Align
We realign our legs in relation to every step. In tango we take three kinds of steps: front, back and side. Here are the positions for each. The hips/pelvis should be rectalinear to the direction of step. (Note the grid in the diagrams.) The base leg should be in external rotation relative to the hips. There […]
Arch of Connection
What is powerful about Argentine Tango in comparison with other dances is the priority placed on and the care taken to develop perfect physical connection between the partners. This precise connection makes communication more exact, makes the touch of the partners more tender, and makes possible more subtle musicality. Precisely connected motion is the foremost […]
Base leg
Most of the time we are standing on one leg, so base refers to the weight-bearing leg, and will be used in the singular throughout this section. Sometimes we are standing on both legs, in which case we are lucky to have double the resources, two base legs. Function: Connection We position the base leg into […]
Connection
For a biomechanical guide to sublime connection, see arch of connection and embrace.
Core
Core (deprecated) is a term exercise professionals use to refer to a group of muscles which work together to stabilize the body during movement. Since the complex of core muscles are very powerful, exercise physiologists have come to recommend that the core be activated first whenever we undertake movement. In this way, more vulnerable muscles […]
External rotation
Internal rotation (medial rotation) is rotation toward the center of the body. External rotation (lateral rotation) is rotation away from the center of the body. Base leg To be strong and stable, the base leg should always be in external rotation. When we are standing with weight on two feet, we have two base […]
Internal rotation
Internal rotation (medial rotation) is rotation toward the center of the body. External rotation (lateral rotation) is rotation away from the center of the body. Base leg To be strong and stable, the base leg should always be in external rotation. When we are standing with weight on two feet, we have two base legs. External rotation increases stability by […]
Obliques
Obliques Anatomy The Oblique muscles rotate the torso. Tango Shows intention lateral to the Mark. This is the muscle that drives all pivots for both partners.
Piriformis
Piriformis Anatomy The Piriformis muscles are in the muscle group of hip rotators. They externally rotate the femur. Tango Stabilizes the hip and holds external rotation of the base leg.
Suspension
People use the term ‘suspension’ to describe is a wonderful feeling of floating and timelessness. It facilitates smooth transitions, provides space-time for adornos, and feels great. The biomechanics for creating suspension (deprecated) is the arch of connection (not your hands or shoulders, that just creates tension).
Transfer
Every step in tango, like every move, is marked in two sequential parts: intention/projection and transfer. The intention/projection is just information. It’s sufficiently subtle (1-2mm) that the revel does not move her arc. She intensifies the position of her arc, and begins to extend her free leg in the direction indicated. The transfer of weight is a […]
Walk
This entry discusses continuous motion/consecutive steps in one direction. Be sure to check steps for all the technique needed to make just one step in the various directions. Argentine Tango is, famously, a “walking dance”. Walking is highly refined, and more subtle and demanding than showy moves. Proper execution of a gancho can be taught […]
