Hi, I am just starting to learn the Argintine Tango and I really like it. I have had four group lessons. When we do a basic salido, our instructor counts each step, and both I and the ladies 'know' that on step 5, the lady does a cross or cruzada. My concern is they are doing it correctly because of 'hearing' the count or the number 'five' and that I am not really leading it. Is it possible to write down or explain online exactly how to 'lead' the Cruzada or step 5 of the basic eight steps. I feel like at this stage, I only grasp the footwork, but not exactly where my frame should be to help the lady to pick up that I want to do step 5. This seems to be a tricky problem in that at this point, we only know about three steps, and everyone in the class knows exactly what steps will be led in what order because we are told before we start. I guess it is all part of learning, I can't think of a better way.

Thanks for any thoughts

doyleed@sprynet.com

As you learn more steps, more general rules should be established.

When I learned the cruzada, the teacher explained that because you are stepping outside the partner, the follow is looking to see if the cruzada is coming.

The first time the leaders right foot steps outside partner is a "heads up". If he continues to walk outside partner, the next time he steps right she will cross left in front of right.

If he does not continue outside, but instead steps back into a closed walking position or turns in outside position she will not cross but will walk instead.

In the basic Cruzada the "3" step is the "heads up" for the lady and the "5" is the cruzada.