Every week, you’ll find on our blog class notes and a summary video from our Wednesday and Sunday tango group classes.

These video and notes are meant to help our students remember what they’ve done in class.

Theme: Front and back boleos


Boleos are whip-like moves that result from an interruption of energy in the lead. In this class, we saw a simple variation of boleos on the floor for beginners and then a more energetic series of front and back boleos for intermediates. Put some energy in your dancing (when the dancefloor is clear!)

Summary video



 

Beginners & Improvers: Boleos on the floor

Leaders

  • These simple boleos are an interruption of energy in a pivot. From the pivot of the forward ocho, if you “change your mind”, and reverse your dissociation, you’ll be able to lead the follower forward and backward, hence leading a very small boleo on the floor. It is easier to lead this on your left.
  • From the pivot of the backward ocho, if you revert your dissociation, you’ll create a back boleo on the floor. It is easier to lead this on your right.

Followers

  • For all boleos, try and dissociate, so that you move first your torso, then your hips.
  • In the front boleo, keep your feet together as you don’t have much room. It is a baby boleo!
  • In the back boleo, let your foot travel on the floor until your leg extends and then add a whip-like move to complete the boleo. There is an element of tension / release in the boleo so that it looks fluid.

 

Intermediate: Back and front boleo to the side

Leaders

  • To lead this series of boleos, you’ll need to place your axis slightly forward and use a fair amount of dissociation. At the end of the first boleo, you’ll need to be almost in an americana position.
  • To lead the front boleo, you’ll need to “invade” your partner so that her leg flicks to the side.

Followers

  • Back boleo stays on the floor. Try and find the feeling of rebound that creates the whip-like effect, by dissociating and releasing your leg at the end of the movement.
  • For the front boleo, make sure your leg travels on the floor in a circular motion until you hit your supporting leg. This is what makes the front leg bend and wrap.

 
See you soon on the dancefloor,

Nati y Bruno