The Dictionary of Tango
Explosion Phase
This is the 1st of 3 phases and the beginning part of the step for Lead or Follow. In the Explosion Phase the muscles of the hip, the quad, and the glute all fire at once thereby creating a state of ‘energetic’ explosive energy. This state only happens for a
Perihelion Phase
This is the 2nd of 3 phases in the step. It is the mid-part of the step for Lead or Follow. Regardless of whether this is a Forward, Side, and Backstep, all steps have versions of this idea. In the Perihelion phase the Leg fully extends, and the knee ‘pops’, meaning
Linear Boleos
A Linear Boleo is a type of Boleo where the Follower’s Leg (and sometimes a self Led Lead’s Leg) will lift upwards away from the L/lead in a linear fashion from the Follower’s Backstep. There 2 primary variations of a Linear Boleo. a.) The Mid-Range/Mid-Height Linear. And b.) The Frozen Linear Boleo.
Circular Boleos
A Circular Boleo is a type of Boleo where the Follower’s Leg (and sometimes a self Led Lead’s Leg) will curve upwards and possibly around their partner’s body in the air. There 3 variations of a Circular Boleo. a.) The Low Circular. b.) The Mid-Range/Mid-Height Circular. And the one that mostly
Social Boleos
A Social Boleo is a type of Boleo where the Follower’s (or Lead’s) foot extends outwards beyond the couple (but no more than a half-a-leg distance), and does not come off the floor. This type of Boleo is good for Social Tango and respects the line, and the lane of
Social Vocabulary
Social Vocabulary. This is tango dancing vocabulary (steps, simple patterns) that fits within the line, and the lane of dance, while respecting the Ronda, the partnership (the couple), as well as adhering to the principles of good floorcraft! As an example of Social Vocabulary, Tango Topics has several of these
Colgada Turn
A Colgada Turn is a type of turn whereby the lead will invoke a Colgada, or a shared axial rotation, and then revolution, in order to rotate or ‘turn’ the partnership in the line of dance. Usually this is done over a single spot, not necessary to take a corner
Tanda
Tanda. This is a series of songs, in the same style or genre, by the same orchestra. Sometimes with the same singer, bracketed by a Cortina. Tanda Length: Typically and historically speaking, the length of a Tanda has been 3 songs. However, it is becoming more and more common to
Noise
Noise. This is a reference to unintended kinesthetic motion that we all generate. Bodily, skeletal, nervous system, etc. There is an extensive article and free video on this topic. Please follow the link to it here.