Foundation. While Argentine Tango has it’s ‘8 Count Basic‘, and is considered by many to be a ‘basic’ of the dance. It is not the Foundation of the dance. The Foundation of the dance consists of the following 5 things: 1.) Presence. 2.) Forward Steps, Side Sides, Back Steps (for
Every dance has a ‘Basic’, this is Argentine Tango’s “Basic” Step. It consists of 8 steps that match a musical 8 count, which is how it got its name – The 8 Count ‘Basic’. The image above is one of two ground reliefs in Buenos Aires. This one was taken
The Golden Nugget. Refers to a foundational piece of Tango vocabulary that you will see no where else, which is taught by no one else except Tango Topics and it’s progenitors. The Golden Nugget is an exceptionally useful piece of tango vocabulary that allows both Lead and Follow to dance
The ‘goto’ move in most beginners, and later on a ubiquitous figure and staple of the dance. This is steps 2 thru 5 of the Basic 8. Which can be done in Open or Close Embrace, at any point of the dance.
The Lazy Man’s Turn. When a Lead doesn’t actually lead the Follower’s Molinete but instead infers the Follower’s Molinete and ends up turning themselves ahead of the Follower, rushing ahead of them, thereby leaving Follower behind. Further still, it’s called a Lazy Man’s Turn because the Lead does not actually
Lead Forward Steps. The Lead has very few steps that they can really show off in, this is the primary step for that to happen. This step is looked upon as the telltale sign that the Lead has studied, knows what they’re doing, and knows how to execute these things.
Circular Ochos are an Ocho construct that is used from a stationary position (for the the Lead). It’s where the Follower is being led to semi-circular steps that employ applied disassociation at the semi-circular opposition points. The size of of the semi-circule can be anywhere from 60, 90, to 120 degree arc.
