Tips for leaders doing back sacadas

I've found the best way to practice back sacadas is to do them from overturned forward ochos a la Pablo Veron in "The Tango Lesson" (at about 1:07 in that clip). Some Argentinean lunatics taught repeated small back sacadas at the 2007 Tavira Tango Festival, one on the forward ocho and one on the side step immediately after it so there are lots of other options.

Here are some tips which may help:

Tip 1: change the embrace

You're working in open embrace; make sure that the leader slides his right arm right across the follower's back as the follower pivots in her overturned ocho.

You'll very likely start leading that overturned ocho with your right hand on or very close to the follower's left side - she must pivot in the crook of your right arm so that your right hand is on, or around, her right side at the end of the ocho otherwise you'll be too far away to make the back sacada - either that or you'll push yourself or her, or both, off balance.

(Followers: obviously, this means that your left arm must move freely across the leader's back - if you keep it on his right shoulder he'll never get into position. Remember that he's moving quite fast and is terrified of crippling you so make life easy for him).

Tip 2: flex the standing leg

As you reach back with your left leg in the sacada make sure you flex your standing leg - you'll kind of "dip down" very slightly. Without the flex you will be straining to stretch the left leg far enough back.

Remember it's a step like any other; it isn't some kind of fancy karate kick so keep your left foot brushing the ground and don't "over reach".

Tip 3: straight moving leg

As you place your left foot for the sacada make sure it is upright - toe/ball on the ground with the heel down as far as you can get it and the foot directly in line with the leg. Make sure the foot isn't "rocked over" onto its side, or put down at an angle.

Tip 4: step and rise

As you transfer weight into your left foot think about stepping back and rising up onto the new standing leg; imagine someone is gently pulling up on the hair on the top of your head and you're trying to prevent it hurting.

It should feel like a controlled "whoosh" as you push down onto your slightly bent right leg and project yourself back onto your left leg. That's hard to explain, but you'll feel it when you get it right. Make sure you're secure in your axis immediately after the step (I tend to wobble) so think "grounded" rather than "up".

Tip 5: Followers - follow the intention

Followers, you need to have the courage to trust your lead and "take the step".

It can be quite frightening knowing that somebody is about to step backwards between your legs but if you're hesitant or truncate the step then you're more likely to get kicked. The leader's chest won't be toward you but you know where he wants you to go; take responsibility for the step and go there.

Tip 6: safety!

Obviously, you've got to be accurate. The first time you practice this with a follower at any speed you might want to consider taking your shoes off and doing it in your socks. I did and was thankful!

 - Jon Dixon