The Colgadas & Volcadas

The Volcadas & Colgadas of Tango

Not gonna lie this is FLASHY tango. It serves no real purpose other than to look cool and to have fun. Don’t mishear that as disparagement. I started out dining out on this stuff. However, as one grows in the form, one uses this stuff less and less.

A Common Colgada

What is a Colgada ? The word “Colgada” comes from the root Spanish word “Colgar” which translates to English as “Hang”. The word ‘Colgada’ is the past participle version of the verb which adds an ‘ed’ ending to the word. Which when translated to English is ‘Hanged’ or rightfully ‘Hung’. So a Colgada is where the Follower (specifically) is in a state where they’re going hang off their Lead, deliberately, or more specifically, they’re being placed in a position where they’re going to hang. And that’s where we talk about a shared axis, and more importantly balance, all of this fitting within the line and lane of dance.

Social Colgadas

A ‘Social’ Colgada means that the Colgada takes up very little space, while in Close Embrace, which can be used as alternative of the Follower’s Molinete to turn the couple in the line of dance. 😉

Social Volcadas

What is a Volcada ? When done properly….and ‘proper’ is a very loose word here because there a whole series of volcadas that can be done (safely) that loosely qualify as a Volcada. These are what are considered shared-axis pieces of tango vocabulary that result in a series of crossed feet for the Follower to either Follower left or Follower right.