The Dictionary of Tango
Presence
Presence. This is a Tango Topics construct. It refers to the first part of any step in the Foundation process for Tango Topics. Presence itself consists of 4 states that will occur before and during any step that may occur. 1.) Feet in Social Collection. 2.) Micro-Compression in the Knees.
Linear Patter
Social Patter. ‘Patter‘ comes from the colloquial term, ‘Pitter-Patter‘ which means, according to Webster’s dictionary: “a sound as of quick light steps or taps“. And that’s exactly what this is. It’s a series of quick, light, steps in quick succession. Usually from done led on the Follower. However, the Lead
Passive Follower
The Passive Follower is not what you think they are. This is a misnomer in terms. In short, it’s a Follower who has ‘mastered‘ their foundation, in exacting detail with near-perfect execution. In this state they follow exactly what was led, and do not embellish, or adorn in any way, shape,
Molinete
The Molinete. The word “Molinete” comes from the root Spanish word “Molino” which loosely translates to English as ‘Grind’, or more appropriately, ‘Mill’, as in a “Windmill”. As far as Argentine Tango is concerned the word refers to what is common to most social dances, a ‘Grapevine Turn’. This is
Open Embrace
Open Embrace. Sometimes you’ll see this embrace format from beginner dancers or dancers that have been trained with other embrace ideas. Open Embrace can be, but is not limited to, a (Open or Closed) Vee Embrace, a Berlin Embrace, or a Square (meaning to line up buttons-to-buttons with your partner).
Ocho Cortado
Ocho Cortado. The word “Cortado” translates from Spanish to English as “cutted“, which makes no sense. An Ocho or 8 Cutted doesn’t translate very well as a literal cognate. So we need to move it around a bit. So “Ocho Cortado” when translated becomes “Cut Ocho” or “Sliced Ocho“. The ‘Cortado’ is
Ochos
Ochos. The word “Ocho” in Spanish, when translated to it’s English cognate, is the number ‘8’. The idea, practice, and activity of Ochos do actually resemble an 8 when done in a very specific way. However, in that methodology and practice, the dancer (not just the Follower!) can and will
No-no Volcada
No-no Volcada. This refers to an error in leading the Volcada that is either forced, pushed, pulled (more likely), and unsupported (most certainly unlikely).