Giros — The intention of thes Tango Moves articles is to increase the tango vocabulary of our readers in the belief that knowing the names for these moves will help people talk about them . In addition , I have tried to expose some of the improvisational alternatives . This is not intended to supplant taking classes . The idea is to describe , in words , various tango moves . In general , they are almost impossible to photograph . Video is somewhat better . But , nothing can replace taking a class and practice .
Tango Moves
Raymond Lauzzana
Giros — The intention of thes Tango Moves articles is to increase the tango vocabulary of our readers in the belief that knowing the names for these moves will help people talk about them . In addition , I have tried to expose some of the improvisational alternatives . This is not intended to supplant taking classes . The idea is to describe , in words , various tango moves . In general , they are almost impossible to photograph . Video is somewhat better . But , nothing can replace taking a class and practice .
Other than walking , the most common tango moves must be rotations ( giros ). These rotations may be around the leader , around the follower , or around a shared middle axis , and finally , the dancer may simply spin on their own axis . There are many ways for the axial partner move while the partner on the rim goes around . Similarly , there are many ways , that the rim partner may circumscribe the axial prtner . We will describe a few of them .
Let ’ s first look at rotations where the leader is the hub , and the follower moves around the leader .
Windmills ( Molinetes ) This is probably the most common type of rotation . It is composed of several steps which complete a circle . With the leader as the hub , the follower grapevines around . The follower takes four steps with alternating feet to complete the circle — open to side , forward , open to side , back . In addition , the step pattern may form a square for tango timing or it be executed in circular motion for a vals . Most commonly , the molinete sequence is performed counterclockwise , and begins with a side step to the left of the leader . However , it may also be conducted counter-clockwise , and begin with any of the three steps — side ( abierto ), back ( atras ) or forward ( adelante ).
You might ask “ What is the leader doing while the follower is dancing in a circle ?” Well , there are several possibilities . In all cases , the leader maintains a position facing the follower , or leading the follower so that they will be facing once more .
Simple Hub Well , one thing that the leader may do is simply step around as the follower passes , maintining upper body rotation to face the follower .
Heel Pivot ( Pivoté de Tacón ) This is a rather simplified pivot without much complication . After stepping forward for momentum , the leader pivots on the heel of the forward foot , bring the free foot to a close , withoutt changing weight .
Basic Swivel The leader spins on the ball of the supporting foot . Often , a step forward is takeb to gain momentum . The swivel may be clockwise or counter-clockwise . Sometimes , the leader crosses the free foot behind the standing foot . It is important for the leader to swivel on the ball of the standing foot , and not engage the heal . The heal will act as a break on the swivel .
Pivots ( Pivotés ) Similar to swivols , except that there is weight change to he rear crossed foot to continue the circular movements , spinning on the toe of that foot , in a same direction . A full 360 ° rotation can be accomplished in two steps . Most commonly , this begins with with left foot crossed behind the right for a counter-clockwise rotation . But , it may be done in either direction . Often , the leader ’ s free leg is fanned behind to the cross . With rotated upper body , the leader then unwinds , pivoting to the standing foot .
Twists ( Enrosques ) A more extreme pivot in which the leader twists his legs , and upper body . and then unwinds in corkscrew . The action begins with the free foot locked behind the supporting foot ., and the upper body rotated in the opposite direction . This move is frequently preceded by a lapis , drawing the direction of the rotation with the free foot . The move is composed of two parts the wind-up and the unwind . The follower has many alternatives , some led to follow the leader ’ s rotation .
Now let ’ s look at the rotations in which the follower is the hub , and the leader is the rim . There are several variations . But , all are derived from the calesita .
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