Class Notes: 27th September 2009 (Week 4)

28th September 2009

(Week 1 Notes | Week 2 Notes | Week 3 Notes | Week 4 Notes)

Introduction

We firstly reviewed last week's topics - the giro and the gancho - and we spent some time practicing doing giros again.

The cross

We spent some time going ove the principles of walking in parallel with each other ("2 track"), then the leader switching to either side of the follower as we walked along ("4 track").

The idea here is to get the leaders used to the concept of walking to one side, whilst still keeping the followers walking backwards in a straight line.

Key points:

  • Leaders, keep the chest oriented toward the followers, not to the side. But keep your feet facing forwards; so dissociation again.
  • Also, keep a steady sure lead - don't jump about and vary the pace, just because you're moving your feet in a different way.
  • Followers, follow the lead from the chest, don't pay too much attention to what the leader does with his feet.

Quick-quick-slow

We also briefly covered changes in tempo - either the leader changing feet by himself (so going into "3 track" or "crossed" walking), or the leader changing tempo (the "slow-slow-quick-quick-slow" stuff).

Cross - sequence

We did a standard entry to a cross step:
Leaders: sidestep left (to outside) > 2 forward steps > collect (and lead a cross step) > lead a weight change
Followers: sidestep right > two back steps > cross when led (left foot over right foot) > change weight to front (left) foot

Key points:

  • To lead the sidestep left, lead your partner to take a normal-size step, then once she starts to move, take an outside step. Don't lead a large step from the start, or you'll both simply take large steps!
  • When leading the actual cross, don't pull your partner to the side, simply straighten out your body - "close your chest"
  • Followers: similarly, don't turn to the side, but keep facing your partner when you cross.
  • Leaders: start leading the cross from the second forward step - make this second step small, to give the follower space to cross.
  • Followers: don't anticipate a cross after 2 steps back. Wait for it to be led.

More

Barridas - the "sweep"

We did a barrida as part of a giro movement, sweeping the sidestep after the backstep of a giro.

Key points:

  • To quote the great 1982 Imagination track, It's Just An Illusion. There's no force involved.
  • Leaders, don't force the move - no pushing of feet please. The feet simply happen to be in contact when you lead a step - as normal - with the body.
  • Followers, similarly, move your feet as normal when led to do so - ignore the fact that the feet are touching; don't react differently based on this.

Note: as with last week's gancho (hook) step, barridas are not essential parts of Tango dancing, so don't panic if you don't get the hang of them immediately. Also, this step is simply an example of a class of steps; it's not something vital to memorize.

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Social dancing

A very brief overview of "Dos and don'ts" list for social dancing:

Advice for leaders:

  • Obey the line of dance.
  • Don't overtake, it's not a race.
  • Ask politely, and non-intrusively.
  • Above all else, protect your partner.

Advice for followers:

  • Be careful with your heels, they can be dangerous weapons.
  • Accept or reject dances courteously.

Advice for all:

  • Milongas are not practice sessions - if you want to practice, get out of the way or attend a practica.
  • Remember the "3-dance" rule - "tandas" are groups of dances separated by interlude music ("Cortinas").
  • "Thank you" means "Goodbye".
  • Respect the other dancers on the floor.
  • Use common sense - ganchos and big steps on a crowded dance floor are Silly Things To Do.
  • If you make a mistake, tell them you learnt somewhere else...

Note: I will review and expand on the social dancing aspect in the upcoming Improvers course, in the autumn.

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Overall Course Summary

Quickly reviewing the topics in this course:

  • Week 1: Connection, walking and introduction to ochos
  • Week 2: Open / Close embrace, and more ochos
  • Week 3: Giros and ganchos
  • Week 4: The cross and barridas

James Bond will return...

October: Improvers Course

I'll run a "Tango Improvers" course in October on Sundays 4th / 11th / 18th / 25th. This will introduce a new series of steps, and will expand on areas such as social dancing and technique for basic movements. Draft course syllabus here.

Again, if you're interested, please let me know.

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- David Bailey, 28th September 2009