Does the leader lead the cross? Or just walk outside follower for 3 steps at which point she MUST cross?

And if it is led, please tell me how.

Jerry
(after 2 beginner lessons.....)

Hi Jerry,
I too am new to Arginetine Tango, but here is my take on whether the cross is led. I have had teachers teach it both ways, but I personally believe it should be led. Because there is so very much for the leader to learn at the start, it is convenient for the instructors to have the ladies just cross automatically if the man walks outside partner for three steps. But once you get better at leading, in my opinion EVERYTHING should be led. A good follower will respond only to your leads and not to any mimorized pattern or step. You lead the cross by rotating your upper body and knowing exactly where your followers free leg is and where you want to place it. This takes much time and practice and I am not there yet, but on good days with good followers, I have had the wonderful experience of being one with my partner and the music. When it happens, you will both know, and it is wonderful. Best of Luck

Thanks for the reply. I posted in August, and since then I have had enough lessons with a good teacher to overcome the 1-2 I had with a bad teacher (who told me that it was a RULE that the follower cross when the leader was outside, after three steps, blah blah blah). I now know it and almost everything else in AT must be led.

Thanks again. See you in Buenos Aires!

Jerry

Hi Jerry, I was originally taught that it was led. Since then I've found instructors in both camps, but the instructors that say to lead it have given examples of time that they don't want the lady to cross while the ones that teach that the cross is a rule have said only that they don't want to have to lead it. I prefer to lead it and have the additional options.

Gary

Well, that sure makes a lot of sense to me. I agree.

Jerry

The lady should be lead into the cross. If it is done correctly the lady can't do anything but cross. Timing is critical.