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Tango Moves
Raymond Lauzzana
Ochos (Figure Eight) —
Probably, the most popular step taken by the follower. Basically, the
dancer traces a figure 8 on the floor by their foot. Most commonly, this is a follower’s walk. But sometimes, the
leader may do it, too. There are many variants, from large open ochos to tight closed ones. They may done
Back Ochos (Ochos Atrás) The follower traces figure eights
with their feet on the floor, while stepping backwards in cross
steps swiveling on each step. The leader may move forward.
Neverthess, the leader steps side-to-side accompanying the
follower’s moves. Lady’s Break (Quebreda de Mujer) While the follower is dancing
forward ochos towards the leader, as the leader steps back side
to side, the follower steps forward between leader’s legs. The fol-
lower then fully transfers weight and swivels, stepping into the
leader’s space. This is somewhat like a follower’s sacada.
Forward Ochos (Ochos Adelante) The follower traces figure
eights with their feet on the floor, while stepping forward in
cross steps swiveling on each step. The leader moves back-
wards cautiously accompanying the follower’s moves. Pivotless Ochos (Ochos Milonguero) Ochos led and followed
without substantial upper torso and hip pivoting. Hips are held
straight while pivoting with feet.
Open Ochos (Ochos Abierto) Stationary ochos with no for-
ward or backward movement. the leader dances in mirror of
the follower, turning his head to lead to the follower’s next
direction. The leader actually moves slightly after the follower.
Overturned Ochos (Ochos Capota) At each step, the follower
takes very large steps. The follower steps thru at each turn. the
ochos are led with substantial torso and hip pivoting. Hips are
rotate deeply while pivoting with feet.
Cut Ocho (Ocho Cortado) Sudden change of direction
leading the follower to cross during her forward walk.
the situation when only a single cross step is takenm
instead of a full ocho. After pivoting on a forward ocho,
the follower takes a sidestep and is brought back to a
crossing her feet,
One Track Ochos (Ochos en Una Pista) The follower
walks backward in tight back ochos, always stepping
directly behind the previous foot. Similarly, the leader
walks in linear forward ochos, always stepping directly
in front of the previous foot. It is as if they are walking
on a tight rope.
One Track Ochos with Leader’s Transpie The follow-
er walks backward in linear back ochos, in One Track
Ochos. always stepping directly behind the previous
foot. However, the leader crosses the free foot behind,
and kicks the leading foot forward. Then, drawing the
lead foot to a cross and repeats with the opposite foot.
Broken Ochos (Ochos Quebrada) While the follower
walks in back ochos, the leader stabs his toe between
the follower’s legs, causing the follower to step over the
leader’s foot as she walks. It is similar to the stepping
over in a pasada. Sometimes, the leader may simply stab
his toe and retract it, before the follower passes to the
step. The tempo is of the leader must double that of
the follower.
Ochos Quebreda
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