In this class, we looked at steps that travel. These are useful as we normally try and keep the flow of the milonga going, only stopping when we run out of space ourselves. We saw a couple of steps and figures that move, either forwards for the leader or more unique, backwards for the leader.
In this first class of our short term, we had a look at how to vary the size of basic steps, before moving on to how the leader and the follower can both take different sized steps whilst maintaining a nice connection. We saw one of our favourite tango salon step, a little cadencia, which is cute, playful and musical as well as a little square inspired by Osvaldo and Coca.
This week marks the end of our Academic Term focusing on the Tango Dimension Interactions and on Malerba's orchestra. Time to review what you've learned!
Ganchos are steps where one partner (often the follower) kicks under the other's leg and enganches are steps where one partner (again normally the follower) wraps one leg around the partner's leg. They are very emblematic to tango and most non tango dancers will think tango is what these steps are about.
Interactions are often mixed to create more complex sequences or can often be added to the simplest of steps. We started the class with the basic ocho cortado and had a look at how we could add an entrada or an arrastre to this step. Then, we moved on to giros to which we added sacadas, arrastres and an invasion. Quite a programme!
Paradas are steps where the leader blocks the follower with his leg, and pasadas are a slightly softer version where the block is done with the foot. They are both very nice and atmospheric steps, used very commonly in tango.
Barridas (also called arrastres, or in English sweeps) are absolutely emblematic of tango. They form a family of steps one partner (often the leader) sweeps the other partner's foot. These steps are very pretty and require a particular technique to lead them and follow them properly. We saw a simple version of the step from corte in the beginners class and then more complex versions for intermediates and up.
Sandwiches or sanguchitos must be on the most emblematic tango step and one of the most versatile one too. In these workshops, we started with the simple sandwich and then moved to to play with different versions on both sides of the embrace and also explored back sandwiches, which are really great addition to a repertoire of steps. Sandwiches work really well on soft, romantic music
We continued on the theme of sacadas, but this time, focusing on high sacadas, which are movements where the thighs get in contact. For the beginners, we focused on a classic step called the castigada. For intermediates & up, we looked at a step we really like: a high sacada leading into a cross with the right leg.
We started our new term with sacadas which are steps where one partner (more commonly the leader) steps in between the other's feet. We started with a simple version from the ocho for beginners and improvers. For intermediates & up, we looked at more adventurous combinations using sacadas in overturned ochos.
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