Contra
(Disambiguation) Contra is used in two contexts. It is often used to teach walking. The contra walk is deprecated as it is often counterproductive. Similar to the term disassociation, contra is an instruction both imprecise and excessive. Arbitrary implementation of contra motion at the wrong point in the step weakens the body by causing internal rotation […]
Intention
Intention is always the very first part of the next movement. To create intention we prepare our bodies for a new direction and communicate about that with the partner, without going there yet! The relation with the partner, through the arch of connection, helps us to sense and make micro adjustments during this moment. If […]
Mirror system
Former replacement for ‘parallel-system’, both now deprecated in favor of pace-system. When walking front and back, we need two concepts to describe precisely the improvisational possibilities. The first is where we are walking. We can walk on two, three, or four tracks. The second concept is which pair of legs move simultaneously. When both partners […]
Molinete lineal
Molinete lineal is a lateral walk, meaning continuous steps in which the couple moves laterally (as opposed to moving front or back). The molinete is tango’s default method of walking lateral, by interleaving back and front steps with side steps. The pattern can start at any point. Molinete lineal can be used to walk in the […]
Step
This entry covers the technique for a single step. Walking discusses additional issues when we move continuously in one direction. We step in 5 ways, each of which requires its own technique. Although there are some consistent principles, due to the front/back assymetry of the body, there are also some differences in the motion in […]
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 […]
Trot-system
Replaces ‘cross-system’ and ‘threeleg-system’ (deprecated). When walking front and back, we need two concepts to describe precisely the improvisational possibilities. The first is where we are walking. We can walk on two, three, or four tracks. The second concept is which pair of legs move simultaneously. To identify accurate terminology, we refer to the science of the […]
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 […]
