There are pieces of Tango Vocabulary (steps/patterns/figures) that are very complex. The moment you see them you can’t even begin to imagine or even see yourself doing them. And then there are some that are the polar opposite – insanely simple, which for one reason or another require (seemingly so) no explanation! And then there are some pieces that somewhere in between. Today’s Tango Topic falls into the insanely simple category. However this stuff does actually require video, it does actually require an explanation of what not to do, and it does most certainly require an exploration of what’s possible. But let’s not get away from the fact that it’s a step. Nothing more than that. It looks cool, when executed properly, but it’s insanely simple. Like most things that are insanely simple, the devil is in the details. And those details are where you actually have to execute these ideas. In Today’s Tango Topic we’ll explore this from both sides of the embrace, as usual, and discuss the merits and detractions of playing with this stuff. So without further preamble….let’s look at the Check Steps & Incremental Steps.
What is a Check Step ? A Check Step is a bit of a misnomer. First and foremost it is a form of movement that we can and do invoke inside of specific moments like the Ocho Cortado for example. Secondly it is its own type of Tango Vocabulary.
In the first option, the movement itself is a leg extension done by either Lead or Follower (usually the Follower is led to this), where the leg extends through Perihelion phase of the step, but does not progress to the Transfer phase of the step (basically no weight transfer). This form of movement is especially useful in Traspie, and rightfully could be called Traspie but isn’t. Why ? Because, again, there is no weight transfer. In Traspie, there are greater and greater increments of weight transfers.
What is an Incremental Step ? An Incremental Step is a step that does include a slight weight transfer, however, it only goes a piece or a part of the way. Think of it as a step that only goes about an inch or two, and then with the next increment, the step goes a little further, and then the next increment goes a little further
Why are these things important ? These pieces are important for a few reasons. First and foremost, variety. They create the option and/or opportunity for variation to occur. Massive variation in any number of areas. Secondly, because these these are steps, basically, they can be initiated anywhere, under any conditions, with all styles of music. Thirdly, because they’re so simple to do, it means that nearly anyone can do them. So with just a little training (this video), and lot of practice, you can implement this stuff in your dance with very little fanfare. 😉
The Free Tip. In case you hadn’t realized this Leads, you can play too! Let that sink in for a bit. No. Seriously. Let that sink in. All this time, you’ve more than likely been thinking about leading the follower to X, Y, and Z. How about self leading yourself to an Incremental without the Follower! Assuming you pick your jaw up off the floor, go try it. The effect is two fold. a.) it looks cool. and b.) most Followers will think you’re playing with the music! 🙂
Related Topics. When you’re done with this article, you want to go look at two other videos. 1.) Cross Body Incrementals, where you can apply these things in Close Embrace. 2.) The Golden Nugget Extensions video. Where you have oodles of options beyond your wildest dreams! 😉
About The Video. This video is 16m:26s in length in 7 sections. Both lead and follower technique are combined and integrated into the video.
Introduction/Technique – 00:07:00
The Weight Transfer Illusion – 00:00:56
Usage – 00:00:48
Incremental Sice Steps – 00:01:25
The Example w/Metronome – 00:01:51
Close Ups of Footwork – 00:02:12
The Last Word/End – 00:01:45