Hi All!

I'd appreciate your help - on weight changing in the International Tango. Reason is that I wish to buy a video/dvd that addresses this point.

But first the problem:
- Let's say, I lead a kind of swinging step: Step to the left with the left foot (LF), then with the right do a tap near the LF. Step to the right with the RF and tap with the LF near the RF. And again, LF to the left, with the RF closing to the left, etc.
- Next, I plan a slow backward rock, leading back with the LF. I must weight change from the LF to the RF. Then, with the LF step backward for the slow rock.

Now: How does the lead communicate the need to weight change to his partner?

My current dance teacher says I hacve to learn everything by heart and never do anything out of sequence - always doing the same thing - irrespective of circumstances. That sounds impossible - and dreadfully boring.

Can you help?
Can you advise me?

And then, can you recommend a video/dvd that teaches these aspects of leading-and-follwing?

Look forward to your reply
Bye
GrahamB

Simple answer: don't do swing steps in tango - they are totally out of character!

More complicated answer: tango does not have tapping actions, because in tango closing the feet on a quick implies a weight change (except that in the leader's case, he can fake it to get on the same foot as the lady)

From the suggested choreography, it seems you teacher does not actually understand the international tango, and therefore cannot imagine how to make it leadable.

sorry, should have been more specific: there are not closed tapping actions

I agree that your instructor probably doesn't know much about Int'l Tango.

As already mentioned, the lead is a simple shift in weight from one leg to the other.

As to leading/following--you will be better served to invest in a lesson with a good (well-experienced national-calibre) coach. Leading and following is an art into itself.

Good luck!

Hi Red Coconut!

I have recently done the Argentine Tango for 6 months - and learnt that the dance is nothing without lead and following. I couldn't link my instructors teaching on the Int'l Tango with my recent A-Tango experience. That's why I asked. Your advice about a top calibre instructor is good.

And Hi Interested!
Thanks for your examples and about the Len Scrivener International style. I will this some thought.

Thanks everyone. Bye
GrahamB

No swinging steps in Tango. Take as an example a Tipple Chasse in the Quickstep we swing. Side together side in Tango is stepped. Do both and you will see for yourself. As for doing your routine as a sequence is ok in the studio. But in a competition on a crowded floor it won't work. Just a bit of additional information, The late great Tango dancer Len Scrivener International style had us count out load for two walks and a Link. Stop stop quick stop. From there into the Closed Promanade was Stop Quick stop stop. Even though we are all aware that the timing is on the last piece s.q.q.s. Good luck.

Hi Anonymous!

Thanks. Your key comment: " . . tango does not have tapping actions, because in tango closing the feet on a quick implies a weight change." is new to me. Really good news.

You have opened up a new avenues for me. It was worth posting this mail.

Thanks again, Bye
GrahamB

I may be wrong but a brush tap in Tango only came in as more and more orchestrers started to play 4/4 tempo instead of 2/4 Tangos. To keep in phrase with the music in 4/4 time a Brush Tap would allows us to use the same foot twice hoding it for two beats if necessary. A little different. I asked this ex international If you strike a 4/4 Tango in competition and you do a Four Step how do you manage to keep in phrase. Easy was the answere , just stand still for two beats and if you want do a head flick on those two beats.

Be aware that inserting an extra slow in your four step (absent an obstruction) is technically a syllabus violation - though you are as likley to get marked down for simply dancing the four step with the wrong timing as penalized for breaking the rules. If you want to stay on phrase, you need to change the timing before you start the four step. In gold, you can use a five step instead. And in open you can use whatever timing or hesitations you think will work best.

It's interesting to note the resemblence between the brush tap and the last action of the American tango basic. While beginners use a drag close on a slow, some will use a brush-tap action in intermediate smooth. In either case note that this is not a closing on a quick, so it doesn't imply a weight change - it's either a drag closed on slow, or a closing towards on & followed by side on slow.

Anonymous. As we know the Progressive Side Step finishes on the man's left foot as a slow. With a 4/4 Tango being played. Try Two Walks a Progressive Side Step. A Walk into a Link. We are now out of phrase. If we carry on with a Closed Promenade we will enter the Reverse Turn on a 3 4 . and not 1 2. The fault lies with the music provider who should pay better attention to their disks and never play a 4/4 Tango only 2/4. We here have a style where a 4/4 Tango might be desirable. If the provider is careless and it happens, one goes on for a Standard Tango.