Compression. This term refers to physiological pressure from the dancer’s arms, around their partner’s bodies, as a way to direct them to do x, y and z. Usually as a directive to indicate from the Lead to the Follower that they do x, y, or z movement. This is sometimes a
Constriction. Either partner can use/employ Constriction with their arms (often with the forearms), either intentionally or unintentionally, as a way to stabilize, or to control, usually to control, their partner’s movements. Typically Constriction is employed to a.) Keep the partnership together. The more you squeeze your partner, the more they
This usually describes a state whereby both parties of the couple physiologically twist their bodies to meet their partner’s body in a warped, or misshapen tangle of arms, hands, elbows, and heads in strange and forced positions to hold a specific spot or position. Usually, this happens with hands and
The usage of this word refers to how someone performs a piece of tango vocabulary or a movement. Specifically how sharp or clear that movement is in relation to everything else that is being done.
Most often ‘hanging’ refers to what a Follower will do with their arms, placing them around their Follower shoulders and neck, and placing their weight on top of their lead either through conscious action or being unaware that they’re doing it. Either way, ‘hanging’ of any sort is undesirable.
Pressure. Typically this refers to physiological compression against the dancers back with their partner’s forearm (lead) and/or their hand (follow). Pressure is done by both roles, usually in an unconscious manner to ‘hold’ their partner in place or to keep the partnership together so that they can ‘dance’ with each
Resistance. This employs the use of one’s arms, and hands to indicate a direction (from a leading perspective) or that one is responding to execute a piece of vocabulary (following). Sometimes this is referred to as Resistance Based Dancing, and is the polar opposite of Intention Based Dancing. See the
