicely explained as usual Jonathan but I must differ on one minor point;

"In fact, it just so happens that when you have one foot along or across the track of the other, you automatically and necessarily have the opposite side of the body forward, without exception."

It is quite possible to have one foot along the track of the other with a same side lead instead of CBMP, and this is often seen in the latin dances. Guy Howard's definition of CBMP includes "giving the appearance of CBM having been used" which I think caters for the exception.

hello, I recently asked this question too. This is the answer I received:
posted 07-13-03 08:49 AM
Contra Body Movement Position is a position of the feet, whereby one foot is placed along or across the track of the other.

When you see the description "forward in CBMP", it means that the moving foot should be placed directly on the track of the standing foot. When you see "forward and across in CBMP", that's your cue that the moving foot should go across.

This position is most often associated with promenade and outside partner positions, but you'll occasionally see it elsewhere as well. Tango uses CBMP on certain forward and backward walks, even in closed position.

For an illustration of the basic directional movements including CBMP, see the following page:

www.ballroomdancers.com/Learning_Center/
Technique/Directional_Movements/


So, I hope you can dance tango now. Much succes!
Best regards,
Petra (Holland)

There are two ways to take forward and backwards step - the CBM/P way, and the other way.

Stand with your left foot about a foot in front of your right foot.

Twist your hips to counterclockwise. Now your left hip is back compared to your right even though your right foot is forward compared to your left. This is Counter Body Movement Position. The act of getting there - sending the left hip back while the left foot goes forward - is Counter Body Movement.

Now twist your hips the other way, so that your left hip is forward to match your left foot. This is "NOT CBMP". It is seen a lot on initial steps Latin, and also between some of the CBMP steps in standard.

Of course you can also have CBMP with the other foot forward, or as a result of a backwards step, since it simply means there is a contrary relationship between your feet and your hips.

The first step in Tango - his forward left, your backward right - is taken with a strong CBM. This means that you curve somewhat counterclockwise rather than going straight.

One must be careful not to confuse the concept of CBM and CBMP. Although they sound similar, they are entirely separate concepts. The existence of one does not necessitate the other; A step can have either, both, or neither.

CBM satnds for Contra Body Motion (or Movement). As the name implies, it's a type of movement. More on that below.

CBMP stands for Contra Body Motion Position. The position indictaed in the name refers to the position of the feet, not of the body. When you read "... in CBMP" in technical descriptions, it is indicative of a specific position of the feet (one placed along or across the track of the other). You need not concern yourself with twisting this side that way, or having this side forward with that foot forward. All of the rest is implied.

To step in CBMP does not actually require you to twist or turn anywhere at all. To think of rotation is to confuse CBMP with CBM. CBMP can be achieved with or without rotation, and therefore without CBM. In many instances, it is achieved without. In other words, CBMP is sometimes achieved by simply stepping straight into the position, without any rotation at all.

In fact, it just so happens that when you have one foot along or across the track of the other, you automatically and necessarily have the opposite side of the body forward, without exception. If it helps you to remember having the opposite side of the body positioned forward, you can think of it, but you don't need to.

CBM, on the other hand, deals with rotation and sides of the body. Because it deals with movement, it tends to be a more abstract concept for beginners. The word "contra" is given to describe the advancing of the side of the body opposite the moving foot, however, it is actually easier to think of in the following way: CBM is a rotation of the body *towards* the direction of the moving foot.

So to make things as simple as possible, just remember the following:

CBM - "M" stands for movement. The movement is rotation, and the rotation is toward the direction of the moving foot.

CBMP - "P" stands for position. It is a position of the feet, and the position is of one foot along or across tha track of the other.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Jonathan

I fully agree with what you say Jonathan but maybe you missed the point I was trying to make. It was not that rotation is necessary but if it is used it could be in either direction. Just because one foot is in front of the other doesn't mean you have CBMP.

Taking your tightrope example;
"So even just stepping in line with yourself, as you would on a tightrope, puts you in a position of having one side of the body slightly in advance of the other with respect to the direction of movement, and again, without any rotation necessary."
If the side that is in advance is the opposite from the leading foot, then you have CBMP. If it is the same, you do not.