Learn to Tango

Argentine Tango Lessons : Stokeinteignhead
Term 2: Lesson 4

Introduction to Tango Waltz

Aim of the lesson:
To introduce dancers to the moves and rhythm of tango waltz.

Warm up exercises
· Walking forward and backwards on the first beat of a three-beat bar
· Forward and backwards ochos, stepping on the first beat of a three-beat bar

Walking with a partner to a waltz rhythm
Leaders begin by a slight transfer of weight from foot to foot so that the followers are clear about which foot you are going to start off with.

Walk on the first beat of the bar for three bars, then add two faster steps on the third beat of the third bar and the first beat of the fourth bar ie: (S=Step)

1	2	3	/	1	2	3	/	1	2	3	/	1	2	3
s				s				s		s		s

Leaders, use your upper body to indicate the forward movement to your partner. Followers, don’t move until your partner causes you to move, and don’t assume you know what comes next – they may not do what you’re expecting!

Leaders’ double time footwork leading ochos
Leaders, either begin by taking a single step to the left or turn your follower so that they can execute a backwards ocho.

Practice getting your follower into the rhythm of taking backwards ochos while you are taking forward ochos, before adding the extra beats (and the transfer of weight). Once you have established a rhythm take your free leg out to the side, briefly transfer your weight onto the half-toe of that foot, then return your weight to the original weight-bearing foot. Repeat to the other side. You should be stepping on every beat of a three-beat bar while the follower will only be stepping on the first beat of every bar. Remember, you need to be able to steer your follower into backwards ochos while you carry out the double-time rhythm with your feet.

Followers – be patient! (It’s a bit like tapping your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time!)

Travelling counter twisting action – leaders and followers together
Leaders and followers can practice this together working sideways down the length of a room.

Begin by standing on your left leg (at the right-hand end of the room as you’ll be moving to the left). Pivot on your left leg, step forward at an acute diagonal with your right foot, pivot on your right foot WHILE CHANGING WEIGHT to your left foot, then step backwards at an acute diagonal, pivot on your right foot again and change weight again so that you’re ready to step forward again with your right leg.

You should aim to be stepping on the first beat of a three-beat bar and pivoting on the third beat of the same bar.

Practice the combination with the other foot in the other direction (so begin by standing on your right leg and step with your left).

You can also practice alternating the first step you take so that sometimes you start by stepping behind yourself, and sometimes you begin by stepping forward.

Remember that whichever foot you start with and whether you choose to step backwards or forward first you will ALWAYS step with the same foot.

Once you feel confident about the movement team up with your partner. Leaders, begin by taking a sideways step to your left then rotate your partner so that they can step backwards while you step forwards, then pivot at the same time, then leaders step behind while followers step in front.

When you want to end the movement leaders should stop their partner by using their upper body, square your partner up in front of you, and go on to your next move.

Remember to keep your knees bent and don’t bob up and down.

Combinations
Try doing any or all of these movements in combination with one another. Remember to include the walking and simple ochos too.

 

Term 2 Lessons

Argentine Tango Lesson 1

Argentine Tango Lesson 4

Argentine Tango Lesson 4 (Part2)