The Dictionary of Tango
Over-Rotations
Over-Rotations. These are a class of movements that go beyond the typical 90 or 180 degree rotation, but actually go one step further into the 210 to 270 degree rotation for either the Lead or the Follower! One example of this that you’ll find in the Tango Topics archive is
Over-Rotated Ochos
Over-Rotated Ochos. This version of the Ocho is quite possibly the most strenuous of the 8 Ocho types. For good reason: They require deep mastery over one’s Disassociation and really their Applied Disassociation skills. Not for the faint of heart, but at the same time, insanely fun to lead and
Linear Ochos
Linear Ochos. This type of Ocho serves two purposes. One, we use it as a teaching tool for both Lead and Follow to study, and continue to study (refinements) of the Disassociation and Applied Disassociation technique and applications. Two, we use it as an exercise to practice on a day
Milonga Ochos
Milonga Ochos are just what they sound like, Ochos that happen in Milonga. ‘Sounds like’ and ‘are’, are two very different things. First of all, the Milonga Ocho is very small. Tiny actually. Sometimes this variety of Ocho is called a ‘Baby’ Ocho because of there size. However, rightfully we
Vee Embrace
The Vee Embrace. This way of dancing, and embracing ones partner has been around for a long, long while at this point. There are two primary variations of the embrace format, 1.) an Open Vee. 2.) a Closed Vee. Put simply the Vee Embrace is where the partnership is anywhere
Berlin Embrace
Berlin Embrace. This is a Tango Topics construct, and an observation, of what sometimes (operative word in the sentence) has been observed happening while dancing in Berlin, infrequently. This is not a taught style of dance. There are no classes, or workshops, or anyone that Tango Topics knows of that
Lead’s Giro
The Lead’s Giro. “Giro” (Pron: Heer-Oh, not jy-roh, or guy-roh) comes from the root Spanish -ar verb, “Girar“, which when translated to English, means “to turn“. ‘Giro‘ is the first person singular of that verb, which means “I turn“. The Giro, is a component of the Molinete structure. Typically this
Vocabulary
Vocabulary. This word refers to codified, identifiable, demonstratable, teachable, and often used Tango steps or patterns. Such as ? A Volcada, or Colgada, or Sacada, or Parada, Salida, Boleo, Mordita, and the like, just to name a few. These are Tango steps that are referred to as Tango Vocabulary or Vocabulary.
Mirada
Mirada. The Spanish word “Mirada” comes from the root Spanish verb, “Mirar”, which when translated into English means “Look”. When we add the -‘ada’ ending to the -ar verb, it changes the meaning to the past tense as though we had ended the same word in English with an ‘ed’.
Neurology of Leading
This is a 5 part series on what happens to the lead’s mind as they begin the process of leading. It covers floorcraft, vocabulary, codigos, and a host of other topics. It’s a very important aspect that every Lead should listen to. Oh yeah, it’s a podcast! 🙂 Enjoy!
Collection
“Collection”, this is an odd word in the Tango world. It has come to mean that we, as dancers, want to bring our feet ‘together’ in some fashion. Some people refer to this idea or concept as “closing” your feet. Meaning to close the gap that naturally exists between them