Promenades— The most common walk in tango is with the partners facing each other, with the leader walking forward and the follower walking backwards- caminando. However, this is not the only way in which tango dancers can walk. The dancers can both walk forward side-by-side, as in a walk in the park— a promenade or paseo. Normally, dancers would only walk in promenade for a few steps, more than four. But, in canyengue style, they may walk forward together, cheek-to-cheek, throughout the dance. As always, it is important to dance with the music. In more modern styles, promenade should be used to express specific musical phrases and always‘ in time’.
Tango Moves
Raymond Lauzzana
Promenades— The most common walk in tango is with the partners facing each other, with the leader walking forward and the follower walking backwards- caminando. However, this is not the only way in which tango dancers can walk. The dancers can both walk forward side-by-side, as in a walk in the park— a promenade or paseo. Normally, dancers would only walk in promenade for a few steps, more than four. But, in canyengue style, they may walk forward together, cheek-to-cheek, throughout the dance. As always, it is important to dance with the music. In more modern styles, promenade should be used to express specific musical phrases and always‘ in time’.
Basic Promenade( Paseo) In all promenades, both partners face the same direction, side-by-side. Typically, the follower is on the leader’ s right side. The leader’ s left and the follower’ s right hand may be joined in front. In this case, the leader’ s right arm would be around the follower’ s waist, while the follower’ s hand is on leader’ s shoulder as in a normal close embrace. However, both dancers face the same direction towards the leader’ s left hand. Obviously, there are numerous variations on this position. But, this is a good basic reference. There are many ways to get to this position from the zero position. Here are a few.
Sashay( Chassez) A casual normal walk in whch the active foot collects with the standing foot as it passes by. The dancers may walk may be either in parallel or cross system. That is, they may step together in parallel, on their right, then their left, or they may step together in cross system,, on the inside feet, then the outside. Weight is gradually transferred from the standing foot to the active foot. The next foot is lifted only after the active foot is loaded and the axis has been transferred to it. This is a slow smooth walk without a bounce.
American Start( el Americano) The so-called America Start comes from American Ballroom dancing. It occurs at the beginning of the dance, when the couple first embrace, with the leader is facing the outer rim and the follower is facing towards the center of the dance floor. The leader initiates the move into a promenade by stepping with left foot across behind to a toe tap, swivels 90 ° counter clockwise on right foot, before stepping forward with the left foot. The follower steps forward with the right foot in the direction of the line of dance, Their hips are engaged as they continue to step forward.
Cut Sidestep( Corte a Lado) The leader sidesteps left. As the follower steps, the leader rotates 90 ° counter-clockwise. The follower opens clockwise rotating into a promenade position. The follower’ s left hand remains on the leader’ s shoulder., with her right hand at her waist. They both lean back and extend their legs and step forward. They walk with opposite feet, outside, with outside, inside with inside— cross system
Outside Swivel( Giro a Fuera) The leader steps thru in front and across with right foot, changing weight to left foot that is crossed behind. and swivels counter clockwise. on the lft foot The follower swivels on right foot with upper body torque, and then brush steps backward to a cross. This leads to a promenade, in which both dancers step with same foot, side-by side— parallel system.
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