Modern Tango World N° 6 (Montreal, Quebec) | Page 47

Carousel (Calesita)
This is a rotation in which the follower stands erect
on the ball of her foot and the leader rotates the
follower by walking around in a tight circle around
the follower. The leader may walk forward or backward, clockwise or counterclockwise. The most
commona version is to walk backwards counterclockwise around the follower. It frequently begins
with an outside parada of the follower’s left foot.
The follower is then swiveled on the supporting
foot. The rotation may be from 90 to 360°.

If this is done, the leader needs to prepare the follower to slightly lean out. Often, the follower may
grasp the the leader’s bicep for a secure hold. The
leader’s marque may very. But, a slight lift or raising
up is a common indication.

The start of the carousel is often led by a slight
lifting of the follower’s torso. The parada may be
closed into a sandwich of the follower’s foot, permiting a slight colgada at the start.The carousel may
also be terminated in a haigh gancho or boleo, depending on the direction of rotation.

Rotation in Parallel (Revolucíon)
Dancing in mirror image, both dancers step forward to touch insteps. If with right foot, both
swivel on the right, clockwise. If on the left, they
rotate counter clockwise. Their free foot may be
in a variety of positions.

Sepentine (Serpentina)
The leader steps around the follower with forward
swivels. The steps are forward around, swivel sidetep, repeat. The follower may stand still or swivel
on a single foot. The leader’s inside hand is at the
follower’s waist.

Round Fans (Planeos)
The follower fans her free leg out as the follower
rotates. To accomplish this, the follower must be
lowered, so that the follower bend the supporting leg, and extend the free leg. The leader then
rotates between 90 to 180°. Exceptional dancers
can make this 240°. The move may end with a
gancho, as the follower is raised to a standing position.

Here are a few moves in which a dancer spins,
while the partner more or less stands still. They are
rather special moves that should only be used for
very special ocassions.
Spiral Pivot (Espiral)
May be done by either partner. The dancer steps
forward, wraps the free leg around the standing leg,
and using the forward momentum, spins on the ball
of the standing foot.
Marionette (Marioneta)
The leader holds the follower’s hand above her
head so that the follower spins beneath it. The
leader may induce more rapid rotation by swirling
his hand.
Cobra (Cobra)
Same as the marionette except that the follower is
lowered & raised up again. To accomplish this the
follower must extend her free leg outward, and the
leader must provide space for her extended leg.
Lastly, let’s consider the rotations in which the partners share an axis between them. Shared axis rototions are some of the more elegant types of rotations. They frequently include hanging away from
each other, in a colgadas.

Double Molinete (La Orbita)
In this case, both partners go around a central
point, mirroring each other’s moves. Timing is everything in this move. The steps may be accompanied by a slight leaning away (colgada).

Double Round Fan (Planeo Doble)
The partners dance in parallel reflection, both
partners on the same foot. about a shared axis.
The partners must keep their shoulders parallel,
and face each other, as they lower their bodies,
bend their standing legs and extend their free legs.
They should both be standing on the same foot
with their feet side-by-side. Depending on the
stance, different finish results may be produced,
such as pasada, boleo, cuatro.
Counter Round Fan (Contra Planeo)
Similar to the double round, except that the dancers are standing on opposite feet. For example
the man is on his right, and the follower is on her
left. They must be standing toe-to-toe before they
begin.Both extend their feet to a cross behind,
possibly with a touch, to broad lowered opening. They may then continue with a semi-circular
sweep of the floor, in mirror reflection as they rise
to a closed position.
.

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